The digitization of agriculture driven by major tech companies risks exacerbating inequalities with the Global South, as suggested by a study from IPES Food.
A recent study by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES Food) raises concerns about the impact of digital agricultural solutions developed by major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alibaba on farmers, particularly in the Global South. The report highlights that the algorithms utilized in these technologies could overshadow traditional agricultural knowledge accumulated by generations of farmers, potentially rendering their expertise less valuable in the increasingly algorithm-driven agricultural market.
The study notes that these large tech firms are introducing platforms and artificial intelligence tools designed for all stages of food production, from seed management to pesticide application. While these innovations present opportunities for efficiency improvements, they also require significant energy and water resources, raising questions about their sustainability and the long-term implications for food sovereignty in less affluent regions of the world.
As the agricultural landscape shifts towards reliance on private digital platforms and costly digital infrastructures, the study warns of the consequences for smallholder farmers who may lack access to these technologies. This shift could ultimately deepen the economic and technological divides between wealthier nations and the Global South, highlighting the need for inclusive approaches that empower local agricultural communities rather than marginalizing them further.
