Despite its land size, favorable climatic conditions and vast areas of fertile soil favorable for growing varieties of crops, coupled with a large number of manpower who can make difference in every sector, Africa is still suffering from hunger and drought.
Aside from climate change related challenges, absences of peace together with poor technology that are used for agriculture are the main causes for this food insecurity and hunger. Only a few African countries are capable of feeding themselves and export surplus products to others. The rest are dependent on foreign aid for food.
As indicated by Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla, (PhD), Africa should capitalize on technology so as to improve its agricultural system, ensure food security. According to him, Ethiopia is working aggressively to ensure food security by applying proper technology that can enhance production and productivity.
Speaking at the Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum that was concluded last Thursday in Addis Ababa under the theme, “Effective delivery of innovative science and technology solutions to reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 and eradicate poverty in Africa.” Belete underlined that Africa is seeing a glimmer of hope in areas of transformation. However, there are still challenges that hinder the continent from achieving its goals.
He said, poverty, absence of peace and security, not able to ensure development, are among the challenges faced by the continent. In this regard, science; technology and innovation are powerful tools to uplift the continent from its challenges. Applying technology and innovations on agriculture, renewable energy and health sectors will ease the burden of the society.
The continent should work aggressively to ensure economic progress by fighting poverty and creating job opportunities. Strong foundation must be laid in the continent to advance the use of technology and innovation, the Minister remarked.
What is more, the active involvement and collaboration of governmental institutions, private sector, research centers, civil societies and international development partners in areas of knowledge transfer and resource mobilization are needed to ensure food security in the continent, he added.
Seeing the versatile benefits of innovation and technology, Ethiopia is committedly working to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security, he reiterated.
To this end, it has developed a food system transformation roadmap and launched several initiatives that are crucial to boosting agricultural productivity, achieving self-sufficiency, and combating climate change. These initiatives include improving access to fertilizers, seeds, and technology for farmers.
“Ethiopia’s commitment to advance its agricultural sector and ensure food security is a good example that should be emulated by other African countries.”
He also said that by deploying Artificial intelligence based development schemes the country has prepared a road map that target to boost production and detach itself from food insecurity. It has also recently amended its Science and Technology policy, placing a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and harnessing the potential of emerging technologies and enacted a national Digital Transformation strategy named “Digital Ethiopia 2025.”
Speaking on his part, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNECA Antonio Pedro said Africa’s share of global poor people increased from 15 percent in 1990 to 63 percent in 2018 and may reach 90 percent by 2030. Africa should work emphasizing on human capital development, research and technology transfer, and Artificial Intelligence to accelerate its development.
Mentioning the continent’s untapped potential in crop production, and animal and fishery resources, he said introducing modern agriculture techniques and deploying technology- assisted farming is of critical importance to improve the lives of millions of people.
“Science and technology can advance the wellbeing of millions of households, farmers, fishermen, and many others that are still using traditional farming tools; and with the help of science and technology they can be lifted out of extreme poverty,” said Pedro.
According to him, science and technology have a significant role in easing the lifestyle of every individual. This is especially true for those people living in poverty for they have a significant role in increasing the efficiency of service delivery to the poor, monitoring living conditions and predicting imminent crises in crowded or remote areas.
Noting that about one billion people in Africa cannot afford a healthy diet, Pedro said, Africa is unlikely to meet the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods, adopted by the African Union Assembly Heads of State and Government in June 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to end all forms of hunger by 2025.
He said science, technology and innovation are critical to transform the continent’s agriculture, industry and build a prosperous Africa.
Indeed, as it was mentioned by the Innovation and Technology Minister, Ethiopia has been making significant strides in addressing societal needs and driving development through the strategic application of science and technology.
The country`s commitment to leveraging innovation, research and technological advancements to tackle pressing challenges and achieve sustainable development goals is evident in its aggressive pursuit for development across various sectors. The agricultural sector that properly applied science and technology, and is bearing fruits by increasing production and productivity is a good indication.
What is more, the prestigious Agricola Medal award Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) received at the beginning of this year, January 28th, from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) for his government commitment to food security, nutrition and pursuit of innovative solutions in wheat self-sufficiency is an affirmation that the country is on the right track to ensure food security, improve production and productivity.
Indeed, as a nation that strives to ensure sustainable economic development and to champion food security, the role of innovation and technology is a priority agenda of the government. That is why the nation has been investing in research institutions, innovation hubs and technology parks to spur scientific advancements and technological innovations. All the investments on digital infrastructure, e-governance system and ICT initiatives to enhance service delivery and empower citizens through digital literacy and skill developments are bearing fruits. As mentioned before, the agricultural sector is a living witness to this.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The Ethiopian Herald April 28/2014
