By Boris Esono Nwenfor
YAOUNDE, Cameroon – In the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been making significant strides across the globe, revolutionizing industries, enhancing productivity, and creating new opportunities. In Cameroon, AI's integration into education and agriculture is ushering in a new era of possibilities for both sectors, with the potential to reshape the nation's economic and social fabric.
To ascertain the impact of AI on education in Cameroon, the Cameroon Economic Policy Institute (CEPI) on January 4, 2025, organized a webinar in collaboration with Cameroon's Agriculture Council, focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the agriculture sector and how to educate agripreneurs about digital tools.
The event was organized in the context of the National Development Strategy (2030) that aims to make Cameroon a manufacturing powerhouse while accelerating its industrialization. In line with CEPI's objective to create sustainable economic development, farmers are encouraged to leverage digital tools to reduce spoilage that exacerbates climate change's impacts.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Cameroonian economy, employing a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. However, smallholder farmers face numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, poor access to markets, and limited resources. AI is increasingly being used to address these challenges and improve agricultural productivity.
AI-powered technologies, such as predictive analytics, are helping farmers make better decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting. By analyzing weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop data, AI tools can forecast optimal planting and harvesting times, helping farmers increase yields and curtail losses.
Bate Epey, a Tech Expert explored how AI is revolutionizing the agricultural landscape in Cameroon through; Precision Agriculture: AI technologies enable farmers to optimize resource use by analyzing data from sensors and satellite imagery. This allows for precise interventions based on real-time insights about soil health, crop conditions, and weather patterns, leading to increased yields and reduced waste.
He noted that in Predictive Analytics, AI algorithms can forecast weather conditions and identify potential risks such as pests or diseases. This predictive capability helps farmers take proactive measures to protect their crops, ultimately minimizing losses.
Automation and Robotics: The integration of AI in farming equipment has led to the development of autonomous tractors and drones that can perform tasks such as planting, watering, and monitoring crops with minimal human intervention. This not only reduces labour costs but also enhances operational efficiency.
Sustainable Practices were another focus of Bate's presentation. He said AI supports sustainable agriculture by optimizing the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. For instance, precision irrigation systems powered by AI can significantly reduce water consumption while ensuring crops receive the necessary nutrients.
Henri Kouam followed up with a practical demonstration of how AI can improve market access for farmers. Using digital platforms, farmers can now connect directly with consumers and easily sell their products online. Key platforms such as Buyam, Jumia Food, and Farmers’ Market Online were highlighted. These services provide a digital marketplace where farmers can list their products, enhancing market access and reducing food waste by making it easier to reach urban consumers.
To reduce food waste that happens when farmers try to get their products to urban markets, CEPI Executive Director Henri Kouam recommended in-person training programs, suspension of tax payments for three years for new start-ups and partnerships with tech companies to ensure farmers can easily place and sell their products.
The Cameroon Economic Policy Institute (CEPI) of the Henri Kouam Foundation aims to improve economic development through fact-based research, policy advocacy and training to boost entrepreneurship and free market ideals.