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Precision Agriculture for Resource Use Efficiency in Smallholder Farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Cecilia M. Onyango

    (Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi 00625, Kenya)

  • Justine M. Nyaga

    (Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, P.O. Box 6-60100, Embu 60100, Kenya)

  • Johanna Wetterlind

    (Department of Soil and Environment, Precision Agriculture and Pedometrics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, 53223 Skara, Sweden)

  • Mats Söderström

    (Department of Soil and Environment, Precision Agriculture and Pedometrics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, 53223 Skara, Sweden)

  • Kristin Piikki

    (Department of Soil and Environment, Precision Agriculture and Pedometrics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, 53223 Skara, Sweden
    The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), c/o ICIPE—International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Duduville Campus Off Kasarani Road, P.O. Box 823-0062, Nairobi 0062, Kenya)

Abstract

Opportunities exist for adoption of precision agriculture technologies in all parts of the world. The form of precision agriculture may vary from region to region depending on technologies available, knowledge levels and mindsets. The current review examined research articles in the English language on precision agriculture practices for increased productivity among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 7715 articles were retrieved and after screening 128 were reviewed. The results indicate that a number of precision agriculture technologies have been tested under SSA conditions and show promising results. The most promising precision agriculture technologies identified were the use of soil and plant sensors for nutrient and water management, as well as use of satellite imagery, GIS and crop-soil simulation models for site-specific management. These technologies have been shown to be crucial in attainment of appropriate management strategies in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of resource use in SSA. These technologies are important in supporting sustainable agricultural development. Most of these technologies are, however, at the experimental stage, with only South Africa having applied them mainly in large-scale commercial farms. It is concluded that increased precision in input and management practices among SSA smallholder farmers can significantly improve productivity even without extra use of inputs.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia M. Onyango & Justine M. Nyaga & Johanna Wetterlind & Mats Söderström & Kristin Piikki, 2021. "Precision Agriculture for Resource Use Efficiency in Smallholder Farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:3:p:1158-:d:485309
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nyakudya, Innocent Wadzanayi & Stroosnijder, Leo & Nyagumbo, Isaiah, 2014. "Infiltration and planting pits for improved water management and maize yield in semi-arid Zimbabwe," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 30-46.
    2. Florax, Raymond J. G. M. & Voortman, Roelf L. & Brouwer, Joost, 2002. "Spatial dimensions of precision agriculture: a spatial econometric analysis of millet yield on Sahelian coversands," Agricultural Economics, Blackwell, vol. 27(3), pages 425-443, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Snapp, Sieglinde, 2022. "Embracing variability in soils on smallholder farms: New tools and better science," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    2. Chin-Ling Lee & Robert Strong & Kim E. Dooley, 2021. "Analyzing Precision Agriculture Adoption across the Globe: A Systematic Review of Scholarship from 1999–2020," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Stavros Kalogiannidis & Christina-Ioanna Papadopoulou & Efstratios Loizou & Fotios Chatzitheodoridis, 2023. "Risk, Vulnerability, and Resilience in Agriculture and Their Impact on Sustainable Rural Economy Development: A Case Study of Greece," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-20, June.
    4. Dorijan Radočaj & Ivan Plaščak & Mladen Jurišić, 2023. "Global Navigation Satellite Systems as State-of-the-Art Solutions in Precision Agriculture: A Review of Studies Indexed in the Web of Science," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-17, July.
    5. Gilbert E. Mushi & Giovanna Di Marzo Serugendo & Pierre-Yves Burgi, 2022. "Digital Technology and Services for Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, February.

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