‘Embrace technology to boost food security’

By Tapfumanei Muchabaiwa | Oct. 22, 2022 | 2 Min read

CLIMATE CHANGE

SCIENTISTS say there is a need to embrace technology in response to climate change to boost food security.

Speaking at the ongoing international conference on academic excellence for leadership transformation and innovation in Africa at Africa University in Mutare, scientists said it was high time that scientific approaches were embraced in agriculture.

Artificial intelligence scientist Panashe Chiurunge said applying technologies in agronomy was necessary to enable farmers to boost yields even from small pieces of land.

“As population increases outstrips the natural growth of agricultural crops, there is a need to embrace technology because it allows the farmers to produce sufficient quality crops on small pieces of land,” Chiurunge said.

The scientists said using emerging technologies in agriculture was important in protecting the environment since the farming methods would minimise the destruction or abuse of natural resources.

Southern Utah University director of International Outreach, International Affairs, Lambert Pungu Okito said malnutrition was a serious threat as it reduces the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children at school.

“Most children in Africa go to school without eating. This affects the IQ of the child. Malnutrition is also a threat to adults as it has the potential to reduce the life cycle and immunity,” Okito said.

Okito also said emerging technologies were not only confined to the growing of crops, but includes post-harvest protection of the crops.

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