2025 ReSAKSS - : The Role of Digitally Enabled Smallholder Producer Organizations (SPOs) in Promoting Emerging Agricultural Technologies in Africa Smallholder Producer Organizations: Dr. Fidele Eric Sessou

Dr. Fidele Eric Sessou, Scientist, AKADEMIYA2063

Transcript

1. ReSAKSS ANNUAL CONFERENCE Moving the Technology Frontiers in African Agrifood Systems. The Role of Digitally Enabled Smallholder Producer Organizations In Promoting Emerging Agricultural Technologies in Africa Getaw Tadesse, Fidele Eric Sessou, Augustin Wambo Yamdjeu January 22, 2026
2. Motivation and Background and Backg round Agriculture is Driver of Structural Transformation Adoption of technology drives productivity, which in turn fuels broader economic shifts. Technology Improved seeds Mechanization Digital Platforms Productivity Yield maximization Resource efficiency Risk mitigation Structural Transformation Higher rural incomes Economic diversification Rural development
3. Traditional Technology Transfer Models and Background TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURAL TECHN OLOGY TRANSFER MODELS IN AFRICA REF Model: Research to Extension to Farmer. Training & Visit (T&V): Structured schedule of agent visits and training. Farmer Field Schools (FFS): Group-based experiential learning cycles. Participatory Research: Involving farmers directly in the innovation process. Innovation Platforms: Multi-stakeholder forums for problem solving. Contract Farming: Agribusiness-led production agreements. ❖ Existing transfer model have proven effective dissemination of technologies ❖ None of transfer models are without limitations ❖ Human Intensive, Not suited to private-sector-driven ❖ Limited in promoting emerging technologies Extension training session EXISTING MODELS ARE INADEQUATE
4. Motivation and Background and Backg round CORE CHALLENGE Limited uptake of emerging technologies among smallholders KEY EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES : Precision Agriculture: Data-driven inputs management. AI-Enabled Advisory: Digital extension services. Remote Sensing: Drones, sensors, and GIS mapping. Digital Platforms: Fintech and market access tools. ADOPTION REMAIN LOW : High Cost, Data requirement, Institutional gaps
5. What Emerging Technologies Need Existing Models are are Inadequate and and What Emerging Emerging Technologies Need Need Background Emerging Tech Needs High initial investment risks Intensive data & knowledge requirements Private-sector-driven innovation Need for new institutional intermediaries
6. SPOs As Strategic Solution Existing are Inadequate and What Emerg ing Technolog ies N eed Backg round STRATEGIC SOLUTION : Small Producer Organizations (SPOs) (SPOs) Collective Actions SPOs reduce financial risks & transaction costs KEY REASONS - Cost sharing for infrastructure, devices, and data acquisition. - Economies of scale, Aggregating resources - Partnerships with Private digital service provider - Link farmers to government programs and research. - Build trust between farmers and service providers -Trusted local presence fosters faster community adoption. AI-based technologies and services Digital connections and digitalized services Bridging market failures Collective farming 1980 2000 2010 2020 Figure 1. Evolving roles of Small Producer Organizations in Africa Source: Authors Type of services "SPOs leverage collective power to lower adoption barriers and build trust within rural communities."
7. SPOs as Intermediaries for AI-Based Technologies Existing Models are and What Emerg ing N eed Backg round Data Aggregation Collecting & interpreting field data Digital Advisory Delivering AI insights via SMS/App SPO Linking to Firms Bridge to agritech startups Finance & Markets Facilitating credit & sales Role Overview SPOs transform AI from a high- cost, abstract innovation into a collective, trusted, and usable service "Trust is the currency that makes the data flow."
8. What Actions to Enable SPO-Led Adoption ? Existing Models are Inadequate and What Emerg ing Technolog ies N eed Backg round ❖SPOs have to be digitally and Institutionally Enabled to play their role of Technologies Intermediaries 01 02 03 04 Building Digital Capacity Partnerships & Infrastructure Strengthening Governance Revising Business Models Train leaders and extension agents in digital literacy. Provide affordable devices and connectivity solutions. Foster Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs). Collaborate with agritech startups for tailored solutions. Ensure data transparency and accountability. Build trust through clear data ownership policies. Move beyond subsidies to sustainable models. Implement Public–Private–Producer Partnerships (4Ps).
9. Case Illustration: DERPIn Project (AKADEMIYA2063 and PAFO) Existing Models are Inadequate and Emerg ing Technolog ies N eed Backg round Example of How to Digitally Enable SPOs SPOs The DERPIn Project demonstrates the feasibility and scalability of SPO-led digital adoption models across varying African contexts. AI-driven analytics: Integrating advanced data insights directly into routine extension services. SPO-centered intermediation: Utilizing cooperatives as the trusted "last-mile" delivery channel. Farmer Empowerment: Shifting from passive recipients to active data users and decision-makers. POLICY RELEVANCE "DERPIn provides concrete evidence that empowering local institutions with digital tools creates sustainable pathways for scaling agricultural innovation."
10. Keys Points & Way Forward Existing Models are Inadequate and What What Emerging Technologies Need Background KEYS POINTS Traditional Technology transfer model is limited SPOs Drive Advanced Technology Adoption Transparent and Inclusive Governance For Policymakers Invest in SPO digital readiness & infrastructure. Enable frameworks for PPPs and 4Ps. For Researchers Measure SPO digital performance & impact. Study governance– technology interactions. "SPOs must be recognized as co-creators of the digital future, not just passive beneficiaries." POLICY IN ACTION SPOs digitally & institutionally enabled
11. ReSAKSS ANNUAL CONFERENCE Moving the Technology Frontiers in African Agrifood Systems. THANK YOU