AI-powered smart farming and climate tech transforming sustainable agriculture and food security

AI-powered smart farming and climate tech transforming sustainable agriculture and food security | Photo: Mick Haupt

As global agriculture faces mounting pressure from climate change, smart farming and climate-resilient technologies are proving critical in aligning local efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly in countries like Ghana and Bangladesh, innovative approaches are empowering farmers to overcome environmental challenges while advancing sustainable agriculture, food security, and poverty reduction, key targets under SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Digital transformation in Ghanaian agriculture

In Ghana, organisations like TechnoServe have been pivotal in rolling out climate-smart agriculture. A notable initiative involves Digital Advisory Services (DAS), offering real-time information on advanced practices such as row planting, zero tillage, and the application of drought-resistant seeds. According to a recent study published on Springer, the adoption of DAS has significantly increased among maize farmers, contributing to more resilient crop yields under erratic weather conditions.

Further advancing this digital shift, TechnoServe has partnered with the AI-driven platform Alteia to innovate cashew production techniques in neighbouring Benin. Though the initial rollout is outside Ghana, the AI-based tools developed, capable of enhancing productivity and crop quality, are designed with adaptability in mind, opening avenues for replication in Ghana and similar agro-climatic zones.

Salinity adaptation and precision agriculture in Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces a distinct challenge: soil salinisation, particularly in its coastal belt. This degradation has historically hindered farming viability. However, targeted training in saline agriculture has allowed over 30,000 farmers to cultivate crops like fruits and vegetables in high-salinity soils. Backed by public-private partnerships, these programmes have marked a turning point in transforming previously unproductive land.

In parallel, precision agriculture tools such as cloud-based farm management systems are being deployed. These platforms give farmers real-time decision-making capabilities, enabling better resource allocation, especially in water use, a crucial factor in regions grappling with both salinity and water scarcity.

Data-driven impact and future pathways

Evidence from both Ghana and Bangladesh illustrates a clear pattern: Integrating training, digital platforms, and sustainable practices significantly enhances agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and farmer incomes. This convergence supports several SDGs, notably SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2, and SDG 13, while laying a strong foundation for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

Looking ahead, scalability and cross-border knowledge exchange will be essential. The global society,  encompassing governments, NGOs, private tech firms, and multilateral organisations,  must continue to collaborate to expand these technologies into new geographies and contexts. This kind of international cooperation is indispensable for achieving global sustainability goals.

The rise of smart farming in Ghana and Bangladesh offers a promising blueprint for climate-resilient agriculture in vulnerable regions. These case studies reinforce that global collaboration, local adaptation, and digital innovation are central to meeting the SDGs and securing the future of food.

Learn more about TechnoServe’s impactful programmes and their global partnerships by visiting technoserve.org. For in-depth research on DAS and smart agriculture innovations, explore resources at link.springer.com and papers.ssrn.com.