The global divide in data-driven farming

Big data and mobile technology are widely claimed to be global disruptive forces in agriculture that benefit small-scale farmers. Yet the access of small-scale farmers to this technology is poorly understood. We show that only 24-37% of farms of <1 ha in size are served by third generation (3G) or 4G services, compared to 74-80% of farms of >200 ha in size. Furthermore, croplands with severe yield gaps, climate-stressed locations and food-insecure populations have poor service coverage. Across many countries in Africa, less than similar to 40% of farming households have Internet access, and the cost of data remains prohibitive. We recommend a digital inclusion agenda whereby governments, the development community and the private sector focus their efforts to improve access so that data-driven agriculture is available to all farmers globally.

Automated summary

Access to big data and mobile technology is limited for small-scale farmers globally, particularly in developing countries where many farmers are unable to access these technologies. It is recommended that governments, development communities, and the private sector focus their efforts on promoting a digital inclusion agenda to provide all farmers with the opportunity for data-driven agriculture.