CHANGE AGENTS IN LONDON, CLIENTELE IN PARIS, CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BRIDGE THE GAP FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY? EVIDENCE FROM AFRICA

Rural farmers in Africa encounter significant challenges, including restricted access to the latest agricultural data, cutting-edge practices, and professional expertise. Traditional extension services for agriculture, while important, are frequently inadequate due to funding limitations, a small number of change agents, and logistical challenges with reaching remote regions. Against this backdrop, this paper assessed the potential and level of AI utilization among change agents and rural clientele in Africa using a systematic literature review involving 21 papers collected from relevant databases. Four themes emerged (Challenges of adoption of AI, Level of utilization of AI, Importance of AI in rural farming, and Perceptions of Agriculture 4.0), upon which the discussion is based. Key findings revealed that Artificial Intelligence could bridge the gap between change agents and clienteles viz-a-viz the utilization of digital Technology to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa; The high prices of AI-enabled technologies, such as sensors, drones, and software, hamper uptake for small-scale farmers with limited financial means, regardless of how extension agents try to simplify its utilization in Africa graphically; even though awareness of AI is increasing, the adoption and utilization level of its applications for farming activities by local farmers and Agricultural extension Agents in Africa is still low compared to other industries. The paper recommends that investment in building capacities, digital infrastructure, and farmer-oriented tools is required before AI adoption reaches widespread adoption at the farm level in Africa.