Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agri-Food Systems—Cases of Five West African Countries

Abstract

The digital transformation of agriculture can support economic growth and food and nutrition security in Africa. The objectives of this study were to provide an overview of the status of digital agriculture in five West African countries, analyze their efforts in developing the enabling environment and innovations, and formulate recommendations based on the identified gaps for the effective transformation of the sector. For this purpose, a literature search was performed using various sources, including web pages and databases of national agricultural and digital transformation institutions and start-ups of the five target countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria) and regional/international institutions. The information retrieved was used for individual country and cross-country comparative analysis of the progress and propositions of feasible actions for improvements. The results showed increasing agri-digital initiatives in the five countries, which were grouped into seven categories based on their objectives. Steady progress was also observed in mobile internet adoption, despite the differences in deploying crucial infrastructure to promote digital agriculture. The mobile connectivity index (MCI) in all five countries is below 60. Nonetheless, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire demonstrated more efforts in internet and electricity access, especially in rural areas. Benin and Nigeria have developed separate documents depicting the roadmap for digital agriculture, while the other countries are working to create one or have it embedded in their national development plans. Similarities and specificities exist among countries for laws and processes protecting agri-digital innovators. To be competitive and self-reliant in the global e-economy, these countries must reposition themselves to accelerate changes in digital agriculture through effective governance and synergy of actions in different sectors and across nations.