Through automation, we can rebuild agri-food systems

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Automation in agriculture – which can mean the use of agricultural machines or artificial intelligence – can play an important role in making food production more efficient and sustainable. At the same time, however, it can also increase inequalities, especially if their application is not available to small farmers, young people or women. The State of Food and Agriculture in 2022, a publication produced every year by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), analyzes how automation in agri-food systems can contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and provides advice in this context. for decision-makers to exploit this potential and avoid mistakes. Starting with tractors for hire in Ghana or the packaging of sea crabs using machine learning and robotics in Mexico, the report presents 27 case studies from many parts of the world that use different levels of technology, according to the size and income of the producer.

It also explores the root of technology adoption and the many factors that hinder it, especially for small farmers.

Based on this analysis, the FAO report also makes several policy recommendations to create inclusive, sustainable and resilient agri-food systems through agricultural automation.
Furthermore, the report addresses the most common concern about automation – that it will cause job losses – stating that this fear is unfounded in the light of experience so far. In general, it can be stated that automation alleviates labor shortages and makes agriculture more resilient and efficient, as well as increases product quality, resource efficiency, contributes to appropriate working conditions and environmental sustainability, the publication claims.