Southern African countries are accelerating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen food systems resilience as climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity across the region. This shift is being driven by the rise of “small AI”, accessible, low-cost digital tools capable of offering farmers real-time agronomic advice, even in remote areas.
According to the Digital Progress and Trends Report 2025, small AI solutions are already transforming agriculture in several developing economies, offering farmers timely insights on weather risks, crop health, and market conditions. Though the report draws examples from countries such as Brazil, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, its findings resonate strongly across Southern Africa, where food insecurity and climate volatility require similar technological breakthroughs.
AI Tools Reach Farmers Through Satellites and Mobile Connectivity
A key enabler of this shift is the rapid expansion of digital connectivity. The report highlights the growth of low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations, which are increasingly being used to deliver high-speed internet to rural communities where mobile broadband remains weak. These advances are particularly relevant for countries like Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, where large populations depend on rain-fed agriculture and are often located far from terrestrial network infrastructure.
With connectivity improving, more extension officers and smallholder farmers in the region are gaining access to mobile applications that analyze climate trends, recommend planting dates, and advise on pest and disease outbreaks. For countries facing recurring droughts and floods, the ability to receive predictive alerts and localized agronomic guidance represents a significant step forward.
Localized Data Remains a Critical Gap
Despite growing enthusiasm, Southern Africa’s progress in deploying AI for agriculture is limited by the availability of locally relevant data, a challenge the report identifies as a major barrier for developing countries.
Most AI models rely on training data dominated by English-language sources and imagery from high-income regions. This creates blind spots in understanding indigenous crops, soil types, and local climatic patterns. As a result, governments and research institutions in Southern Africa are increasingly prioritizing national datasets on weather, crop performance, and soil health to underpin reliable AI models.
Regional actors, including CCARDESA and food security initiatives under SADC, have a role to play in calling for stronger data-sharing frameworks to ensure AI tools reflect local farming realities rather than imported assumptions.
Digital Skills Divide Undermines Adoption
The report also points to a significant digital skills divide, with less than 5% of people in low-income countries possessing basic digital skills. Southern Africa faces a similar challenge: while youth uptake of digital tools is rising, many smallholder farmers lack familiarity with smartphones, apps, or online services.
Agricultural ministries, NGOs, and development partners are responding by integrating digital literacy into farmer field schools and extension programs. In Zambia, South Africa, and Malawi, for example, farmer networks are piloting AI-supported advisory systems accompanied by structured training sessions to ensure proper use and adoption.
A New Era for Food Systems Resilience
As climate risks intensify, AI is emerging as a practical tool rather than a futuristic concept for Southern Africa’s agriculture sector. When paired with improved connectivity, contextualized data, and strengthened digital skills, AI could help countries mitigate production losses, improve market competitiveness, and enhance regional food security.
Experts argue that the next stage will require coordinated policy action across connectivity, compute, context, and competency, the “4Cs” outlined in the World Bank report, to avoid deepening the digital divide.
Southern Africa’s food systems are at a crossroads. With the right investments, AI could become a powerful equalizer, giving farmers the predictive intelligence they need to adapt and thrive in an increasingly uncertain climate.
Access the full report on Digital Progress and Trends Report 2025 here
