Chinese-South African Partnership Launches AI Farming Initiative For Smallholders
JOHANNESBURG— Telkom Smart Agritech has partnered with Chinese technology companies to introduce artificial intelligence solutions for South African farmers facing climate challenges and resource constraints.
The initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural digital divide by providing AI-powered farming tools through smartphones.
"With AI you can put an extension officer into the pocket of every small farmer in the country," Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said.
"AI can revolutionize the way agriculture works, particularly for small-scale farmers."
The project includes 5G-powered precision irrigation systems and real-time crop monitoring technology previously tested in China.
"The private 5G deployed here was done in conjunction with Chinese OEMs such as Huawei," said Lunga Siyo, Telkom's CEO of Consumer and Small Business.
"We've visited sites in China to see what technology has been deployed, and we are reusing most of the tools."
The collaboration especially targets South Africa's wine industry, adapting Chinese innovations to address local water scarcity issues.
Fikile Wolela, a PhD student in Agriculture Science at Stellenbosch University, highlighted accessibility improvements.
"We can all be our own scientists," Wolela said. "You don't need somebody who is a specialist."
Beyond productivity gains, the program aims to create jobs and diversify the agricultural sector's demographics.
"Our common goal is to facilitate development skills for young South Africans, unemployed South Africans," said Nokuthula Selamolela, CEO of FoodBev SETA.
"The sector is predominantly white and has always been, and we are trying to change that."
Officials say AI-driven technology will help farmers meet international food safety standards while opening new export markets.
Source : China Global Television Network (CGTN)