Researchers in Ethiopia Undergoing Training to Leverage AI for Agricultural Advancement.

Addis Ababa: Researchers are undertaking training to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for the development of agriculture and food systems in Ethiopia. The four-day training under the theme 'AI for Resilient Food Systems' is aimed at leveraging AI towards accelerating agricultural research for development.According to Ethiopian News Agency, State Minister of Innovation and Technology Baysa Bedada emphasized the critical role of the agriculture sector in Ethiopia's national economic growth and development. He highlighted the successful replacement of wheat imports with domestic production as a result of quality input from national research systems and government commitment. This achievement underscores the transformative power of agricultural research in policy implementation, boosting food security, and enhancing economic resilience.Baysa further noted the wide-ranging applications of AI technologies, from gene discovery to post-harvest quality management, market channels, and retailer bus iness. However, he also pointed out the challenges posed by climate change, pest diseases, and soil degradation that threaten agricultural progress and the well-being of the population. He mentioned that AI-driven technologies, such as site and context-specific fertilizer technology provision, have supported Ethiopia's wheat production.Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) Director General, Professor Nigussie Dechasa, stated that agriculture is one of the prominent five pillars of the Home Grown Economic Reform and should be supported with quality research and AI technology. He projected that Ethiopia's GDP is expected to grow by 10.2 percent by 2030, highlighting the potential of AI to enhance the efficacy and productivity of the agriculture sector. The objectives of these efforts include improving income and livelihood options for farmers, modernizing agriculture, ensuring national food and nutrition security, increasing agricultural output exports, and substituting imports.Participants at the training witnessed demonstrations of AI-powered wheat early disease defense, agricultural spraying and mapping drones, and AI-powered coffee monitoring systems.