Exploring the Adoption of Precision Farming in the Maize Triangle of South Africa

Abstract

Recovering after COVID-19 and struggling to compensate for the cost-plier squeeze in agriculture, the struggle of farmers has been immense to aid in food security in South Africa. As the population increases and yields are ailing because of climate change, farmers are encouraged to seek management strategies that not only increase yield but also take the environment into account. Preserving the environment and feeding the world has become challenging as food wastage continues and ineffective farming practices remain the norm. Alternative farming methods, such as precision farming, have been proven to increase yield, lower input costs, and better farm management practices. Precision farming allows farmers to collect data and make informed decisions, optimizing weak farm areas and reducing input costs. This study shows that farmers have conquered precision farming technology but struggle to overcome the cost of adopting precision farming. After conducting interviews with farmers in the maize triangle, conclusions were drawn that after one season, farmers experienced a yield increase and profit, and even though they struggled with no support systems, they managed to overcome the significant barriers and enjoy the benefits of precision farming. This management practice is sustainable and is still somehow not utilized. Implementation of precision farming is usually sequential, which makes calculating the adoption costs difficult. This study recommends how farmers could overcome the significant barriers, independently or with the help of agricultural companies, to increase the adoption of precision farming.