Sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa: The role of innovative technologies and international organizations

• Published in: Technology in society Vol. 58; p. 101143
• Main Authors: Adenle, Ademola A., Wedig, Karin, Azadi, Hossein
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2019; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Adoption of innovations; Advanced technologies; Agricultural research; Agricultural technology; Agriculture; Containment; Food; Food security; International organizations; Public-private partnerships; Rural communities; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sustainability; Sustainable agriculture; Technology; Technology adoption; Technology utilization; International organizations; Advanced technologies; Sustainable agriculture; Public-private partnerships; Food security; Sub-Saharan Africa
• ISSN: 0160-791X; 1879-3274
• DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.05.007

This paper argues that input-intensity and a lack of democratic control over the conditions for advanced technology adoption indicates that low-tech approaches, despite generating lower yields, may be best positioned to improve food security as a basis for sustainable agriculture. Advanced technology adoption by smallholders can become a choice, dependent on the containment of ecological risks, rather than a survivalist strategy. We examine research led by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research and make clear that public-sector research and the international organizations can significantly contribute to the adoption of evidence-based policies that support context-specific combinations of low- and high-tech approaches. •Promotion of sustainable agriculture is key to improved agricultural productivity.•Technological innovation has an important role to play in sustainable agricultural development.•African government must create an enabling policy environment for sustainable agriculture.