The government has asked industry leaders in the Agricultural Technology (AgTech) sector to prioritise the protection of farmers’ personal data.
Office of the Data Protection Commission said the commitment not only safeguards individual rights but also fosters trust among stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
“Let's protect farmers’ personal data as we innovate in AgriTech solutions and adhere to the Data Protection Act and Regulations,” Deputy Data Commissioner Oscar Otieno said.
He emphasised the importance of developing innovative solutions that respect and adhere to the principles enshrined in the Data Protection Act and Regulations.
As the agricultural industry embraces digital transformation, farmers often find their personal information collected and processed for various purposes, from enhancing crop yields to improving supply chain efficiencies.
Otieno advocated for a balanced approach where technological advancement does not compromise the privacy and security of farmers' data.
He encouraged the design of systems that prioritise data protection from the outset, ensuring that farmers are not merely data points but respected individuals with rights that need to be safeguarded.
Otieno made the remarks at the 8th Annual Learning Event, which provides a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in the AgTech space with a special focus on how digital innovations can transform farming and improve livelihoods, particularly for women.
The two-day event brought together over 400 participants from across the digital agriculture landscape – including digital farmer service providers, government representatives, policymakers, investors, and donors.
Leaders in the AgTech sector highlighted the urgent need for increased support for smallholder women farmers.
They noted that many smallholder farmers, particularly women, continue to struggle with low productivity and lack the tools and support needed to scale their operations.
“Technological solutions, such as mobile apps that provide weather updates and market prices, as well as digital platforms connecting farmers with buyers, offer a lifeline to these communities,” Programme Director for Mercy Corps AgriFin Sieka Gatabaki said.
Gatabaki noted that women entrepreneurs are often lead in the development of practical and accessible solutions, yet they require more financial backing to grow their businesses and make a broader impact.
He further emphasised that incorporating women into the AgTech ecosystem not only uplifts communities but also boosts agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
“As more women become involved in the sector, new ways of addressing some of the most pressing challenges can be discovered and solved,” Gatabaki said.
David Saunders, Director of Strategy and Growth at Briter Bridges, underscored the importance of data collection to direct funding where it is most needed.
“Going forward we need to improve the quality and relevance of data on the AgTech ecosystem in Africa to ensure that we can match ventures with the right type of funding and the right type of support to unlock their potential to support smallholder farmers and improve food systems in Africa,” Saunders stated.