The Future of Work Capsules: Preparing Agribusiness for the Next Generation. Future of Work Strategies to Consider
The agricultural industry faces significant demographic changes, with many farmers and agribusiness owners nearing retirement. Attracting and retaining the next generation of talent is crucial for the industry’s sustainability.
How do we explore emerging trends and technologies that will shape the future of agribusiness? The workforce requires relevant agribusiness skills. Agribusinesses must adapt to changing consumer demands and regulatory requirements and attract and retain diverse talent, including women, minorities, and younger workers. Agribusinesses must ensure a smooth transition to the next generation with human resource strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
The agriculture sector is not immune to the changes brought about by the Future of Work. This agriculture sector is on the crossover of a revolution, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer demands, and environmental concerns. As the industry evolves, agribusinesses in Ghana must adapt to the changing world of work to remain competitive as elsewhere. The Future of Work, characterized by automation, artificial intelligence, and shifting workforce demographics, presents both opportunities and challenges for all industries of which the agriculture sector cannot be left out. To thrive in this new landscape, agribusinesses must prioritize human resources (HR) strategies that attract, develop, and retain top talent.
The agriculture sector is not insusceptible to the changes brought about by the Future of Work. HR must prepare agribusinesses for the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and shifting workforce demographics. Agribusinesses need skilled workers to manage complex farming systems, operate precision agriculture technologies, and navigate changing market trends as per research. HR plays a vital role in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. The agriculture sector is adopting digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) among others. HR must ensure that workers have the necessary skills to adapt to these changes and thrive in a digital work environment. You will also agree with me that, Agribusinesses are under increasing pressure to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. HR can help drive these efforts by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Agribusiness in this context refers to the collective activities, enterprises, and industries involved in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products. It encompasses farming, livestock production, forestry, fishing, and other related activities. Africa has immense potential for agribusiness growth, with the African Development Bank projecting Africa to own 60% of the world’s arable land and 30% of the global agricultural workforce (Food and Agriculture Organization). The agricultural sector contributes between 15-20% to GDP in many African countries (World Bank).
There are currently several examples of agribusiness practices in Africa to showcase. On contract farming, companies like Olam International and Cargill partner with smallholder farmers in countries like Ghana and Nigeria to produce crops like cocoa and maize. Agricultural cooperatives, like the international (ICA, FAO, IFAD), regional (AAFC, AFO, Cogeca), national (NCBA, CCA, KENFAP), and local organizations provide training, inputs, and market access to smallholder farmers and several others you may be aware of. Discussing digital agriculture, platforms like FarmDrive (Kenya) and AgriFin (Ghana) use mobile technology to provide farmers with access to finance, markets, and advisory services.
Some Practices of Agribusiness Examples in Advanced Countries
Research has it that advanced countries like the United States, Europe, and Australia have well-established agribusiness sectors, with a strong focus on precision agriculture where they use technologies like drones, satellite imaging, and AI to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. With vertical farming, these farmers grow crops in vertically stacked layers, often in urban areas, to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Practices like organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and agroforestry are becoming increasingly popular with their sustainable agriculture practices.
John Deere’s precision agriculture platform provides farmers with data-driven insights to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. Indoor agriculture companies like AeroFarms use vertical farming techniques to grow crops in urban areas, reducing transportation costs and increasing efficiency. Organizations like the Australian Agricultural Company provide farmers with access to markets, finance, and advisory services.
The future of work in agribusiness will be shaped by key trends. Can increased use of automation and AI lead to optimization of crop yields, reduce waste, and improve efficiency for instance in Africa? Can the growing demand for sustainable and organic produce drive the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and regenerative agriculture? Will emphasis on data-driven decision-making improve yields?
The Statistics are clear, the global agribusiness market is projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. The use of precision agriculture technologies is expected to increase by 15% annually from 2020 to 2025 as put forward by MarketsandMarkets. The global vertical farming market is projected to reach $13.6 billion by 2025 (Grand View Research)
The Future of Work Implications on Agribusinesses and HR Strategies to Consider.
The increasing use of automation and AI in farming will require workers to develop new skills, such as data analysis and machine maintenance. The agriculture sector will need to adapt to an aging workforce, as well as the influx of younger, more tech-savvy workers. Agribusinesses will need to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship to meet changing consumer demands and regulatory requirements. As a country, we must invest in training programs that develop workers’ skills in areas like data analysis, AI, and sustainability. Foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity, attracting workers from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, to attract and retain top talent and prioritize employee engagement and well-being, recognizing the importance of worker satisfaction and mental health.
CASE STUDY: Successful Agribusiness in Ghana
Do you know of a Ghanaian or African agribusiness that has successfully adapted to the changing world of work and recorded higher yields and profits? We want to hear from you and share your success stories.
The agriculture sector is driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer demands, and environmental concerns. I want to break down each driver and help provide some practical examples and scenarios to illustrate the impact of the future of work on the agriculture sector to help drive down my point more clearly. Are you aware, that technological advancements are transforming the agriculture sector, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs? Let’s just take a look at precision agriculture and automated farming as a technological advancement brought about as a result of the future of work conversation.
With precision Agriculture, some farmers are using drones, satellite imaging, and sensors to collect data on soil moisture, temperature, and crop health. This data informs precise irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, reducing waste and increasing yields. A maize farmer in Ghana for instance can also use a drone to monitor crop health and detect early signs of disease. The farmer through technology can receive alerts on their smartphone, enabling them to take targeted action and prevent identified diseases from spreading. In automated farming, some farmers are using autonomous tractors, robotic farming systems, and automated irrigation systems to streamline farm operations and reduce labor costs. Don’t you think, a tomato farmer in the sub-region can also use an automated irrigation system that adjusts water application based on soil moisture levels to reduce water waste and ensure optimal crop growth? Do you know of any local farmers making use of these technological advancements? We want to hear from you and share your success story.
Shifting consumer demands is another driver we need to take a good look at. Changing consumer preferences and expectations are driving the demand for sustainable, healthy, and traceable food products. Since the Covid-19 outbreak some five years ago, research data available on the subject projects an increase in organic and sustainable demand and produce. Consumers increasingly are demanding organic and sustainably produced food, driving farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Is that the case locally? A vegetable farmer can switch to organic farming methods to meet the growing demand for chemical-free produce. The farmer can use natural pest control methods and composts to maintain soil health. Is this something you want to try on your farm? Reach out to engage with the Safe Space Community to learn how. The rise of plant-based diets is driving demand for alternative protein sources, such as legumes, nuts, and seeds. How well are we doing as a people on our nuts and seeds consumption? A soybean farmer in Ghana can expand its operation to meet the growing demand for plant-based protein sources. The farmer can adopt conservation agriculture practices to reduce soil erosion and promote biodiversity.
We just cannot run away from the environmental concerns. Environmental concerns, such as climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity, are compelling farmers to adopt more sustainable and resilient practices. Are you also suffering from the aftermath of the Galamsey menace bedeviling our country? We need to be very intentional now in our interventions to save this nation. Refer to my earlier publication on the Galamsey menace to learn more.
Climate-smart agriculture and water conservation are a few of the many themes to take a look at in environmental concerns. Farmers adopt practices that enhance resilience to climate change, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and climate-tolerant crop varieties. A farmer can adopt conservation agriculture practices, such as reduced tillage and crop rotation, to reduce soil erosion and promote soil health as the research’s advice.
On water conservation, farmers can implement water-saving technologies and practices, such as drip irrigation and mulching, to reduce water waste and optimize water use. A citrus farmer for instance can install a drip irrigation system to reduce water waste and optimize water application. Are you a farmer using mulching to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation? Let’s share your success stories.
Any farmer can better navigate the changing agricultural landscape and adopt innovative solutions to improve their productivity, sustainability, and profitability. The Future of Work presents significant opportunities and challenges for agribusinesses in Ghana and beyond. By prioritizing HR strategies that attract, develop, and retain top talent, agribusinesses can thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. As the agriculture sector continues to evolve, agribusinesses need to stay ahead of the curve, embracing innovation and adapting to the changing world of work.
By Baptista S. Gebu (Mrs.)
Baptista is a multifaceted hybrid professional known for her work on the future of work. She is the CEO of FoReal HR Services. Building a team of efficient & effective workforce is her business. Affecting lives is her calling! She is an HR Generalist, International Development Expert, Public Speaker, Researcher, and Lifestyle Interventionist. You can reach her @Sarahtistagh across all platforms.
