Technology is unlocking promising prospects for revolutionizing water management, a vital resource that underpins all forms of life, AbdulHakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, said in Meknes on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Ministerial Conference of the AAA (Adaptation of African Agriculture) initiative, held on the sidelines of the 17th International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM), Elwaer stressed that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future, but a powerful tool driving major transformations in the field of water, believing that “AI provides us with the strength and insight needed to face today’s challenges in this sector”.
Referring to innovative solutions for adapting to water-related challenges, the UN official pointed out that “today we are at the crossroads between technology and sustainability”.
AI is profoundly transforming agriculture, he noted, explaining that it’s not just a matter of automation, but a key to more efficient, resilient and environmentally-friendly farming.
In this respect, Elwaer cited concrete examples of various AI applications in the water sector, noting that real-time monitoring of water quality, which enables instant detection of pollution, helps protect public health and ecosystems.
He also pointed out that AI-powered technological systems are capable of analyzing sensor data, namely to identify pollutants.
AI-based technologies, Elwaer continued, can help farmers improve crop productivity through precision farming, optimizing the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides.
In addition, machine learning models are capable of predicting weather systems, helping small farmers prepare for droughts or heavy rainfall, he noted.
By adopting AI-based solutions, he said, Africa can guarantee and strengthen its food security, face climate challenges and enable farmers to make informed, targeted decisions.
For his part, Professor Shenggen Fan, Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy at China Agricultural University, stressed the importance of bolstering national governance systems in order to achieve the goals associated with the transition of countries’ food systems.
He recommended building a unified national coordination mechanism between ministries and institutions, believing that the food system is a cross-cutting issue that needs the attention of all stakeholders.
Held under the theme “Agroforestry and climate resilience: an African vision for food security and sustainable development”, the conference brought together African Ministers of Agriculture, as well as a wide range of stakeholders, including financial and technical institutions, development partners, private sector representatives, researchers, development institutes, academics and scientists.
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