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Big tech links make farming tools costly — Level A1 — A dirt road through fields under a cloudy sky

Big tech links make farming tools costlyCEFR A1

27 Feb 2026

Adapted from Dann Okoth, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by Bulat Akhtiamov, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
70 words
  • A report warns about big technology and farming tools.
  • Large companies make digital farming tools hard to afford.
  • Many small farmers cannot pay subscription fees for tools.
  • These tools need constant internet connection and electricity supply.
  • Control of farm data helps only a few companies.
  • Local knowledge and genetic resources can be commercialised unfairly.
  • Some farmer groups protect seeds and crop diversity locally.
  • They need more public funding and rules.

Difficult words

  • subscriptionregular payment to use a service
    subscription fees
  • electricitypower from the grid for machines
    electricity supply
  • controlpower to decide or use something
    Control of farm data
  • commercialisesell or make money from local resources
    commercialised
  • diversitymany different types of plants or crops
  • public fundingmoney from government for public use

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Would you pay subscription fees for a farming tool?
  • Should farmer groups protect seeds locally?
  • Who should control farm data — companies or farmers?

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