A report by IPES-Food warns that close ties between large agricultural companies and big technology firms make modern farming tools hard to afford for smallholder farmers. The report says cloud platforms and artificial intelligence attract public and private investment.
It lists costly technologies such as precision agriculture, satellite monitoring, automated livestock systems and digital platforms built on Big Tech cloud infrastructure. The report says these tools rely on constant connectivity and subscription models that many smallholder farmers cannot access.
Authors warn about control of data and commercialisation of traditional knowledge. They highlight farmer-led groups like the Farmers' Seed Network in China and AGUAPAN in Peru, and call for long-term funding, extension services and stronger data governance.
Difficult words
- smallholder — a farmer with a small farm or land
- cloud — remote computers and servers on the internet
- subscription — a paid service you use regularly
- connectivity — ability to connect to the internet or network
- commercialisation — making something into a product to sell
- governance — rules and systems for managing something
- precision agriculture — farming with exact, data-based methods
- artificial intelligence — computer systems that perform human-like tasks
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What support do the authors call for to help farmers?
- How could farmer-led groups help protect traditional knowledge and data?
- Do small farmers in your area have good internet access? Why or why not?
Related articles
MRI and AI measure fluid flow in the brain
Researchers combined MRI scans with physics-informed AI to estimate slow fluid flow in the brain’s glymphatic system, which helps clear waste and is linked to Alzheimer’s. The team trained AI on dye videos and collected animal baseline data.
Low-cost design to cut indoor heat in Latin American cities
A study in Energy and Buildings finds simple, low-cost design choices can reduce indoor heat in Latin American cities. Researchers used simulations in five cities and propose passive measures, training and a free digital design tool.
