Researchers studied how artificial intelligence, automation and digital tools are changing farming and land use in Brazil. They describe a digitalised agribusiness model often called precision agriculture that uses sensors, satellites, drones and data to manage fields.
The study finds this model can displace families, reduce crop diversity and replace local, empirical knowledge with data-driven decisions. Digital land registries and automated systems sometimes make communities invisible to machines, and drones have been used to pressure small farmers.
The researchers propose more transparency, decentralised control of technology and public infrastructures that support collective participation. They also call for valuing agro-ecological and ancestral practices that protect biodiversity and food security.
Difficult words
- precision agriculture — farming using sensors, data and machines
- displace — to force people to leave their home
- diversity — many different types of crops
- empirical — based on experience or observation
- transparency — open and clear information for everyone
- decentralised — controlled by many people or groups
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could sensors and satellites help farmers in your area?
- What problems might happen when local knowledge is replaced by data?
- How can public infrastructures support collective participation in farming?
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