PROSPECTS AND CONSTRAINTS TO THE ADOPTION OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE IN THE PRACTICE OF MARKET GARDENING IN SANTA, NORTHWEST REGION, CAMEROON

Abstract

Precision Agriculture, or digital farming, is a farm management approach that uses a collection of data-driven technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. In the context of market gardening in Santa Sub-Division in the North West Region of Cameroon, these technologies present great prospects such as increased efficiency, improved crop yields and quality, reduced cost inputs, environmental sustainability, adaptation to climate change, better decision making, market access, and increased profitability among others. Despite these great prospects, the adoption rate of these technologies by market gardeners is still very timid. Its effective adoption and implementation by farmers is being hindered by factors like; high initial cost, limited capital, lack of access to credit and funding, lack of technical expertise, data security concerns. Limited infrastructure, ignorance of its economic and environmental benefits, lack of digital skills and literacy, limited access to technologies, poor market organization, unstable land tenure practices and the lack of government support. Thus, addressing these fundamental constraints is pivotal for the successful adoption and implementation of these technologies in the practice of market gardening in the Santa Sub-division.