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Transformative Effects of Big Data Analytics and Digital Literacy on the Food Supply Chain for Small-scale Farmers in South Africa.

Loshani Sigwadi

Lead Data Specialist at GIBS Business School

Session description

Loshani Sigwadi, Lead Data Specialist at GIBS Business School, brings expertise in Big Data Analytics and digital literacy. With a Master of Commerce in Information Systems and a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, he has taught over 5,000 students across 11 UCT Data Analysis courses. Loshani also leads a 6-month BI and Data Analysis program at GIBS. He will discuss the transformative impact of Big Data and digital literacy on South Africa’s food supply chain for small-scale farmers.

Loshani Sigwadi will explore how integrating Big Data Analytics (BDA) and digital literacy can transform the food supply chain for small-scale farmers in South Africa, addressing challenges like limited resources, market fluctuations, and climate variability. BDA enables data-driven insights for optimal resource allocation, market trend prediction, and yield management, boosting productivity and sustainability. Digital literacy empowers farmers to use BDA tools effectively, accessing real-time data on prices, weather, and best practices, although current skills vary widely. This integration supports Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) by fostering food security and climate resilience while enhancing collaboration among farmers, extension services, and policymakers.

Key Topics
  • The integration of Big Data Analytics (BDA) and digital literacy holds transformative potential for small-scale farmers in South Africa, significantly impacting their operations within the food supply chain. As small-scale farmers grapple with challenges such as limited access to resources, fluctuating market demands, and climate variability, the application of BDA can provide critical insights that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Through data-driven strategies, small-scale farmers can optimize resource allocation, predict market trends, and improve yield management, ultimately leading to increased productivity and sustainability.
  • Digital literacy is a fundamental enabler in this transformation, empowering farmers to effectively leverage BDA tools and technologies. With a robust understanding of digital platforms and analytical tools, small-scale farmers can access real-time information about market prices, weather patterns, and best agricultural practices. This knowledge equips them to make informed decisions that enhance their competitiveness in the market. However, the current digital literacy levels among small-scale farmers in South Africa remain varied, necessitating targeted training programmes that enhance their skills and confidence in using digital technologies
  • The synergy between BDA and digital literacy directly aligns with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. By equipping small-scale farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge, the agricultural sector can transition towards more sustainable practices that ensure food security and resilience against climate change. Furthermore, improved access to big data analytics fosters collaboration among farmers, agricultural extension services, and policymakers, creating a more inclusive and responsive food supply chain.


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