How India's drone initiative can empower South African women in agriculture

THIS past week, we celebrated International Women’s Day in South Africa and the world. As we reflect on the historical day, we are also obligated to revisit our commitment as South Africans to the emancipation of women in our country, particularly rural women.

Rural women in South Africa continue to bear the brunt of triple oppression due to their race, class, and gender; hence, it is not a coincidence that in their majority they have not managed to achieve economic freedom.

This situation is no different from the realities of many women in the Global South, and one country in particular that is also confronted with this circumstance is India. The patriarchal norms in India have hindered women’s progress in the country, but a lot is seemingly being done by the Indian government to effect change.

One such programme is "The Drone Didi Initiative" for rural women, which can be used as a yardstick in South Africa to resolve the challenge of gender-based inequality in rural communities, solve food security challenges, alleviate poverty, and create jobs.

The India program to provide women with agricultural drones, launched in 2019, provides women with practical, technology-driven skills with the intention of creating immediate income-generating opportunities and resolving other imminent socioeconomic challenges.

According to reports, the initial number of rural women who were trained to deploy the drones was 500, with 200 drones deployed. Today: “Over 5 000 women are part of the program, with 1 500 drones in operation.”

In rural provinces across South Africa, rural women are often the backbone of agricultural activities but remain under-represented. Adopting a similar initiative could empower these women, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the development of their own lives, families, communities, and the country.

Currently, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Food Program (UNFP) affirm that technology and innovation are key enablers to save and change lives around the world. To that end, drones enable precision agriculture, improving crop health and yields.

In India, the Drone Didi initiative has led to a 25% increase in crop yields and a 30% reduction in pesticide use. In South Africa, smallholder farmers still struggle to compete. By equipping rural women with drones, South Africa could be a game changer.

For example, rural areas in South Africa, such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, pose significant logistical challenges due to their difficult terrain. Drones can be particularly useful in these areas, enabling farmers to monitor and manage their crops more efficiently and safely.

Equally, drones can facilitate the transportation of harvested crops from remote areas to local markets, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.

To that end, the India Drone Didi initiative demonstrates how technology can create economic opportunities in underserviced regions. In India, women are earning significant incomes, with an average increase of 50% in their household income.

According to a recent report by McKinsey Global Institute titled, ‘Dependency and depopulation? Confronting the consequences of a new demographic reality’, India, which has the largest population in the world, has the potential to become the second largest economy per purchasing power parity by 2050 if the country aggressively pushes women to participate in the mainstream economy.

As BRICS members, India and South Africa can collaborate on agricultural innovation. India’s success with drone Didi can serve as a case study, offering insights into implementation and scaling up.

Furthermore, local institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Innovation Hub, and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) can play a crucial role in shaping rural women farm worker cooperatives using drone technology and scaling operations.

Moreover, this initiative can foster social change by challenging patriarchal norms, promoting gender equality, and also uplifting households. As more women get empowered, the entire family stands to benefit.

Drones can also be beneficial for pregnant women and new mothers in rural areas as they reduce the need for physical labour. Drones can help these women maintain their farms while ensuring their health and well-being are being taken care of.

For South Africa, this initiative represents a unique opportunity to transform rural communities, empower women, and modernise agriculture. By embracing this initiative and leveraging local expertise, South Africa can unlock a brighter future for its rural women and communities.

* Chere Rabotapi is a sustainable development advocate.

** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media, or IOL.