By Daniel Mwongela
As the adoption of digital farming technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to grow across Kenya, concerns are emerging over the safety and ownership of farmers’ data, with stakeholders calling for urgent training and awareness programs to protect rural farming communities.
Speaking on the issue, Barbara Ntambirweki, a lawyer and researcher with the ETC Group (Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration), cautioned that many farmers are increasingly embracing digital tools without fully understanding how their personal and agricultural data is collected, stored, and used.
Ntambirweki noted that while digital technologies have the potential to improve agricultural productivity and decision-making, inadequate knowledge on data protection exposes farmers to the risk of having their information accessed or exploited by unauthorized parties.
She emphasized the need for county and national governments, alongside development partners, to invest in comprehensive training programs to equip farmers—particularly those in rural areas—with the knowledge required to safeguard their data and make informed decisions when adopting digital technologies.
Beyond data privacy concerns, Ntambirweki warned that the rapid push towards modern agricultural technologies could inadvertently undermine indigenous farming knowledge and practices. She expressed concern that traditional seed varieties and farming methods that have sustained communities for generations could gradually disappear if farmers become overly dependent on commercial technologies.
Her sentiments were echoed by Julius Mutuku, a beekeeper involved in the production of bee products, including bee venom, who called on county governments to intensify efforts aimed at educating farmers on digital agriculture and responsible data management.
Mutuku said farmers require practical training not only on how to utilize emerging technologies but also on how to protect the information they generate through digital platforms.
Other farmers also voiced concerns over the increasing reliance on technology in agriculture, arguing that without adequate safeguards and education, many producers could lose control of their data while abandoning valuable traditional farming practices, including organic farming methods.
They urged the government to strike a balance between technological advancement and the preservation of indigenous agricultural knowledge, ensuring that farmers benefit from innovation without compromising their privacy, autonomy, and cultural heritage.
As digital agriculture becomes an integral part of Kenya’s farming sector, experts maintain that protecting farmers’ data and preserving traditional agricultural practices will be critical in ensuring sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation.
