NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 13 — Listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc is expanding its use of digital technology across its operations as it seeks to improve efficiency and strengthen climate-smart farming.
Kakuzi Managing Director Chris Flowers said the company has established a Digital Agricultural Transformation Department to coordinate the adoption and application of agricultural technology across its operations.
The department, headed by a Digital Agricultural Transformation Manager, will drive the adoption of technologies aimed at improving farm management, decision-making and operational performance.
“The Kakuzi Ag-Tech journey is firmly on course and is anchored on several sustainability initiatives and resilient agronomy practices that we continue to embed across all operations,” Flowers said.
He said changing weather patterns were increasing the need for farmers to adopt technology to improve resilience and productivity.
“As we face more and more uncertainty and unpredictability in our traditional climatic patterns, it is essential that agriculture adapts and adopts new technology,” he said.
Kakuzi is deploying artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics across its operations to improve decision-making and efficiency.
At its macadamia processing plant, the company has installed an AI-powered intelligent optical sorting system that automates the grading of macadamia nuts and is intended to improve product quality.
The firm is also deploying agricultural technology in its fields, alongside drone-based security surveillance systems.
Kakuzi said the increased use of technology forms part of its broader sustainability and climate-smart agriculture strategy as it seeks to adapt its operations to changing climatic conditions.
