Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are world leaders in agricultural production. As one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural products, they possess the necessary national resources (arable land, drinking water, climate and biodiversity) to continue evolving, thus, strengthening regional economics. The embrace of science-driven technologies since the last century, have redefined farming in Latin America, directly transforming the land tenure system from the Mexican border to the Argentinean Pampas.
When we speak of the revolution of agriculture in Latin America history, most scholars think of peasant revolts, land tenure struggles or commodification of crops. These are indeed core historical (and current) issues that widen our understanding about Latin America’s past and present. But there are still, lesser discussed, yet equally important revolutions in this part of the world.
PEASANT FARMING IN LATIN AMERICA
The peasant or small farm sector in this region, have a population estimated at about 65 million people, including 40-45 million indigenous people speaking about 725 languages. A decade ago, based on estimates, peasant or small farming systems (average size of 1.8 hectares) produced 51% of maize, 77% of beans and 61% of the potatoes consumed in the region. In Brazil, there are about 4.8 million family farmers and that’s about 85% of the total number of agricultural producers that occupy 30% of the total agricultural land of the country. They control about 33% of the area sown to maize, 61% of that sown to beans and 64% of the land planted to cassava. Thus, producing 88% of the total cassava and 67% of the total beans. In Ecuador, the peasant sector occupies more than 50% of the area devoted to food crops such as maize, beans, barley, and okra. In Mexico, peasant farmers occupy at least 70% of the area cultivated to maize and 60% of the area under beans.
These figures highlight that; Latin America peasantry is a highly heterogeneous group, both culturally and ecologically, representing a gradient from subsistence farms based on local resources and agroecological techniques to semi-commercial and commercial farmers, using agrochemical inputs and linked to national and international markets.
TECHNOLOGY IN LATIN AMERICA
The region’s agricultural industry evolution is critical due to its economic importance and growth potential. New technologies such as drones, automated irrigation system, came to overcome the challenges faced by the industry by accelerating productivity and improving operations efficiency through the implementation of digital solutions throughout the value chain.
The integration of drones displays the full potential of smart agriculture, offering considerable economic and environmental advantages. Despite the high initial investment cost, drones save time and resources, reduce the use of water and pesticides and minimize environmental impact. Experimental results confirm the efficiency of these systems in various agricultural contents, from small properties to large farms. Its ability to apply products accurately and efficiently results in lower management costs and reduced environmental impact, marking an important step towards more sustainable and responsible agricultural practices.
Water management is crucial in agriculture, especially in regions facing water scarcity. automated irrigation systems, often integrated with IoT devices and soil moisture sensors, allow for precise control over watering schedules and amounts. In Latin America, these systems have been implemented to monitor soil moisture levels in real-time, automatically adjusting irrigation to meet the specific needs of different crops. This precision reduces water usage and ensures that plants receive optimal hydration, leading to healthier crops and increased yields. By minimizing over-irrigation, these systems also help prevent soil erosion and nutrient runoff, contributing to environmental sustainability.
TECHNOLOGY IMPACT ON PRODUCTIVITY
The integration of these technologies has led to measurable improvements in agricultural productivity across Latin America. Precision farming tools, such as GPS-guided machinery and drones, enable efficient resource utilization, reducing input costs and environmental impact. Automated systems decrease labor requirements and enhance operational efficiency. Collectively, these advancements contribute to higher crop yields, better quality produce, and more sustainable farming practices. As technology continues to evolve, its role in transforming agriculture in Latin America is poised to expand, offering solutions to both existing challenges and future demands.
Technology is revolutionizing agriculture in Latin America, making it more efficient, productive, and sustainable. The adoption of drones, and automated irrigation systems has significantly improved farming practices by optimizing resource use, increasing crop yields, and reducing environmental impact. These innovations are helping farmers address challenges such as climate variability, water scarcity, and pest control while enhancing food security and economic growth in the region. As technology continues to evolve, its role in transforming agriculture will only expand, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.
