In Côte d’Ivoire, agriculture plays a critical role in the nation’s economy, contributing around 20% of its GDP. As the sector continues to modernize, technology is increasingly being integrated to improve efficiency and productivity. One of the most innovative developments is the use of drones, particularly for spraying pesticides. This new technology has been transforming how farmers manage their crops and operate their farms.
In the village of Sokrogbo, located in the south of Côte d’Ivoire, drones are becoming a common sight. The T-10 drone, a 25-kilogram machine capable of spraying up to 4.8 liters of pesticides per minute, has captured the attention of local farmers and residents. Amoin Koffi, an agronomist and drone pilot, notes that while many locals are curious about the drone’s operations, it is particularly admired for its ability to cover large areas quickly. The drone’s efficiency has made it an essential tool for farmers in the region, offering a solution to the labor-intensive task of pesticide application.
This technology is provided by Investiv, an Ivorian company that specializes in drone use for precision agriculture. Investiv began its operations in November 2023, offering both aerial spraying services for phytosanitary products and renting out its drones to farmers. This service is especially valuable in an area like Sokrogbo, where small-scale farmers often struggle with limited resources. By providing drone-based solutions, Investiv has made it possible for these farmers to increase their productivity without requiring large capital investments.
For farmers like Banouri Coulibaly, a 60-year-old oil palm grower, drone technology has proven to be a game changer. Coulibaly, who has spent most of his life using backpack sprayers, was initially skeptical but quickly became convinced of the advantages offered by drone spraying. According to him, the drone’s ability to spray from above allows it to reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible with traditional ground-based methods. The result is visibly healthier palm trees with greener leaves and heavier bunches of palm nuts, a clear indication of improved crop yields.
In addition to its effectiveness, drone spraying is also more economical than manual spraying. While manual labor for spraying costs between 20,000 and 30,000 CFA francs (€30-40) per hectare, drone spraying costs only 10,000 CFA francs (€15) for the same area. This significant cost reduction makes drone technology an attractive option for farmers looking to maximize their profits while minimizing expenses.
The adoption of drone technology in agriculture is also supported by younger farmers, such as Hervé Jean-Luc Kouakou Koffi, a 34-year-old cocoa, palm nut, and vegetable producer. Koffi acknowledges the dramatic shift in agricultural practices from manual labor to more mechanical methods. The speed and health benefits associated with drone spraying have further convinced him and his peers of its value. For many young farmers, using drones is not only a way to save time but also a healthier way to manage pesticide application without direct exposure to harmful chemicals.
While spraying is the most prominent use of drones in agriculture, the technology offers additional services that benefit farmers. Investiv, for instance, also provides aerial photography, topographic surveys, and data collection services. These capabilities can help farmers monitor crop health, assess land conditions, and make data-driven decisions about their farming practices.
The evolution of drone technology has been rapid, with improvements in drone size, capacity, and battery efficiency. Aboubacar Karim, the founder of Investiv, explains that when the company first started, it used smaller drones that required many batteries for a single day’s work. However, with the development of larger drones capable of carrying more pesticides, the logistics involved in drone spraying have become more streamlined and efficient.
Overall, drones are revolutionizing agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire. By improving the efficiency of pesticide application, reducing costs, and increasing productivity, they are helping farmers meet the challenges of modern agriculture. As technology continues to evolve, drones are likely to play an even more central role in shaping the future of farming in the country.
