Agritech (Agricultural Technology)

By the end, you can explain the main agritech tools (precision agriculture, sensors, drones and farm data), use free tools to analyse a field or farm problem, and present a simple technology plan for a farm.

Job-ready skillAbout 50 hours3 stagesFree

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Agritech is the use of technology such as sensors, GPS, drones, data and mobile apps to help farmers grow more with less water, fertiliser and cost. Agriculture is a major employer in South Africa, and tools that save water and reduce risk are increasingly important for both commercial and small-scale farmers.

Turn on JavaScript to track your progress. The lessons are:FoundationsUnderstand what precision agriculture is and how GPS, sensors, yield maps and variable-rate application help farmers.Task: Write a one-page explainer for a local farmer on precision agriculture: what it is, three tools it uses (for example GPS guidance, soil moisture sensors, drone or satellite imagery) and one way each could save money or water on a South African farm.Core skillsLearn to collect and use farm data: soil, weather, water and crop records, and simple analysis in a spreadsheet.Task: Create a free Google Sheets farm record for one crop (or a school or community garden) covering planting date, inputs, watering, rainfall and yield. Add a chart and write three things the data tells you and one decision you would change because of it.Applied practiceDesign a realistic, low-cost technology plan for a real farm or community garden.Task: Visit or interview a farmer or community garden. Identify their biggest problem (for example water use, pests or record keeping) and write a short technology plan: the tool you suggest, its rough cost, how it would be used, and how you would measure whether it worked.

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What competent looks like

Can explain precision agriculture and name at least five agritech tools and their uses
Can keep accurate farm records in a spreadsheet and chart them
Can draw a practical conclusion from yield, rainfall or water data
Can recommend a low-cost technology for a specific farm problem and justify it
Knows that commercial drone use requires a SACAA Remote Pilot Licence

The South African route

Agritech is not one regulated profession: people enter through agriculture diplomas or degrees, agricultural learnerships, or technical and data skills applied to farming. Flying drones commercially in South Africa requires a Remote Pilot Licence from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). A portfolio of farm data projects and technology plans is the best way to prove the skill at entry level.

Free resources

FAO elearning Academy (free certified courses on agriculture, water, soils and food systems)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

These links go to free courses and sites run by other organisations. We chose them in October 2026 but do not run them, so check costs, dates and entry requirements on their site. Broken link? Tell us.

Jobs it can lead to

Farm data or records assistant
Precision agriculture technician assistant
Agricultural extension assistant
Irrigation technician assistant
Agritech field sales or support assistant