A global study highlights the challenges and needs of farmers amid climate change, digitalization, and more.
A recent study conducted with 2,000 farmers from eight countries has shed some light on what farmers rely on, what they look forward to, and shows the digital divide between some countries’ farming practices.
Seventy-five percent of farmers are already impacted by climate change or worried about its impacts, and 71% of them report reduced yields as a major concern, according to a press release. Six out of 10 have already experienced significant revenue loss due to weather events out of the norm recently. Farmers rely on innovation as a key part of the solution, with 75% open to adopting new technologies to tackle climate change. The drive for higher yields, more resilient farms, and safeguarded livelihoods is fueling the growing interest in and adoption of regenerative and tech-driven farming practices.
These are some of the key findings from the 2024 Farmer Voice survey, a study among 2,000 farmers across Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the United States, conducted by global market research firm Kynetec on behalf of Bayer. The release notes that the study reveals the challenges, aspirations, and needs of farmers in times of climate change, digitalization, and economic and political volatility.
Farmers’ biggest challenges today stem from volatility and uncertainty. Looking ahead to the next three years, over a third identified weather volatility or extreme weather events (37%) and price/income fluctuations (36%) as their top three concerns. While these issues remained consistent with 2023, this year’s survey highlighted a significant rise in concerns over political or regulatory decisions, with 29 percent of farmers naming this as a top three challenge—double the number from last year.
This aligns with farmers’ responses when asked about the most beneficial factors for their farms in the future. Access to innovations such as crop protection (41%) and seeds and traits (36%) were top priorities. However, farmers also strongly emphasized the importance of regulatory and policy changes, with 36 percent ranking them as a top three benefit for the future.
Farmers Embrace Digital Technologies to Tackle Challenges, Improve Their Business
Digitalization offers a key solution to overcoming various challenges and boosting farming productivity. Nearly two-thirds of farmers are already using digital tools, with another 25% planning to adopt them in the future. These tools are being utilized globally for diverse purposes, such as forecasting, optimizing farm decisions, and precision application. The main drivers behind digital adoption are economic: 88% are motivated by the potential for improved crop yields, 85 percent by cost savings, and 84% by enhanced crop quality. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming practices is also a priority, with 79% viewing it as a key benefit, reflecting farmers’ commitment to land stewardship.
A noticeable digital divide exists between countries with a higher proportion of smallholder farmers and other markets. On a global scale, 65% of farmers are currently using digital tools, but the adoption rates are lower in some countries: 49% in China, 42% in Kenya, and only 8% in India. However, farmers in these regions are planning to adopt more digital tools in the future, with 27% in China, 42% in Kenya, and 85% in India intending to do so. Along with their openness to digital technologies, farmers are also eager to learn, especially about AI. While 72% have limited knowledge of current AI applications in agriculture, nearly two-thirds (62%) are keen to learn more.
More than 90% of farmers are incorporating at least one regenerative farming practice into their operations. On average, farmers are using nearly seven out of 17 common regenerative practices, indicating that there’s still room for broader adoption. The most widely implemented practices include crop rotation, enhancing soil fertility through nutrient additions, and monitoring soil health.
Smallholder Farmers in India and Indonesia Face Challenges but Stay Confident
A separate survey of 1,450 smallholder farmers in India and Indonesia, conducted by Q&Q Research Insights, highlights key challenges. Indian farmers most often cite the increased threat of crop damage from pests, diseases, and resistance (41%), while Indonesian farmers struggle primarily with high fertilizer costs (73%). Both groups are facing rising input costs and the growing impact of climate change.
Around 80% of farmers in both countries are using at least one regenerative practice. Indian farmers average 4-5 practices, while Indonesian farmers use 2-3. Key barriers to adopting more practices include limited knowledge and financial resources, though there is strong interest in expanding their use.
Despite the challenges, smallholder farmers in India and Indonesia remain optimistic. 89% of Indian farmers and 91% of Indonesian farmers view farming as a valuable career, taking pride in their role in securing food for the future.
Farmers Believe Their Work Is Critical and Want to Be Heard
The positive mindset of smallholder farmers in India and Indonesia is echoed in the global Farmer Voice survey. Despite facing numerous challenges, farmers recognize the future potential and value of their work. They view themselves as essential to food security (95%) and believe they deserve more recognition for their role (91%). Additionally, they see their work as vital for society (94%), with two-thirds willing to encourage future generations to pursue farming as a career.
The Farmer Voice report is available at: go.bayer.com/FarmerVoice
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