Drone piloting project reshapes Africa's agricultural productivity

The long-term goal of the training programme is to have a total of 400 young drone pilots trained by 2021.

After accumulating 20 hours of flight time and passing the practical flight, the pilots obtained a drone pilot certificate recognised by the Tunisian government. The four best trainees will undergo further training for eight weeks to accumulate 100 hours of flight time. This will make them eligible to take the certification examination and qualify as drone pilot trainers.

The pilot project on the use of drones for agricultural development projects in the Sidi Bouzid region (central Tunisia), is financed by a grant from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC), under the management of the African Development Bank and Busan Techno Park. Busan Techno Park has already tested the drones for efficacy in managing similar urban projects.

Drones have been used in agriculture to provide fast and accurate data, helping to improve decision-making at all stages of a project, from preparation to implementation and evaluation.