Automation for weed control in least developed Countries (LDCs)

Abstract

The state of the art in automation for weed control makes it foreseeable that the rate of adoption of these technologies will increase significantly in developed countries within the next decade, as specific applications that are effective and affordable become available. For least developed countries (LDCs), international cooperation must be sought in order to avoid a steep increase in the technology divide. Furthermore, automated weed control could play a significant role in supporting the adoption of weed control strategies that are less damaging to the environment while helping improve food supplies for LDCs. However, since the agricultural systems are rather diverse in these countries, several aid programs will be needed. As these programs develop, stories of success by early adopters could play an important role in promoting widespread use of these technologies among LDCs.