Drones' Uses in Ethiopian Agriculture and Their Role in Innovating Future Farming

Drones are an emerging technology currently utilized in agriculture for various applications. However, drone adoption in Ethiopian agriculture remains limited, despite the sector's vital role in the country's economy. This study uniquely aims to identify the key factors driving the use of drone technology and the challenges hindering its widespread adoption in Ethiopia. The research employed focus group surveys for data collection. Questionnaires were created and distributed to 376 individuals working in organizations involved in drone-related activities, yielding 280 responses. The study highlights four main factors that emphasize the urgent need to deploy agricultural drones in Ethiopia: the irrigated wheat initiative, the Ethiopian Green Legacy, and the control of locusts and Tsetse flies. Additionally, the research uncovers several major challenges to drone adoption, including limited skills and knowledge among operators, lack of awareness, high initial costs, the absence of a drone-as-a-service business model, regulatory issues, small-scale farming practices, and the lack of commercial farming. It is essential to develop policies and strategies that promote large-scale commercial farming, tailored drone operation and maintenance training, increased awareness of drone technology and regulations, and the promotion of drones as a service to maximize the benefits of drone technology in Ethiopian agriculture. Keywords: Ethiopia, Drone, Wheat initiative, Green legacy, Locust, Tsetse