The relationship between artificial intelligence and food production in South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and food production in South Africa. Annual data for 1995–2024 are analyzed using the autoregressive distributed lag bounds-testing approach. The bounds test confirms a long-run relationship among food production, AI patents, inflation, population growth, and household income. The estimates indicate that AI has a positive and statistically significant association with food production in both the short and long run, although the magnitude is modest. The results remain robust when a COVID-19 dummy is incorporated: the AI coefficient remains positive, while the pandemic has a negative effect on food production. These findings suggest that AI innovation can support domestic food production, but its contribution depends on complementary infrastructure and adoption capacity. Policy should therefore prioritize reliable digital and energy infrastructure, agricultural data systems, technical skills, and affordable access to AI-enabled technologies, particularly for smaller producers.