Precision technologies, supporting the agroecological transition and improving working conditions for workers in livestock farms?

• Title: "Precision technologies, supporting the agroecological transition and improving working conditions for workers in livestock farms?"; INRAE.
  • PhD student: Nouria Compaore.
  • Affiliated unit: INRAE, UMR 1273 – Territoires.
  • Co-supervision:
    • Nathalie Hostiou (INRAE);
    • Philippe Jeanneaux (INRAE).
  • Doctoral school: AgroParisTech.
  • Project duration: 2024–2027.

Project summary:

This doctoral project explores the possible use of precision livestock farming in the agroecological transition to improve the working conditions of farmers and the overall performance of their farms. Agroecology does not necessarily lead to better working conditions (work time, complexity, mental load, knowledge). Precision livestock farming tools, with artificial intelligence and algorithms, are transforming work on farms. These technologies could aid the agroecological transition of farms by reducing workloads, offering more flexible schedules, and assisting in managing complex situations. However, for other aspects of work critical to the agroecological transition, such as decision-making autonomy, relationships with animals, and access to and financing of these new technologies, reservations and questions need to be explored. The project will allow us to consider the coexistence of often-opposed agricultural models: agroecology and digital agriculture. The central question is to understand the co-evolution between the development trajectories of equipment and digital technologies and the transformation of farms in terms of working conditions and economic viability in the context of greening agricultural practices.