Question 1. What are the potential entry points for governments to address challenges and foster the development of digital agriculture?
In addition to the challenges listed in the concept note are the lack of systems thinking and less reference to indigenous knowledge even at the design stage of digital innovations in agricultural systems. Given the dichotomy in digital literacy in the global north and south, governments must aim for a bottom-up approach to policy design and aim for a citizen-centered policy-making process in contrast to what is currently pursued in most countries especially in the global south. Like the proposed council for food and agriculture, governments must set up policy venues within food producing centers and measure the transformation process of integral digitization of agriculture from farm to fork.
Question 2. How can the establishment of the Digital Council address the numerous barriers to adoption of these technologies?
Be Reflexive: the council must periodically reflect on propositions made to quickly adapt to fast changes in the digital innovation landscape.
Be Anticipatory: Be forward-looking and potentially predict future the phase of digital agriculture through proactive thinking.
Question 3: Do you think that the roles identified for the Digital Council are suitable for facing the food systems challenges outlined above?
The council must have 'advocacy' clearly stipulated in their roles and function to ensure they play a significant role in engaging governments and key actors in drawing attention to the need for investment in digital agriculture as equally as peace and security.
Dr. Bonaventure Andy Nyamekye