Digital technologies are obviously transforming agriculture and the food system for the better. Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, internet, mobile applications and digitally-delivered services have definitely increased and brought up innovation in the agriculture sector. Sustainability, efficient use of resources and employment and entrepreneurial opportunities have been attained, which result in increased agriculture production and productivity: Thus bringing up the commercialization of the agriculture sector. An International Digital Council is vital to assist all harness the opportunities presented by digitalization of agriculture.
Government, non-government and private organisations are involved in the agriculture sector and rural development, and the council should allow these entities to work together to give better service to the farming communities globally. The agriculture sector would be advantaged by enhanced efficiency, inter-connectivity of all entities involved and better and improved monitoring and evaluation.
As a monitoring and evaluation expert, digitalization emerges enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication processes. A system applied to retrieve information and knowledge for better decision-making should have ability to produce accurate, complete, consistent, valid, easily retrievable, unique and legitimate date. With monitoring and evaluation tools, lessons and recommendations to decisions are easily achievable. Trend and reflection of the "true" agriculture sector development can be observed.
All in all, the council should strongly include and involve the monitoring and evaluation as part for ability to provide recommendations and lessons to the involved stakeholders and entities involved in the agriculture sector and rural development for present and future implementation; and oversight of the activities of the processes different stages of the sector.
Sr. Leloko Tsita