E-Agriculture Strategy Guide

Strengthening the e-agriculture environment and developing ICT-mediated agricultural solutions for countries in Asia-Pacific

WHAT THE PROJECT DOES

This project addresses the challenges that impede the deployment of appropriate ICT for agricultural development solutions at large scale. By adopting a holistic approach the project focuses on working with governments to not only develop their national e-agriculture strategies but also to support them in developing and implementing some of the high priority ICT for agriculture solutions/services identified in the strategy (in partnership with other developing partners). These priority services hold the most promising potential impact for improved agriculture outcomes in areas such as research-extension-farmer agricultural communication, inclusive financial services, market prices access, efficient use of natural resources etc.

This project provides technical assistance and e-agriculture strategy development for the following countries:

  • Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji – Phase 1 & 2: Support and technical assistance in developing their National E-agriculture Strategy (Phase 1) and also in designing, developing and implementing high priority services for e-agriculture as identified under Phase 1 (Phase 2)
  • Sri Lanka and Bhutan – Phase 2: Support in designing, developing and implementing high priority services for e-agriculture as identified in Phase 1 funded by TCP/RAS/3505 Baby 1.

FOCUS ON 3 MAIN ACTIONS

  • Develop a national e-agriculture strategy including a vision and strategic recommendations for sustainable implementation of ICT in agricultural services to address the challenges in achieving the national agricultural goals.
  • Design, develop and implement high priority ICTs in agriculture services and solutions 
  • Build capacities at the national level to develop an e-agriculture strategy and to identify and develop sustainable ICT in agricultural services and solutions.

The project contributes to the following priority areas of Country Programming Framework in target countries:

Papua New Guinea - National Medium Term Priority Framework (2010 – 2014)

Papua New Guinea - National Medium Term Priority Framework (2010 – 2014)

Policies (Priority Area 1) 

Outcomes:

  1. Strengthened policy, legal, regulatory and strategic frameworks for sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries development; 
  2. Strengthened capacity in data collection, management and analysis; and 
  3. Strengthened capacity for policy analysis and strategic/programme planning and Institutions. 

Bhutan (2014-2018)

Bhutan (2014-2018)

  • Developing and implementing effective agricultural policies and building institutional capacity (Priority Area 1)
  • Strengthening RNR Information management and Communication system (Priority Area 3)

Sri Lanka (2013-2017)

Sri Lanka (2013-2017)

  • Achieving sustainable food and nutrition security in the country while developing the livelihood of rural agricultural sector (Priority Area 1)

Philippines (2012-2018)

Philippines (2012-2018)

  • Enhancing agricultural production and productivity (Priority Areas 2)
  • Improving agricultural adaptation from climate change and disaster risks (Priority Areas 4)

Pacific Multi-Country (2013-2017)

Pacific Multi-Country (2013-2017)

Output 1.1: Strengthened capacity to develop an Agriculture Policy – and e-agriculture strategy is part of the agricultural policy.

The project contributes to the request made by member countries at the 32nd APRC to "improve the opportunities and resources available to women and youth so that they can maximize their contributions to creating a dynamic agricultural sector."

It also contributes to all the Asia-Pacific regional priorities 2010-2019:

  • Strengthening food and nutritional security; 
  • Fostering agricultural productivity and rural development;
  • Enhancing equitable, productive and sustainable natural resource management and utilization;
  • Improving capacity to respond to food and agricultural threats and emergencies;
  • Coping with the impact of climate change on agriculture and food and nutritional security.