In recent years, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has actively promoted its platform, the International System for Agricultural Science and Technology (AGRIS), in Latin America. This commitment to advancing agricultural research has culminated in the creation of the first AGRIS Hub in the region, hosted by Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas in Colombia.

Led by Cristian Chisaba, the Library Project Team Leader at the university, this AGRIS Hub is dedicated to supporting institutions across Colombia and the region to become data providers. This initiative not only amplifies the visibility of scientific research in the region but also fosters collaboration and innovation in agricultural sciences and technologies.

According to Chisaba, the decision to lead the AGRIS Hub was driven by the university's longstanding commitment to enhancing and showcasing Colombian science. “We saw AGRIS as an opportunity to integrate the wealth of scientific information in agricultural sciences and technologies available in the country. It made sense for us to take the lead in disseminating and supporting AGRIS,” he explains.

The hub serves as a central node, facilitating the sharing of scientific knowledge and enabling institutions to contribute their research to one of the largest databases of agricultural science in the world.

Becoming part of AGRIS has brought significant benefits to Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. The university has reinforced its position as a key player in strengthening scientific information networks in Colombia. Chisaba highlights that their leadership has enhanced communication between systems and boosted the dissemination of scientific information, earning the institution national recognition.

Moreover, the role of the AGRIS Hub has sparked enthusiasm among universities and research centers, which see AGRIS as a valuable platform to showcase their academic and scientific contributions. “The year 2024 was pivotal for introducing this supportive role in Colombia. We hope to advance in creating working groups that contribute to the development of scientific information in agricultural sciences and technologies,” Chisaba adds.

The AGRIS Hub has not only brought visibility but also inspired new practices among library staff and researchers. Efforts to standardize information management systems across the country are gaining traction, with librarians collaborating on best practices for publishing and disseminating scientific information.

For researchers, AGRIS has become a critical tool, integrating seamlessly into their research processes. This adoption reflects a broader cultural shift within the academic community towards leveraging global platforms to amplify local research.

Looking to the future
Looking ahead to 2025, the AGRIS Hub aims to expand its network further. The goal is ambitious yet promising: to ensure that at least 50% of universities, institutions, and research centers generating agricultural science data become active data providers to AGRIS.

However, challenges remain, particularly in reaching every corner of Colombia's vast and diverse geography. Connecting with institutions—both public and private—that conduct agricultural research is essential to extending AGRIS’s reach and impact.

An Invitation to Join the AGRIS Community
Cristian Chisaba extends an open invitation to universities and research centers that have yet to join AGRIS. “Becoming part of this global scientific information community will benefit institutions immensely. Joining AGRIS means becoming part of the world of agriculture and contributing to the largest database of agricultural sciences and technologies,” he says.

The establishment of the AGRIS Hub in Colombia serves as an example of how local leadership can drive regional progress. It highlights the importance of collaboration, the adoption of best practices, and the potential for global platforms like AGRIS to empower researchers and institutions alike.

The collaboration between FAO and Colombia through the establishment of the first AGRIS Hub in Latin America reflects FAO's unwavering commitment to making knowledge accessible to all. By empowering institutions to share and disseminate agricultural research, FAO not only strengthens scientific networks but also promotes innovation and sustainable development in the region. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support countries across Latin America, ensuring that vital information reaches those who need it most.