Digitalization of AgriFood Systems

Special Event: 11:00 - 12:45 CEST | Plenary Room, FAO Headquarters, Rome - Italy

Science, Technology and Innovation provide us with new solutions to the complex problems that we face today in our agrifood systems, with updated projections indicating that more than 670 million people will still be facing hunger in 2030. Intertwined with science and innovation, digital technologies, in particular, are having a profound impact on vulnerable populations and societies. New digital capabilities have transformational effects and enormous potential to positively affect agricultural and food markets through the world. This event aims to bring forward discussions on key topics about Digitalization of Agrifood Systems, through concrete examples of FAO's Digital capabilities as accelerators to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Four Betters.

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Background and Rationale

Information and Communication Technologies have tremendous potential to help agriculture to meet the growing demand for safe and nutritious food; better manage natural resources; contribute to high quality growth in productivity; ensure inclusion; and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Digital innovation holds indeed unique capabilities to bridge the rural divide, unlock employment opportunities, increase the resilience of rural areas and empower youth and women to access information, technology and markets.

In times of economic slowdown and uncertainty, FAO has a key role to play in promoting the use and adoption of digital technologies to facilitate the transformation of agrifood systems and agribusinesses, as well as in advising on and promoting a policy agenda and policy investments to address the digital divide and “massify” digital benefits, while making sure to leave no one behind.

Following its Digital Agriculture programme Priority Area, FAO has already introduced several programs and initiatives to translate this vision into concrete support and delivery for its Members States. To better progress along this path, and bring the benefits of digital innovation closer to the people, further promotion and enhanced collaboration are needed throughout the UN system and with all relevant stakeholders including the private sector.

But as data-driven agriculture promises many opportunities across the sector, we must still ensure that digital investments do not generate divide and global challenges still need to be tackled, especially for agri-food systems in low and middle-income countries through a joint collaboration and holistic perspective that will take into consideration elements including: data ownership concerns, accuracy, power asymmetry on one side, and barriers such as infrastructure, digital divide and capabilities on the other side