FAO Report “The Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security” Highlights Digital Agriculture as Key to Resilience

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has released its latest report, “The Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security: Digital Solutions for Reducing Risks and Impacts,” revealing that disasters have caused an estimated USD 3.26 trillion in agricultural losses over the past three decades. Increasingly frequent and overlapping shocks—ranging from climate extremes to conflict—are placing unprecedented pressure on agrifood systems worldwide. Strengthening how risks are measured and understood is therefore critical, with global datasets such as FAOSTAT providing the foundation for tracking long-term impacts on agrifood systems. 

The report underscores a critical transition from reactive crisis response to proactive risk management. Digital technologies—such as satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence and mobile advisory tools—are enabling real-time, localized insights that allow farmers and policymakers to anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate.  

 
Early warning and risk mapping systems like Global Information and Early Warning System and Data in Emergencies Monitoring play a central role in identifying emerging threats and supporting timely interventions, while tools like WaPOR enable near-real-time monitoring of water stress and agricultural productivity. 

A key message of the report is also that data must be transformed into actionable insights. Climate and natural resource management tools such as OpenForis and AQUASTAT support countries in assessing vulnerabilities, managing water resources and strengthening evidence-based planning. 

Digital innovation is also transforming how information reaches farmers. Integrated advisory platforms—including SEED Hub, AgriTech Observatory and Digital AgriHub Dashboard—provide tailored, context-specific guidance to improve productivity, reduce input costs and strengthen climate resilience. 

Beyond crops, digital tools are essential for managing broader agrifood system risks. Disease surveillance platforms such as EMPRES-i+ support early detection and response to transboundary animal diseases, while food security monitoring frameworks like the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification enable coordinated responses to crises and inform policy and humanitarian action. 

However, FAO stresses that technology alone is not sufficient. Ensuring equitable access, strengthening institutional frameworks and adopting human-centred design approaches are essential to making digital solutions effective and scalable, particularly for vulnerable populations. 

Looking ahead 

As agrifood systems face increasingly complex and interconnected risks, scaling integrated digital solutions will be essential to move from crisis response to anticipatory resilience. To stay updated on similar innovations and digital solutions in agriculture, FAO continues to share knowledge, tools and data through its global platforms and partnerships. 

Read the report: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cd7185en