Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

    • Proposed Design for the Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) Knowledge Base (KB)

      Nepal C Dey1*, Md. Tofazzal Islam2, Wais Kabir3 and Bidyuth K Mahalder4

      1*Chief Investigator, Resilient Agrifood System Research, Research and Entrepreneurship Development, Dhaka 1216 & *Fellow, AGU Fellow Mentoring Network, American Geophysical Union, Washington, DC 20009-1227

      2Institute of Biotechnology and Genetics Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur -1706 

      3Former Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), &

      Consultant, CIMMYT, Dhaka Bangladesh

      4 Chief of Party, Bangladesh Climate Smart Project, ACDI/VOCA, Dhaka, Bangladesh

      Introduction

      The global food system faces growing challenges in meeting the demands of a rising population. The  Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) offers opportunities to enhance food production and trade, particularly for smallholder farmers, while also contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

      The agricultural sector in developing countries, particularly in South Asia, including Bangladesh, is highly susceptible to natural calamities such as cyclones, floods, and droughts, which are exacerbated by climate change and fragile ecosystems. Coastal communities are increasingly affected by soil erosion and saline water intrusion due to rising sea levels, threatening their livelihoods. Low-lying areas, where two-thirds of the land remain submerged over six months, offer limited scope for agricultural production, often restricting farmers to a single crop cycle. This constraint exacerbates poverty in many South Asian countries, particularly in Bangladesh. Moreover, the overuse of chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides accelerates soil nutrient depletion and fertility loss, further reducing the availability of arable land.

      Water management is critical, as agriculture consumes 80% of available water. Efficient agricultural water use, groundwater conservation, and improved surface irrigation practices are essential. Effective water governance and management should be prioritized. By doing so, the adverse impacts of climate change can be significantly mitigated. Shortening food value chains (FVCs) is crucial to lowering transaction costs, minimizing food loss, enhancing food safety, and environmental sustainability. Strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities for perishable, nutrient-rich foods—such as fruits, vegetables, and non-cereal crops—will improve FVC efficiency and meet rising domestic demand.

      In the aforementioned context within an era of rapid globalization and environmental uncertainty, the design of an effective Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) Knowledge Base (KB) is essential for promoting sustainable food systems. The ATIO Knowledge Base should adopt a user-centered design approach, ensuring it addresses the diverse needs of stakeholders involved in agrifood systems. This proposed design is prepared based on a comprehensive review of the literature using OpenAI (2024) ChatGPT driven search tools, the extensive experience of the authors, and insights from published research.

      In recent years, digital technologies have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing agricultural extension services [Deichmann et al. 2016; Ortiz-Crespo et al. 2020; Mohammad and Dey, 2024). The rise of digitalization has enabled agri-tech entrepreneurs and startups to develop innovative business models tailored for smallholder farmers, reducing transaction and discovery costs (FAO, 2015). These emerging digital agriculture technologies have the potential to transform service delivery, improve decision-making, enhance value addition, and boost productivity, profitability, resilience, and sustainability across the food supply chain.

      A recent study by Mohammad and Dey (2024) reviewed and proposed policies on improving agro-food system technologies, including digital applications in Bangladesh across various sectors. Crop advisory services, such as the Digital Crop Calendar and BRRI Rice Knowledge Bank, support farmers with essential information. Agronomic and agro-meteorological advisory platforms, including the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), and Krishi-call-centre-16123, provide real-time guidance (DAE, BARC). Agri-mechanization is facilitated by BRRI Machineries Bangladesh, while soil, seed, fertilizer, and irrigation advisory services are offered through SRDI and Mrittika apps (SRDI, BADC). Agribusiness and agri-marketing platforms like Sadai and Krishi Bazar enhance market access (DAM). Additionally, agri-finance is supported by the Farmer Loan app, and specialized applications cater to floriculture, fisheries, and animal science, including Motshyo Poramorsho and BLRI FeedMaster (BLRI, BdFISH).

      Alam & Wagner (2013) examined a digital procurement system for Bangladeshi sugarcane producers, replacing paper-based orders with SMS-based transactions, improving efficiency and transparency. Chakraborty et al. (2022) developed e-Farmers’ Hut, an e-commerce platform enabling direct transactions between farmers and consumers, though challenges like internet accessibility persist. Ahmed (2022) highlighted iFarmer, an agri-tech platform providing financing, insurance, market access, and advisory services, while Tonmoy (2023) detailed its Sofol and Kri-Shop apps for financial requests and input delivery. New Age (2023) reported on iFarmer’s Agri Machinery Experience Centers, offering hands-on training and after-sales support.

      The increasing adoption of digital solutions, such as mobile applications, remote sensing, and data analytics, offers real-time insights into weather patterns, pest outbreaks, and market prices. However, recent studies indicate significant duplication of digital agriculture services by public, private, and technology companies, highlighting the need for greater coordination and inclusive collaboration among supply-side actors. Moving forward, further research is essential to assess the impact of existing digital agriculture solutions and their effectiveness in supporting intended beneficiaries (Mohammad and Dey, 2024).

      The ATIO is transforming agriculture, integrating smartphones, IoT, AI, blockchain, robotics, drones, and networked data systems. All these integrated innovations enhance productivity, streamline supply chains, reduce costs, and accelerate market access. The technological transformation empowers farmers with advanced tools for crop, fisheries, and livestock management, enabling data-driven decision-making and real-time troubleshooting.

      Below is an outline of the proposed design, including use cases and user preferences, to guide its development.

      1. Use Cases for ATIO KB

      These use cases highlight how different users might interact with the ATIO KB:

      A. Policymakers and Government Officials

      • Access updated data-driven insights and evidence-based policy recommendations on agrifood system innovations.

      • Summarized reports, policy briefs, interactive dashboards, and scenario analysis tools.

      Preferred Features:

      • Quick search and filtering options.

      • Policy recommendations based on real-world case studies.

      • Access to model simulations and forecasts.

      B. Researchers and Academics

      • Explore empirical studies, methodologies, global trends in agrifood technologies, and local adoption or practices.

      • Peer-reviewed articles, data repositories, advanced analytical tools.

      Preferred Features:

      • Advanced search for research publications.

      • Data visualization tools.

      • Citation export functionalities.

      C. Agribusiness and Private Sector

      • Identify market trends, investment opportunities, producers’ challenges, and technological innovations.

      • Business intelligence insights, technology adoption trends, funding opportunities.

      Preferred Features:

      • Market intelligence reports.

      • Innovation tracking system.

      • Networking opportunities with technology providers.

      D. Farmers and Extension Workers

      • Find practical, location-specific technologies and innovations to improve productivity, nutrient rich, and resilience.

      • Simple, actionable guidelines, video tutorials, mobile-friendly access. 

      • Technology like SMS, Automated Call and Interactive Voice Response can be used to give access to information, disseminate awareness and alert to technically challenged farmers who don't even have access to smart devices and the internet but have feature phones.

      Preferred Features:

      • Multilingual content with practical recommendations.

      • Offline access for low-connectivity regions.

      • Case studies of successful technology adoption.

      E. Development Organizations and NGOs

      • Design programs that support sustainable agrifood innovations in vulnerable communities.

      • Impact assessments, identify best practices, project implementation guides, funding mechanisms.

      Preferred Features:

      • Open-access reports on successful interventions.

      • Tools to measure the sustainability and scalability of innovations.

      • Publication of innovation for global audience

      • Community forum for knowledge exchange.

      2. Users’ Preferences to Guide the ATIO KB Design

      To ensure usability and relevance, ATIO KB should incorporate the following design principles:

      • User-friendly Interface: Intuitive navigation, clean UI, and accessibility for all users, including those with limited digital literacy.

      • Interactivity & Customization: Dashboards that allow users to personalize information based on interests and regions.

      • Data-Driven Insights: Real-time analytics, trend visualization, and downloadable datasets.

      • Integration with Existing Knowledge Systems: Links to FAO, CGIAR, AMISDP and other global databases.

      • Multilingual and Multimedia Support: Content in multiple languages with infographics, videos, and podcasts.

      • Mobile Optimization: Ensuring accessibility on low-bandwidth mobile networks for rural users.

      • Collaboration and Networking Features: Forums, expert Q&A sections, and partnerships with universities and research centers.

      By aligning the use cases with users’ preferences, the ATIO Knowledge Base can serve as a comprehensive, dynamic, and user-centered platform that accelerates the adoption of agrifood technologies and innovations globally.

      References

      Deichmann, U., Goyal, A., & Mishra, D. (2016). Will digital technologies transform agriculture in developing countries? Agricultural Economics, 47(S1), 21–33. doi:10.1111/agec.12300.

      Ortiz-Crespo, B., Steinke, J., Quirós, C. F., van de Gevel, J., Daudi, H., Gaspar Mgimiloko, M., & van Etten, J. (2020). User-centred design of a digital advisory service: enhancing public agricultural extension for sustainable intensification in Tanzania. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 1–17. doi:10.1080/14735903.2020.1720474

      Mohammad, I. and Dey, N.C. (2024). Digital Agriculture Innovations in Bangladesh: A Situational Analysis and Pathways for Future Development. Thunderbird International Business Review, 2024; 0:1–25. https://doi.org/10.1002/tie.22421.

      FAO (2015). FAOSTAT. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Rome. Available at: http://faostat3.fao.org.

      Alam, M. M., & Wagner, C. (2013). Assessing the impact of digital procurement via Mobile phone on the agribusiness of rural Bangladesh: a decision-analytic approach. Agribusiness and Information Management, 5(1), 31-41.

      Chakraborty, S., Shamrat, F. J. M., Islam, M. S., Kabir, F., Khan, A. N., & Khater, A. (2022, April). Implementing E-Commerce Mobile and Web Application for Agricultural Products: e-Farmers' Hut. In 2022 6th International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics (ICOEI) (pp. 976-984). IEEE.

      Ahmed, S. (2022). iFarmer: Reshaping farmers’ lives, becoming a one-step agro-solution. The Business Post. Available at https://businesspostbd.com/business-connect/ifarmer-reshaping-farmers-lives-becoming-a-one-step-agro-solution-2022-11-13

      Tonmoy, S. R. (2023). iFarmer: The tech-enabled one-stop solution for smallholder farmers. The Daily Star. Available at https://www.thedailystar.net/supplements/accelerating-bangladesh/news/ifarmer-the-tech-enabled-one-stop-solution-smallholder-farmers-3263131

      New Age. (2023, October 15). iFarmer launches Agri Machinery Experience centres in Bogura, Jaipurhat. Newagebd.Net. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.newagebd.net/article/215013/ifarmer-launches-agri-machinery…

      OpenAI (2024) ChatGPT (Feb 11 version). Available at: https://openai.com (Accessed: 11 February 2025).