FAO launches Regional AI Dialogue to strengthen data ecosystems for agrifood systems in the NENA region

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched the Regional AI Dialogue for Agrifood Systems in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, beginning with its first webinar on “Data Ecosystems for AI in Agrifood Systems.”

The webinar opened with remarks by Abdulhakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, who underlined the importance of strong data foundations to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence in addressing the region’s agrifood challenges.

“AI is only as powerful as the data that feeds it. Strengthening data ecosystems is therefore essential to unlock its full potential for agrifood systems. This requires investing in data infrastructure, building national capacities, and ensuring that data is managed and shared in a way that is inclusive, farmer-centered and respectful of rights,” he said.

Agrifood systems across the NENA region are facing increasing challenges, including climate variability, water scarcity, land degradation and rapid population growth. While artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant potential to support more efficient, resilient and data-driven agrifood systems, its effectiveness depends on the availability and quality of data.

Although valuable agricultural data exists across ministries, research institutions, the private sector and farming communities, it often remains fragmented and difficult to access, limiting its use for decision-making and innovation. Participants noted that this fragmentation, along with limited interoperability and weak governance, remains a key constraint to scaling AI applications in the region.

The webinar brought together policymakers, researchers, innovators and private sector actors to examine the current state of agricultural data systems, identify key challenges related to governance and interoperability, and share emerging initiatives and good practices.

Discussions pointed to the need for stronger digital public infrastructure, including farmer registries, interoperable platforms and clear data-sharing frameworks, as essential enablers of AI-ready agrifood systems. Participants also explored practical ways to improve data integration, including enhanced institutional coordination and investments in digital capacities.

The importance of collaboration across sectors was highlighted to ensure that data-driven solutions effectively respond to the needs of farmers and agrifood stakeholders. In this context, emphasis was also placed on developing farmer-centred and locally relevant AI solutions, supported by stronger institutional capacity and better use of available data.

Emerging technologies, including Earth Observation and AI-powered advisory tools, were identified as promising approaches to transform data into actionable insights, supporting farmers and policymakers in addressing climate risks and improving productivity.

This first session marks the beginning of a broader regional dialogue that will address key enablers and barriers to AI adoption in agrifood systems, including human capacities, governance frameworks, advisory services, value chains and financing.

“Strong data ecosystems are the foundation for unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence in agrifood systems. By improving how data is shared and used, we can support better decision-making, enhance resilience and drive innovation across the region,” said Faten Adada, Agriculture and Rural Development Expert and day-to-day manager of the Rural Transformation Team at FAO RNE.

Through this initiative, FAO aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders and support countries in developing more integrated, inclusive and effective data systems to accelerate agrifood systems transformation in the NENA region.