Smart Farming

FAO projects and tools on Smart Farming

Smart Farming

The FAO Smart Farming approach empowers small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods through good horticultural practices using affordable technologies and efficient resource management, enabling them to produce more and better food with less inputs. 

AQUASTAT, FAO's Global Information System on Water and Agriculture

AQUASTAT provides standardized water and irrigation data enabling data‑driven decisions to optimize water use, improve efficiency and support sustainable resource stewardship in smart farming systems.

WaPOR, remote sensing for water productivity

WaPOR supports the smart farming approach through satellite-based data on crop water use and productivity, enabling evidence-based decisions for more efficient irrigation, improved yields and sustainable resource management.

ABC-Map, the Adaptation, Biodiversity and Carbon Mapping Tool

ABC-Map is a digital mapping tool that helps users explore adaptation, biodiversity and carbon data, supporting more informed planning and sustainable land-use decisions in agriculture and landscapes.

Digital Transformation for Inclusive Rural and Agrifood Systems

FAO’s work on digital transformation in the Near East and North Africa shows how digital tools are improving agricultural practices. FAO promotes digital transformation as a cross-cutting enabler that strengthens participation in agrifood value chains.

Global Agro-Ecological Zones

The Global Agro-Ecological Zones (GAEZ) platform provides data and analytical tools to assess land suitability and agricultural potential, supporting better planning and more informed farming decisions.

Integrated Landscape Assessment Methodology

The Integrated Landscape Assessment Methodology (ILAM) provides the data, analysis and participatory decision-making framework needed to support sustainable, climate-resilient and evidence-based agricultural and land-use management.

DIGICHILD Initiative

DIGICHILD complements smart farming technologies that already track production, labour demand and seasonal activities, helping identify where and when children may be at risk of entering child labour.

Sustainable Forest Management Impact Program on Dryland Sustainable Landscapes

The Sustainable Forest Management Impact Program on Dryland Sustainable Landscapes (DSL-IP) promotes integrated, data-driven and climate-resilient landscape approaches that support sustainable food production while restoring ecosystems.