Digital Transformation and Innovation in Agriculture
Access to digital tools and training opportunities creates new possibilities for rural communities, particularly in areas far from major urban centres. With this objective, a South-South Cooperation pilot project involving FAO, the Government of China and CELAC strengthened the digital capacities of rural communities in northern Uruguay.
In Uruguay, the initiative was implemented between 2023 and 2024 together with the Directorate-General for Rural Development of the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (DGDR-MGAP), in collaboration with the National Commission for Rural Development. The project was carried out in rural comunities in the Basalto Superficial area.
Through the installation of technological equipment, improved connectivity and training activities, the initiative sought to promote the social and economic inclusion of rural communities. A total of 11 Community Digital Centres were established and equipped with laptops, mobile phones, routers, antennas and tools for videoconferencing and access to online services. The premises were also upgraded, and community representatives were trained to manage the equipment and provide support to local residents.
Among the main results, nine workshops and training sessions were held, involving 163 participants, 98 of whom — 60 percent — were women. The sessions covered topics such as the use of digital equipment, personal data protection, access to public services and the use of online banking.
Beyond providing access to technology, the project strengthened coordination among rural organizations, public institutions and local communities. Local participation in the planning and management of the centres encouraged community ownership, while the involvement of women and young people in some of the management teams helped consolidate local capacities.
In this way, the initiative expanded access to services, information and new forms of participation in rural areas. It also laid the foundations for a sustainable and scalable digital inclusion model aimed at strengthening local capacities and creating greater opportunities for people living and working in these communities.