From weather updates and access to real-time market data, to the use of robotics, to help with harvesting — digital tools can be a boost for farmers by helping their production run more smoothly and efficiently.
But for many smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries and territories digital agriculture tools are often out of reach. Máximo Torero Cullen, chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization, told Devex about how making these innovations more accessible could help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and discussed what FAO is doing to support access.
It’s an issue that has taken on particular importance in the context of increasing pressure on global food systems due to conflicts and the fallout from COVID-19 lockdowns, causing food shortages and supply chain issues.
Ian Proudfoot, the global head of agribusiness at KPMG and based in New Zealand, has worked on analyzing the risks facing the food and agriculture landscape. He agrees with Torero Cullen that lack of access to digital solutions is part of the challenge and is prompting organizations to “think about what they can do to enhance food security and equity.”
“The explosion KPMG firms are observing in the application of digital solutions to food production systems is enhancing the ability of farmers and growers to meet global demand for nutritious, affordable food,” Proudfoot told Devex.
“The challenge society faces is that many solutions are not widely accessible to smallholder farmers — due to distribution channels, digital accessibility, IP restrictions, or cost — and as a consequence we live in a world with an increasing ability to feed itself but growing levels of food insecurity and inequity.”
“KPMG’s global agri-food network is working with member firm clients to think beyond their existing business models, to explore how distribution channels, product functionality, and pricing can be reimagined to make leading farm system innovation available to smallholder farmers around the world,” Proudfoot said.
He added that the goal of the network is to create a “win-win approach that makes innovative technologies, which improve crop yield and resilience available to more farmers, while unlocking new markets for clients, and delivers enhanced food security and equity to society.”
Watch the video above for more from FAO’s Torero Cullen on how digital agriculture can support global food security.
Visit the Tech for Tomorrow series for more coverage on how technology plays a key role in delivering solutions to a broad number of global development challenges. The time to bridge the gap is now. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #TechForTomorrow.
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