It is commonly assumed that digitization will transform developing economies for the better, but what are the required conditions for this to happen in each country, and who is likely to benefit? The CGIAR Digital Innovation Initiative is developing answers to such questions using a new digital readiness assessment methodology, recently applied in Guatemala. For the assessment, the local digital
Photo: Rajita Kulkarni (Sri Sri University President)(l) and Ranjitha Puskur (International Rice Research Institute)(r) at the online course inauguration The CGIAR Initiative on Digital Innovation has partnered with Sri Sri University in Cuttack, Odisha to launch an International Certificate Course on Digital Agriculture. The online course is targeted at young scientists and researchers pursuing their bachelor’s degree in either agriculture,
Digital innovations have the potential to transform agri-food systems, but work is needed to ensure they benefit resource-poor farmers, women and youth. This is the focus of ICTforAg 2023: Cultivating Inclusion (conference registration now open) and a new Inspire Challenge providing grants to digital agri-food services and programs to improve gender balance in their current operations. Quick links: Register for
Researchers at the Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT and the University of Galway have developed a method to track agricultural adaptation to climate change from the global to the farm level using satellite remote sensing. The “Biomass Climate Adaptation Index” overcomes challenges that until now have prevented progress assessment of climate change goals and will enable more responsive investments and interventions to
Several CGIAR experts have been confirmed to speak at the upcoming ICTforAg 2023 conference, taking place 7-9 November (registration open). ICTforAg is an online event where agrifood system stakeholders, technology experts, and enthusiasts gather to share knowledge, find solutions, and form partnerships to address challenges in agrifood systems across low and middle-income countries. Under theme of cultivating inclusion, 9 keynote
The CGIAR Digital Innovation Initiative together with Excellence in Agronomy is launching the uxtools4Ag toolkit supporting CGIAR researchers to plan and execute state of the art user research to foster human-centered innovation development. Top photo credit: Mariette McCampbell Agricultural researchers are increasingly developing digital solutions to transform the livelihoods of farmers in low- to middle-income countries. However, it has proven
A proposed framework and innovative digital inclusivity index aim to address marginalization. By Felix Ouko Opola, Simon Langan, Indika Arulingam, Niyati Singaraju, Deepa Joshi, Charlotte Schumann, Inga Jacobs-Mata and Karen Nortje. Originally posted at IWMI.cgiar.org Who gets left behind in the digital transformation? If you are reading this, you have access to a smart digital device and have the ways
By Jawoo Koo, CGIAR Initiative on Digital Innovation Lead. Photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan / CCAFS Agricultural extension services play a crucial role in supporting 570 million small-scale farmers worldwide, contributing to food security and rural development through the dissemination of technical advice and best practices. These vital services, however, often face significant challenges, including weak institutional capacity, inadequate reach, and