ICTforAg Learning Network: annual report

Global South’s diverse agricultural practices, characterized by small-scale farming, face unique challenges and require customized solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability in the agri- food sector. The increasing digital divide, weak information systems, and limited infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, pose significant obstacles to productivity, profitability and food security. This digital divide, along with issues like fragmented systems that lack interoperability, ethical concerns around data privacy in AI, and the absence of collaborative spaces, slows down the adoption of innovative solutions. To address these barriers, a more collaborative approach is essential. In response, CIMMYT, under the CGIAR Initiative on Digital Innovation, developed Co-Lab. It is a community-driven platform that enables responsible ideation, innovation, validation, and scaling of digital innovation by connecting diverse individuals and groups. The platform’s main aim is to facilitate the co-creation of impactful, context-specific solutions that resonate with the unique needs of agricultural systems across the Global South. By fostering an environment of collaboration and partnership, Co-Lab aims to address the major issue of isolated digital innovation in agri-food systems. In January 2024, ICTforAg, the annual convening of agrifood system stakeholders, technology experts, and enthusiasts, adopted Co-Lab to extend its impact beyond the event. This initiative was branded as the ICTforAg Learning Network, a collaborative networking platform dedicated to democratizing the digital agri-food system through stakeholder engagement and collaboration. The platform fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among the actors to transform digital agri-food systems. The key pillars of the ICTforAg Learning Network include: 1) Virtual Collaborative Space, a hub that fosters collaboration and discussions among stakeholders of the digital agri-food systems 2) Innovation Showcase, a stage that features digital innovations from the Global South 3) Mentors Connect, a network facilitates peer-to-peer mentorship 4) AgroTutor Academy, a platform that hosts and delivers courses through online mode and WhatsAppThis report provides a space-specific overview of progress, emphasizing key events that marked significant milestones. It also reflects on the insights gained and outlines plans for the platform’s future development and activities.