I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to connect virtually for the IFAD Innovation Talks on emerging technologies for rural people at the Africa Food Systems Forum, held on September 2, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda.
Highlights and Key Takeaways from the IFAD Innovation Talks -
1. Bridging the Digital Divide: Africa's internet access is at 34%, with a notable gender gap (46% men vs. 34% women). Bridging this divide is essential for inclusive and equitable growth.
2. Blockchain's Role: Blockchain technology is revolutionizing transparency, fair trade, and connectivity for smallholder farmers, helping them navigate climate and economic challenges more effectively.
3. AgroWeb3 Initiative: Led by IFAD and IDB, AgroWeb3 is an innovative initiative that reduces certification costs and improves market access for farmers, with pilots already underway in Africa.
4. Avatar AI for Real-Time Feedback: The initiative utilizes Avatar AI to collect data directly from beneficiaries, allowing researchers to perform sentiment analysis. This approach offers deep insights into the impact of these technologies on the ground.
5. Metrics and Impact Indicators: Comprehensive metrics and indicators are in place to measure the impact, ensuring that the benefits of these technologies are both tangible and quantifiable.
6. Empowering Farmers: Projects like Agriconnect and TRACE Blockchain are enhancing communication, collaboration, and financial accountability for small farmers.
7. Support for Governments: Uniquely designed, these initiatives also aid governments in capacity development and building the capabilities needed to support rural communities effectively. This approach helps in designing more resilient agricultural systems and improving policy frameworks.
8. Sustainability and Education: The forum highlighted the urgent need to educate the next generation on sustainability, addressing current gaps in knowledge, skills, and social innovation.
A big thank you to Gladys Herminia Morales Guevara for her incredible support and for sharing so much valuable information. And to the amazing speakers—Dr Donal Brown, MRCVS, CBE, Juan Lucas Restrepo Ibiza, Mara Balestrini, Andrea Geremicca, and Stephanie King-chung Hung—Your practical insights and expertise have been incredibly helpful and are driving real progress in agricultural innovation. Thank you for making such a profound impact.
I’ve learned a lot from this session and look forward to applying these lessons as I continue to explore and contribute to the field in the future :)
#AfricaFoodSystemsForum #IFADInnovation #Blockchain #SustainableAgriculture #AgroWeb3 #DigitalTransformation
Health Officer- UNICEF| Public Health Professional| Health| Nutrition| Program formulation| Program implementation| Capacity building| Documentation| TISS MPH-SE 12-14.
2moThis video has turned out excellent. It has captured the essence of the workshop and the vision ahead perfectly.