Posted on March, 18, 2022 at 09:03 am
Innovations such as Web3, the third generation of the internet, and easy-to-use video-based technologies in local languages have the potential to drive change in agriculture in developing countries, say technology advocates.
Web3, which refers to efforts to create a decentralised version of the internet based on blockchain technology and focused on user ownership, can flip traditional data models and put power back in the hands of farmers, the ICTforAg forum heard.
The interactive virtual event held last week (9-10 March) seeks to explore ways of leveraging information technology to build resilient agricultural and food systems in low- and middle-income countries.
“These innovations must take into account the needs of smallholder farmers in poor countries, they must be user-friendly and economical and effective.”
Alexander Valeton, managing director, Yielder
“Typically, farmer data is held in repository systems, controlled by private sector or governments as a way to provide services,” said Rikin Gandhi, co-founder and executive director at Digital Green, a non-profit organisation that aims to empower smallholder farmers to lift themselves out of poverty through technology and grassroots partnerships.
“However, this can limit the choices and ability of farmers to a diversity of services,” he added.
Innovations such as Web3, the third generation of the internet, and easy-to-use video-based technologies in local languages have the potential to drive change in agriculture in developing countries, say technology advocates.
Web3, which refers to efforts to create a decentralised version of the internet based on blockchain technology and focused on user ownership, can flip traditional data models and put power back in the hands of farmers, the ICTforAg forum heard.
The interactive virtual event held last week (9-10 March) seeks to explore ways of leveraging information technology to build resilient agricultural and food systems in low- and middle-income countries.
“These innovations must take into account the needs of smallholder farmers in poor countries, they must be user-friendly and economical and effective.”
Alexander Valeton, managing director, Yielder
“Typically, farmer data is held in repository systems, controlled by private sector or governments as a way to provide services,” said Rikin Gandhi, co-founder and executive director at Digital Green, a non-profit organisation that aims to empower smallholder farmers to lift themselves out of poverty through technology and grassroots partnerships.
“However, this can limit the choices and ability of farmers to a diversity of services,” he added.
Source: SCIDEV