Inclusive Digitalization For Sustainable Agrifood System Transformation

Inclusive digitalization of agrifood systems can foster equitable and efficient accessibility to digital technologies and related solutions to large segments of the population in the developing world. The latest available ITU data (2023) indicates that rural areas lag in key digitalisation indicators. Various aspects of digitalisation also include interoperability and privacy issues. The innovations in digitalization are expanding fast, necessitating G20 actions and firm hand-holding for the lagging countries to facilitate food security, adequate nutrition, and livelihoods. Inclusive digitalization to overcome the digital divide requires a multifaceted approach, with access and affordability to facilitate sustainable production. Institutionally strengthened regulatory systems and wider coverage can ensure access to inputs, including finance and market information. Strengthening the human capacity of users, including women and youth, is a key to inclusive digitalization. G20 can support policies that enhance smooth access, affordability, and adoption of emerging technologies to build up open digital data platforms to lay digital public infrastructure (DPI) to use as digital public goods (DPGs).