Digital solutions for rural development can help overcome the impact of COVID-19 on food systems – with tail wind from South-South Cooperation

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people with severe food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean could rise from 3.4 million to around 14 million by the end of 2020, according to the World Food Program. The agriculture sector has been drastically impacted by the ongoing pandemic, especially smallholders with limited access to alternative markets and technology.

Can digital solutions contribute to more sustainable food system and bring information to the ones in need?

This was the main question discussed during the webinar Digital Solutions for South-South Cooperation during COVID-19. In the wake of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation (September 12), the forum brought together representatives of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Program Center for Excellence against Hunger (WFP).

In a nutshell, the speakers confirmed that digital solutions targeting smallholder farmers in southern countries can contribute to the transformation of food systems, especially in the context of the pandemic. But let us walk you through the highlights of the event to get a deeper understanding of this crucial matter.

According to Rafael Zavala, FAO representative in Brazil, digital solutions have a lot to contribute to the improvement of food systems. “We need major adjustments to those systems so that they are more efficient, incorporate technology, and make a better use of natural resources”. “Digitalization has to be an important component of South-South and Triangular Cooperation. It is crucial that it is also an inclusive process that leaves no one behind. This is the only way to be closer to better and fairer food systems,” he added.

All participants insisted that better food systems are not just to benefit smallholder farmers, but the society as a whole, arguing that in developing countries, these farmers are responsible for the production of up to 80 per cent of the food we consume. If they don’t receive the support they need and deserve, the COVID-19 health crisis could become a food – and, therefore, a humanitarian – crisis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating digital transformation. Now, we work remotely, we enjoy culture mainly through the screens and even an event as important as the UN General Assembly is being held online. In a world where social distancing is needed to avoid the pandemic advance, it is absolutely necessary to boost efforts to also digitalize smallholder agriculture, reinventing technical assistance, access to markets, finance and supply chain services,” said Claus Reiner, IFAD’s Brazil Country Director.

Reiner added: “by having access to reliable and swift information, small-scale farmers can reduce their dependence on intermediaries, becoming more empowered. This is an important way in which Information and Communications Technology can foster rural development”.

He went on to explain how participants in IFAD-funded projects in Brazil have benefited from a digital platform set up by UN’s Global Compound to sell their products and how, in the hardest part of the lockdown, three IFAD-funded projects set up a remote technical assistant scheme.

Solutions for daily life

Digital solutions can also contribute to the promotion of short sales channels, bringing producers and consumers together. The partnership between online groups and local producers, in addition to fostering the local economy, helps to awaken the sense of community and belonging.

“There are different devices and applications already been used by smallholders. WhatsApp, for instance, is a very versatile tool. In northeast Brazil, rural women are using voice message to sell their products. The technology is helping them to overcome illiteracy limitations”, said Sergio Schneider, professor of Sociology of Rural Development and Food Studies at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.

There are countless challenges and opportunities ahead regarding the use of new technologies for smallholder agriculture and agri-food issues are strategic for Agenda 2030. Collaboration between the public and private sector, information sharing, technical assistance, data protection and equal access to opportunities were some of the main topics raised in the panels regarding the issue.

Representatives from different Brazilian ministries presented tech solutions already in use in the country. For example, applications that provide real-time information about school meals in public schools, and development projects focused on smart cities.

These solutions have great potential to be shared with other countries facing the similar challenges brought by the pandemic. IFAD, through its South-South and Triangular Cooperation and Knowledge Centre in Brasilia, is determined to play an important role ensuring that the available knowledge and ICT tools are widely disseminated and tailored to the needs and reality of family farmers, traditional communities and minorities that might be excluded of the so called agriculture 4.0.

“Reality is taking care of promoting a silent incorporation of multiple digital solutions to issues arising from the pandemic. These solutions will end up being applied to smallholder agriculture. And in the case of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, these solutions must necessarily be widely accessible, simple to use, and cost effective” concluded Ruy Pereira, director of ABC.

The Digital Solutions for South-South Cooperation during COVID-19 webinar took place on 30 September and was simultaneously translated into Spanish and transmitted via Twitter, allowing for a wider audience in Latin America to follow the discussions.

This webinar, and upcoming similar events, is part of IFAD´s SSTC and KM Centre for Latin America and Caribbean efforts to promoting relevant topics and strengthen the network of partners.