Future of Food : Harnessing Digital Technologies to Improve Food System Outcomes

World Bank Group

World Bank, Washington, DC

关键词: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY;    AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY;    FOOD SECURITY;    AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION;    SUPPLY CHAIN;   

RP-ID  :  136012

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

Digital technologies have significantpotential to improve efficiency, equity, and environmentalsustainability in the food system. A range of digitaltechnologies are already leading to: better informed andengaged consumers and producers, smarter farms, and improvedpublic services. Adoption of digital technologies variessignificantly across countries, with lower current adoptionrates in low-income countries. Increasing adoption willrequire addressing supply-side factors, such as ruralnetwork coverage and availability of digital applications,and demand-side factors, including skills and knowledge,trust, affordability, and complementary investments. Whiledigital technologies have significant potential they alsopose several risks that need to be addressed including: anoverconcentration of service provider market power; lack ofdata privacy; exclusion; and cybersecurity breaches. Theserisks cut across all segments of the economy, including thefood system. In addition, digital technologies should not beviewed as a panacea. Other investments are needed to addressthe multiple constraints farmers face and to realize thepotential benefits of digital technologies.