The CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), a key partner of the AGriDI project, is set to host a crucial Policy Dialogue on Enhancing Farmers’ Uptake of Digital Technologies through Empirical Research, Innovation, and Policy Interventions (EFUDTRIPI). The event will take place on 28, August 2024 from 9:30 a.m. GMT. This dialogue aims to address the pressing challenges faced by Ghana’s agricultural sector in the adoption of digital technologies, focusing on research, policy, and innovative interventions to drive growth and sustainability.
Background
In Ghana, numerous firms are leveraging digital technologies to deliver services across the agricultural value chain, including extension information, data capture, market linkages, financial services, and product traceability. However, these services often lack the necessary connectivity and coordination to create synergies among key agricultural stakeholders. This disconnect has resulted in limited adoption of digital technologies by farmers, fewer incentives for digital service providers to enhance their offerings, and a lack of resources to scale these innovations effectively.
The growing development of digital technologies and services in agriculture has yet to be thoroughly assessed in terms of adoption and impact. Empirical research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these digital solutions in enhancing productivity and profitability within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
About the EFUDTRIPI Project
The EFUDTRIPI project focuses on small, medium, and large-scale farmers, aiming to generate evidence on the usage of digital technologies and services and their impact on farming activities. The project identifies key enablers and constraints, explores existing policy gaps, and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and digital service providers to improve the adoption and effectiveness of digital solutions in agriculture.
Objectives and Methodology
The policy dialogue will center on the following objectives:
- Discussing key findings and policy recommendations from the EFUDTRIPI project.
- Identifying pathways for influencing policies and policy decisions on agricultural digitalization.
The dialogue will feature a comprehensive agenda, including opening remarks, a project overview, key findings and recommendations, a presentation on Ghana’s E-Agriculture Policy, and a panel discussion on “Strengthening Evidence-Based Policies for Increased Uptake of Digital Technologies and Services.” The session will conclude with an open forum and closing remarks.
Expected Outcomes
The anticipated outcomes of the policy dialogue include:
- Enhanced understanding among participants of the digital devices and services used by farmers, along with their benefits.
- Increased awareness of the existing enabling environment and barriers to digital adoption.
- Input from participants to contribute to co-created recommendations.
- Identification of pathways for influencing policy decisions on digitalization in agriculture.
- Strengthened partnerships and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
This policy dialogue represents a significant step forward in advancing digital transformation in Ghana’s agricultural sector, aiming to create a more connected, efficient, and profitable ecosystem for all stakeholders involved.
