Taxonomy
The data dictionary of the Observatory. Every field, every value, every classification
This page provides an overview of the taxonomy and corresponding terminology employed by FAO to research digital agriculture initiatives and structure them for seamless exploration of Observatory.
The taxonomy helps users navigate the wealth of information within the AgriTech Observatory. All initiatives are categorized according to several dimensions, including use case, technology used, thematic and geographic areas of application, target users, business model, and more.
In the ever-evolving field of digital agriculture, understanding the terminology is key. Definitions provided below shall guide users and researchers in understanding the categorization of digital agriculture initiatives.
Multiple resources were consulted to create the taxonomy to align with the constantly evolving technology landscape. Most definitions were adapted to the context of digital agriculture and purposes of the AgriTech Observatory.
Maturity
Early stages
Early stages description
Market adoption
Market adoption description
Scale-up
Scale-up description
Discontinued
Discontinued description
Entry type
In this context, "type" refers to the type of digital agriculture initiative described.
Solution
A product or service enabled by information and communication technologies (ICT) and developed in support of agricultural activities (Sylvester, 2016).
Project
Planned set of interrelated tasks related to the use of ICT in agriculture and food sector to be executed over a fixed period and within certain cost and other limitations, often by development actors (FAO, 2024b, Entry 330903).
Good practice
A successful experience involving the application of ICT in agriculture that has been tested and replicated in different contexts and can therefore be recommended as a model (FAO, 2013, 2024b, IRU 422978209104).
Policy
The course of action and resources involving the use of ICT in agriculture and food sector adopted by a government, a person or another entity (FAO, 2024c, Entry 56009).
Resource
A source of information or tool related to the use of ICT in agriculture and food sector that can be helpful for an individual, organization or a country in research, development planning, and other relevant tasks, such as publications and methodologies (Author’s own elaboration).
Digital/smart village
[No description available]
Four Betters
The "Four Betters" category reflects the alignment of the initiative with the Four Betters as identified in the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31 (FAO, 2024i).
Better production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, through inclusive food and agriculture supply chains at local, regional and global level, ensuring resilient and sustainable and agrifood systems in a changing climate and environment.
Better nutrition
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition in all its forms (including promoting nutritious food and increasing access to healthy diets).
Better environment
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and combat climate change (reduce, reuse, recycle, residual management) through more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
Better life
Promote inclusive economic growth by reducing inequalities (urban/rural areas, rich/poor countries, men/women).
Country of territory
All countries and territories reflect the “Names of Countries and Territories” (NOCS) standardization system developed by the FAO to ensure consistency in the naming of countries and territories across various languages and contexts (FAO, 2024d).
