Smart farmers – Learning with digital technologies
Report on insight and investment recommendations on digital technology use
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
Smart farmers – Learning with digital technologies is a resource designed to explore how digital technologies strengthen agriculture human capital. The brief states that digital agricultural technologies, innovations and data are transforming business models and practices across entire value chains, helping address bottlenecks in productivity, postharvest handling, market access, finance and supply chain management. It examines how digital technologies can be used to build skills and knowledge among agricultural producers, drawing on global cases to inform investments in human capital.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The resource highlights a wide range of digital technologies supporting learning and skills development, including SMS advisories, community video approaches, mobile applications, online portals, social media networks, and IoT-based data collection tools.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The resource serves smallholder farmers, rural communities, producer organizations, public extension systems, youth entrepreneurs, and women farmers. It explains that digital tools can support women's access to financial services, enable youth entrepreneurship through platforms such as Kuza One, and support the Smart Milk portal in Kazakhstan, which provides a one-stop-shop on good practices and food safety. As of December 2025, the investment brief has been downloaded 654 times.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The resource is publicly accessible and free of charge as part of FAO's Investment Centre publications, supporting knowledge dissemination on digital agriculture and human capital development.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The report emphasizes that digital technologies help develop these capacities more effectively and efficiently and identifies investment areas to strengthen policy frameworks, build enabling environments and improve inclusion for women, youth and marginalized groups. The report’s global cases and investment insights highlight how digital learning initiatives can bridge knowledge gaps and contribute to human capital development across diverse agricultural contexts.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better life
Better environment
