On 10 April 2025, CGIAR Science Week brought together global experts to explore how digital transformation can redefine agriculture amid increasing global challenges. From AI-powered innovations to farmer-centered tools, the CGIAR Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA) Strategy Dialogue introduced bold ideas and practical steps aimed at reshaping food, land, and water systems for a more resilient future.
A central theme emerged across all sessions: data not as an end, but as a means to deliver real-world impact. One of the key ambitions unveiled was the development of a “Digital Feedback Infrastructure” a modular and inclusive system designed to support predictive modeling, digital twins, and real-time agricultural intelligence. This interoperable platform would allow diverse partners across the globe to co-create localized, scalable solutions.
But technology is only part of the story. At the heart of the transformation is the farmer especially those in underserved areas. The vision is to shift agriculture from being top-down and generalized to becoming demand-driven, personalized, and dynamic. This involves dismantling long-standing barriers such as outdated extension services, fragmented datasets, and disconnected tools.
DTA’s four main Areas of Work Enabling Environment, Digital Futures, Action Labs, and Data Innovations were designed to drive this transformation. Several flagship products were introduced to accelerate progress:
- Data Collaborative: A governance structure that brings CGIAR centers together under shared data standards based on the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
- AgPile: A federated architecture for agri-food data sharing and AI analysis.
- AgLLMs: Open-source agricultural large language models trained on real-world data to serve farmers and policymakers, particularly in the Global South.
- Digital Twins: Virtual models that help simulate and predict agricultural outcomes, enabling better, faster decisions.
- AI Hub: A global platform offering infrastructure, expert support, and collaborative spaces to scale responsible AI solutions.
The dialogue emphasized that digital doesn’t mean distant. Panelists underscored the importance of building systems that serve users directly especially smallholder farmers. Digital infrastructure must reach the “last mile,” be co-developed with users, and prioritize user-centered design. Case studies, such as location-specific fertilizer recommendations that significantly improved yields, highlight the tangible benefits of such approaches.
Another high-level discussion centered on aligning innovations, breaking down data silos, and focusing on scalable impact. With thousands of innovations scattered across CGIAR and partner organizations, the need for a curated platform to integrate and align these efforts was stressed. By streamlining access and emphasizing practical application, digital transformation efforts can move from experimentation to systemic adoption.
National investments and international collaborations also featured prominently. Countries with challenging agricultural environments are now seeing gains through strategic investments in agri-tech, AI, and partnerships. These collaborations are helping build digital public goods with global utility, demonstrating the power of coordinated action.
The importance of inclusivity, machine-readable data, language accessibility, and demand-driven innovation rounded out the conversation. Real transformation starts with understanding the needs of farmers and building backward to create solutions that work in real-world conditions.
As the event closed, the message was clear: digital transformation is a collective journey. It’s not just about technology it’s about collaboration, equity, and sustainability. And above all, it’s about people empowering them to shape the future of agriculture in a changing world.
