Thumbnail Image

Digital Villages LAC - TCP/RLA/3809

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 12

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Synopsis (short abstract) A diversified economy linked to dynamic markets is needed to meet the No Poverty and Zero Hunger Goals (SDGs 1 and 2). In rural regions, more and more communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and agritourism, moving away from farming activities to generate income. In 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) signed a memorandum of understanding to promote tourism as a mechanism to diversify income. In the same vein, FAO's 1 000 Digital Villages Initiative is attempting to connect 1 000 rural communities through the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) platform. This project sought to implement the 1 000 Digital Villages Initiative in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region through a pilot learning programme, documentation and evidence of the outcome in 20 villages, with a view to scaling it out to at least 100 additional communities in the region. The expansion of the project demands that connections be established to mobilize government, international financial institution (IFI) and private sector resources. As part of this digitalization strategy, it is necessary to enhance digital literacy in order to allow beneficiaries to effectively use the tools therein and to increase the reach of policies and support services. Digital strategies need to be enhanced for the promotion and sale of local services, while a better relationship is required with both the private sector (tourism agencies, private enterprises, innovation) and the public sector. Thanks to this project, governments, IFIs, the private sector and FAO have applied strategies on the use of digital technologies in rural agrifood systems, where other tourism initiatives already existed.

Language English

Also available in:

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • No Thumbnail Available
    Project
    Support to Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Livelihoods of Farmers through Digital Village Initiatives - TCP/NEP/3902 2025
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    The agriculture sector faces several challenges in Nepal, including low productivity, high instability, stress and shocks due to climate change, and lack of labour force, adequate infrastructure and investment Increased agricultural productivity can only be achieved through the transformation of the current agrifood system to a more productive, efficient, sustainable, inclusive, transparent and resilient production system, by improving the existing technological infrastructure, reducing the high costs of technology and low levels of e literacy and digital skills, and enhancing the regulatory framework and access to services Nepal is addressing these issues by enhancing digital capacity and digital services in the agriculture sector, encompassing technological solutions aimed at maximizing yield, and minimizing the use of agricultural inputs However, these digital interventions are guided by some specific objectives and are not well coordinated among concerned agencies and therefore it is not possible to deliver services in an efficient and sustainable manner In addition, there are considerable challenge to introducing and deploying information and communication technology ( technologies in rural communities and to ensure equitable access to ICT technologies for women and youth, marginal and isolated households, and communities.The digital village (DV) ecosystem is one of the options to accelerate digitalization in rural areas. A DV model is a digital ecosystem that provides digital-based solutions, services and innovations to meet the needs of rural and farming communities and their inhabitants, to improve their livelihoods, well-being and promote social stability.Against this background, the MoALD has prioritized digitalization in agricultural development, and requested that FAO provide technical support for the promotion of digital agriculture in Nepal. This project aimed to empower farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve livelihoods by leveraging digital technologies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Project
    Technical Support to Deploy Digitalization Programs in Food and Rural Sectors and Facilitate Digital Village Pilots in Support of Rural Transformation and Achievement of SDG 1 and 2 - TCP/RAS/3806 2025
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This project focused on the digitalization of rural economies, particularly through the concept of Digital Villages (DVs), which aim to bridge the urban-rural digital divide. COVID-19 has accelerated the push for digitalization, making it a top policy priority globally. The goal is to improve rural livelihoods, enhance agricultural productivity, promote agritourism, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring equitable access to digital technologies for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and isolated communities. The DV model involves creating ecosystems that offer digital services and innovations to rural communities, improving agriculture, fostering e-extension services, supporting small businesses, and enhancing connectivity. While the model has been adopted in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, it remains relatively new in much of Asia, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Viet Nam, where digitalization efforts are underway but fragmented.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Project
    Preparing the Grounds for Digital Transformation of Agriculture - TCP/UZB/3808 2024
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Agriculture represents 28 percent of Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and gathers around 27 percent of the national labour force. Several national priorities and cooperation projects emphasized the need to digitalize agrifood systems in Uzbekistan in order to achieve healthier and more sustainable production systems and to contribute to SDGs and the CPF. However, they all focused on improving relevant government institutions systems and creating favourable preconditions to transform agriculture through the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), which hindered the establishment of a clear roadmap to introduce digital agriculture mechanisms. Among other challenges, there is a lack of dialogue and low awareness about digitalization among agriculture stakeholders. Furthermore, there are insufficient digital skills in rural areas, a lack of attention to smallholders’ needs and a lack of decentralized knowledge exchange mechanisms available for farmers and agrobusiness entrepreneurs.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.