IGF 2025 WS #221 "Digitizing Agricultural Communities with Internet Backpacks

    Organizer 1: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Organizer 2: Civil Society, African Group
    Organizer 3: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Organizer 4: Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Organizer 5: Technical Community, African Group
    Organizer 6: Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 1: Mary Uduma, Technical Community, African Group
    Speaker 2: Lee McKnight, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Format
    Theater
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: Why This Session Format? The format combines various engagement methods to ensure dynamic, multifaceted discussions and diverse stakeholder participation: 1. Lightning Talks: Short, impactful presentations introducing the Internet Backpack technology and clean energy solutions in agriculture. 2. Panel Discussion: A blend of experts from agriculture, technology, energy, and policy will engage in a robust discussion on the key issues, opportunities, and barriers for digital agriculture solutions. 3. Interactive Q&A: Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and offer insights, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. 4. Closing Remarks & Policy Takeaways: Key points will be summarized, with actionable policy recommendations for governments, industry, and civil society.
    Policy Question(s)
    1. What policy frameworks are required to integrate digital connectivity and clean energy in agriculture? 2. How can governments in Africa incentivize the adoption of digital tools in rural farming communities? 3. What privacy, security, and data governance considerations must be addressed in digital agriculture? 4. How can multi-stakeholder partnerships support scalable and sustainable digital agriculture solutions? 5. What strategies can ensure women and marginalized farmers benefit from digital agriculture?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will: 1.Explore the Impact of Digital Agriculture: Gain insights into how technologies like Internet Backpacks and clean energy solutions enhance food security, combat climate change, and boost farming productivity. 2.Discover Sustainable Farming Practices: Learn how renewable energy can power digital tools supporting sustainable agriculture, including pest control and climate adaptation efforts. 3.See Real-World Applications: Hear about successful case studies where digital solutions have improved crop yields, market access, and reduced post-harvest losses. 4.Engage with Experts: Network with key stakeholders, such as technology innovators, agricultural specialists, policymakers, and clean energy experts. 5.Contribute to Policy Discussions: Help shape actionable policy recommendations that support digital agriculture and address SDGs related to food security, climate action, and rural development. 6.Identify Collaboration Opportunities: Explore potential partnerships, funding opportunities, and initiatives to scale digital agriculture solutions in rural communities for greater impact.
    Description:

    Focusing on Digitalizing the Agriculture Sector: Leveraging Internet Backpack solution and Clean Energy for Sustainable Farming. This session will explore the potential of digital technologies for sustainable development, inclusive innovation, and climate resilience within the agricultural sector. It will specifically focus on how Internet Backpack solutions and clean energy innovations can transform agriculture in Africa, addressing key challenges such as food security, climate change, and improving crop yields. By providing rural communities with enhanced connectivity, these technologies enable farmers to access critical digital agricultural services, including pest control, weather forecasting, and market linkages. The integration of renewable energy solutions ensures that digital tools and agricultural infrastructure remain both sustainable and scalable. The session will also highlight the importance of local content in fostering digital literacy and agricultural innovation. Ultimately, this session aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting sustainable, tech-enabled farming practices that improve productivity, resilience, and economic development in rural areas. Through expert insights, panel discussions, and interactive engagement, participants will explore practical solutions for building a more inclusive and resilient agricultural ecosystem.
    Expected Outcomes
    1. Increased awareness of how Internet Backpacks and clean energy can enhance agricultural practices. 2. Identification of key policy recommendations to boost digital agriculture adoption in Africa. 3. Strengthened collaboration across sectors to scale digital agriculture solutions in Africa. 4. Development of actionable insights for stakeholders to support inclusive digital agriculture.
    Hybrid Format: To ensure an inclusive experience for both on-site and remote participants: 1.Live Streaming & Virtual Access: The session will be streamed live on the IGF platform and other digital channels, allowing remote participants to join in real time and access all discussions and presentations. 2.Dedicated Online Moderator: A facilitator will manage communication between on-site and online participants, ensuring smooth interaction and encouraging active engagement from remote attendees. 3.Hybrid Q&A Platform: Interactive tools will allow both onsite and online participants to submit questions, share insights, and contribute to the discussion in real-time. 4.Simultaneous Chat Discussion: A live Zoom chat will be available for online attendees to engage in side discussions, share resources, and offer additional feedback, fostering an interactive virtual community. 5.Speaker Integration: Online speakers will be fully integrated, ensuring equal speaking time and visibility, promoting inclusive dialogue between all participants.