On November 2, 2020, an article entitled "The Global Divide in Data-driven Farming" was published in Nature Sustainability. The article asserted that big data and mobile technology can bring about global agricultural transformation that benefits small-scale farmers. However, there are still challenges in accessing the internet among smallholders. The authors recommended that governments, developers and the private sector strive to create an environment that makes data-driven agriculture available to all farmers in the world.

The full article can be accessed at:

Mehrabi Z et al. The global divide in data-driven farming, Nature Sustainability (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-020-00631-0

The JIRCAS International Symposium 2020 to be held on November 10, 2020 to commemorate its 50th founding anniversary will also discuss the importance of closing the yield gap in developing countries as an important area of agricultural technology development in the post-COVID-19 era. 

JIRCAS 50th Year Anniversary International Symposium 2020: 

The role of international collaboration in agricultural research to address challenges in the post-COVID-19 global food system

Symposium Program・Introduction of Speakers and Panelists

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki (Research Strategy Office)