The global food system is struggling under the combined pressures of a growing population, climate uncertainty and volatile market forces.

Jaffna market

Image: David Brewer, Jaffna Market, CC-BY-SA 2.0

Lots of information is important to how we farm and feed the world. Farmers need to know the weather forecast to plant and prepare their crops, food merchants need market information to trade and make a profit, aid groups need to know where malnutrition is most prevalent to target their programmes, and consumers want to know the risks and nutritional value of the food they eat.

As more of this information is being collected and made available as open data, it can be used in countless ways: from preventing drought, pests and diseases, to ensuring food security and food safety.

We are working to highlight how to improve agriculture and nutrition with open data.

Through applied research, open discussion and sector-focused events, we are exploring what works, what the challenges are and what our global priorities should be. We are seeking input from experts in the field, engaging them to join the discussion as ODI Members, bloggers and advisors. We want to harness the value of open data to inform decision making, boost innovation and promote transparency in agriculture and nutrition, from farm to fork.

Research

‘How can we improve agriculture, food and nutrition with open data?’ written in partnership with the Global Open Data for Agriculture Initiative, presents 14 use cases showing how open data can be useful in agriculture, food production and consumption, and outlines priorities for reaching its full potential.

Events

Our ODI Futures event in December 2015 will gather experts in data, agriculture and nutrition to discuss priorities and opportunities, and help set the agenda for improving agriculture and nutrition with open data in years to come. Watch this space for registration details.

Join the discussion

If you have experiences or ideas to share about improving agriculture and nutrition with open data, we want to hear from you. Pitch us a blog to stories@theodi.org or tweet us @ODIHQ.

Source: http://theodi.org/