From 16-18 July 2025, the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), in partnership with the University of Pretoria, hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, a high-level regional training on Web 3.0 and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower agricultural stakeholders with transformative digital tools for food systems resilience.
Held under the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) — a World Bank-supported multi-country initiative—the training convened more than 30 participants, including Information, Communication and Knowledge Management (ICKM) focal points from across SADC member states, and M&E and communications experts from FSRP-implementing countries (Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros, and Tanzania).
The three-day workshop was designed in direct response to global megatrends reshaping agriculture, including the rise of climate-smart farming, AgTech innovations, and the growing urgency to modernize extension services and agro-logistics. It focused on strengthening core digital competencies aligned with continental priorities such as youth agripreneurship, agroecology, digital financial tools, and climate adaptation.
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Participants were equipped with practical skills in:
- Semantic web technologies for intelligent data integration and knowledge organization;
- AI-powered content generation for real-time agricultural storytelling;
- Blockchain and decentralized systems for secure, transparent data sharing;
- Digital mapping, social listening, and data visualization for strategic outreach and impact monitoring. Experts from the University of Pretoria facilitated modules on Web 3.0 architecture, agri-system design thinking, digital maturity assessments, and prototype development. Real-world case studies from Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa were used for practical learning on climate-resilient applications.
The training also addressed region-specific challenges such as:
- The role of Internet of Things (IoT) and satellite technology in precision farming;
- Modernization gaps among smallholder farmers and the potential of e-extension and mobile-first advisory services;
- Blockchain traceability for value chains and agri-trade;
- Digital inclusion strategies, particularly for youth and women.
Through interactive design thinking and system-mapping exercises, participants developed tailored digital prototypes and communication strategies relevant to their country contexts—ensuring that innovation remains both farmer-centered and scalable.
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“This training reflects our deep commitment to building a digitally enabled, farmer-focused knowledge ecosystem,” said Dr. Majola Mabuza, FSRP Regional Coordinator. “We are not just introducing new tools — we are building the skills and systems that will empower countries to share timely, relevant agricultural knowledge.”
The workshop forms part of CCARDESA’s broader mission to build a collaborative, digitally equipped knowledge ecosystem under the FSRP. By investing in the digital capacity of regional actors, CCARDESA is reinforcing its leadership in agricultural innovation and helping to ensure that critical food systems information reaches those who need it most.
