FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative boosts digital transformation for resilient agrifood systems - NaijaAgroNet

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has taken a major step forward in advancing digital transformation for smarter and more resilient agrifood systems across the Pacific region, reports NaijaAgroNet.

From July 7 to 11, 2025, the FAO Pacific Subregional Office convened a regional geospatial training and capacity-building workshop in Fiji, bringing together representatives from Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Participants were drawn from the ministries of agriculture and national statistics offices, underscoring the cross-sectoral importance of digital innovation in agriculture.

The workshop focused on building technical skills in geospatial data analysis and agro-informatics, enabling countries to apply FAO’s digital tools for evidence-based policymaking and targeted investment planning in agrifood systems.

According to FAO, the training aimed to strengthen the region’s ability to integrate geospatial insights into agricultural planning, optimize land use, and attract climate financing for sustainable food systems transformation. Participants also explored the use of territorial typologies, based on poverty, agricultural potential, and efficiency, to guide data-driven interventions.

Over five intensive days, participants gained hands-on experience using FAO’s HIH Geospatial/Agro-informatics Platform, learning how to apply mapping tools and analytics to assess agricultural performance and plan more effectively for climate-resilient development.

They were also introduced to FAO’s data catalogues and map servers, which allow countries to share and publish diverse datasets, from satellite imagery to statistical table, enhancing transparency and collaboration in agricultural planning.

Reflecting on the success of the training, FAO Subregional Coordinator, Mr. Guangzhou Qu, said the workshop marked “a critical milestone in strengthening the capacity of Pacific governments to leverage advanced geospatial skills and data-driven insights for better planning, monitoring, and results delivery across the agrifood systems agenda.”

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the Hand-in-Hand Initiative continues to drive FAO’s commitment to transforming agrifood systems through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, ensuring that no community is left behind in the global digital transition.