Kenya Space Agency recently hosted a team led by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) at agency’s head offices. The meeting was convened to deepens the conversation between Kenya Space Agency, IFAD, ESA, European Space Agency and Innovation Lab of the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB Lab) to discuss collaboration in the AgroWeb3 Powered by LACChain: Market Access Window Project.
This R&D project is aimed at research, development and piloting of a tool that enhances European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance of rural smallholder farmers. Discussions at this session focussed on the potential engagement with KSA in the implementation of this project and showcase how, IFAD, in collaboration with ESA, IDB and other stakeholders are combining satellite data with AgroWeb3 technology, to enhance EUDR Compliance of rural smallholder farmers by enabling accurate deforestation monitoring, promoting efficient, low- cost certifications and verification of credentials, and enhancing land tenure.
The ESA, IDB Group and IFAD plans to explore future collaboration opportunities in several areas, including water management, physical and digital connectivity, empowering smallholder farmers through initiatives spanning insurance, social protection, nutrition, and health, fostering agricultural adaptation in the Andean region, and advancing conservation efforts in the Amazon region.
The ongoing partnership between the IDB Group and IFAD has led to several initiatives. Since 2018, the two institutions worked on joint projects in Brazil, Ecuador, and Haiti, on topics that range from fostering innovation to reducing rural poverty.
Most recently, AgroWeb3 was launched in 2023 making blockchain technologies accessible to smallholder farmers, protecting their information and data as well as ensuring financial and social inclusion. It uses technology developed by the LACChain global network led by IDB Lab. “We expect to scale this initiative around the world to bring the advantages of the technological revolution to remote communities and vulnerable groups”, said IFAD President Lario.
“This cooperation between the IDB Group and IFAD will help bring some of the latest advancements and expertise in agriculture to the rural and indigenous communities specially in the Amazon – that need it most, and is part of our efforts to combat poverty and inequality, and promote more sustainable, climate-friendly development,” said IDB President Goldfajn.
