The digital transformation of agriculture plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development and enhancing economic resilience, particularly for smallholder farmers and rural communities. By integrating digital solutions into agricultural practices, countries can improve productivity, competitiveness, and access to markets for vulnerable populations.
The Joint SDG Fund’s initiatives in Albania and Tanzania exemplify how targeted investments in digital agriculture can drive systemic change, foster inclusive growth, and build more resilient food systems. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with international and regional actors, these programmes are creating new opportunities for small agricultural producers to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
Albania: Enhancing Agricultural Competitiveness through Digital Inclusion
In Albania, the Joint SDG Fund is spearheading a programme that aims to boost agricultural productivity and competitiveness in food systems, while promoting digital inclusion for small agricultural producers. By targeting the most vulnerable farmers, the programme seeks to increase their access to digital tools and resources that can transform traditional farming practices. This initiative is supported by the European Union’s investments, including €112 million for smallholder farmers and €12 million from the Erasmus Vocational Training Program. Additionally, the Smart Rural 27 Project will be a key component in advancing digital transformation in rural areas, providing a solid framework for sustainable agricultural growth.
The programme’s alignment with the Albanian government’s Digital Agenda and Climate Resilience and Agriculture Development Program ensures that digital transformation efforts are integrated into broader national strategies. With additional support from the World Bank’s US $70 million Climate Smart Agriculture Loan Package and ongoing contributions from Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, the initiative is well-positioned to create a long-lasting impact. By enhancing digital literacy, facilitating access to financing, and supporting climate-smart agricultural practices, the joint programme empowers small-scale farmers to become more competitive and resilient in the face of climate challenges.
Tanzania: Scaling Digital Solutions for Agricultural Efficiency
In Tanzania, the Joint SDG Fund is focusing on extending digital agricultural services to underserved farmers, leveraging digital tools to improve productivity and access to markets. The programme aligns closely with the European Union’s Digital4Tanzania initiative and benefits from Tanzania’s Digital Programme with the World Bank, creating a comprehensive framework for digital agricultural transformation. By scaling up digital agri-services, the programme addresses key challenges such as limited data access and fragmented service delivery, which have traditionally hindered agricultural development in rural areas.
Through strategic collaboration and ecosystem support, this initiative positions Tanzania as a potential model for other economies looking to harness digital technology for agricultural transformation. By providing farmers with access to digital platforms, the programme enhances their ability to connect with markets, access real-time agricultural information, and adopt best practices. This focus on digital inclusion not only empowers smallholder farmers but also contributes to broader economic development by fostering a more integrated and efficient agricultural sector. The joint programme aims to serve as a catalyst for regional replication, driving inclusive and sustainable growth across the agricultural landscape.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Agricultural Development
The digital transformation initiatives in Albania and Tanzania illustrate how integrated digital solutions can drive progress in agricultural productivity, competitiveness, and market access. By focusing on the specific needs of smallholder farmers and underserved communities, these programmes are creating inclusive pathways for economic growth and food security.
Through collaboration with international partners and alignment with national strategies, the Joint SDG Fund is laying the groundwork for long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
Note:
All joint programs of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.