New research shows the impact of open data on agriculture and nutrition

Today, the Global Open Data in Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) initiative, of which CABI is a partner, released new research in collaboration with the Open Data Institute (ODI): How can we improve agriculture, food and nutrition with open data? Launched at the 3rd International Open Data Conference in Ottawa, the research shows how open data enables more effective decision making in a wide range of contexts, creates innovation and promotes transparency that changes the way organisations work. This helps smallholder farmers who need access to accurate, accessible data on weather and market information to plan their crops and achieve the best yield and price. Consumers are also increasingly demanding accurate information to make food choices and for a healthy diet.

GODAN aims to promote a better understanding of how open data can help solve global challenges in delivering food security and better nutrition. Future systems based on open data have the potential to deliver sustainably produced food by using land more effectively, reduce waste and tackle pests and disease. Access to weather and market data is crucial for farmers making decisions on what and when to plant.

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Open data is a powerful tool already solving real world problems in agriculture and nutrition, from drought, pests and diseases, to food security and food safety. The power of using the huge amounts of data generated every day has yet to be fully understood, though the potential is enormous. The crucially the data needs to be available and accessible to everyone in a usable form if it is to provide practical solutions for policymakers, farmers and consumers.

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