World population is expected to surpass the 9 billion mark by 2050, and agriculture has to increase the production of nutritious food to meet the growing demand and ensure food security for all. It has to generate jobs, improve incomes and contribute to poverty eradication and rural economic growth. And it has a major role to play in the sustainable management of natural resources. Most of the increase in food production will have to take place in developing countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken by governments on social distancing and mobility restrictions have contributed to boosting the use of digital technology to bridge some of the physical access gaps. An increasing number of services and extension/information activities are delivered through digital tools and applications. E-commerce has also flourished. As a result, the potential of digital technologies has gained prominence in immediate response and recovery strategies and programmes.