Open data is a powerful tool being used to solve problems around the world in agriculture and nutrition: from drought, pests and diseases, to food security and food safety. Farmers need to know the weather forecast to plant and prepare their crops, food merchants need market information to trade and make a profit, aid groups need to know where malnutrition is most prevalent to target their programmes, and consumers want to know the risks and nutritional value of the food they eat.
The Open Data Institute (ODI) www.theodi.org is working to highlight how to improve agriculture and nutrition with open data. This includes highlighting examples of how open data in different contexts can enable more effective decision making, create innovation and promote transparency that transforms the way organisations work for the better. By helping others to do the same it will alleviate today’s pressures on a strained food ecosystem and build necessary mechanisms to support a food-secure future.
Through applied research, open discussion and sector-focused events, they are exploring what works, what the challenges are and what their global priorities should be. They are seeking input from experts in the field, engaging them to join the discussion as ODI Members, bloggers and advisors. They want to harness the value of open data to inform decision making, boost innovation and promote transparency in agriculture and nutrition, from farm to fork.
Follow them on Twitter: @ODIHQ.