2.2 Identify enabling and inhibiting factors

Enabling factors

Supportive policies in Dataland

The presence of supportive policies in Dataland such as the ‘Digital Transformation Policy 2024-2028’ not only facilitates the growth of other digital solutions but also creates an advantageous environment for AgriConnect’s comprehensive platform to succeed.

Cultural norms

The cultural norms in Dataland, characterized by an openness to new technologies, emerged as a cornerstone, playing a pivotal role in the successful design and rollout of AgriConnect’s one-stop shop solutions.

Ongoing governmental and collaborative efforts

As part of this evolving narrative, ongoing governmental and collaborative efforts are also shaping the landscape with improved infrastructure, including enhanced internet accessibility, electricity, and expanded mobile coverage in the region. These strategic moves stand as clear indicators that augur well for the future success of AgriConnect’s initiative.

Collectively, these positive developments position AgriConnect on a promising trajectory, marking a significant transformation in the digital landscape within the agricultural sector of Dataland.

Inhibiting factors

Geopolitical tensions

A contentious upcoming election, a long-standing border dispute with a neighboring country, and issues with government corruption.

Cultural norms around data sharing

High levels of distrust, especially regarding data that might be used by the government to target individuals for tax purposes or possible extortion. Smallholders were often hesitant to share data through digital channels, due to security concerns around this type of transmission.

Technological setbacks

Low levels of internet access, especially in rural areas and for poorer citizens and marginalized groups, in addition to low rates of digital literacy.

Enabling factors

Supportive policies in Datapur

Policies such as the ‘Rural Growth and Empowerment Strategy (RGES) 2024-2028’ not only facilitate the growth of other rurally-based advocacy work, but also create a supportive environment for AgroThrive to succeed in this endeavor.

Cultural norms

An openness to new technologies emerged as a key enabling factor. It played a pivotal role in the successful design and rollout of the AgroThrive initiative aimed at enhancing the government’s capacity to scale inclusive agriculture, develop infrastructure, facilitate the adoption of new technology, and attract more private sector investment.

Ongoing governmental and collaborative efforts

The government and partners are shaping the landscape with improved infrastructure, including enhanced internet accessibility, electricity, and mobile coverage in the region.

Inhibiting factors

Geopolitical tensions

Trade disputes with neighboring countries and issues with government corruption.

Cultural norms around data sharing

High levels of distrust, especially regarding data that might be used by the government to target individuals for tax purposes or possible extortion. Smallholders were often hesitant to share data through digital channels, due to security concerns around this type of transmission.

Technological setbacks

Low levels of internet access, especially for poorer citizens and marginalized groups, in addition to low rates of digital literacy.

Enabling factors

Supportive policies in Datastan

The implementation of policies such as the ‘Climate-Adaptive Crop Development Program (CACDP)’, plays a significant role not only in the development and dissemination of crops engineered to withstand variable climates, but also in fostering a conducive environment for NGBT’s research and data-sharing efforts.

Cultural receptiveness to new technologies

This has been instrumental, serving as a foundational component for the successful development and introduction of this new barley varietal.

Ongoing governmental and collaborative efforts

The government and partners are enhancing the region’s infrastructure, improving internet access, electricity availability and mobile network reach. These deliberate improvements signal a positive outlook for the success of NGBT’s project.

Inhibiting factors

Political tensions

A political climate marked by resource competition, various international trade disputes, and concerns related to government corruption.

Cultural norms

Surveys revealed significant levels of distrust, particularly concerning data considered proprietary by private sector organizations, which has led to reluctance in sharing data from prior research initiatives. Moreover, smallholders often expressed hesitancy in using digital channels for data sharing, due to security concerns associated with this mode of transmission.

Technological hurdles

Smallholders in particular face challenges accessing digital technology, and frequently encounter power outages. This digital divide is further exacerbated for women and other marginalized groups within the smallholder community.