AI applications move from experimentation to practice in agrifood systems across the NENA region
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened policymakers, researchers, development partners, private-sector representatives, agritech innovators, extension service providers and farmer organizations for the third webinar in its Regional AI Dialogue for Agrifood Systems series AI Applications for Climate Smart Agriculture, Advisory Services & Value Chains in Agrifood Systems . The session focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for climate-smart agriculture, advisory services and agrifood value chains across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
Building on previous discussions on data ecosystems, interoperability, connectivity and human capital, the webinar shifted the conversation from enabling conditions to practical implementation. Participants explored how AI is already being integrated into localized advisory services, crop diagnostics, water reuse planning, farm management systems, forecasting tools, traceability platforms, market intelligence and logistics solutions.
The discussion took place against a backdrop of increasing climate variability, acute water scarcity, land degradation, food system pressures and market uncertainty across the region. AI can help transform agricultural, climatic, geospatial and market data into information to support decision making. However, the discussions highlighted that technology alone is not sufficient. The effectiveness of AI depends on reliable data, integration with existing services, adaptation to local contexts and languages, and accessibility for smallholders and other underserved groups.
The webinar showed practical experiences from organizations working at the intersection of AI and agriculture.
A recurring message throughout the discussion was that adoption, rather than technical sophistication, is a critical measure of success. The discussion stressed the importance of designing AI solutions around the needs of farmers, extension agents, cooperatives and agrifood enterprises. Accessible delivery channels such as voice services, messaging platforms and lightweight digital interfaces were identified as critical for reaching users facing constraints related to connectivity, affordability and digital literacy.
Participants also highlighted the continued importance of human expertise in AI-enabled systems. While AI can expand access to information and improve analytical capacity, extension agents, agronomists and other professionals remain essential for validating recommendations, building trust and supporting decision-making. Discussions further emphasized the need for reliable and locally relevant knowledge, stronger data governance, interoperability between digital systems, and clear accountability mechanisms to support responsible scaling.
“AI is useful only when it is grounded in reliable data, integrated into existing services and workflows, adapted to local languages and realities, and made accessible to those who need it most.” Said Faten Adada, Agriculture and Rural Development Expert and day-to-day manager of the Rural Transformation Team at FAO RNE.
The webinar forms part of FAO’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible and inclusive digital transformation across agrifood systems in the NENA region. Following earlier sessions focused on the foundations needed for AI adoption, the dialogue is now turning towards practical applications, lessons and pathways for responsible scaling. Through this regional dialogue series, FAO is facilitating knowledge exchange, strengthening partnerships and helping countries identify practical pathways for harnessing AI to support more efficient, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.