THE DARK MATTER
The first OPEC Fund Knowledge Series discussed how technology is revolutionizing agriculture. While expectations are high, realistic prospects are much more modest By Axel Reiserer, OPEC Fund LET A HUNDRED CROPS GROW
THE DARK MATTER OUR KNOWLEDGE CORNER S uccessful development work is more than providing financial support. While money matters, making a real impact also requires the creation of an environment in which projects can succeed. Knowledge creation, management and sharing is one of the most important aspects of development cooperation. To strengthen its activities in this field as a go-to organization the OPEC Fund has recently launched the Knowledge Series, a regular set of events, publications and other engagements and outputs. The Knowledge Series will explore innovation systems and their application, drawing on input from external partners
A fter two decades of progress the fight against hunger has gone into reverse. Globally, about 783 million people – 1 in 10 of the world’s population – are facing chronic hunger, according to the World Food Programme. The reasons are well-documented and can be summarized under the letter C: Conflict, Climate and COVID-19. A much less frequently mentioned fact is that a large part of the progress was due to massive improvements in China and India. Both countries have unleashed
progress was helped by technological advances and innovative methods and tools, also in the production of basic supplies. “Digitalization is revolutionizing agriculture by transforming traditional farming, agrifood supply chains and markets,” summed up Daniela Di Gianantonio, Head of Digital Agriculture at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (see interview page 48). She was one of many experts from a range of partner organizations invited to the OPEC Fund’s first Knowledge Series event, held in late November and which focused on “Digital Technologies to Improve Food Security Outcomes”. Participants agreed on the enormous potential of innovation. “Digital technologies, with their transformative potential, offer a unique opportunity for global food systems,” underlined Ijeoma Emenanjo, OPEC Fund Country Manager, West and Central Africa.
and internal stakeholders across the OPEC Fund.
We report on the first event under this new initiative below and given the importance of the subject we are introducing a new feature in our magazine. Under the title The Dark Matter we will publish articles focused on innovation, science, research and technology – as well as their possible applications in development cooperation. We have named this section The Dark Matter because it aims to shed light on complex subjects which sometimes exist slightly in the shadows of our perception of the world, in keeping with NASA’s definition that “dark matter and dark energy are mysterious substances that affect and shape the cosmos.”
the productive power of their national economies since the 1990s, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty and vastly improving living standards. This sustained
Ijeoma Emenanjo, Country Manager, West and Central Africa, OPEC Fund
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