Unlocking the power of agricultural data across the Commonwealth
Many Commonwealth countries hold valuable agricultural data, but it is scattered and disconnected. Information on farms, markets, weather, soils, yields and trade is often gathered in silos by separate agencies, companies and researchers.Without common standards or shared systems, this fragmentation limits access to reliable, up-to-date information. Policymakers, investors and farmers lack the insights they need to plan for climate change, respond to market shifts and strengthen food security.
Enabling evidence-based planning and innovation
NAgDI builds confidence in agricultural data as a national asset. Reliable, interoperable data supports better policy and investment decisions, increases market transparency and helps countries meet international trade and sustainability standards.
National Agricultural Data Infrastructure Policy Guide
The NAgDI Policy Guide provides a comprehensive overview of a sectoral approach to digital public infrastructure aimed at establishing a co-ordinated and collaborative framework for agricultural data management.
Strong national data systems
By developing strong national data systems, countries can:
- Improve evidence-based decision-making for agriculture and climate resilience.
- Increase transparency and trust in agricultural markets.
- Reduce duplicated data collection and make better use of existing systems.
- Meet international trade and sustainability standards.
- Attract investment and spur innovation in agri-tech and digital services.
Laying the foundations for trust and interoperability
NAgDI helps countries establish the right technology and governance so systems are interoperable, secure and built to last. This includes harmonising databases, strengthening data policies and creating national data councils or custodians to oversee implementation. Each country’s approach reflects its priorities, guided by a common policy framework from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Related content
- Blog: The Commonwealth’s National Agricultural Data Infrastructure
- Blog: From policy to practice - Building national data infrastructures through a bottom-up approach
- Blog: Harnessing Climate Data Infrastructure to Attract Private Sector Investments in Commonwealth Food Systems
- Commonwealth Secretariat supports the harmonisation of agricultural data in the Caribbean