AGILE DATA & DPI SUMMIT 2026
Where Insights Meet Infrastructure
1 March 2026 (Connect)
2-4 March 2026 (Main Program)
Elephant Hills Hotel
Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe
The Agile Data & DPI Summit 2026 brought together innovators, policymakers, researchers, civil society, private-sector leaders and farmers themselves to connect the power of agile, farmer-centered insights with the strength of interoperable digital public infrastructure.
Setting the Stage
At the Agile Data & DPI Summit, voices from across the globe came together with one shared goal: to make agile data and digital public infrastructure work for farmers. Over three days, stories, insights, and lived experiences shaped a powerful narrative — one where data and a digital infrastructure serves the needs of farmers.
Setting the Stage
At the Agile Data & DPI Summit, voices from across the globe came together with one shared goal: to make agile data and digital public infrastructure work for farmers. Over three days, stories, insights, and lived experiences shaped a powerful narrative — one where data and a digital infrastructure serves the needs of farmers.
Day 1:
Listening to Farmers First
Day one opened with a clear message: farmers must be at the center of digital transformation. Not as passive users — but as partners. Conversations focused on grounding innovation in real-world farming realities.
Day 1:
Listening to Farmers First
Day one opened with a clear message: farmers must be at the center of digital transformation. Not as passive users — but as partners. Conversations focused on grounding innovation in real-world farming realities.
Farming is all about numbers. At the conference, I shared how farmers like me collect real-world data every day — from yields to weather patterns — and why our experiences must shape the digital systems being built for agriculture. Contributing my perspective helped remind everyone that data works best when farmers are not just users, but partners in designing the solutions.
Day 2:
Bridging Systems and People
The second day shifted focus to connection — between farmers, extension workers, institutions, and digital systems. How can infrastructure better support those working closest to the land?
Day 2:
Bridging Systems and People
The second day shifted focus to connection — between farmers, extension workers, institutions, and digital systems. How can infrastructure better support those working closest to the land?
Empowering Extension Work
As an extension agent, technology has made our work more productive — from sharing timely advice to tracking field data — and at the conference I highlighted how digital infrastructure can better support both farmers and those of us who work alongside them every day.
As an extension agent, technology has made our work more productive — from sharing timely advice to tracking field data — and at the conference I highlighted how digital infrastructure can better support both farmers and those of us who work alongside them every day.
Data Unlocking Finance
Farmers need financial services. But it’s difficult to get access, because many farmers don’t have any financial records. So, we started collecting training and financial records, which banks can use as a basis for loans. This data has become essential now for farmer services.
Farmers need financial services. But it’s difficult to get access, because many farmers don’t have any financial records. So, we started collecting training and financial records, which banks can use as a basis for loans. This data has become essential now for farmer services.
The digital tools we need are already available — we don’t have to start from scratch. What’s essential is understanding what solutions are available, align them with shared standards, and deploy secure interoperable systems so we can move forward with implementing the requirements for the EUDR efficiently and confidently.
DPI for Deforestation-Free Supply Chains
One of the most powerful conversations focused on how digital public infrastructure can help support deforestation-free supply chains.
With new regulations, data systems must become more transparent, connected, and accessible. DPI offers shared digital rails — from farm registries to geospatial data and traceability tools — that allow farmers, companies, and governments to work from the same trusted data.
The result? More inclusive systems where smallholder farmers can access markets, comply with global standards, and remain in control of their data.
DPI for Deforestation-Free Supply Chains
One of the most powerful conversations focused on how digital public infrastructure can help support deforestation-free supply chains.
With new regulations, data systems must become more transparent, connected, and accessible. DPI offers shared digital rails — from farm registries to geospatial data and traceability tools — that allow farmers, companies, and governments to work from the same trusted data.
The result? More inclusive systems where smallholder farmers can access markets, comply with global standards, and remain in control of their data.
Day 3:
From Data to Action
The final day focused on impact. How do we turn insights into tangible benefits for farmers, markets, and communities? The conversation moved from systems to outcomes.
Day 3:
From Data to Action
The final day focused on impact. How do we turn insights into tangible benefits for farmers, markets, and communities? The conversation moved from systems to outcomes.
Turning Insight into Value
What inspired me most were the discussions on data marketing and how information can be translated into real value for farmers and markets. I’m eager to explore how we can apply these lessons to our work in Ethiopia and adapt them to our local context. Turning insights into action will be key to making data truly serve the communities we support.
What inspired me most were the discussions on data marketing and how information can be translated into real value for farmers and markets. I’m eager to explore how we can apply these lessons to our work in Ethiopia and adapt them to our local context. Turning insights into action will be key to making data truly serve the communities we support.
Data Democracy for Farmers
My main takeaway from this conference is that we need to keep talking about data democracy and how we can better serve smallholder farmers. One concrete example is that we need to continuously share the data we collect from farmers — for instance, making the geodata we gather directly available to them.
My main takeaway from this conference is that we need to keep talking about data democracy and how we can better serve smallholder farmers. One concrete example is that we need to continuously share the data we collect from farmers — for instance, making the geodata we gather directly available to them.
Closing Reflection
Across three days, one message stood strong: digital transformation in agriculture must be inclusive, practical, and farmer-driven. When farmers, technologists, and institutions collaborate, data becomes more than information — it becomes empowerment.
Closing Reflection
Across three days, one message stood strong: digital transformation in agriculture must be inclusive, practical, and farmer-driven. When farmers, technologists, and institutions collaborate, data becomes more than information — it becomes empowerment.
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