Research project Digismart farming
General introduction
Can digitalization, more efficient data flows, and the use of data sharing platforms such as DjustConnect help farmers gain a stronger position within the more connected production chain? The answer, following the implementation of the DIGISLIM BOEREN project, is yes. Through co-creation, the project produced three working applications and around twenty app prototypes that respond to the specific needs of farmers, with a focus on water management and administrative simplification. This gives primary producers—with a particular focus on women and young farmers—more control over digital processes and support for the transition to demand-driven production, chain collaboration, and new revenue models.
Research approach
Active farmers, future farmers, and IT students worked together, supported by experts and teachers with access to available data. In two design sprints, approximately 20 prototypes were created, mainly focusing on water and reducing administrative burdens. During internships by IT students and an Agile Team Project, three working apps were also developed. Farmers, including mainly women and young farmers, participated in this project at the (digital) drawing board to provide the right input on what is really needed and relevant, and to test things against the reality of a farm. The themes included climate, water, resilience, and innovative entrepreneurship.
Relevance/Valorization
Due to changing times, farmers and horticulturalists in Flanders feel compelled to move towards more demand-driven production, collaboration within the chain, and a different way of marketing their products—in short, different revenue models with different diversification and different skills. Many digital solutions do not sufficiently address the needs of primary producers (farmers). The co-creative approach in DIGISLIM BOEREN brought the needs of farmers directly to the digital drawing board, which increases the usability of solutions. The close collaboration between ILVO, Ferm voor Agravrouwen, and Odisee strengthened the network and knowledge exchange. By presenting the results at sector events, it became clear that agriculture and horticulture are actively embracing digitization, with concrete tools that make data flows more efficient and help secure data ownership for farmers.
