The national agricultural datahub which is implemented to address the fragmentation in the current agricultural data system, which is made up of diverse, non-interoperable systems utilizing various formats and technologies is the first of its kind, that will have a significant impact on Ethiopia’s agricultural data ecosystem.
This platform, acting as a centralized data gateway, will provide a single access point to Ethiopian agricultural data, addressing a key gap and enabling AI-driven smart farming applications.
This project is initiated to develop and operationalize an agricultural data ecosystem in Ethiopia (aka. ag-data hub) that integrates disparate systems that are available within Ministry of Agriculture and other partner organizations which are at the federal and regional levels.
2021: Conceptualization and Early Discussions
The Ethiopian government began discussions with international partners about developing an integrated agricultural data hub.
The primary focus was addressing the fragmentation of data across different government agencies and creating a unified platform for data collection, analysis, and distribution
Establishing collaboration with partners like CGIAR, AICCRA, and the Ministry of Agriculture to set the groundwork for the data hub project.
Initial concept notes were drafted, and discussions took place about the need for such a system to support Ethiopia's agricultural policy framework.
December 2022: AICCRA Project Kickoff
The Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research in Africa (AICCRA) project initiated the development of an agriculture data hub in Ethiopia. This project aimed to provide a unified platform for agriculture data sharing, supporting policymakers, researchers, and farmers in making informed decisions.
This stage focused on gathering requirements, co-designing with partners, and defining the system's scope. Mapping key data holders and identifying necessary metadata standards.
ACATECH Technology PLC (www.acatechte.com) was designated as the lead organization responsible for the development of the Ethiopian Agriculture Data Hub
Early- 2023: Stakeholder Engagement and Requirements Gathering
In early 2023, the project advanced through a series of stakeholder workshops and engagements aimed at defining system requirements and identifying key actors within the agricultural data ecosystem. A comprehensive requirements specification document, adhering to IEEE standards, was developed to steer the technical design of the data hub. These efforts involved workshops and consultative meetings with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Agricultural Agency, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopian Meteorology Agency, Ethiopian Space Science Institute, and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT).
Early-2023: System Architecture Design and Development
The system architecture was designed, and a pilot phase was initiated. The platform started integrating disparate data sources.
The pilot version of the hub began capturing and processing agricultural data from across Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone
Mid-2023: Pilot Launch
A pilot version of the AgData Hub was launched to test the platform's capacity for real-time data aggregation and integration from diverse sources and format of data. Feedback from this pilot phase helped to refine the system for broader use.
2023: National Ag-Data Hub Awareness Creation
An event called "National Ag-Data Hub Awareness Creation and Way Forward in Strengthening Digitalization of Ethiopian Agriculture" was held to promote awareness of the AgData Hub and its significance in the digital transformation of Ethiopian agriculture. To enhance the impact and sustainability of the AgData Hub, a workshop focusing on awareness creation and consultation took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The workshop was attended by over 80 desk heads, department heads, and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA).
Mid-2023: The Agri Data Hub Showcased at the Agriculture and Science Exhibition
The Data Hub was prominently featured at the Agriculture and Science Exhibition, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa. The exhibition, themed "From the Lab to the Field", aimed to showcase innovations and technologies that bridge scientific research and practical agricultural applications. The Agri Data Hub’s inclusion in this high-profile event highlighted its critical role in transforming Ethiopia's agricultural sector through digital tools and data-driven decision-making.
The showcase emphasized how the hub supports real-time data sharing and integration, helping farmers, researchers, and policymakers optimize agricultural outcomes across the country.
This platform provided attendees with a glimpse into the future of Ethiopian agriculture, where science, data, and technology come together to drive sustainable growth and productivity.
Late 2024: Public Launch Preparations
Preparations are underway for the full-scale public launch of the AgData Hub.
Ongoing Developments
Ongoing work focuses on increasing the range of data sources integrated into the hub, Continuous collaboration between local and international partners is planned to ensure the platform remains scalable, secure, and accessible.
New features will include advanced machine learning algorithms to detect trends and provide predictive insights on agricultural productivity, soil health, and climate changes