Agricultural “Platforms” in a Digital Era: Defining the Landscape

Platforms have the potential to transform smallholder agriculture into a more inclusive, sustainable, and commercially viable endeavor, but in the absence of a shared understanding around what constitutes a Platform model and how best to manage its growth, the sector will continue to fall behind.

With demand for digital services growing in the wake of COVID-19, it's time to bring clarity to the promise and risks of Platform development in the agricultural sector. This report draws upon decades of academic and business research to extrapolate lessons that can guide the early emergence of agricultural Platforms, including what challenges to expect and solve for. The report is intended for donors, investors, researchers, and providers. It shares insights and recommendations to help drive that collective step forward.