CABI launches FAIR Process Framework To Help Support New Technologies For Greater Global Food Security
27 November 2024, USA: CABI’s Data Policy and Practice team have unveiled the FAIR Process Framework at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters in Seattle, USA, to help support new technologies for greater global food security.
Commissioned by the Gates Foundation in 2021, the FAIR Process Framework aims to operationalize FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and responsible data practices within Agricultural Development (AgDev) investments.
As well as advancing new technologies for greater global food security, the FAIR Process Framework will enhance data management and sharing to maximise the impact of foundation-funded projects around the world.
Culmination of a collaborative effort involving over 120 experts
This online toolkit represents the culmination of a collaborative effort involving over 120 experts from 11 countries, with prototype tools already being used in more than 10 active foundation investments.
It forms part of CABI’s work under the ‘Enabling FAIR data sharing and responsible data use’ project, funded by the foundation, and delivered in partnership with many data experts. At the heart of the FAIR Process Framework are six steps. Each of these steps contain bite-sized activities designed to guide Program Officers and grantees in implementing FAIR principles throughout the project lifecycle.
These practical tools, informed by many years of in-country experience, offer replicable solutions that can be adopted by investment partners worldwide.
Jessica Cagley, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, praised the launch of the FAIR Process Framework – highlighting its importance in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Economic potential of FAIR data practices is staggering
Ms Cagley said, “The foundation strategy explicitly calls out the FAIR principles in terms of enabling the critical role of data in fuelling strategic insights to enable change.”
She added that there are at least three key cases for FAIR data. These are to help make smarter foundation resource allocation decisions, ensure field access to evidence, and to power Low-to-Middle-Income-Countries’ relevant innovations in digital and Artificial Intelligence, which is increasingly becoming a huge part of how we try to achieve change.
Regarding the FAIR Process Framework, Ms Cagley added that it is not just a theoretical construct – it is a practical toolkit rooted in real-world experiences.
Its creation has been a long journey, evolving from initial conversations about data access challenges to collaborations with partners across Africa and South Asia. The framework addresses complexities of data sharing in agricultural development.
Dr Martin Parr, Director, Data Policy & Practice at CABI, said, “A unique aspect of the FAIR Process Framework is its foundation in nearly a decade of experience with people-first approaches to data governance in the Global South.
“This perspective underscores the framework’s practical relevance and its potential to address real-world challenges in data management and sharing, particularly in Africa and Asia.
“By drawing on extensive field experience and transforming insights into actionable steps, the framework demonstrates a commitment to creating tools that are both theoretically sound and practically applicable in diverse contexts.”
He added that this approach is crucial for effectively operationalizing FAIR and responsible data practices in regions where data governance challenges may be particularly complex.
Comprehensive approach to integrating FAIR principles and responsible data
Meanwhile, Chipo Cosford, Senior Project Manager of the FAIR Process Framework, presented at the launch and emphasized the framework’s user-friendly nature and comprehensive approach to integrating FAIR principles and responsible data practices into data-rich investments.
Mrs Cosford said, “The inclusion of bite-sized learning experiences and practical activities reflects a thoughtful design that aims to make complex data management concepts accessible and implementable.
“By incorporating insights from a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, researchers, national partners, and global contributors, the framework ensures a broad perspective that can address diverse needs and challenges in data management.”
As the agricultural sector increasingly relies on data-driven solutions, the FAIR Process Framework stands as a crucial resource for unlocking the full potential of AgDev investments.
By promoting responsible data practices and fostering collaboration, this innovative toolkit is set to play a pivotal role in advancing global food security and agricultural innovation.
Framework in action
The FAIR Process Framework is already making an impact, having been recently integrated also into a toolkit for the design and development of national Soil Information Systems (SIS). This integration ensures that soil data becomes findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, maximizing its value and usability.
By adopting FAIR principles, the SIS development toolkit supports better decision-making in agriculture, land management, and sustainability initiatives. It has already been used to support the national systems of Zambia and Ghana plan for SIS developments.
This collaboration exemplifies how the FAIR Process Framework can drive practical and impactful outcomes across diverse sectors, showcasing its adaptability and relevance in addressing complex challenges.
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