An agri-tech smart farm pilot for greening growth in Mexico’s post COVID-19 recovery

Basic Information

Grant ID: K-167

Region: Latin America & Caribbean

Country: Mexico

Approval Year: 2021

Grant Year: Year 9

Amount Approved by Donor: $950000.00

Main Product Line: Pipeline Lending

Sector: Agriculture

Grant start/completion: 12/20/2021 - 12/31/2023

Grant Status: Active

TTLs: Tomas Ricardo Rosada Villamar (Senior Agriculture Specialist)

Grant Activities

Project Summary:

The grant aims to increase Mexico’s farm level productivity and climate resilience post Covid-19 by creating a smart farms system with pilot sites and leveraging Korea’s experience. In particular, the smart farm pilots are expected to first increase the R&D capacity and knowledge of smart farm practices among extension service providers and farmers. Next, the demonstration of productivity growth, climate resilience, and financial viability is expected to accelerate the demand for smart farm technologies and lead to scaleup through the World Bank-financed project, AGROINCLUYE. The proposed pilot smart farm investments will spark a more resilient and sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery for the agri-food system by promoting climate-smart agriculture initiatives and the implementation of green and clean technologies to drive green growth.

List of Activities:

  • Activity 1: One-week training course and study tour in South Korea to build awareness and support for developing the procurement of technologies and specialized consultancies.
  • Activity 2: Establishment of pilot smart-farms. 
  • Activity 3: Public Agency Advisory Services to Technology Development Centers.

Outcomes:

Output 1: 

  • Study tour and development of an OLC course on Smart Farm Systems for World Bank staff and counterpart teams

Output 3:

  • Korean experts visit to Mexico
  • Training delivered to lead farmers, CDT researchers, and extension officers;
  • Workshops and learning events organized with Korea and Mexico’s agriculture ministries and public agencies.

Outcomes

  • Increased capacity of FIRA and World Bank AGF GP staff to implement and supervise pilot smart farms.
  • Mainstreaming of smart farm investments in projects financed by the World Bank.
  • Enhanced technical learning and awareness among CDT researchers, extension agents, and farmers.
  • Strengthened linkages between Korea and Mexico’s agricultural ministries and public agencies.

Collaboration with K-Partners and Others:

  • The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA)
  • Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS)