Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
The study conducts a comprehensive review of the use of predictive models to strengthen food security in Latin America, with an emphasis on Colombia. It analyzes 65 studies published between 2014 and 2024 that apply algorithms such as Random Forests and Neural Networks to anticipate agricultural yields, manage climate risks, and optimize resources. The results show that agricultural, climatic, and...
2% of global investment in agricultural research and development corresponds to Latin America and the Caribbean, well below North America and Europe (51%) or Asia (39%), according to UNESCO data (2021) cited by CAF (Velásquez, A., 2025).
10 strategic projects have been developed by CAF in its portfolio to facilitate technology transfer and investments in agricultural innovation in several Latin American countries, seeking to materialize emerging technologies in the regional field (Velásquez, A., 2025).
1% of GDP exceeds Brazil's investment in science and technology, being the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean that reaches this threshold, according to CAF's Agricultural Prosperity Strategy based on UNESCO data (Velásquez, A., 2025).
51% of global investment in research and development corresponds to North America and Europe, while Asia represents 39%, leaving only the remaining 10% for other regions including Latin America, according to UNESCO data (2021) (Velásquez, A., 2025).
100% of large-scale U.S. agricultural producers use satellite information, much of it generated by NASA, to feed their automated precision agriculture systems for irrigation, fertilization, and other activities (Velásquez, A., 2025).
25 times higher is the proportional investment in agricultural research and development in North America and Europe (51%) compared to Latin America and the Caribbean (2%), evidencing a deep technological gap according to UNESCO data (2021) (Velásquez, A., 2025).
500% has increased agricultural productivity in the last seven decades thanks to the incorporation of scientists and technologists from various areas, from genetics to irrigation, fertilization, mechanization, and recently robotics, digitalization, and biotechnology (Velásquez, A., 2025).
35% could increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to the Latin American bioeconomy through the implementation of emerging technologies and circular approaches throughout the production chain, according to prospective analysis included in CAF's strategy (Velásquez, A., 2025).
85% more effective are agricultural extension programs that incorporate digital components for technology transfer in Latin America, being fundamental to materialize innovations and connect research with producers according to CAF evaluations (Velásquez, A., 2025).
