In an era of data abundance, novel digital research methods are reshaping how we study and improve food systems. Building on earlier sessions focused on speech-based AI and farmer-generated data, this discussion broadens the lens, bringing together two researchers who are applying cutting-edge digital tools to address complex questions in the food domain. 

First, Soonho Kim (Senior Data Manager, IFPRI) will introduce how Agentic AI can be integrated into the daily workflow of food systems research to manage information overload and accelerate data synthesis. She will outline how AI Agents act as “research assistants” to monitor heterogeneous data including the synthesis of commodity market summaries from global sources and the translation of complex indicators into accessible insights. Beyond internal research, she will highlight how AI-based method improves outreach to target audiences by tailoring technical findings into clear and comprehensive formats that allow stakeholders and national partners to interact more effectively with data in their own languages. 

Then, Bia Silveira Carneiro (Research Team Leader, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT) will share her research on Digital Methods approaches for understanding food system dynamics—how online issue mapping can support food security analysis by uncovering narratives and sentiment around food security shocks and outcomes. She will present the tools and solutions her team at CGIAR Climate Security has been developing to collect, analyze and visualize digital platforms data for insights into strategic issues.  

Together, our speakers will explore the journey from method development through implementation and evaluation—highlighting lessons, challenges, and future directions for food-system research in low- and middle-income countries. 

The discussion will be lead by Bernard Pelletier (Farm Radio International), who will offer reflections on how organizations like FRI are working to operationalize digital and AI-based research methods. Drawing on FRI’s experience supporting national extension systems and public communication platforms, he will discuss practical considerations around institutional adoption, scalability, and translating digital insights into policy-relevant action. 

Speakers

• Soonho Kim, Senior Data Manager, IFPRI
• Bia Silveira Carneiro, Research Team Leader, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

Discussant

• Bernard Pelletier, Research Lead and M&E Support, Farm Radio International (FRI)

Moderator

• Eliot Jones-Garcia, Senior Research Analyst, IFPRI; PhD Candidate, Wageningen University