March 2021 agricultural “platforms” in a digital era

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The path from here
As the early excitement around Platforms gives 
way to the more difficult work of refining specific 
models, we believe there is a pressing need for:
• A move from general hype to deep 
interest in particular models: As a sector, 
we need a common definition of Platforms 
and a shared language for analyzing and 
assessing them that can shape agendas, 
funding and impact theses to realize the 
potential of Platforms. This includes 
understanding the contexts to which specific 
types of Platforms are well suited (or not)
and their business model specifications;
• Any further application of subsidy 
to be linked to specific theses: More 
innovation subsidy is needed, but only to back 
identified tipping point strategies that can 
sustain innovation and transform markets in 
inclusive, sustainable and commercially viable 
ways; and
• A more systemic view of how Platforms 
might shape the rural and agricultural
market in the long term, building off from 
the experience in developed markets and 
including the critical role of governance in 
managing possible downside risks.
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1. THE RISE OF PLATFORMS IN SMALLHOLDER-
RELATED AGRICULTURAL MARKETS
Historical emergence
of agricultural Platforms
Over the last 40 years, service provision for 
smallholder farmers has transitioned from being 
primarily government-led to involving a complex 
ecosystem of public, private, and nonprofit actors.
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At the same time, the increasing uptake of digital 
technology worldwide has allowed for new tools 
and models to be employed in serving even the 
most remote rural customers.