FAO Hand-in-Hand

The FAO Hand-in-Hand Geospatial Platform stands as a crucial enabling tool for the Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative. Its primary purpose is to unlock and make accessible over 2 million data layers, thereby empowering more targeted and evidence-based interventions aimed at improving food security and agricultural development globally. This platform is recognized as a Digital Public Good, emphasizing its commitment to providing open-access geographic information to a wide array of users, from researchers to policymakers.

The platform is a comprehensive repository, gathering key food security indicators and agricultural statistics from a multitude of sources. Data is contributed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) itself, alongside valuable inputs from external organizations. These partners include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, private sector entities, and prominent space agencies, ensuring a rich and diverse collection of up-to-date information. This collaborative approach enhances the platform's utility and reliability for critical analysis.

Developed and continuously scaled up by the FAO AgroInformatics team, part of the Digitalization and Informatics Division, the platform offers intuitive functionalities. Users can explore vast datasets, visualize various map layers, and perform geographical analysis. For instance, it provides access to global datasets like UN Country Boundaries and offers features to show a "Workbench" for deeper interaction. This makes it an indispensable resource for strategic planning, monitoring progress, and informing decision-making processes across the agricultural and humanitarian sectors. The emphasis on open-access data helps foster transparency and collaboration in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.