CABI News

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural & Food Information reveals a range of benefits provided by a suite of CABI digital tools including quick and reliable information on crop pests and diseases which impact livelihoods and food security.

The scientists reviewed six key digital tools which strategically address three areas of need for agricultural service providers (such as agro-input dealers, public and private extension officers, and plant doctors): 1) capacity strengthening, 2) access to reliable information, and 3) decision-making support.

They focussed on the Invasive Species Channel of the CABI Compendium (formerly the Invasive Species Compendium), Pest Risk Analysis Tool, Horizon Scanning Tool, CABI BioProtection Portal, and the PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank.

The review also considered digital learning products within the CABI Academy such as the Crop Pest Diagnosis (CPD) and Crop Pest Management (CPM) courses.

Support better responses to farming challenges

CABI develops digital advisory tools that can help users make informed decisions. By providing farmers, practitioners and policymakers with the tools to support evidence-based choices, we can support better responses to farming challenges.

With easier access to rigorous scientific knowledge, end-users can respond more effectively to problems and take suitable preventative and proactive measures. CABI uses a range of targeted digital channels to reach users and deliver insights that help improve decision making.

The scientists, whose review included the analysis of user feedback and insights from prior studies, contend that enhancing user accessibility and considering diverse local contexts, especially in remote areas with poor internet connectivity, can extend the impact of the digital tools.

They also conclude that addressing financial and social sustainability, including gender barriers to mobile phone ownership, can also increase their contribution.

The long-term impact of CABI digital tools can be maximized by developing self-sufficient business models that invest and collaborate with local stakeholders.

However, responsible data practices must be maintained as the digital tools expand their reach into new markets and regions and increase their users and usage.

Lastly, CABI can enhance its digital solutions by leveraging existing tools, fostering partnerships, and promoting collaboration within the global development community.

Substantial time and cost savings for users

Katherine Cameron, an author of the study and Head of Digital Advisory Tools at CABI, said,  “A major benefit of CABI digital tools is that they provide quick access to relevant information which results in substantial time and cost savings for users across diverse agricultural contexts.

“For instance, the Invasive Species Compendium serves as a prime starting point for researchers globally and significantly reduces the time needed for initial information gathering.

“Respondents in a survey felt that it provides quick access to relevant, accurate and up-to-date information and presents this information in a useful format.”

She added that, for example, the Pest Risk Analysis Tool builds on the invasive species data to facilitate individual pest risk analyses, which involves assessing the probability of introduction, establishment and spread, as well as potential consequences.

Informants in Ghana stated that the tool significantly reduces the time for a pest risk assessment because it can generate thorough lists of pest species associated with specific commodities.

Similarly, the Horizon Scanning Tool excels in identifying and categorizing pests or invasive species linked to specific pathways of introduction in a country, state or province.

Survey respondents stated that they appreciated this capability to compile list of pests in geographical areas. They felt that the Horizon Scanning Tool provides quick access to relevant information and saves valuable time that would otherwise be spent navigating multiple websites for data.

Biocontrol solutions for specific crop pest issues in a country

The scientists add that the CABI BioProtection Portal, meanwhile, has benefit in providing objective information on bioprotection products to extension workers, agro-input dealers and farmers to support the identification, sourcing and application of biocontrol solutions for specific crop pest issues in a country.

The CABI BioProtection Portal is designed to empower users with reliable, up-to-date information, enabling farmers and agricultural professionals to make informed decisions. By reducing dependency on chemical pesticides, the Portal supports environmentally friendly pest and disease control options.

This is part of a more sustainable integrated pest management approach to crop pests and diseases which can severely impact upon yields, livelihoods and food security.

Several challenges are identified

Manju Thakur, Crop Health Advisor at CABI and co-author of the paper, said, “Altogether, through open access to information, support for decision-making, market linkages, versatile applications and localized, practical advice, CABI digital tools offer benefits to users that contribute to plant health and pest risk management.

“But several challenges are identified for users trying to engage with CABI Digital Tools such as accessibility and awareness as well as different patterns of engagement across devices and regions.

“Another significant challenge is poor internet connectivity, particularly in the Global South, that acts as a major barrier to effectively utilizing the tools. Lastly, sustainability challenges that involve balancing the open access feature with costs of maintenance as well as local ownership are noted.”

CABI continues to work closely with its networks of agricultural service providers to address these challenges, through awareness raising, capacity strengthening, and co-design of inclusive functionality. For example, many of the digital tools above incorporate offline options and integrate with non-digital delivery channels, maximising the access to information for those who need it most. CABI welcomes feedback and collaboration with those tackling similar challenges in digital agriculture.

Additional information

Main image: (Credit: CABI).

Full paper reference
Ishii-Adajar, H., Cameron, K., Palmer, C., Li, A. O. K., Kadzamira, M. A. T. J., Fleming, S., Ogunmodede, A. (2025). A Review of CABI Digital Tools for Plant Health and Pest Risk Management. Journal of Agricultural & Food Information, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/10496505.2025.2467731

Digital tools

CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme is developing and promoting digital advisory tools to increase access to the information that farmers need to adopt safe and effective agricultural practices.

Our plant health decision support tools are designed for a variety of users including farmers, environmental managers, researchers, plant protection officers, and more.

Find out more here.

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