2.3 Data ecosystem mapping

• Goal setting: Clarify what you hope to achieve with the data ecosystem map (e.g., improving data sharing, enhancing digital tool adoption, communication with stakeholders).
• Scope determination: Decide the boundaries of your mapping effort (e.g., specific agricultural value chains or geographic areas).
• List personas: Identify all potential stakeholders in the digital AgDev ecosystem, including farmers, agribusinesses, tech providers, NGOs, and government agencies. Understand the role of each stakeholder in the digital AgDev ecosystem and their interest in data.
• Value exchanges: Identify the different tangible and intangible values exchanged between the Personas.
• Enabling and inhibiting factors: Brainstorm the enabling and inhibiting factors for those value exchanges being made successfully throughout your project.

Phase 1 suggested resources: Platforms like Trello, Asana or Microsoft Project can help in defining and tracking project goals. Conduct interviews or focus groups with stakeholders to determine the personas, value exchanges, and enabling or inhibiting factors, in your investment ecosystem.

• Inventory of digital tools: Compile a list of digital tools, platforms and services used in the ecosystem.
• Data flows: Document how data is collected, shared and used among stakeholders, focusing on data exchanges.
• Interviews, focus group discussions, surveys and workshops: Conduct interviews or surveys with key stakeholders to gather insights on their data practices and needs. Organize focus group discussions and workshops to facilitate collective understanding and gather diverse perspectives on the data ecosystem.

Phase 2 suggested resources: Explore directories like AgTech Finder, AgFunder or FarmTable to discover digital tools and platforms used in agriculture.

• Choose a mapping tool: Select a digital tool or software that suits your visualization needs.
• Map structure: Determine your map layout, including nodes (e.g., personas, digital tools) and edges (e.g., relationships, data flows).
• Create initial map: Using the data collected, start plotting the personas and their data interactions.
• Iterative refinement: Refine the map based on feedback from stakeholders and additional insights gathered during the mapping process.

Phase 3 suggested resources: Try software such as Kumu or Miro to create a map of your ecosystem. Experiment with these digital tools or hand-drawn options depending on your group’s preference.

• Gap analysis: Identify any gaps in data sharing, underutilized digital tools, or missing connections between stakeholders.
• Opportunity identification: Highlight opportunities for enhancing digital collaboration, data interoperability, and the adoption of digital solutions.
• Strategic recommendations: Formulate strategies to address identified gaps, leverage opportunities, and improve the overall digital ecosystem.
• Implementation plan: Outline steps, responsible parties, and timelines for executing the strategies.

Phase 4 suggested resources: Use tools like Apache NiFi, Talend or Informatica for data profiling and analysis to identify gaps in data sharing and utilization. Utilize frameworks such as SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) to systematically identify gaps. Conduct scenario planning workshops with key stakeholders to share, consider and evaluate alternative strategic options. Create Gantt charts or roadmaps to visualize the sequencing of activities and dependencies in the implementation plan.

• Dissemination: Share the completed data ecosystem map with all stakeholders, ensuring accessibility and understanding.
• Documentation: Provide detailed documentation on the map’s development process, key findings and strategic recommendations.
• Feedback mechanism: Establish channels for stakeholders to provide feedback on the map and suggested strategies.
• Iterative updates: Plan for regular updates to the map, based on stakeholder feedback and changes in the digital AgDev ecosystem.