Chapter 17: Digital Tools, Data Systems and AI in Food Security Policy: Digital tools and food security policies

Digital technologies are rapidly reshaping the way food security is monitored, governed, and addressed across the world. This chapter examines the growing role of remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and predictive modelling in strengthening food security policy and early warning systems. Drawing on recent scholarly literature, institutional reports, and comparative international experiences, it explores how digital tools enhance crop monitoring, climate risk assessment, supply chain management, and evidence-based policymaking. At the same time, the chapter highlights persistent challenges related to data governance, digital inequality, algorithmic transparency, data sovereignty, and the unequal distribution of technological capacity between the Global North and Global South. By integrating sociotechnical systems theory, digital sovereignty, and evidence-to-policy translation frameworks, the chapter argues that technology alone cannot solve food insecurity without strong institutions, inclusive governance, and equitable access to digital resources. It concludes by outlining policy direction that promotes responsible AI adoption, strengthened data governance, and international collaboration to build more resilient, transparent, and sustainable food systems.