Blockchain secures profits through smart contracts

ERIN Grover, Advisor, T8 Capital Dubai, United Arab Emirates

How did your experience in Nepal shape your passion for food security, regenerative agriculture, and sustainability?

Nearly 20 years ago, I lived in a farming community in a Himalayan hamlet just north of Kathmandu. Witnessing the gruelling daily lives of farmers, who despite their challenges showed me extraordinary kindness, ignited a deep desire in me to give back and channel resources to farming communities in need.

2. Blockchain, AI, and IoT for Climate Impact

What role do you see technology playing in the achievement of global goals such as the UN SDGs, and how does your work directly contribute to them, particularly in agriculture and food security?

Blockchain and AI are transforming environmental data reporting, enabling secure, precise monitoring of farming conditions. This empowers farmers globally to make data-driven decisions for healthier crops. Blockchain secures profits through smart contracts, ensuring fair pay and protecting against hidden fees imposed by intermediaries.

3. Water and Food Security

Can you share specific examples of projects or partnerships that you’ve been involved in that successfully address water and food security through technology?

I have advised initiatives in India that integrated technologies to enhance water and food security, resulting in farmer profits increasing by 900%. These projects focus on using precise data reporting to verify whether produce supply chains are sustainable or contributing to deforestation.

4. Regenerative Agriculture and Supply Chain Transparency

What is the importance of supply chain transparency for achieving sustainable agriculture and how does your work contribute to this goal?

Supply chain transparency is essential for ensuring that agricultural practices are sustainable. My work involves integrating blockchain and satellite technology to enable real-time data reporting, verifying regenerative practices and safeguarding the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

5. Collaboration with Global Institutions and International Protocols

As a member of the World Economic Forum's Crypto Sustainability Coalition, how do you see blockchain and decentralized technologies contributing to global climate goals such as Net Zero?

Through my work with the World Economic Forum’s Crypto Sustainability Coalition, I demonstrate how emerging technologies can combat fraud in the carbon industry, offering real-time monitoring of soil carbon assets and restoring credibility in carbon markets to support Net Zero commitments.

6. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

How do blockchain and AI technologies contribute to empowering smallholder farmers, particularly in the Global South, and building resilience against climate risks?

Technology is crucial for achieving the UN SDGs, especially in agriculture and food security. My focus on integrating data-backed solutions ensures accountability and effective resource management, ultimately contributing to sustainable practices and food security for millions of smallholder farmers.

7. Focus on Emerging Markets: India and Asia

Given India’s ambitious sustainability goals and push towards Net Zero by 2070, how do you see the potential of these technologies contributing to the Indian agriculture and climate sector?

Technologies like blockchain and AI hold significant potential for transforming Indian agriculture, enabling data-driven practices that enhance productivity while promoting sustainability. Their adoption can help meet ambitious sustainability goals and support the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

8. Sustainability and Climate Impact in Asia

What specific innovations or business models do you believe can accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture and improved water management in Asian markets?

Innovations like precision agriculture, water management systems using IoT, and decentralized finance models can drive the transition to regenerative practices in Asia. These approaches provide farmers with tools and resources to manage their land sustainably and efficiently.

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9. Impact on Smallholder Farmers

How do you involve farming communities in implementing these technologies, and how do you ensure that they benefit from these advancements?

I involve farming communities through participatory approaches, conducting workshops and training sessions to educate farmers about new technologies. By advocating for equitable profit-sharing models and providing access to real-time data, I ensure that farmers benefit from these advancements.

10. Climate-Focused Investments and Future Trends

For those who want to join you in advancing climate resilience and sustainable agriculture through technology, what are the most critical areas where they can contribute? How can they collaborate with you or your network to drive meaningful change?

Interested individuals can contribute by focusing on capacity building, technology development, and research advocacy. Collaborating through partnerships, coalitions, or initiatives centred on sustainable agriculture can create opportunities for meaningful change.

11. Leadership and Vision for the Future

As a thought leader in sustainability tech, what is your vision for how blockchain, AI, and IoT can revolutionize agriculture and supply chains, making them more sustainable and transparent?

My vision is for these technologies to create a transparent and efficient agricultural ecosystem, enabling farmers to access fair markets while promoting sustainable practices. By leveraging data and technology, we can ensure accountability and improve the livelihoods of farmers globally.

12. UN SDGs and Net Zero Commitments

How do you see the future of blockchain and AI evolving to address the global environmental challenges we face today, particularly in the agriculture and food security sectors?

The main challenges include regulatory hurdles and the need for infrastructure to support these technologies. However, opportunities lie in leveraging local innovations and international partnerships to create scalable solutions that promote both economic growth and sustainability.

13. Call to Action

What urgent steps should stakeholders take to ensure the effective implementation of these technologies in agriculture?

I urge governments, philanthropists, and impact investors to prioritize and accelerate the adoption of technologies that promote sustainability in agriculture. Collaborative efforts are crucial to ensure accountability and support the transition to a sustainable future, especially as we approach critical deadlines for climate action.

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