DAAD Alumni Project „Digitalization of Agriculture: Smart & Precision Farming“ (Smarter E)

For more than 30 years, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) has been actively involved in development cooperation through partnerships with international partner universities, with which it jointly develops and implements projects. HSWT possesses unique expertise in modern, practice-oriented education in Agriculture and Food Technology, bridging the gap between science and practical application. This experience was leveraged as part of the SDG Alumni Project for the Smarter E Europe 2024 trade fair to provide participants with professional development opportunities to deepen their knowledge of digitalization, ICT, renewable energy/climate protection, and digitalization/ICT.

The goal of the seminar was to impart knowledge and a fundamental understanding of the potential of the rapidly developing sector of Agricultural Engineering across all areas of agricultural digitalization. With a focus on the three key areas of precision farming (site-specific management), the digitization of agricultural work processes, and digital solutions in animal husbandry, HSWT provides training in these areas and offers guidance for practical implementation.

Among SDG alumni, educators from DAC countries are to be empowered in knowledge transfer, and SDG alumni from the private sector are to be equipped with the knowledge needed to leverage digitalization in Agriculture through sustainable and innovative business models. This, in turn, lays the foundation for sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship and also contributes to increasing incomes and improving rural livelihoods in DAC countries.

The program included theoretical learning modules, workshops, practical components—including off-site sessions (field trips)—and discussion forums. To illustrate the theoretical concepts in a practical way, the field trips included visits to various companies in the field of Agricultural Engineering, where the SDG alumni were able to learn about the latest market developments firsthand.