EvalFest is a biennial national conference organized by the Evaluation Community of India (ECOI) and EvalYouth India, focusing on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices, innovation, youth engagement, and impact in evolving development contexts. Held in New Delhi, it brings together evaluators, policymakers, academics, and practitioners for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and discussing new approaches, including the use of AI. The theme for this year is ‘Evaluation in complex and evolving contexts: Harmonising youth, innovation, and impact.’
Session: AI in Food and Agriculture Systems: Evidence and Implications from LMICs
Date: 12 February 2026
This panel will present key evidence on the use of artificial intelligence in food and agriculture systems in low- and middle-income countries. Drawing on two major reviews commissioned by 3ie and FCDO, it will highlight what AI has delivered for farmers, where evidence remains weak, and the key methodological, ethical, and equity challenges for evaluation. The session will offer practical insights for evaluators and donors on assessing AI-enabled interventions and strengthening future evidence in smallholder agricultural contexts.
Panelists:
- Rohan Shah, Senior Evaluation Specialist, 3ie
- Dr. Francis Xavier Rathinam, Senior Director, Athena Infonomics
- Dr. Monisha Lakshminarayanan, Principal Consultant, Athena Infonomics
- Zeba Siddiqui, Senior Consultant, Athena Infonomics