04 Virtual Reality

Connecting Lives & Fields Room

Virtual reality technology can bring an IFAD project and the lives of its beneficiaries to life

It can be difficult to visualise how an IFAD project works “on the ground” and the everyday life beneficiaries experience in the rural areas where IFAD operates. The new tools provided by virtual reality technologies offer an opportunity to change that.

This project developed two types of virtual reality experience that give users the opportunity to dive into a realistic, on-the-ground view of an IFAD project in Mozambique through a 360-degree “wrap-around” virtual experience.

“This has been a trigger to experiment with new communication and information tools to show how IFAD-funded projects have a real transforming effect”

– Challenge Team

RESULTS ACHIEVED

Two virtual reality products shot in Mozambique at IFAD’s Artisanal Fisheries Promotion Project (ProPESCA): a 360-degree interactive tour of the project area and a virtual docu-video featuring a project beneficiary and the impact of IFAD’s project on her business
Enhanced visibility through showcasing products at IFAD’s 43rd Governing Council in 2020, on the United Nations Virtual Reality (UNVR) platform and through other channels
Skills and technologies developed in-house at IFAD to develop similar products and VR experiences in the future
Enhanced collaboration between communications and ICT staff in exploring uses of new technologies

POTENTIAL IMPACT

Greater ability to communicate the case for investment in rural communities and the impact of IFAD projects
The reality of IFAD operations brought home to a global audience
Improved engagement with IFAD Members, fellow development institutions and the public at large on IFAD projects and work areas
Potential for partnerships with interested Tech companies
Potential to integrate VR with other platforms, like GIS, to further showcase IFAD work in rural communities from different angles

Recommendations for next steps
(from the project team)

Refined

In general, the 360 video and VR tours are not new, but still in a developing phase as a new form of expression and information sharing. IFAD is still exploring these new tools. If the impact is confirmed, further tours and videos of IFAD’s work and impact could be developed and current/future videos could be translated into IFAD’s official languages, leading to a large portfolio of virtual reality offerings.

Lessons learned
(from the project team)

Originally the two products were pitched as separate projects. But we were funded as one idea, with a request that the communications and ICT teams work together and collaborate on their similar concepts. Through doing this, we were able to use the same technology and project site in Mozambique for our different visions. Further, the Communications division learnt how to effectively produce this kind of content and will now be able to answer requests for this kind of technology in the future. Meanwhile, the ICT division has acquired technologies and gathered skills to produce qualitative and interactive VR tours. Although at times the collaboration required extra work, in the end both teams are happy with our products and we have all gained new skills.

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