Presentation by Denis Chabrol, Managing Editor, Demerara Waves Media Inc. Session: Meeting the Content Needs of Mobile-Based Agriculture Services on 5 Nov 2013 ICT4Ag, Kigali, Rwanda

1. Technological
Convergence Among
the New and
Conventional
Technologies --The Case of Online
Journalism

2. About Guyana
Where is Guyana?

3. Population Distribution
Total population: Just under 1 million
Coastal density
Main agriculture area
New large scale agriculture areas
Contribution of agriculture to GDP

4. Agriculture Communication
Available channels of communication
radio, newspapers, television, Internet
Limited level of education
Constraints to Access to relevant
Information
*government gate-keeping
*credibility

5. Technological Convergence
Technological convergence can be defined as
the application of two or more different
technologies to achieve an enhanced desired
outcome across a number of platforms
Internet Radio is the live or delayed webcasting
of audio content
Terrestrial radio currently offers that capacity via
FM, AM and in some rare cases Shortwave
Several terrestrial also broadcast on the Internet

6. Technological Convergence
Internet webcasts reach a wider audience through
partnering terrestrial stations e.g. Caribbean Week of
Agriculture
Accessibility via mobile devices
High quality is guaranteed
Costs are lower compared to the deployment of other
technologies
Real-time interactivity with participants is possible
The technology is highly mobile to take it to the field and
factory
Engaging the audience via Social Media

7. Next Steps for Technological
Convergence for Agriculture
Increase public awareness across conventional and New Media
about the availability of content on the said New Media
Take advantage of more literate and tech savvy farmers
Teach ICT and Agriculture in schools to create a new generation of
ICT-ready farmers who can take advantage of technological
convergence
Integrate the provision of information about weather, climate and
plant diseases into New Media and regular news content
Involve Agriculture Extension Officers in the application of Internet
Radio as a cost effective and efficient means of communication
Train a new cadre of radio producers to leverage the technology

8. Distance Education
Technological Convergence can facilitate
Distance Education by engaging farmers and
other stakeholders in geographical and interestclusters to share their stories about challenges,
constraints and solutions
Integrated into such content can be nutritionists,
economists, weather services, school teachers,
marketers et al to facilitate cross-fertilization of
agriculture-related themes

9. Expected Outcomes
More ICT literate stakeholders in agriculture
The creation of wider local, regional and
international networks on agriculture issues
The sharing of solutions to common challenges
Greater involvement of youth in agriculture given
their inclination to be more tech savvy
Overall, there will be a vibrant agriculture sector in
which the major stakeholders at all levels will be
continuously engaged and involved via radio,
internet radio, the core website and Social
Media.

10. Expected Outcomes
More ICT literate stakeholders in agriculture
The creation of wider local, regional and
international networks on agriculture issues
The sharing of solutions to common challenges
Greater involvement of youth in agriculture given
their inclination to be more tech savvy
Overall, there will be a vibrant agriculture sector in
which the major stakeholders at all levels will be
continuously engaged and involved via radio,
internet radio, the core website and Social
Media.