The document discusses the Ghana Agricultural Information Network System (GAINS) and its use of radio to disseminate agricultural information to farmers in Ghana. GAINS partners with several community radio stations to broadcast agricultural programs in local languages. The programs provide farmers with information on best agricultural practices and help solve farming problems. Radio was found to be an effective channel as most farmers are illiterate and radio allows two-way communication. The partnerships have helped increase farmers' access to information to improve productivity and livelihoods.
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE...IAEME Publication
Information and Communications Technology is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications. ICT includes any communication device or application as radio, computer, television, network hardware, cellular phones, software, and satellite systems etc., as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as distance learning and video conferencing. It is an integration of the technologies and the processes to distribute and communicate the desired information to the target audience and making the target audience more participative in nature
T6: Partnership and Knowledge Sharing for DevelopmentFAO
T6: Making research and science reach farmers and end users - The above presentation was presented during the poster session for Market Place of the LWD in 17 December 2013. Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems for Rural Development and Food Security Improvement, By Dr. Magdi Latif, Knowledge Outreach and Capacity Development Division - FAO of the United Nations, , Land and Water Days in Near East & North Africa, 15-18 December 2013, Amman, Jordan
Analysis of the Usage of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in Acce...AJSERJournal
Owing to the importance of information communication technologies on activities of rural households, this
study analyzed the usage of ICTs in dissemination of agricultural information to smallholder farmers in Kwara state,
Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 210 smallholder farmers which were selected
using both random and systematic sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and chi square were used to analyze
data. The results reveal that the mean age of the farmers was 37.6 years, while 52.9% of the farmers were females. The
three most important ICT tools used by farmers were mobile phone, radio and television. There was relevance and
timeliness in the quality of information through radio and mobile phone, respectively based on farmers’ perception.
However, the major constraints identified by farmers were erratic power supply, high call rates and bad networks.
There was significant relationship between respondents’ age (χ2=17.333., p= 0.010), gender (χ2=32.267., p= 0.000),
education (χ2=122.000, p= 0.000), marital status (χ2=18.467, p= 0.048) and the type of ICTs used in agricultural
information dissemination. The study therefore concludes that ICTs is well used by the farmers. The study recommends
amongst others the need for relevant stakeholders to set up an enabling environment that will enhance economic
development.
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE...IAEME Publication
Information and Communications Technology is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications. ICT includes any communication device or application as radio, computer, television, network hardware, cellular phones, software, and satellite systems etc., as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as distance learning and video conferencing. It is an integration of the technologies and the processes to distribute and communicate the desired information to the target audience and making the target audience more participative in nature
T6: Partnership and Knowledge Sharing for DevelopmentFAO
T6: Making research and science reach farmers and end users - The above presentation was presented during the poster session for Market Place of the LWD in 17 December 2013. Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems for Rural Development and Food Security Improvement, By Dr. Magdi Latif, Knowledge Outreach and Capacity Development Division - FAO of the United Nations, , Land and Water Days in Near East & North Africa, 15-18 December 2013, Amman, Jordan
Analysis of the Usage of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in Acce...AJSERJournal
Owing to the importance of information communication technologies on activities of rural households, this
study analyzed the usage of ICTs in dissemination of agricultural information to smallholder farmers in Kwara state,
Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 210 smallholder farmers which were selected
using both random and systematic sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and chi square were used to analyze
data. The results reveal that the mean age of the farmers was 37.6 years, while 52.9% of the farmers were females. The
three most important ICT tools used by farmers were mobile phone, radio and television. There was relevance and
timeliness in the quality of information through radio and mobile phone, respectively based on farmers’ perception.
However, the major constraints identified by farmers were erratic power supply, high call rates and bad networks.
There was significant relationship between respondents’ age (χ2=17.333., p= 0.010), gender (χ2=32.267., p= 0.000),
education (χ2=122.000, p= 0.000), marital status (χ2=18.467, p= 0.048) and the type of ICTs used in agricultural
information dissemination. The study therefore concludes that ICTs is well used by the farmers. The study recommends
amongst others the need for relevant stakeholders to set up an enabling environment that will enhance economic
development.
HOW IS MOBILE IMPACTING ON GOVERNMENT CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AND SERVICE DE...Rendani Nevhulaudzi
- How are citizen accessing digital government information and servicesWhat are other global governments doing to bring digital services using mobiles
- How can government consolidate and transition their services to mobile across all departments
- What are the best practices in using mobile to provide services to the citizen
Presentation by Ms Hlamalani Ngwenya from GFRAS, at the Regional planning meeting on ‘Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Agricultural Solutions for Cereals and Livestock Farmers in Southern Africa – Building partnership for successful implementation’,13–15 September 2016, Johannesburg, South Africa
Use of Information Communication Technologies Among Female Block Extension Ag...IOSRJAVS
Block Extension Agents are the extension workers who are specifically females and who carry out Gender sensitive issues for female farmers in Nigeria. They have the objective of seeing to the extension needs of the female farmers. The study assessed the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) among Block Extension Agents (BEAs) in South-East Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of the sample for the study. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The mean age of the respondents was 40 years. All the BEAs sampled had formal education where more than half of them (51.04%) had first degree (B.Sc/B.Agric). The mean working experience of the respondents was 10 years. The mean income level of the respondents was N 33,875 per month. The extension agents claimed that twenty-five ICT facilities were available to them in varying degree. The attitude of the respondents towards the use of ICT facilities was positive (mean score=3.11). The extent of use of ICTs by the BEAs was low (mean score=1.45) which can be attributed to the low degree of availability of the ICTs than to their attitude towards the use of the ICT facilities. The BEAs identified thirteen (13) pressing problems that hindered their use of ICTs in varying degree and their major constraint (89.58%) as very limited access to the internet. It is recommended that the ADPs should provide such desirable working conditions that will encourage the BEAs to put in more years of their productive service to the ADPs; Workshops, conferences and seminars should be organized to train the BEAs in the use of ICTs which will improve efficiency in their work. ICT facilities should be made available to BEAs to enhance their productivity.
A web based portal for the people who are involved in agriculture sector of Nepal. This web app provides all the necessary information and techniques regarding farming.
ICT messaging as a promising technology delivery mechanism for smallholder re...africa-rising
Presented by Fred Kizito, Patrick Kiao, Leonard Sabula, Haroon Sseguya, Freddy Baijukya, Christopher Mutungi and Japhet Masigo at the AFRICA RISING−NAFAKA Project Annual Review and Planning Meeting, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 3–4 July 2019
HOW IS MOBILE IMPACTING ON GOVERNMENT CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AND SERVICE DE...Rendani Nevhulaudzi
- How are citizen accessing digital government information and servicesWhat are other global governments doing to bring digital services using mobiles
- How can government consolidate and transition their services to mobile across all departments
- What are the best practices in using mobile to provide services to the citizen
Presentation by Ms Hlamalani Ngwenya from GFRAS, at the Regional planning meeting on ‘Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Agricultural Solutions for Cereals and Livestock Farmers in Southern Africa – Building partnership for successful implementation’,13–15 September 2016, Johannesburg, South Africa
Use of Information Communication Technologies Among Female Block Extension Ag...IOSRJAVS
Block Extension Agents are the extension workers who are specifically females and who carry out Gender sensitive issues for female farmers in Nigeria. They have the objective of seeing to the extension needs of the female farmers. The study assessed the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) among Block Extension Agents (BEAs) in South-East Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of the sample for the study. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The mean age of the respondents was 40 years. All the BEAs sampled had formal education where more than half of them (51.04%) had first degree (B.Sc/B.Agric). The mean working experience of the respondents was 10 years. The mean income level of the respondents was N 33,875 per month. The extension agents claimed that twenty-five ICT facilities were available to them in varying degree. The attitude of the respondents towards the use of ICT facilities was positive (mean score=3.11). The extent of use of ICTs by the BEAs was low (mean score=1.45) which can be attributed to the low degree of availability of the ICTs than to their attitude towards the use of the ICT facilities. The BEAs identified thirteen (13) pressing problems that hindered their use of ICTs in varying degree and their major constraint (89.58%) as very limited access to the internet. It is recommended that the ADPs should provide such desirable working conditions that will encourage the BEAs to put in more years of their productive service to the ADPs; Workshops, conferences and seminars should be organized to train the BEAs in the use of ICTs which will improve efficiency in their work. ICT facilities should be made available to BEAs to enhance their productivity.
A web based portal for the people who are involved in agriculture sector of Nepal. This web app provides all the necessary information and techniques regarding farming.
ICT messaging as a promising technology delivery mechanism for smallholder re...africa-rising
Presented by Fred Kizito, Patrick Kiao, Leonard Sabula, Haroon Sseguya, Freddy Baijukya, Christopher Mutungi and Japhet Masigo at the AFRICA RISING−NAFAKA Project Annual Review and Planning Meeting, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 3–4 July 2019
Experience of the Ghana Agricultural Information Network Systems (GAINS)iaaldafrika
PowerPoint presentation on GAINS activities presented at the IAALD Africa Chapter session at the Joint Conference of IAALD, AFITA and WCCA, 24 - 27 August 2008, Atsugi, Japan
Study of Mobile Phone Gratification Sought and Obtained by Aquaculture Farmer...IJEAB
Mobile phone is strategic in the current effort to improve advisory services delivery and effectiveness of information sharing toenhance aquaculture entrepreneurship for food security, and wealth creation in the country. This prompted the study of mobile phone gratification sought and obtained among table size aquaculture fish food producers through the application of Uses and Gratification Theory. In pursuit of the set objectives, primary data was generated from 100 respondents in Niger State, Nigeria which was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistic tools. Personal profile revealed dominance of aquapreneur by people in middle age categories with mean age of 42 years and 4.5year of experience. Respondents top gratifications sought from mobile phone usage were to be accessible, connected, job accomplishment and socialization whereas obtained gratifications in enterprise were to support adoption of technologies, timely information, linkage to customers, quick response, and access to inputs. It was revealed that respondents had positive antecedent to mobile phone services subscription relating to caller tone, music, news alert, sports, and health. Socio-economic variables that correlate with gratification sought and obtained were marital status, religion, and education at 0.05 level. In view of the finding on responsible usage of mobile phone in aquaculture enterprise, more investment is required develop mobile phone applications and services. To sustain and improve on the benefits derived, respondents need capacity building to acquire more knowledge and skills to effectively participate in advisory services.
Mobile phone an instrument of disseminating requisite agricultural informat...eSAT Journals
Abstract Bangladesh is densely an over populated country where a large number of people (more than 60 percent) are still living their livelihood directly or indirectly through the agro based jobs. The environment is very much favorable for agriculture. The contribution of agricultural sector to GDP is 20.60% In this regard, if the initiatives are been taken to provide the right farmers with the right information by the right way at the right time within the least cost, the success will be definite. Decision making is a very crucial part in every activity to be performed in an excellent manner. Any system applied for getting information and knowledge for making decisions in any industry should deliver accurate, complete, concise information in time or on time. The information provided by the system must be in user-friendly form, easy to access, cost-effective and well protected from unauthorized accesses. And to ensure all these there is no alternative other than telecommunication and networking technologies. Different collaboration and communication tools are available to share information throughout the world to ensure improved decision making. And those tools are also playing an important role to disseminate agricultural information. Mobile phone is one of the most popular electronic media among the natives of this country for news and information. Mobile phones significantly reduce communication and information costs for the rural poor in developing countries. This not only provides new opportunities for rural farmers to obtain access to information on agricultural technologies, but also to use ICTs (Information and communication technologies) in agricultural extension systems. Since 2007, there has been a proliferation of mobile phone based applications and services in the agricultural sector, providing information on market prices, weather, transport and agricultural techniques via voice, short message service (SMS) and internet. Therefore, this paper attempts to analyze the contribution of mobile phones on the dissemination of agricultural information for the farmers for their agricultural enrichment with emphasis on analyzing quantitative data gathered in a survey using a structured questionnaire that was generated on the basis of my theoretical study. Findings indicate a positive curve towards the dependency on and contribution of mobile phones. Keywords: Agricultural Information, Mobile Phones in Bangladesh, Agricultural Information Service (AIS), Technology Adoption, E-agriculture.
Limits to the applicability of the innovation platform approach for agricultural development in West Africa: Socio-economic factors constrain stakeholder engagement and confidence by Ashley D. Sparrowa, (CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA 6913, Australia) & Adama Traoré (Association pour la Promotion de l'Elevage au Sahel et en Savane (APESS), General Secretariat, 04, BP 590 Ouagadougou 04, Burkina Faso)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2017.05.014
Use of radio as a tool for promoting integrated pest management among farmers...Premier Publishers
This study took a look at the place of radio in the improvement of farming practices among the farmers in Shika community in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The focus of the study was the use of radio for sensitizing farmers on integrated pest management. The objectives of the study were; examining the importance of radio as a source of agricultural information to farmers in Shika, ascertaining the level of farmers’ awareness of chemical pest control and determining how Radio can be used as a communication channel for promoting chemical pest control among farmers in Shika. Survey research method was used for the study, while copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 60 respondents purposively selected and descriptive data analysis technique was used to present and analyze the data. The findings included the fact that people of Shika do not have requisite agricultural information needed for pest control hence, there is high rate of pest attacks on their farms, the radio stations in the area rarely broadcast issues related to pest control, while there is low extension attention to the community. Improved access to agricultural information on Radio, through the Hausa language could lead to pest control needed for improved agricultural productivity in Shika community.
A STUDY ON THE USAGE OF RADIO IN AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY THE FAR...IAEME Publication
Agricultural information plays a vital role in agricultural development as well as in improving the livelihoods of farmers. Though modern communication tools play a vital role, Radio help the farmers to improve agricultural yield through access to information in order to avail basic financial services, new techniques of agriculture and new marketing strategies and in turn supporting them to get better prices for crops and good return on investment. Radio provides recent, up-to-date information on crop prices, which helps the farmers in saving time and money. It ensures the farmers to bargain a deal with the traders and merchants and improves the marketing strategies to sell their harvest. Radio Programmes enable the farmers to understand the important weather data and they manage their crops accordingly. The main objective of the study is to analyse the usage of radio information in agricultural practices by the farmers of Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The researchers adopted a descriptive research design. Multilevel sampling was adopted in selecting the respondents for this study. Simple random sampling was adopted for selecting the respondents and thus 220 completed interview schedules were selected out of 383 respondents who were interviewed. The study concludes that radio is useful for receiving vital messages related to seed availability, weather, availability of loans, market price and also information on highly profitable products.
Determinants of Adoption of Improved Maize Technology among Smallholder Maize...BRNSS Publication Hub
Introduction: As part of Ghana’s agricultural modernization agenda aimed at ensuring the National Food Security, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) through its extension directorate has been promoting the adoption of improved maize technologies. Method and Material: This paper presents the finding of a study conducted to assess the determinants of adoption of improved maize technologies among smallholder farmers in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Exploratory survey design was employed with multistage sampling techniques adopted in selecting 400 maize farmers for the study. Result: Personal interviews, administration of semi-structured questionnaire, observations, and focus group discussions were the main methods employed in data collection. Probit regression model was applied in analyzing determinants of the adoption of improved maize technologies. Household annual income, access to labor, access to credit, and extension contact were found as significant determinants of farmers’ level of adoption of improved maize technology. Conclusion: The study recommends to the MOFA to promote the use of labor saving simple farm tools in carrying out the various production recommendations under the improved maize technology. Furthermore, MOFA needs to work with financial institutions to support maize farmers with credit to enable them to acquire the necessary inputs required in the implementation of the improved maize technology.
Determinants of Adoption of Improved Maize Technology among Smallholder Maize...BRNSS Publication Hub
Introduction: As part of Ghana’s agricultural modernization agenda aimed at ensuring the National
Food Security, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) through its extension directorate has been
promoting the adoption of improved maize technologies. Method and Material: This paper presents
the finding of a study conducted to assess the determinants of adoption of improved maize technologies
among smallholder farmers in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Exploratory
survey design was employed with multistage sampling techniques adopted in selecting 400 maize
farmers for the study. Result: Personal interviews, administration of semi-structured questionnaire,
observations, and focus group discussions were the main methods employed in data collection. Probit
regression model was applied in analyzing determinants of the adoption of improved maize technologies.
Household annual income, access to labor, access to credit, and extension contact were found as
significant determinants of farmers’ level of adoption of improved maize technology. Conclusion: The
study recommends to the MOFA to promote the use of labor saving simple farm tools in carrying out the
various production recommendations under the improved maize technology. Furthermore, MOFA needs
to work with financial institutions to support maize farmers with credit to enable them to acquire the
necessary inputs required in the implementation of the improved maize technology.
Determinants of Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Development Programme Exten...BRNSS Publication Hub
The study analyzed the determinants of farmers’ adoption of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
extension technology packages in Ivo L.G.A of Ebonyi State. Multistage sampling procedure was employed
to select 80 farmers and eight extension agents who formed the respondents for the study. Data were
collected through the aid of questionnaire and interview schedule whereas the analysis was done using
descriptive and inferential statistics suiting each specific objective. The result showed that most of the
farmers (82.50%) and extension agents (75%) were males, respectively. Evidence showed that the mean age
of the farmers was 37 years while the mean age of the extension agents was 44 years. It was obvious that
67.50% and 75% of the farmers and extension agents were, respectively, married. The mean annual income
of the farmers and extension agents was ₦98,070 and ₦504,200, respectively. The result showed further
that about 81.9% change in the dependent variable (adoption of extension technology packages) was caused
by variations of socio-economic characteristics included in the regression model. The following were the
research recommendations; educational facilities should be made available for rural farmers to enhance
easy adoption of ADP extension technology packages to enhance production; government and NGOs should
endeavor to subsidize the cost of ADP extension technology packages to enhance easy adoption by rural
farmers; and credit institutions are advised to give farmers loans to enhance their accessibility of ADP
extension technology packages in the area
DETERMINANTS FOR RECORD KEEPING AMONG FARMERS IN TUBAH SUB DIVISION, NORTH WE...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT :
Purpose: Record keeping is important as it enables farmers to document their farm operations. Apart from
providing some useful insights into the types of records kept, it facilitates understand the problems connected with
record keeping by farmers, and so enable us to suggest solutions that lead to effective record keeping. Information
obtained can further enhance agricultural development, for instance by facilitating farmers’ access to credits.
Methodology: Data was collected using the purposively sampling method (160 farmers) from the villages of
Bambili, Bambui, Kedjom-keku (Big Babanki) and Kedjom-ketingoh (Small Babanki) all in Tubah division in the
North West region of Cameroon, using a structured questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS
(Statistical Package for Social Science), version 20.0. Both descriptive statistics and regression analysis were
performed, adopting a 5% significance level.
Findings: All 160 respondents indicated that record keeping is very important, and 67.5% of them were found to
keep any kind of records. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors that affect record keeping
decisions among farmers. Marital status, type of farming system practice, number of plots and formal training
showed positive contributions towards record keeping. However, only the marital status, farming practice, number
of plots and formal training (educational level) significantly influenced farmers’ decisions to keep records
(p=0.000).
Unique Contribution: Our contribution dwells on a relevant topic, namely record keeping, which is largely
neglected in the topic research, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The results allow us to recommended that famers
should endeavor to keep and constantly update records as records can attract benefits such as access to credit, and/or
grants acquired through project writing. Also, if production, input and sales records are prevalent, governments and
scholars can use them for statistical purposes, or as a catalyst to grant certification to famers who keep records
which would enhance traceability, market niche and fair trade..
KEYWORDS: Record Keeping, Determinants, Farmers, Binary Logistic Regression, Tubah-Sub Division
Appraisal of the Agro-Tech Smart Extension Model in Ghana, Payment options an...Premier Publishers
The role of ICT- enabled extension services delivery for enhanced agricultural productivity cannot be overemphasized. In this article the effectiveness of AgroTech Model piloted by Grameen Foundation in Ghana is assessed. The AgroTech Model is a private led ICT- enabled extension and support services. The study methodology involved two pronged approaches including a desk review of existing literature and a primary survey of 402 agricultural value chain actors. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Study findings showed that the Agro-Tech Model has high performance rating among farmers interviewed. More than one third of the farmers rated the performance of the AgroTech Model as Excellent (above 70%) while 27% rated the performance as Good (70 - 50%). Factors such as timely supply of inputs, cost implications and improvement in crop yields that translate into additional income influenced farmers’ decisions on the performance rating of the AgroTech Model. Awareness of the AgroTech model among males in the communities surveyed was higher than females. Overall, willingness to pay for extension and support services was estimated at 58%. However, willingness to pay for extension and support services was slightly higher among male farmers (59.1%) than female farmers (55.3%).
ICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholdersICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholders by Stella Kamuyu Wanjau - EAFF
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Putting the SPARK into Virtual Training.pptxCynthia Clay
This 60-minute webinar, sponsored by Adobe, was delivered for the Training Mag Network. It explored the five elements of SPARK: Storytelling, Purpose, Action, Relationships, and Kudos. Knowing how to tell a well-structured story is key to building long-term memory. Stating a clear purpose that doesn't take away from the discovery learning process is critical. Ensuring that people move from theory to practical application is imperative. Creating strong social learning is the key to commitment and engagement. Validating and affirming participants' comments is the way to create a positive learning environment.
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Adani SEBI investigation revealed that the latter had sought information from five foreign jurisdictions concerning the holdings of the firm’s foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in relation to the alleged violations of the MPS Regulations. Nevertheless, the economic interest of the twelve FPIs based in tax haven jurisdictions still needs to be determined. The Adani Group firms classed these FPIs as public shareholders. According to Hindenburg, FPIs were used to get around regulatory standards.
Kseniya Leshchenko: Shared development support service model as the way to ma...Lviv Startup Club
Kseniya Leshchenko: Shared development support service model as the way to make small projects with small budgets profitable for the company (UA)
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Sustainability has become an increasingly critical topic as the world recognizes the need to protect our planet and its resources for future generations. Sustainability means meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves long-term planning and consideration of the consequences of our actions. The goal is to create strategies that ensure the long-term viability of People, Planet, and Profit.
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1. Introduction and Key Concepts of Sustainability
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To download the complete presentation, visit: https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations
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1. The Use of Radio in the Dissemination of Agricultural Information to
Farmers: The Ghana Agricultural Information Network System (GAINS)
Experience
Joel Sam
Director
Institute for Scientific and Technological Information
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Accra, Ghana
Email: egy28@yahoo.co.uk
Lucy Dzandu
Librarian
Institute for Scientific and Technological Information
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Accra, Ghana
Email: lucydzandu@yahoo.com
Abstract
In Ghana, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and is vital to the overall economic
growth and development as it is a source of livelihood for a great majority of the population.
An important vehicle for increasing agricultural productivity is the provision of relevant and
current agricultural information on time and in the right format to stakeholders. This paper
discusses the role that the Ghana Agricultural Information Network System (GAINS) has
played in disseminating agricultural information to farmers using radio. Recommendations
have been made on how to improve information dissemination and to collaborate with other
institutions to provide agricultural information to improve agricultural productivity, food
security and rural livelihoods in Ghana.
1
2. 1.0 Introduction
Agriculture plays a very important role in Ghana’s economy. About 60% of the population
is employed by the agricultural sector, which supports about 80% of the population
economically through several activities such as farming, distribution of farm products, and
the provision of other related services. In economic terms, the sector was .for many years
in the past the largest contributor to the GDP until the year 2006 when the service sector
overtook it. Data available from the Ghana Statistical Service showed that in 2006 the
service sector contributed 48.8% while agriculture contributed 30.4% to country’s GDP.
This trend has been continuing and in 2010, the service sector’s contribution rose to 51.4%
while that from agriculture fell to 29.9%. But in spite of this trend its development still
holds the key to poverty alleviation and improved food security in Ghana and other
developing countries (GSS, 2011).
The peasant farmers produce the bulk of the country's food crops for home consumption,
as well as cash crops for export. Their inability to sustain increased food production levels
over the years could be attributed to factors such as the lack of reliable information that
will help them to adjust their farm management practices. To overcome this problem, they
have to be provided with the requisite knowledge to enable them increase their output, and
thereby increase their earnings from farming activities.
In a situation where information about new methods of production hardly reaches the
peasant farmers, majority of whom have very little or no formal education, it becomes
necessary to adopt alternative methods which can adequately meet these demands. Such
an approach should aim at providing the information needed to solve their problems, and
also motivate them to accept changes and adopt improved practices. One basic and
essential attribute of information is that it helps in solving problems. For this to be possible
however, it must be relevant to the user's needs at any given time. In the agricultural
sector, information is one of the major resources to increase food production. Effective
information delivery service greatly enhances agricultural development (Sam, 2011).
2
3. ICTs encompass a range of technologies that facilitate by electronic means, the production,
storage and exchange of information, though a distinction is often made between new ICTs
such as computers, Internet and mobile phones and old ICTs such as newspapers, radio,
television and landline telephony. The new ICTs are known for their digital transmission
mechanisms, greater interactivity, wider geographical coverage, cost-effectiveness, and
availability on 24/7 basis. By contrast, the old ICTs use analog transmission mechanisms
and mostly provide one-way communication (Greenberg, 2005).
The potential contribution of ICTs to development generally, and poverty reduction in
particular has received a growing attention worldwide in recent years. The widespread
availability of ICTs has generated much interest in their potential use for development and
poverty alleviation. ICTs may play a role in the livelihoods of people in rural areas by
facilitating access to information which can boost agricultural production and provide
marketing information for agricultural products, hence improving farmers’ income. ICTs
may also improve poor people’s access to education, health, government and financial
services (Cecchini and Scott, 2003). Arguably, the values of ICTs can be particularly high in
areas where other forms of communication such as postal systems and roads are poor.
This paper discusses the use of radio by the Ghana Agricultural Information Network
System (GAINS) in the dissemination of agricultural information to farmers. The use of
radio was chosen as the channel through which agricultural information should be
disseminated to farmers as majority of them are illiterate and could therefore not be
reached through the traditional channels of disseminating information. Radio was found to
be appropriate as the agricultural information programmes are broadcast in the local
languages which is understood by the illiterate farmers. It is for this reason that GAINS has
since 2004 been disseminating agricultural information to farmers through the use of
radio.
2.0 The Ghana Agricultural Information Network System (GAINS)
The Ghana Agricultural Information Network System (GAINS) is a Ghanaian information
network which has primarily been used for the sharing of agricultural research
3
4. information. Since 1991, it has linked the libraries of 18 of Ghana’s agricultural research
and academic facilities to each other and to external contacts. It facilitates a question and
answer service (QAS) to address stakeholders’ agricultural information needs, attempts to
improve the accessibility of locally produced research findings, and builds the capacity of
stakeholder institutions' libraries and information management professionals. It is
managed by a coordinating centre based at the Institute for Scientific and Technological
Information-of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-INSTI). (GAINS,
2010).
GAINS' purpose is to bring together the creators and disseminators of agricultural research
information in Ghana to increase information sharing and collectively address their
common needs. GAINS’ coordinating centre has been increasing stakeholders’ collective
access to scientific information, especially international journals, and in seeking external
partnerships. However, the network faces major challenges in assisting its member
institutes to improve their own information management and sharing capabilities. Despite
the efforts of the coordinating centre, locally generated research outputs are still quite
difficult to access, as very few of GAINS’ member institutes have functioning repositories of
their research outputs, and even fewer effectively share their output with the rest of the
network (GAINS, 2010).
2.1 Information and Knowledge Resources in GAINS - Databases
Since March 2000 when GAINS started facilitating the Ghana-QAS, the Local Area Network
Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (LANTEEAL) database has been found to be a very
relevant source for providing information to users. LANTEEAL is a useful source of
information for the Ghana-QAS and also complements the AGORA database. With the
acquisition of 3 sets of LANTEEAL, the information needs of research scientists and
academia are being met throughout the country as they are strategically placed in CSIR-
INSTI, Accra, KNUST, Kumasi and UDS, Nyankpala, near Tamale.
4
5. A number of in-house databases such as Agricultural Experts in Ghana (AGRIEX), Ghana
Science Abstracts (GHASAB), Ghana Agricultural Research Information (GHAGRI) and the
thesis database, as well as the GAINS newsletter archive, are accessible from the GAINS
website, and many of the international databases (AGORA, HINARI, OARE and Science
Direct) are accessible from their own sites. These databases have been very beneficial in
serving the information needs of research scientists and academia as they provide a very
useful source for Ghanaian generated information. They are however unhelpful to farmers,
majority of whom are illiterate. Thus the need to use radio to repackage the information
and broadcast it using the local languages to reach the farmers.
Within GAINS, a number of Ghanaian agricultural research information databases have
been created with the collaboration of local partners to serve the information needs of
users. These are:
• Ghana Agricultural Research Information Database (GHAGRI) - a bibliographic
collection of information on all aspects of agriculture and rural development in
Ghana and contains over 9700 records largely of journal articles, books, conference
proceedings, unpublished reports, thesis and dissertations dating back to the early
1900s. This database can be accessed online at: www.gains.org.gh. It was developed
using the WINISIS software and indexed using AGROVOC Thesaurus.
• Ghana Science Abstracts (GHASAB) - a bibliographic database of refereed journal
articles published in Ghana or about Ghana in the area of science and technology
and contains 1845 records. It can be accessed online at: www.gains.org.gh and was
developed using the WINISIS software and indexed using Spine Thesaurus for
Science and Technology.
• GAPP Institutional Repository Database - is made up of metadata and associated
full-text collection of information on all aspects of agriculture and rural
development in Ghana. This database contains 1032 records of which are 25
metadata and 1007 full-text and was developed using the WINISIS software and
indexed using AGROVOC Thesaurus.
In recent times, attempts have been made by GAINS to expand its focus to address the
needs not only of research and academia, but also of end users such as farmers and
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6. intermediaries such as extension agents. In serving the information needs of farmers,
majority of whom are illiterate, the traditional resources (databases, books, journals) and
means of disseminating information would not adequately meet their information needs.
The need therefore arose to use radio to repackage the information and broadcast it using
the local languages to reach the farmers.
3.0 Radio and Agricultural Information Dissemination
Agricultural information in Ghana is provided through two main channels. These are the
well-known formal channels which include libraries and information centres, radio and
television; posters and the informal channel of oral communication. Of these, farmers tend
to rely on the oral method of communication and sometimes on the radio for their
information needs, while other users of agricultural information such as policy makers and
researchers depend on formal channels for their information needs (Hanson, 1994). GAINS
in collaboration with its development partners notably CTA, FAO, FARA, IICD and KIT have
over the years explored the use of ICT in the dissemination of agricultural information to
its stakeholders.
Farmers need to be informed and educated about improved agricultural practices to enable
them increase their productivity and income. Several channels such as extension agents,
individuals, farmer-to-farmer contact, print media (newspapers, magazines, newsletters,
leaflets, pamphlets, and posters) and electronic media (radio, television, films) have been
widely used to disseminate information to farmers (Rite FM, 2011).
However, through the challenges and lessons learnt in the provision of agricultural
information to farmers under the CTA supported QAS project in Ghana, the use of radio was
identified as a medium through which the information needs of farmers could be met. Many
farmers in Ghana are peasant farmers who live in the rural areas of the country. Many of
these farmers are illiterate and lack the formal skills to read and understand technical
research findings. It is on the basis of this that the QAS entered into partnerships with
community radio stations with CTA’s support to reach more Ghanaian farmers in their own
6
7. local languages to disseminate agricultural research findings to them, and also help them
identify solutions to their farming problems.
Radio is one broadcast medium which almost all experts identify to be the most
appropriate for rural emancipation program. It beats distances, and thus has immediate
effect. It has been identified as the only medium of mass communication the rural
population is very familiar with. This is because a radio set is cheap to obtain and is widely
owned in the rural areas. This is made possible by the advent of the battery-operated
transistorized sets. Furthermore, radio is favored as a medium of communication in rural
communities because of the advantages ascribed to it in form of (i) transcending the
barriers of illiteracy, and (ii) demanding less intellectual exertion than the print media
messages (Rite FM, 2011). Its limitation that it was a one-way communication channel has
been overcome in Ghana through massive improvement in telecommunication which
enables the audience to respond via telephone to radio broadcasts.
3.1 Brief Profile of Radio Stations
A study carried out by the CTA supported QAS project in Ghana revealed that it was better
to work with community-based FM stations, as they broadcasted programmes in local
languages understood by farmers and fisher folks. It was also found to be more viable
economically to work with community-based FM stations as opposed to the national
broadcasting station.
In line with this, the repackaging of agricultural information into radio programmes started
in 2004 with Radio Peace, a community-based FM station in Winneba in the Central Region
of Ghana. The station serves 7 out of the ten regions of the Central region of Ghana. It is
estimated that on the average about 5,000 people listen to the agricultural programme on
Thursday evenings when the live broadcast is aired with an equal number listening to the
repeat programme on Saturdays. The programme is broadcast in the local language
(Fante).
7
8. In addition to Radio Peace, GAINS now partners one community radio station (Royals FM)
and two community-based commercial radio stations (Lorlornyo FM and Rite FM) to
provide tailor-made agricultural programmes to empower farmers with relevant
agricultural best practices.
Royals FM is a community Radio station based at Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo region. It is
under the management of a community based organization called Rural Organized Youth in
Agriculture, Literacy and Sanitation [ROYALS]. One of the aims of this organization is to
help educate the people in the Wenchi municipality and Tain district especially and beyond
on improved farming technologies for farmers. It broadcasts an agricultural radio
programme in Asante Twi known as Kua Pa Ye (Good Farming Practices) every Saturday
evening with a repeat the next Saturday. Thirty three community information centres in
and around Wenchi & Tain districts are linked to the QAS radio programme.
Rite FM is a commercial radio station based in Somanya in the Eastern region. It operates a
twenty-four hour radio service. The prime focus of the station is on agriculture and social
development. Through its carefully prepared material, based on a solid foundation of well-
structured programme platforms, the station disseminates timely information to primarily
farmers and secondly to all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain in three different
languages namely, English, Twi and Krobo. With respect to the agricultural programme,
Twi and Krobo (the local dialects) are used to broadcast the programme on Friday morning
with a repeat on Monday evening. The programmes are also streamed on the internet
(www.ritefmonline.com) to get feedback from a wider audience. This website also
generates a newsletter that is sent to over 1000 agricultural professionals around the
country. Since this website was made public it has had over 180,000 hits as at the end of
2011 and usually attracts an average of 100-800 people daily.
Lorlornyo FM is also a commercial radio station in Hohoe in the Volta region. The
broadcast covers over ten districts in the Volta region, parts of the Eastern region and part
8
9. of Togo. Ewe and Akan are used to air the radio programmes on Thursday evenings with a
repeat broadcast on Sunday afternoon.
3.2 Format and Content Development for the Radio Broadcast
The radio programmes are broadcast live for duration of one hour once a week with a
repeat broadcast either in the same week or the next depending on the radio station. The
issue for the week is advertised prior to the broadcasting for the listeners to be aware of
what will be aired. A topic is chosen based on an analysis made of the questions received
either by the radio station or the coordinating centre and the FAQs form the basis for
the broadcast series. FAQs allow for the identification of (i) agricultural issues that can be
addressed by scientists, policy-makers and other stakeholders, and (ii) priority information
needs of the larger farming community. Once the priority information needs of the farming
community are identified both from questions received by partners and from community
consultation in the catchment areas of the radio stations, topics are selected for the
development of radio programmes by CSIR-INSTI in collaboration with the radios based on
these findings. On the day of the radio broadcast, the resource persons introduce the issue,
discuss it for about thirty minutes and listeners are then allowed to phone into the
programme or send text messages (literate farmers) to ask follow-up questions, seek
further clarifications, access information, and share knowledge with other listeners. Those
who phone-in have their contact details and questions registered by the receptionist
of the radio station.
Farmers who do not have the means or know how to call into programs are
encouraged to visit the radio stations with their problems or success stories so that it
can be shared with a wider community. The phone-in facility and sending of text
messages provides a good feedback mechanism to evaluate the programme and also
receive follow-up of related questions. It also makes the programme more participatory,
interesting and widens the listenership.
9
10. Efforts are made to align programming with the various farming seasons so that farmers
can be provided with timely and pertinent information for the farming season. The
programmes are also recorded, and farmers who could not listen to the programme or who
want to keep a copy go to the station to get copies of a particular programme for future use.
In developing content for the radio broadcast, certain vital roles are played by both the
coordinating centre of GAINS and the radio stations. These roles are outlined below:
With respect to the radio stations, as a follow up to frequently asked questions they receive
from the listeners or sent to them from the coordinating centre, they conduct community
consultation at the local level and in consultation with CSIR-INSTI to develop relevant
content for the broadcast series. Findings of the community consultations are then
analyzed and synthesized to form the basis for the broadcast series. After the broadcast,
they do a follow-up on some of the people who asked the question to find out how
knowledge gained is helping them or possibly their neighbours. The stations also have to
agree with CSIR-INSTI the materials/issues to be broadcast beforehand. The finally submit
to CSIR-INSTI a copy of each broadcast on CD, certificate of broadcasts, an evaluation
report on the programme at the end of the series using the smart toolkit for radio.
In the case of the coordinating centre, they provide resource persons for the production of
the broadcast series when required, resource materials for the production of the broadcast
series, assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the programme to ensure its objectives
are being met, and provide financial support for the production and broadcast of the series.
3.2.1 Resource Persons
In producing radio broadcasts not only those with academic qualifications served as
resource persons, but also others with a wide range of experience in the issue under
discussion for example, farmers, extension officers, and fishermen. With this development,
the programme is well patronized as the voices of the less privileged in society are also
heard.
10
11. 3.3 Use of Tongshi Radio
Through the financial support of CTA, twenty tongshi radio receivers were acquired in
2008 and distributed to assist the partners to facilitate access to agricultural research and
development information available via digital satellite broadcasts for QAS partners.
Personnel of the beneficiary institutions were trained on the installation of the equipment
and downloading of information. The information downloaded is then disseminated to the
various stakeholders to meet their information needs.
3.4 Evaluation and Impact Stories from Radio Broadcast
In April 2011, an assessment of Rite FM agricultural programs was undertaken to
determine the impact of radio agricultural programs on the target audience (farmers). The
data was collected from 400 respondents, scattered in 13 communities, located in 7
districts from 3 regions. The findings of the study showed that the programs broadcast on
Rite FM were relevant to the agricultural information needs of respondents. Majority of the
respondents admitted that they gained some new knowledge through listening to the
programs. Times of day specific programs are broadcast and unreliable power supply was
indicated as constraints to listenership of the programs. The programs, to a large extent,
had the desired impact on the listeners. It should therefore be sustained but with some
modifications in terms of time of presentation and encouragement of group listenership.
Earlier in 2009, Radio Peace undertook a similar study with four hundred and forty seven
farmers involved. The result of that study indicated improved livelihood of the target
audience (farmers) by way of improved production practices, adoption of improved
technologies, the setting up of new businesses (agro-chemical shops) to supplement their
farm income.
The radio programmes seem to be having a tremendous impact in the lives of the rural
people. A number of impact stories have been shared with others by some listeners of
Radio Peace and Royals FM. These are: fishing communities have been having problems
with respect to the level of catch, primarily because of foreign fishing vessels encroaching
11
12. on the 3 kilometer zone protected under international law. The reefs were also being
destroyed as well. Despite numerous complaints to government, no action was taken. It
was only when the issue was broadcast by Radio Peace, Winneba that the government went
into action to address the problem.
Secondly, farmers no longer use intense labour to clear their fields. They mostly depend on
weedicides. Some farmers had challenges regarding the proper application of the product.
Experts provided by Royals FM discovered that the farmers were applying half of what was
prescribed. A special programme was aired to deal with the situation and the farmers later
called to the programme to report of improvement in clearing their fields.
Thirdly, a farmer had a problem with his cashew production. Apparently his trees had
reached maturity, but they were producing very little cashew. An expert from Royals FM
visited the farm and identified that the problem had to do with spacing and thick canopy of
the trees; and the farmer was advised to prune them – which he did. Production increased
significantly.
Finally, it has been observed that the status of farmers in the Winneba and Wenchi
communities has improved with the adoption of new agricultural technologies. It is also
encouraging to note that, the youth in the communities reached by the radio programmes
are getting involved in agriculture.
3.5 Key Challenges in using Radio
The key challenges faced using radio to disseminate agricultural information was:
Duration of the programme – one of the key challenges that has faced the radio programme
is the issue of the duration of the programme per week (1 hour). It has been observed that
the period is too short for the issue at stake to be thoroughly discussed, explained and also
to respond to the questions during the phone-in segment. This has resulted in the phone-in
segment being truncated most of the time with a number of lingering issues unresolved.
12
13. Language barriers – most of the resource persons especially the research scientists are not
fluent in the local of the radio stations so sometimes have to speak in English for it to be
translated by the host. This defeats the purpose of the programme which is to be aired in
the local language.
Communication skills – some of the resource persons also lack the necessary
communication skills to communicate to the audience. It therefore makes the programme
uninteresting.
Road network – the poor road infrastructure in most of the rural areas makes it very
difficult for follow-up activities to be undertaken.
3.6 Lessons Learned in using Radio
A number of lessons have been learned in using radio to disseminate agricultural
information. These are: It has been established that the programme is useful and has
enriched the work of the farmers and extension agents who listen to it. The introduction of
the phone-in facility has resulted in issues of concern to the listeners being addressed on
the spot by experts. It has also brought variety to the programmes due to the varied nature
of the resource persons and their background knowledge.
With this development the programme is well patronized as the voices of the less
privileged in society are also being heard. The programme has therefore broken the
secrecy that used to be the hallmark of farmers in not sharing their success stories with
others. In conclusion, it must be emphasized that there is the need for more communities
to be involved in such radio programmes to enhance access to information.
One other key lesson that has been learned is the fact that the radio programmes have
increased the outreach of responses to FAQs and more people have answers to issues of
concern to them. It has therefore led to increased listenership.
13
14. It is also worth mentioning that farmers are now sharing experiences they have had as
individuals in farming. Though some of the information may have no scientific basis or
proof, they were worth sharing as they were practical experiences.
Record keeping and community entry in all the radio stations improved significantly. Prior
to the project most of the stations were not keeping track of issues that were discussed and
following up to ensure that solutions provided are working.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The GAINS has become a major source of information for agricultural development in
Ghana. Through the creation of web-based information systems, there are better linkages
and information sharing among the partners of GAINS. Today, GAINS has established the
mechanism for the continuous gathering, updating, storage, processing and dissemination
of data. It maintains national databases and information resources and provides value
added information services. Finally, it provides primary information sources and helps to
bridge the resource gap by making materials available electronically through the building
of an online system and also providing access to international online resources.
In addition through collaboration with rural radio FM stations, it has played significant role
in the dissemination of agricultural information to farmers and other stakeholders in
agriculture living in rural areas. Farmers have improved their production practices,
through adoption of new technologies. Follow-up visits revealed that the use of radio in the
dissemination of information to farmers in agriculture has impacted positively on the lives
of the rural community, increasing knowledge sharing among farmers, improving
livelihood, ensuring food security, and enhancing rural development.
However, in this information age where there is so much information, no one organization
or institution can provide the information needs of all stakeholders in agriculture. There is
therefore the need for a coordinated and concerted effort of all the institutions, both public
and private, research, extension, university, and farmer based organizations to provide
relevant, timely and accurate information. There is also the need for a combination of
14
15. methods, manual information system, radio, television, web-based system to meet the
information requirements of the different stakeholders. With recent advances in
information technology especially in e-collaboration tools, the potential for information
sharing among stakeholders is high.
Efforts should be made for GAINS to collaborate with all the district agricultural
information centres (AICs) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Such collaboration will
assist greatly in reaching majority of the farmers and fishermen in a cost-effective manner.
The radio programmes produced by one station can also be given to the other stations and
the AICs to use. This could help increase farmers and extension agents’ access to
agricultural information.
It is suggested that instead of a repeat broadcast, the previous broadcast be discussed by
the same resource persons briefly and the rest of the time given to the listeners to ask
questions. This may cost a bit more, but would help people whose calls could not go
through in the previous broadcast to try coming through with their questions and increase
the contribution of the listeners.
It is further recommended that consideration should be given to the number of languages
to be used in the broadcast especially by Lorlornyo Fm, based on which the number of
times it must be aired should be considered. Unlike other regions, Volta region always has
been faced with the issue of Ewe, Akan and the other numerous but relevant dialect
speaking communities that the region is made of.
The Community Information Centre (CIC) - an initiative by the government of Ghana seeks
to bring ICT close to especially those in remote parts of the country. The objectives are to
assist in bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas; to provide a Wide Area
Network (WAN) for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), hotels, schools,
hospitals etc.; to provide community information needs and enhance national integration;
to create ICT awareness in the rural areas; and to disseminate information to the rural
communities especially in areas of health, local government, environment, agriculture.
15
16. There is at the moment no direct linkage between the GAINS and any of the CICs. There is,
however, the potential to collaborate with the centres in the future in the provision of
agricultural information to farmers and extension agents at the district level. GAINS can
support the centres through training on how to repackage information, provision of
information materials in agricultural technologies and rural development. This will ensure
that many more farmers and fishermen are reached with current and relevant information
in a timely and cost-effective manner.
For further enhancement and improvement of the GAINS service, there is the need to
introduce mobile phone based service. This is because more than 70% of the Ghanaian
population now own mobile phones. What is now left is to intensify training for
more farmers on how to use the phones to access information.
When all is said and done, it is believed that majority of farmers will have easy access to
timely and cost-effective information to ensure increased agricultural production and food
security.
References
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17. 6. Rite FM (2011). An Assessment of Radio Programs in Agricultural Information
Dissemination: a case study of Rite FM, Somanya in Ghana.
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