The document summarizes the National Agricultural Information Services' (NAIS) use of an SMS platform to connect farmers in Zambia to agricultural experts and information. NAIS developed an internet-based platform that allows farmers to send SMS questions and receive answers to address issues like lack of extension officers and poor information flow. The platform was piloted successfully with farmers in Kasama district. NAIS now aims to scale up the platform nationwide and make it available across all mobile networks to improve farmers' access to timely information and productivity. The Zambian government supports expanding ICT initiatives in agriculture.
The document outlines policies and procedures for leveraging community radio for agricultural extension reforms in India. It discusses how community radio stations can be set up by eligible organizations, the application process which involves applying for frequency allocation and licenses, and funding support under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology. Guidelines are provided around content creation, review processes, and the role of Agricultural Technology Management Agencies.
The document discusses using mobile phones for civil society campaigns and advocacy. It provides an overview of how mobiles can empower and facilitate advocacy campaigns through coordination, participation, and sharing information. Specific tools and services that can be used for mobile campaigns are described, along with global case studies of successful campaigns that utilized mobile organizing around issues like human rights, elections, disasters, and health access.
This document assesses farmers' use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) as sources of agricultural information in Karaye Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. A survey of 133 farmers found that few used video or mobile phones, while none used the internet. Chi-square analysis showed relationships between socioeconomic factors like sex, education, income, farm size, and ICT use. The study recommends mobilizing farmers' cooperatives to establish telecenters and train farmers in ICT applications to improve access to agricultural information. Overall access to and use of ICTs like the internet and mobile phones among farmers in the area remains low.
Innovation of Rural Information Systems - Experiences from the FieldCo-Capacity
The document discusses the history and definitions of ICT and how it can be used to achieve Millennium Development Goals like poverty reduction and education. It provides examples of ICT being used to improve extension services for farmers from simple uses like providing market prices to more complex integrated systems. Challenges of implementation include converting information to digital formats and ensuring accessibility in local languages. Practical examples highlighted include an ICT center that helped artisans in India and services in India that provide agricultural information via SMS.
This document provides information about setting up a community radio station to serve Mahadalits in Bihar, India. It discusses:
1) The need for a community radio station to educate and empower Mahadalits by providing audio messages on topics like health, education, legal rights, and livelihoods.
2) The strategy for setting up the station, including assessing needs, building organizational structure, training staff, and obtaining necessary equipment and licenses.
3) Details of the technical transmission system, including a 50W transmitter, antenna gain of up to 3dBd, vertical or horizontal polarization, and a tower of up to 30 meters. The total estimated cost to establish and run the station is Rs. 1
In December 2010 (winter break) I traveled to the India where I intern for the Institute of Rural Research Development (IRRAD). During my time, I created a business plan for a community radio station and presented it for an audience of 150 people.
Community radio (CR) is characterized by ownership and programming by a nonprofit organization that serves a specific community. CR aims for community participation in all aspects of programming and operations. It provides benefits like social inclusion, promoting local values, and serving as a platform for marginalized groups. CR stations in India must be at least 3 years old, have community ownership and management, and generate at least 50% locally produced content involving community participation. While CR is growing in India, the document discusses best practices, the licensing process, and a vision for expanding CR's role in creating an inclusive information society.
The document outlines policies and procedures for leveraging community radio for agricultural extension reforms in India. It discusses how community radio stations can be set up by eligible organizations, the application process which involves applying for frequency allocation and licenses, and funding support under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology. Guidelines are provided around content creation, review processes, and the role of Agricultural Technology Management Agencies.
The document discusses using mobile phones for civil society campaigns and advocacy. It provides an overview of how mobiles can empower and facilitate advocacy campaigns through coordination, participation, and sharing information. Specific tools and services that can be used for mobile campaigns are described, along with global case studies of successful campaigns that utilized mobile organizing around issues like human rights, elections, disasters, and health access.
This document assesses farmers' use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) as sources of agricultural information in Karaye Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. A survey of 133 farmers found that few used video or mobile phones, while none used the internet. Chi-square analysis showed relationships between socioeconomic factors like sex, education, income, farm size, and ICT use. The study recommends mobilizing farmers' cooperatives to establish telecenters and train farmers in ICT applications to improve access to agricultural information. Overall access to and use of ICTs like the internet and mobile phones among farmers in the area remains low.
Innovation of Rural Information Systems - Experiences from the FieldCo-Capacity
The document discusses the history and definitions of ICT and how it can be used to achieve Millennium Development Goals like poverty reduction and education. It provides examples of ICT being used to improve extension services for farmers from simple uses like providing market prices to more complex integrated systems. Challenges of implementation include converting information to digital formats and ensuring accessibility in local languages. Practical examples highlighted include an ICT center that helped artisans in India and services in India that provide agricultural information via SMS.
This document provides information about setting up a community radio station to serve Mahadalits in Bihar, India. It discusses:
1) The need for a community radio station to educate and empower Mahadalits by providing audio messages on topics like health, education, legal rights, and livelihoods.
2) The strategy for setting up the station, including assessing needs, building organizational structure, training staff, and obtaining necessary equipment and licenses.
3) Details of the technical transmission system, including a 50W transmitter, antenna gain of up to 3dBd, vertical or horizontal polarization, and a tower of up to 30 meters. The total estimated cost to establish and run the station is Rs. 1
In December 2010 (winter break) I traveled to the India where I intern for the Institute of Rural Research Development (IRRAD). During my time, I created a business plan for a community radio station and presented it for an audience of 150 people.
Community radio (CR) is characterized by ownership and programming by a nonprofit organization that serves a specific community. CR aims for community participation in all aspects of programming and operations. It provides benefits like social inclusion, promoting local values, and serving as a platform for marginalized groups. CR stations in India must be at least 3 years old, have community ownership and management, and generate at least 50% locally produced content involving community participation. While CR is growing in India, the document discusses best practices, the licensing process, and a vision for expanding CR's role in creating an inclusive information society.
This document discusses the role of mass communication in extension education. It defines mass communication as the process by which media organizations produce and transmit messages to large audiences. Mass media enables development agencies to reach large numbers of people directly or indirectly with a single message. The document outlines the need for mass communication in extension work to efficiently disseminate information to farmers. It describes various functions of mass communication, including improving communication capacity, integration of media, quick delivery of information, and helping fill communication gaps. The current scenario of research-extension communication in India relies mainly on face-to-face communication. The document suggests utilizing radio, television, and cyber extension through projects increasing ICT connectivity to improve agricultural extension.
Radio Mattoli is a community radio station located in Wayanad, Kerala that was launched in 2009. It aims to give voice to marginalized communities in the region like farmers, tribespeople, women, and children. The document discusses Radio Mattoli's objectives of promoting development and positive social change. It provides details about the station's staffing, programming, coverage area, and initiatives to engage the local community. Radio Mattoli also summarizes some of its social interventions like helping secure ration cards for tribal people and highlighting innovative farmers.
Community radio (CR) is characterized by ownership and control by a nonprofit organization whose structure provides for participation by local community members in management, operation, programming, and evaluation. CR programming is based on community access and participation and reflects the interests and needs of the listeners it serves. Benefits of CR include promoting democracy, social inclusion, local values and culture, and giving voice to marginalized groups. CR stations aim for social and financial sustainability through low-cost solutions and innovative programming. Indian policy guidelines require CR stations to serve a defined local community and include at least 50% community-generated content. The road ahead envisions over 4000 CR stations across India to create an inclusive information society.
This document outlines plans for establishing a community radio network called Sagaradhwani along Kerala's coast. It discusses the mission to empower local communities and share talents through affordable media. Community radio is described as giving voice to marginalized groups and strengthening democracy. The network aims to set up over 25 coastal stations at a fraction of the cost of commercial radio. Future plans include the first station in Thrissur district and securing funding from CSR programs, advertising, and international organizations for education and social programs. Maps show the proposed license coverage areas.
ICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholdersICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholders by Stella Kamuyu Wanjau - EAFF
This document discusses community radio as a tool for development. It provides background on community radio, including definitions and principles like access, participation, and community ownership. It discusses examples of community radio initiatives in India and other countries. It outlines the role community radio can play in areas like education, agriculture, disaster management, and gender empowerment. It also examines case studies of specific community radio programs in India and how they engage local communities.
Charles Chikapa : The role of community radio in climate adaptationAfricaAdapt
The document discusses the role of community radio in climate adaptation in Malawi. It describes how the Africa Farm Radio Research Initiative partnered with Dzimwe Community Radio to improve farm radio programming and provide technological advice to enhance food security and farming practices. Through participatory radio campaigns on improved maize varieties, the partnership saw increased adoption rates and knowledge of improved technologies among smallholder farmers. The lessons learned demonstrate the potential of community radio to disseminate information to rural communities and improve climate adaptation in agriculture.
The document discusses Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), a non-governmental organization that promotes the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by women in Uganda. It outlines WOUGNET's activities, including using mobile phones and community radio to share agricultural information with rural women farmers and conducting SMS campaigns. The document also describes challenges such as high infrastructure and service costs and lack of technical skills, and recommends expanding the use of low-cost wireless networks and community capacity building to increase rural access to ICT services.
Looking for a gender perspective in ICT4D: Viviana Brun presentationOng 2.0
This document discusses a case study of Centre Seruka in Burundi, which provides medical, psychosocial and legal support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). It explains how the centre aims to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) like mobile phones, computers and software to improve communication with the community, allow anonymous reporting of GBV experiences, assess community needs, and share controlled information with media and stakeholders while protecting survivors' privacy. Some challenges addressed are low literacy rates, sustainability, reliability of information, privacy rights, and lack of ICT skills which a training strategy would help with. The goal is to empower the community to fight GBV.
The document discusses different pathways for disseminating agroforestry technologies in Western Tanzania that were used as part of a scaling up strategy. It finds that using farmer-trainers who have experience adopting the technologies themselves is the most effective approach. Over 70% of farmers identified farmer-trainers as a more useful source of information than agricultural extension agents. Establishing a research and dissemination network that includes farmers, researchers, and organizations also helped scale up the technologies by facilitating knowledge sharing and providing feedback to refine the approaches. While local leaders could help disseminate the technologies, most farmers were opposed to them playing an active extension role.
The document discusses the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for rural development. It highlights how mobile telephony is being used in many Asian countries to provide farmers with information through SMS and multimedia messages from public, private, and non-governmental organization initiatives. Mobile telephony can effectively reduce distances and make sharing information and knowledge easier. It also strengthens social networks and empowers individuals. Public-private partnerships are found to complement each other at the community level by providing information and advisory services that address the needs of farmers and rural communities.
Community Radio for Rural Development: Issues and StrategiesGBPUA&T, Pantnagar
Community radio provides concise summaries in 3 sentences or less that provide the high level and essential information from the document.
The document discusses community radio initiatives in India and their role in rural development. It defines community radio and outlines its key characteristics including serving a local community, encouraging participation, and being non-commercial. Several examples of community radio stations across India are provided along with their objectives such as creating awareness around health, education, agriculture and empowering marginalized groups.
Community radio stations have benefited from new technologies like the internet and mobile phones. These technologies allow stations to more easily access and share information, empowering communities. However, technological advances alone are not enough - visionary policies are also needed to support community radio and ensure communities can access new technologies. Such policies could include providing funding to develop community radio, including radio in universal access policies, and supporting affordable internet access for rural community stations. Combining community radio and internet access has great potential to benefit underserved communities through information sharing.
This document discusses different types of radio stations and compares commercial radio stations to community radio stations. It notes that community radio stations are non-profit and aim to directly serve the community by addressing local issues and priorities. Modern radio can take on aspects of community radio by programming locally relevant content to empower citizens and address social demands, while still allowing for some revenue generation to support sustainability. Overall, the document advocates that radio, including modern commercial radio, can better serve communities by adopting principles of community radio.
Irene misoi nomadic community networks-2Irene Misoi
NomadicNet is a national community network campaign that aims to bridge the social and economic divide affecting the Nomadic Community using the Internet
The document discusses Ghana's agricultural library network and its use of radio programs to disseminate information to farmers. Several radio stations partnered with the network to produce weekly one-hour agricultural programs in local languages. Farmers could call or text to ask questions, which helped address their needs. The programs improved farmers' practices, livelihoods, and food security by providing timely information. However, some challenges remained regarding language, communication skills, and infrastructure. The network aims to further collaborate with other organizations to reach more farmers.
This study examined small-scale farmers' adoption and use of ICT in Gezira State, Sudan. It found that while radio and TV were commonly used, adoption of newer ICT like the internet was low at 3.3% due to factors like cost, availability, lack of localized content, and cultural inertia. The study identified challenges like low education levels, lack of skilled staff, and poor infrastructure like electricity. It recommends interventions like awareness campaigns, improving ICT skills, providing relevant content, lowering costs, and improving rural infrastructure to enhance ICT adoption among farmers.
This document discusses the role of mass communication in extension education. It defines mass communication as the process by which media organizations produce and transmit messages to large audiences. Mass media enables development agencies to reach large numbers of people directly or indirectly with a single message. The document outlines the need for mass communication in extension work to efficiently disseminate information to farmers. It describes various functions of mass communication, including improving communication capacity, integration of media, quick delivery of information, and helping fill communication gaps. The current scenario of research-extension communication in India relies mainly on face-to-face communication. The document suggests utilizing radio, television, and cyber extension through projects increasing ICT connectivity to improve agricultural extension.
Radio Mattoli is a community radio station located in Wayanad, Kerala that was launched in 2009. It aims to give voice to marginalized communities in the region like farmers, tribespeople, women, and children. The document discusses Radio Mattoli's objectives of promoting development and positive social change. It provides details about the station's staffing, programming, coverage area, and initiatives to engage the local community. Radio Mattoli also summarizes some of its social interventions like helping secure ration cards for tribal people and highlighting innovative farmers.
Community radio (CR) is characterized by ownership and control by a nonprofit organization whose structure provides for participation by local community members in management, operation, programming, and evaluation. CR programming is based on community access and participation and reflects the interests and needs of the listeners it serves. Benefits of CR include promoting democracy, social inclusion, local values and culture, and giving voice to marginalized groups. CR stations aim for social and financial sustainability through low-cost solutions and innovative programming. Indian policy guidelines require CR stations to serve a defined local community and include at least 50% community-generated content. The road ahead envisions over 4000 CR stations across India to create an inclusive information society.
This document outlines plans for establishing a community radio network called Sagaradhwani along Kerala's coast. It discusses the mission to empower local communities and share talents through affordable media. Community radio is described as giving voice to marginalized groups and strengthening democracy. The network aims to set up over 25 coastal stations at a fraction of the cost of commercial radio. Future plans include the first station in Thrissur district and securing funding from CSR programs, advertising, and international organizations for education and social programs. Maps show the proposed license coverage areas.
ICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholdersICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholders by Stella Kamuyu Wanjau - EAFF
This document discusses community radio as a tool for development. It provides background on community radio, including definitions and principles like access, participation, and community ownership. It discusses examples of community radio initiatives in India and other countries. It outlines the role community radio can play in areas like education, agriculture, disaster management, and gender empowerment. It also examines case studies of specific community radio programs in India and how they engage local communities.
Charles Chikapa : The role of community radio in climate adaptationAfricaAdapt
The document discusses the role of community radio in climate adaptation in Malawi. It describes how the Africa Farm Radio Research Initiative partnered with Dzimwe Community Radio to improve farm radio programming and provide technological advice to enhance food security and farming practices. Through participatory radio campaigns on improved maize varieties, the partnership saw increased adoption rates and knowledge of improved technologies among smallholder farmers. The lessons learned demonstrate the potential of community radio to disseminate information to rural communities and improve climate adaptation in agriculture.
The document discusses Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), a non-governmental organization that promotes the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by women in Uganda. It outlines WOUGNET's activities, including using mobile phones and community radio to share agricultural information with rural women farmers and conducting SMS campaigns. The document also describes challenges such as high infrastructure and service costs and lack of technical skills, and recommends expanding the use of low-cost wireless networks and community capacity building to increase rural access to ICT services.
Looking for a gender perspective in ICT4D: Viviana Brun presentationOng 2.0
This document discusses a case study of Centre Seruka in Burundi, which provides medical, psychosocial and legal support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). It explains how the centre aims to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) like mobile phones, computers and software to improve communication with the community, allow anonymous reporting of GBV experiences, assess community needs, and share controlled information with media and stakeholders while protecting survivors' privacy. Some challenges addressed are low literacy rates, sustainability, reliability of information, privacy rights, and lack of ICT skills which a training strategy would help with. The goal is to empower the community to fight GBV.
The document discusses different pathways for disseminating agroforestry technologies in Western Tanzania that were used as part of a scaling up strategy. It finds that using farmer-trainers who have experience adopting the technologies themselves is the most effective approach. Over 70% of farmers identified farmer-trainers as a more useful source of information than agricultural extension agents. Establishing a research and dissemination network that includes farmers, researchers, and organizations also helped scale up the technologies by facilitating knowledge sharing and providing feedback to refine the approaches. While local leaders could help disseminate the technologies, most farmers were opposed to them playing an active extension role.
The document discusses the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for rural development. It highlights how mobile telephony is being used in many Asian countries to provide farmers with information through SMS and multimedia messages from public, private, and non-governmental organization initiatives. Mobile telephony can effectively reduce distances and make sharing information and knowledge easier. It also strengthens social networks and empowers individuals. Public-private partnerships are found to complement each other at the community level by providing information and advisory services that address the needs of farmers and rural communities.
Community Radio for Rural Development: Issues and StrategiesGBPUA&T, Pantnagar
Community radio provides concise summaries in 3 sentences or less that provide the high level and essential information from the document.
The document discusses community radio initiatives in India and their role in rural development. It defines community radio and outlines its key characteristics including serving a local community, encouraging participation, and being non-commercial. Several examples of community radio stations across India are provided along with their objectives such as creating awareness around health, education, agriculture and empowering marginalized groups.
Community radio stations have benefited from new technologies like the internet and mobile phones. These technologies allow stations to more easily access and share information, empowering communities. However, technological advances alone are not enough - visionary policies are also needed to support community radio and ensure communities can access new technologies. Such policies could include providing funding to develop community radio, including radio in universal access policies, and supporting affordable internet access for rural community stations. Combining community radio and internet access has great potential to benefit underserved communities through information sharing.
This document discusses different types of radio stations and compares commercial radio stations to community radio stations. It notes that community radio stations are non-profit and aim to directly serve the community by addressing local issues and priorities. Modern radio can take on aspects of community radio by programming locally relevant content to empower citizens and address social demands, while still allowing for some revenue generation to support sustainability. Overall, the document advocates that radio, including modern commercial radio, can better serve communities by adopting principles of community radio.
Irene misoi nomadic community networks-2Irene Misoi
NomadicNet is a national community network campaign that aims to bridge the social and economic divide affecting the Nomadic Community using the Internet
The document discusses Ghana's agricultural library network and its use of radio programs to disseminate information to farmers. Several radio stations partnered with the network to produce weekly one-hour agricultural programs in local languages. Farmers could call or text to ask questions, which helped address their needs. The programs improved farmers' practices, livelihoods, and food security by providing timely information. However, some challenges remained regarding language, communication skills, and infrastructure. The network aims to further collaborate with other organizations to reach more farmers.
This study examined small-scale farmers' adoption and use of ICT in Gezira State, Sudan. It found that while radio and TV were commonly used, adoption of newer ICT like the internet was low at 3.3% due to factors like cost, availability, lack of localized content, and cultural inertia. The study identified challenges like low education levels, lack of skilled staff, and poor infrastructure like electricity. It recommends interventions like awareness campaigns, improving ICT skills, providing relevant content, lowering costs, and improving rural infrastructure to enhance ICT adoption among farmers.
- The study assessed awareness and use of mobile phone-based money transfer (MPMT) services among smallholder farmers in 3 Kenyan districts.
- It found that MPMT users had significantly higher education levels, were more likely to be male and literate, and belonged to more groups than non-users. Users also lived closer to banks on average.
- The results provide insight into how MPMT services could help reduce transaction costs and improve access to financial services for smallholder farmers in remote areas of Kenya.
The document discusses a USAID-funded project assessing the requirements for electronically linking farmers with markets in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Bangladesh. The project aims to determine what marketing and distribution issues could be addressed by developing an SMS mobile platform. Researchers conducted meetings and concept mapping workshops with farmers, businesses, and extension specialists to identify issues and desired technology features. Concept mapping is described as a structured process that helps groups brainstorm, organize, and prioritize ideas to develop an interpretable view of interconnected concepts.
This document summarizes a study on linking farmers' access to rural radio, gender, and livelihoods among rice processors in Benin. [1] The majority of rural radio stations broadcast agriculture programs but lack sufficient knowledge on agriculture topics. [2] Men have greater access to radios than women, listening daily, while schedules prevent many from listening to agriculture programs. [3] Rice processors who listen to radio agriculture programs have better financial, social, and human capital than those who do not, showing the potential for rural radio to improve livelihoods. Future efforts should seek ways to increase relevant agricultural knowledge among radio stations and address accessibility issues.
FARA is an organization that aims to facilitate knowledge sharing in African agriculture through its RAILS program. RAILS has [1] brought together stakeholders through working groups and learning teams, [2] promoted ICT use through training and infrastructure support, and [3] developed knowledge sharing platforms including an online portal and discussion groups. Challenges include low funding and awareness of knowledge management, but RAILS has strengthened capacities and aims to scale out its platforms to link researchers and farmers.
The document summarizes findings from a global survey of researchers on their attitudes towards openly communicating agricultural research outputs. The survey found that while traditional scholarly publishing is still preferred, digital formats are growing in popularity. Researchers said the biggest factors encouraging open communication are institutional demands and opportunities for career enhancement. However, lack of resources, weak user links, and restrictive policies pose major barriers. The document concludes that both individual behaviors and institutional frameworks need to change to promote more open sharing of agricultural research outputs.
Tutorial - Editable map of breadfruit trees in mauritiusNawsheen Hosenally
The document describes an editable online map of breadfruit trees in Mauritius created as part of a wiki for a breadfruit sector consortium. The objectives of the map are to test using crowd-sourcing to gather spatial and descriptive information about breadfruit trees in Mauritius and to provide a map of the distribution and quantity of breadfruit trees for the consortium. Step-by-step instructions are provided on how users can sign into their Google account and add individual breadfruit trees with identifying details to the map.
Ic ts and agricultural information service delivery – experiencesDarlington Kahilu
1) The document discusses the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agricultural information service delivery in rural Zambia. It outlines several ICT programs and initiatives that the Zambian government has implemented to improve agricultural productivity and market access for small-scale farmers.
2) Key programs mentioned include the development of agricultural information websites and centers, an SMS platform for farmers to ask questions and receive answers, use of mobile vans and digital pen technology, and data management systems implemented through partnerships with organizations like FAO and SADC.
3) The conclusion emphasizes the importance of ICTs for Zambia's agricultural sector and economic development, and calls for enhanced public-private partnerships to address issues
ICT projects in Kenya provide farmers access to important agricultural information and services. Some key projects include:
1. NAFIS, a voice service that provides farmers agricultural extension information by phone in English or Swahili.
2. M-Farm, an app and SMS service that provides current market prices of crops to help farmers get better prices.
3. iCow, an SMS app that gives dairy farmers information on cow health, breeding, and record keeping.
4. Several other services provide soil analysis information, recommended seed varieties by SMS, livestock price data, and help farmers connect with markets.
Take stock of emerging uses of ICT across sectors and of good practices in Africa and in other countries, including how ICTs are changing business models in strategic sector of Agriculture.
23.Mobile application in agriculture A Lecture By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Visitin...Mr.Allah Dad Khan
23.mobile application in agriculture A Lecture By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Pakistan
37.Mobile application in agriculture A Lecture By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Visiti...Mr.Allah Dad Khan
37.Mobile application in agriculture A Lecture By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Pakistan
ICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholdersICT access needs and challenges for agricultural stakeholders by Stella Kamuyu Wanjau - EAFF
Presentation by Nhantumbo Nascimento, Ana Gomes, Albasini Caniço (Faculdade de Agricultura, Instituto Superior Politécnico de Manica, Campus de Matsinho, Chimoio, Mozambique), Inácio Nhancale (AGRODEC) and Sauzande Jeque (3Radio Mozambique (RM), Direcção de Programas da Antena Nacional)
Session: Institutional Experiences
on 7 Nàv 2013
ICT4Ag, Kigali, Rwanda
This document discusses using mobile phones to provide agricultural information to farmers in rural areas. It notes that farmers have an urgent need for new technology, weather, and market information, but existing channels often do not provide timely or relevant data. Mobile phones are gaining acceptance in rural areas as networks expand. Several companies and organizations are piloting programs that send farmers customized SMS updates on topics like prices, weather forecasts, and government policies to help farmers make informed decisions. However, barriers remain such as content in local languages, skills to use mobile phones, device and service costs. Overall, the document advocates that m-learning can help address farmers' information needs.
The document discusses the current agriculture scenario in Pakistan and challenges facing the agriculture sector. It notes that a large population depends on agriculture for employment and food. Key challenges include insufficient infrastructure, lack of farmer awareness, water and energy crises. It then discusses how information and communication technologies (ICT) like eAgriculture, mAgriculture, and teleAgriculture can help address these challenges by improving access to information, markets, financial services, and risk management. ICT can play an important role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security if barriers to access and digital literacy are overcome.
This document summarizes a partnership between CABI and IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) to provide mobile agro-advisory services to smallholder farmers in India. Through a sustainable business model, IKSL provides voice-based agricultural information to farmers via "Green SIM" cards. CABI supports the initiative by providing high-quality agricultural content and helping to develop IKSL's knowledge repository. The service uses a "push-pull" model, delivering daily voice messages on topics like weather and crops while also offering a helpline for farmers to "pull" expert information. Over 4 million farmers have subscribed to the service, which aims to improve livelihoods by empowering farmers with timely information.
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
The Indigo Trust seeks to connect African smallholder farmers to innovative mobile and internet technologies to spark agricultural development opportunities and reduce poverty. It funds several projects that provide farmers customized information via SMS on topics like dairy cattle management, market prices and weather, and that connect farmers to buyers. Evidence shows ICT can increase agricultural productivity and crop yields. Examples of successful ICT projects include a mobile insurance program for small plots in Africa and a precision farming app in development in Egypt.
Telecentres as agricultural_knowledge_hubs_nsf2_aasw6_simonwandila2013Simon Wandila
This document discusses how telecentres in Southern Africa could be transformed into agricultural knowledge hubs to improve farmers' access to information. It finds that lack of ICT strategies in agriculture ministries and weak public-private partnerships limit telecentres' effectiveness. However, developing partnerships between telecentres, extension services, and private organizations could generate useful agricultural content for farmers and strengthen information sharing. The document recommends that governments adopt ICT strategies for agriculture and that organizations collaborate with telecentres on content development and capacity building to better serve farmers' information needs.
The document discusses the role of ICT in agricultural transformation through the experience of the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme in Kenya. It describes how ICT can enhance agricultural production through providing information on pest control, new varieties, and production optimization. ICT also improves markets by enabling access to up-to-date market data on prices and trends. Additionally, ICT builds farmer capacities by strengthening representation and social connections. The Biovision Programme has integrated ICT into its projects through a website, radio show, learning centers, mobile services, and call center to provide agricultural information to farmers.
The Biovision Farmer Communication Programme aims to improve smallholder farmer livelihoods in Africa by providing access to scientifically validated agricultural information. It establishes information hubs and uses various media like magazines, radio, and videos to disseminate information. The programme enhances collaboration between projects and builds capacity of extension agents. Its goal is sustained smallholder agriculture with improved yields, incomes, food security and welfare through an efficient information delivery system. The programme seeks to develop high-quality content and expand access to information through farmer resource centers and partnerships.
Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) is a network of over 2,000 grassroots development workers from NGOs, CBOs, and government departments offering extension services. ALIN facilitates information exchange to enhance livelihoods through their infomediaries, who share information and knowledge with communities. ALIN focuses on food security in dry areas of Kenya through partnerships to spread technologies like small-scale drip irrigation and information support.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against developing mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like anxiety and depression.
The document announces the SME Best Business Plan Competition 2013 organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority. Participants must submit an entry form by June 14th and a business plan by August 15th. Business plans will be assessed based on innovation, research, management, viability, and social impact. The winner of the competition will receive Rs. 100,000, while the first and second runners up will receive Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 40,000 respectively. The objectives are to promote entrepreneurship and reward innovative business plans.
Tweets FARA Regional Youth Workshop on CAADP implementation - Day 2Nawsheen Hosenally
This document summarizes tweets from Day 2 of the FARA Regional Youth Workshop on CAADP. It includes tweets discussing the event, trends from the event (#farayouth, #youth, etc.), and presentations/discussions around engaging youth in agriculture and the CAADP process. Key points included recognizing the potential role of youth, challenges like negative perceptions of agriculture and lack of support, and a draft communiqué calling for full youth empowerment in CAADP implementation.
Tweets FARA Regional Youth Workshop on CAADP implementation - Day 1Nawsheen Hosenally
This document provides a summary of tweets from Day 1 of the FARA Regional Youth Workshop on CAADP in Accra. Key discussion points included:
- Whether youth issues should be cross-cutting or focused on a particular theme
- Recommendations that youth participate in national CAADP task teams
- The need to build youth capacities and skills for agricultural leadership
- Gaps in national youth policies regarding agriculture in various countries
This document describes YPARD, a global platform for young agricultural professionals under age 40. Its goals are to 1) facilitate knowledge exchange among members from different disciplines, professions, ages and regions, 2) broaden opportunities for members to contribute to agricultural policy debates, and 3) promote agriculture among youth. YPARD has over 5,000 members from 146 countries and coordination offices in several African and Asian countries. Benefits of membership include access to funding/job opportunities, networking, and participation in capacity building activities. YPARD works to achieve its goals through online platforms, enabling members' participation in events, and conducting research on declining youth interest in agriculture.
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Kahilu
1. Republic of Zambia
Reaching Out and Listening to Farmers
The Case of NAIS Internet Based SMS Platform
Presentation made at the 3rd IAALD Africa Chapter
Conference ,Johannesburg, South Africa,
21st - 23rd May 2012.
By Darlington Kahilu
National Agricultural Information Services
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Zambia.
Email: dakahilu@yahoo.co.uk
Keeping the Nation abreast with Agricultural Information and technologies
2. Introduction
Farmers in Zambia, like elsewhere in Africa, are faced with
problems of how to access timely and up-to-date technical
agricultural information.
This is mainly due to lack of adequate frontline agricultural
extension officers, poor flow of information to and from
farmers, and inadequate communication between research
institutions and extension services.
With the increased use of ICTs such as mobile phones, it is now
possible for farmers in rural and remote areas to have access to
up-to-date information at any given time.
3. Introduction cont…
NAIS, as part of agricultural extension service in Zambia,
forms a link between the researchers and the farmers.
In 2007, NAIS opted for information and technology-based
solutions to improve feedback to and from farmers in
Zambia.
This led to the development of an Internet-based platform,
that allows farmers to ask questions using Short Message
Service (SMS) available on mobile telephones and receive
answers within the shortest time possible.
4. Introduction cont….
Farmers’ concerns and the manner in which they adopt
the technologies are also relayed to the researchers.
The project was introduced to NAIS in order to improve
the internal and external flow of agricultural information
between sources and the end-users.
The approach to increase the use of modern information
and communication tools to gather, process, store,
package and disseminate information in order to increase
farmers’ productivity.
5. Background
The agricultural sector generates an average of 18% to 20%
of GDP and is a major source of livelihood for over 50% of
the population.
Fifty percent of the population depend on agricultural-
related activities for income and food for their livelihood.
The sector absorbs about 67% of the labour force and
remains the main source of income and employment.
Despite its potential, the agricultural sector in Zambia has
performed below expectations.
6. Background cont…
Extension and information service provision plays an
important role in agricultural development in any country.
Zambian has established an effective extension and
information system in the country.
The extension-information provision has been done
through farmer-extension contact and mass media.
It is currently estimated that there is an average of one
officer to 1,000 farmers.
7. Radio & broadcasting services for farmers in Zambia
Zambia provides agricultural information services through
the use of mass media - in parallel with the mainstream
extension services it offers.
Broadcasting services of agricultural radio programs which
target local small-scale farmers were initiated as early as the
mid-1960s with financial and technical assistance from
UNESCO.
Radio listening groups called ‘Radio Farm Forum Groups”
were set up - with the motto of ‘Listen, Discuss and Act”.
8. Figure 1: Basic Element/Components in an Agricultural Extension System
Rural Community
-Research Stations
Information - Gov/NGOs
Sources -Agribusiness/Private
companies Extension agents
- Other farmers, ect. Clientele
(Farmers)
Extension Mass Media
Information &
Knowledge Organizations Other Farmers
(Technology) -National/Local
Government
- University
- Cooperatives
- Private
9. Organization of Radio Farm Forums
To come-up with farmer listening groups, NAIS used group
dynamics - common interest group (radio listening).
These groups were allowed to have a membership of
between 10 and 25 of men, women and youths - to enhance
good radio listening.
The groups were given a radio set and batteries by the
government, to enable them listen to agricultural
programmes and other developmental programmes.
10. How do Radio Farm Forums work?
The standard process works as follows:
At Radio Farm Forum (RFF) level, farmers gather, once a
week, to listen to agricultural technical information
broadcasted via the radio.
After the broadcast, the RFF members discuss the topic
which they have listened to and relate it to their local
situation.
As a group, they ask each member how well he or she has
understood the broadcast.
After the discussions, farmers fill in a feedback report form,
commonly referred to as a Proceedings and Discussion
Report.
11. Drawbacks with the ‘old’ system
NAIS encountered many difficulties in its efforts to
efficiently collect and deliver agricultural information
from original sources to the end users.
Information packages are passed on via third party in
hard copy.
This system of communication proved to be time-consuming
and costly on the part of the farmers as in most cases it took
more than two months for farmers to give feedback.
12. Drawbacks with the ‘old’ system cont...
Information products such as audio cassettes, feedback
forms, publications etc, have been delivered through
ordinary postal services and members - costly and longer
delivery periods.
There has been no systemic storage and retrieval system set
up for the information NAIS has gathered over these years.
No centralised information access point for farmers and
other stakeholders such as extension offices in form of
information resource centres.
13. Establishment of the ICTs project in NAIS
Following the Siavonga Roundtable discussions in October
2002 in Zambia, NAIS came up with the idea of
strengthening NAIS HQ and district level offices and
staff, and building on the existing agricultural structures to
ensure improved collection and dissemination of required
information to and from farmers and extension staff.
This entailed;
I. Streamlining the information flow among NAIS sections
and other MAL departments;
II. Improving the coordination of information activities
and;
III. Enhancing the ability of NAIS to collect, process, and
disseminate information to and from farmers and other
sector stakeholders;
14. Overall objectives
The project objective is to improve information flow within
NAIS and the flow of agricultural information between sources
and end users by increasing the efficiency of NAIS to gather,
process, store, package and disseminate information in order
to increase farmers’ productivity.
Specific objectives are:
• Improve information flow within the NAIS
Strengthen linkages between agricultural researchers,
extension officers, farmers and other stakeholders;
• Increase the capacity of the NAIS to collect, process,
package, store and disseminate agricultural information;
• Increase capacity of the NAIS to publish in more accurate
and appropriate formats.
15. Proposed activities after M&E
Identify stakeholders in Kasama and other towns where
community radio stations exist who can support the
production and broadcasting of agricultural programmes on
community radio stations.
Explore the possibility of using mobile phones in the create
feedback mechanism that would shorten the flow of
information between farmers, extension workers and
researchers.
Improve the rural information centres in the four pilot areas
of Kasama.
Increase on the number partners in the project.
16. Phase II of project – SMS Internet Based Platform
In today’s world, information and communication technology
(ICT) contributes to many innovations.
This challenges us to think out of the box in order to come up
with new, fast and effective ways to get hold of the
information we need to stabilize, and even enhance, farmers’
livelihoods.
The SMS system deployed by NAIS and developed by SMSize,
with support from IICD, is an eloquent solution to an age-old
problem: namely, getting timely and accurate information and
advice to farmers and extension workers in the rural areas in
their own local languages.
19. Piloting the SMS messaging platform
The platform has been tried out with farmers’ groups in
Kasama district of Northern Province of Zambia (pilot area)
located about 900 Km from Lusaka.
Farmers were happy with the new platform and they see it as
a tool that will help them bridge the existing disconnect
between them and agricultural experts.
The SMsize platform was in October 2011, introduced and
demonstrated to the Permanent Secretary and all the
Directors in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The idea behind this demonstration was to create awareness
and allow policy makers in the ministry see how it works and
so as to have management buy-in.
21. SMS Platform upscaling
Based on the experiences in the piloted district, NAIS will now
upgrade the platform and upscale the system to cover all the
ten (10) provinces and allow all smallholder farmers access
the platform.
The platform was on 30th November, 2011 launched by the
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.
Now farmers country wide are able to access the platform
and they are currently sending questions using their mobile
phones and receive answers – as stated earlier, the system is
currently only available to Airtel subscribers.
22. Figure 5: Minister of Agriculture & Livestock launching the
platform in Lusaka.
23. The growth of Zambia’s mobile phone service
One sub sector that has grown by leaps and bounds is the
mobile phone service. In the late 1990s when the cell phone
‘craze’ invaded Zambia, having a mobile phone was a sign of
affluence and sophistication.
Today, things have changed with almost every third person
you meet on the street ‘brandishing’ a phone.
Mobile phone subscribers currently number around 5 million
(with Airtel Zambia, the country’s leading mobile provider
accounting for 3 million.
The company operates in all the 72 districts of the country, a
feat yet to be matched.
25. How the platform works
Using their mobile phones, farmers need to do the following:
Go into the message pad and type NAIS, language code,
leave space, ask your question and send to 3009.
Apart from English, farmers will be able to use the service in
all the seven major local languages namely Bemba, Kaonde,
Lunda, Luvale, Lozi, Nyanja and Tonga.
The language codes are EN for English, BE for Bemba, KA for
Kaonde, LU for Lunda, LV for Luvale, NY for Nyanja, LO for Lozi
and TO for Tonga. Codes can be sent either in capital letters or
small letters.
Each SMS on the system costs 900 Zambian Kwacha (US$
0.18) and this will reduce the current expenses farmers are
incurring to post or send their discussion report forms for
possible solutions to their farming problems.
26. How the platform works cont...
However, this SMS cost of K900 is on the higher side
and initiatives by the department have been made to
request the Zambia Information and
Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) help
waiver this rate so as to enable more farmers have
easy and cheaper access to the platform.
The system is currently only available to Airtel
subscribers; however, the system will be available to
all networks in due course.
27. Government support is key.
For systems like these to succeed and be sustained they need
the support of government.
The Zambian government is therefore in the best position to
take the lead in this initiative and drive it forward.
We therefore urge the government to exploring ways in
which ICT can further accelerate development in the
agriculture sector.
It is our hope that decision-makers and policy-makers will
come to realize the lasting benefits that ICT-enabled
development can bring.
28. Conclusion
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a
key input for economic development.
In the agricultural sector, ICTs are beginning to increase the
economic and social well-being of some smallholder
farmers, individuals and communities.
With the introduction and better use of ICTs in the
agricultural sectors, will enhance the effectiveness,
efficiency and transparency of the public sector service
delivery.
29. Conclusion cont…
As a sector, we call for enhanced public private partnership
initiatives in promotion of ICTs in all agricultural sub-sector.
This will increase the economic viability of farm enterprises
by increasing profitable market access and production
efficiency.
Finally, I wish to reiterate that Zambia cannot afford to lag
behind in the use of ICTs in agriculture.
It is my sincere belief that the Ministry of Agriculture and
Livestock in Zambia will continue to support ICT initiatives
aimed at facilitating growth in the agricultural sector.
30. Conclusion cont…
Let us all work together to explore ITC uses in
agriculture further and use it to bring us closer to
achieving food security, a greener economy, and
economic success.
“Investment in agricultural ICTs, is
investment in the country’s economy”.