Mobile phones have become ubiquitous in many parts of the world and can act as a catalyst for social and economic development, especially for marginalized groups. Over 3.3 billion people now own mobile phones globally, compared to only 1 billion who have access to the internet. Mobile phones are affordable, scalable technologies that small-scale farmers and fishermen are using to access market prices, place orders, and receive weather and agricultural extension services. However, adoption of ICTs in agriculture still faces challenges like a lack of understanding of farmer needs, failure to involve farmers, and lack of coordination among donors.

1. Mobile phone killed the laptop star? Roxanna Samii International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) WCCA/IAALD/AFITA joint conference 24-27 August 2008