Information Communication Technology Needs of Small-Scale Farmers in Anambra State,Nigeria

This study sought to identify the information communication technology (ICT) needs of small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 108 farmers. Results revealed that the majority used radio and television and owned mobile phones and video machines. Constraints to use included capacity, infrastructural/technical and logistical problems. The study recommends that the Nigerian government reorient its policies in order to harness the potential of ICTs to contribute to agricultural development and highlights the need to raise awareness of the agricultural uses of ICTs among the government, other national stakeholders, and rural communities.     

Connecting Small Farmers in the Caribbean to Knowledge,Networks, and Institutions Through ICTs

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to be useful in agricultural knowledge systems to improve communication linkages among research, extension services, and farmers. The end result would be new information and technologies being made available to those who need it the most in larger numbers and in a timelier manner. While the role of ICTs in stimulating technological, organizational, institutional, and policy innovations in developing countries has been recognized, in many Caribbean States where ICTs are becoming readily available, the development and use of ICT in agricultural research and innovation systems remain underexploited, despite the fact that the agricultural sector in these developing nations accounts for a significant amount of the total employed labor force. This article traces key developments in ICT use in the agricultural sector in the Caribbean region, while highlighting the challenges as well as the potential of this technology. Several initiatives in the region are described and suggestions made for the development of innovative, appropriate, and efficient information and communication systems.     

Promoting the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Agricultural Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for Policy

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have the potential to reach many farmers with timely and accessible content. This article highlights the importance of ICTs in promoting agricultural transformation. It recommends the establishment of agricultural communication networks, which involve active participation of all stakeholders in agriculture and highlights the need for a participatory approach, the monitoring and evaluation of end users, and the integration of farmer knowledge and information needs into the content management system. Public institutions in agriculture should also be involved in developing a curriculum in ICTs for agricultural development and support ICT platforms to facilitate farmers’ access to quality agricultural information.     

宁夏新农村信息化建设对农户生计改善的影响分析

为了解农村信息化建设对农户生计改善的影响,基于对宁夏北部、中部和南部地区的9个县的628户农户进行的问卷调查,分析了农户的网络信息利用行为特点,研究了农民的生计改善与信息化的关系。结果显示,农村信息化建设影响了农民的生计,增加了农民受教育与培训的机会,改善了医疗和健康状况,丰富了文化生活,提高了农民收入。基于当前农户的利用行为特点,提出了相关政策建议。     

Farm Households' Simultaneous Use of Sources to Access Information on Cotton Crop Production

This study has investigated farm households' simultaneous use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) to access information on cotton crop production. The study was based on a field survey, conducted in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from 399 cotton farm households using the multistage sampling technique. Important combinations of information sources were found in terms of their simultaneous use to access information. The study also examined the factors influencing the use of various available information sources. A multivariate probit model was used considering the correlation among the use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern ICTs. The findings indicated the importance of different socioeconomic and institutional factors affecting farm households' use of available information sources on cotton production. Important policy conclusions are drawn based on findings.     

户户通平台构建及农业科技信息传播问题思考

科技信息户户通综合服务平台（以下简称户户通平台）是以电话网、互联网、广电网、专家网和组织网五网融合为基础,以电话机（固定电话、移动电话）、计算机、电视机、收音机、农信机为载体,以农村科技服务组织、农业科学数据库和专家团队为支撑的农业科技信息传播系统。它以需求为目标、市场为导向,运用计算机技术、通信网络技术、现代管理技术对涉农政务、实用技术、社科知识、市场信息等科技资源进行系统整合,主要通过电话等应用终端曲线上网,为农业、农村和农民提供高质量的科技传播与咨询服务。     

Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Among Private Agricultural Organization Workers in Oyo State,Nigeria

This study was designed to investigate the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among private agricultural organization workers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. One hundred and five respondents were randomly sampled for the study. Frequency counts, percentages, chi-square, Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in analyzing the data. Findings revealed that respondents’ age is significantly related to the use of ICTs and that age and marital status are significantly related to attitude toward use of ICTs. In addition, the study revealed that respondents’ age was significantly related to the benefits derived from the use of ICTs. Recommendations include a better supply of electricity, periodic training and continuous retraining of workers in the use of ICTs, and the creation and enforcement of government policies that will bring about sustainable use of ICTs for agricultural development.     

Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Agricultural Teaching and Research in Universities in Enugu State,Nigeria

This study examined the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for agricultural teaching and research in universities in Enugu State, Nigeria. Results show that almost all the respondents (lecturers 96.9%, students 90%) had acquired ICT training. Computers, GSM/telephone, photocopying machines, e-mail, flash drives, printers and Internet were the most frequently used ICTs. The age of the lecturers was the most important factor that significantly influenced the frequency of computer usage for teaching and research (P ≤ 0.05).     

Effect of Information Communication Technology on Agricultural Information Access Among Researchers,Extension Agents,and Farmers in South Western Nigeria

This study compared researchers, extension agents, and farmers’ perceptions of the effect of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on agricultural information access. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 88 researchers, 115 extension agents, and 271 farmers. Data collected through a structured questionnaire were analyzed using means, standard deviation, and one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that, of the 29 statements on the rating scale, researchers, extension agents, and farmers agreed with and were positively disposed to 25, 23, and 19, respectively. A significant difference in the effect of ICT on agricultural information access among researchers, extension agents, and farmers (F = 6.49, p < .05) was observed. Access to agricultural information through ICT will continue to improve, since perceptions are overtly positive among researchers, extension agents, and farmers.     

Co-Orientation in Gender Preferences for Mass Media Usage Among Benue Farmers

This study examined the extent of agreement between male and female farmers’ usage of mass media. Data collected from 250 farmers in Benue, Nigeria using a structured questionnaire showed that 79.6% could read and write and revealed a disparity in the use of television, mobile phones, the Internet, and newspapers. The Mann-Whitney U test showed significant differences in the use of television (.013), the Internet (.044), and newspapers (.082), indicating non-alignment positions. Alignment in the nonuse of production guides and journals/magazines (dmr = 0) and near alignment for radio (dmr = 1) was observed. We recommend that stakeholders in the agricultural delivery system make use of mass media that are gender-relevant in disseminating farm messages.     

The Sampler Platter: An Introduction to Nine Agricultural and Food Digital Projects

ABSTRACT

Information technologies are offering new ways for Extension personnel to reach a wider audience. Incorporating these technologies into an educational strategy requires an assessment of the propensity of Extension's clientele to use such technologies. Results from a survey of farmers suggest a preference for receiving information through direct communication. This method provides an opportunity for Extension to encourage farmers to use existing information technologies in order to realize greater efficiency gains. The results also suggest that the socio-economic factors examined were not related to the preference for any type of information technology.     

Information Literacy Among the Rural Community in an Economically Backward Region of Karnataka State,India

In India, more than 70% of the population lives in villages and agriculture is the main source of income. A study of the rural community in the Bellary District was undertaken to understand their socioeconomic status; the types, channels and sources of information used; and difficulties faced in utilization of the information. Findings show that the majority of the respondents are youth and have completed at least primary education. Only 10% can read and write English; they are unable to utilize information in languages other than Kannada, their mother tongue. Friends, neighbors, and elders serve as the major source of information; television, mobile phone, and radio are the preferred channels for agricultural information. Rural educated youth should be trained in the latest information technologies and encouraged to collect and disseminate need-based information; rural libraries, equipped with television and Internet connectivity, must impart information literacy skills.     

基于Web2.0的特色农产品产供销服务模式研究

围绕农户在生产、销售活动中的科技需求、标准化生产需求和市场销售需求,整合科研机构的科技信息资源及专业合作社、镇村信息服务站、农资公司门市部等网点资源,提出基于Web2.0的特色农产品的产供销服务模式,利用计算机、有线电视、手机、电话等信息服务终端,实现面向农户、农资公司、农产品经销商、专业合作社和政府监管部门等主体的科技、标准、市场、监管等全方位的信息化管理与服务。并以广东省德庆县柑桔产业为研究对象进行示范,取得了良好的应用效果。     

The Case for a Two-Step Approach to Agricultural Campaign Design

Development campaigns designed to scale up effective agricultural solutions often rely on media. Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) proponents argue that increased media penetration is necessary for such campaigns to succeed. Interviews of 63 extension agents and 200 farmers in Burkina Faso about their disparities in media ownership, access, skills, and preferences suggest that agricultural development campaigns should account for the different media environments and preferences of target populations within countries. This research presents such an alternative approach, a two-step campaign design intended to address digital divides within countries and target population preferences.     

农业网站评价方法与评价指标体系研究

互联网技术的迅速发展推动了科技的进步与信息的迅速传播,农业网站利用现代技术服务＂三农＂、推动产业升级,是现代农业发展的重要体现和重要标志。通过对当前农业网站建设情况的分析,结合农业行业特点,总结了开展农业网站评价的方法与原则,提出了一套适合农业网站的评价指标体系,为农业网站建设提供参考。     

Determinants of Rice Farmers’ Utilization of Agricultural Information in Central Thailand

This study investigated factors affecting the utilization of agricultural information among rice farmers in central Thailand. About 240 rice farmers in the Bang Pla Ma District of Suphanburi Province were surveyed and interviewed to describe how they utilize agricultural information. Respondents were divided into small, medium, and large rice farmers according to farm size. Small farmers had more access to information on farming practices and postharvesting activities, while large and medium farmers utilized more information on marketing, covering future market and farmgate prices. The multinomial logit model showed that length of farming experience, household labor size, distance to the Rice Research Center, and number of information sources, as well as access to the Internet, television, extension program, and relatives, significantly influence farmers’ utilization of agricultural information.     

衢州市农民远程培训的实践和探索

现代农业和农村经济的发展,迫切需要提高农民科技文化素质。而传统培训方式资源利用低、覆盖面小、选择性差、实施成本高,并且受时间和地域等因素影响大。传统培训方式与远程培训方式的有机融合,能较好地解决上述问题。衢州市通过引用先进的流媒体技术,建立以“网络技术为主,融合广播电视、语音为一体”的现代农民科技培训平台,通过对现有农技培训资源进行整合,构建系统的培训工作体系、辅导体系、师资体系、课件体系和科技信息服务体系,大力开展农民培训,全面促进农民素质提高和农村信息化建设。     

Adoption of technologies that enhance soil carbon sequestration in East Africa. What influence farmers’ decision?

The last two decades have seen a rise of interest in the adoption and diffusion of agricultural technologies aimed at improving the sustainability of agricultural lands among smallholder farmers in developing countries. This papers set out to understand factors that influence the adoption of technologies that enhance soil carbon sequestration among smallholder farmers, using secondary data recorded in the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) database from 45 to 50 smallholders’ farmers in selected places in Kenya and Ethiopia respectively. A Probit model was used to analyse whether socio-economic, institutional, off-farm income, technical know-how, farmers’ perceptions, and land use characteristics influences the adoption of technologies that enhance soil carbon sequestration. The results show that smallholder farmers that positively perceived net benefits of the soil carbon enhancing technologies were more likely to adopt such technologies that enhance soil carbon sequestration in both countries. Access to off-farm income and land ownership with title deeds were also found to be positively associated with adoption. Off-farm income positively influences adoption among farmer with a moderate income (100-500US$ per year) but not the rich (>500US$) farmers. Moderate to high level of skills and technical know-how required for implementing and maintaining a technology on the farm had a negative influence on adoption. This shows that interventions, aimed at addressing specific factors such as inadequate skills and knowledge, change in perception among farmers, and off-farm income are likely to have the greatest impact in decisions relating to the adoption of the soil carbon enhancing practices among farmers in East Africa.     

Factors Influencing Use of Traditional Communication Methods in Information Dissemination Among Farmers in Osun State,Nigeria

Critical factors influencing farmers’ use of traditional communication methods (TCMs) in information dissemination were isolated with a factor analytical technique. The results show that most of the farmers were between 31 and 60 years and the majority (63%) employ use of TCMs such as proverbs, hooting, putting leaves on path, and use of palm fronds to deliver information at a moderate level. The features of TCMs, farmers’ personal characteristics, economic proficiency, and influence of social contact were factors influencing use of TCMs. It was concluded that use of TCMs is influenced by their peculiarities in discerning information and the user's personal and socioeconomic characteristics.