ICTs in agriculture

In developing countries, information and communication technologies (ICTs) are helping to increase the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of smallscale farms, providing up-to-date information on prices, access to credit and training, and the ability to interact with other farmers.

From an agricultural make-over television programme, to the use of video, radio and mobile phones, we focus on a number of initiatives that are using ICTs to provide farmers in developing countries with the information they need to be productive and profitable in an increasingly challenging sector.

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Strengthening rural development with ICT

The International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) believes that people need access to information and communication to improve their lives, particularly in developing countries. "Farmers, workers and entrepreneurs can use information and communication technology (ICT) to access market information, improve quality and productivity and strengthen business skills and employment opportunities," states IICD's regional manager for West Africa, François Laureys. Over the past five years, IICD has been working with its partners to evaluate their projects to learn lessons about the effective use of ICT to boost rural economic development.

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Promoting ICTs for farmer

In Bangladesh, availability of timely and appropriate information is a big challenge due to an inefficient extension system. Farmers lack access to relevant and timely information, knowledge about new technologies, skills, practices, ways to collaborate with the market and resources to overcome these limitations. As a result, smallholders are vulnerable to crop related diseases, suffer productivity constraints and fail to take advantage of potential farming opportunities. Poor awareness and lack of understanding of the benefits of information services among farmers are also challenges.

To address these issues, the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID), in collaboration with Katalyst (a multi donor development initiative) and Grameen Phone (a leading telecom operator), launched the e-Krishok initiative in 2008. e-Krishok aims to bridge the information gap that exists in the agriculture sector and build awareness and capacity of farmers to use ICT-enabled information and advisory services. BIID is also working to demonstrate the potential of the existing mobile network to reach the last mile and connect smallscale farmers with e-Krishok services.

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Cambodia and APCICT Launch Training Programme to Bridge the Digital Divide

Cambodia and APCICT Launch Training Programme to Bridge the Digital Divide: "The Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development, a regional institute of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APCICT-ESCAP), has collaborated with the Cambodian government to launch the “Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders” (Academy) in Phnom Penh today."