ICTs for Agricultural Livelihoods: Impact and Lessons Learned from IICD Supported Activities
International Institute for Communication and Development (2006)
This booklet explores the potential contribution of ICT to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and the efficiency of the agriculture sector in developing countries. It describes experiences and achievements of the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) and its partners with using ICT to enhance agricultural livelihoods through thirty-five projects over six years in nine countries in Africa and Latin America. These projects were developed and implemented by a range of stakeholders, including farmers associations, agricultural cooperatives, non governmental organisations, research institutions and government agencies.
Direct impact on agricultural livelihoods is registered by ICT projects focusing on price information and market access.
Direct, but less strong, impact on poverty is found with projects supporting efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production and with projects focusing on political empowerment. Developing national policies that include the use of ICT and streamlining agriculture information systems can contribute to a more conducive environment for agriculture development and a potentially high, but indirect, impact on poverty alleviation.
Recommendations for implementation of projects and policy processes have been prepared to support future activities in realising the full potential of ICT in the development process. IICD recommend to:
Use a participatory and integrated project design
Foster Ownership
Ensure availability of relevant content
Include continued capacity development
Use various ICT options. (Options include Internet access through V-Sat systems or dial-up lines, local radio, two-way radio, mobile telephone, use of multimedia and drama.
Include learning and knowledge sharing mechanisms
Integrate ICTs at organisation level
Mainstream ICT in the agriculture sector through a supportive policy environment
|
|
|
