This document summarizes a seminar presentation on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture and rural development. It discusses how ICTs can help smallholder farmers access knowledge on improved farming practices, market information, and government programs to increase productivity, food security, and incomes. Examples of ICT tools include mobile phones, radio, video, and online portals. The presentation argues that ICTs can boost agricultural output, market access, governance transparency, quality of life, and access to information for rural communities. Overall, the document advocates that ICT interventions can significantly impact poverty reduction by enhancing various aspects of agriculture and livelihoods.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture and rural development. It discusses how ICTs can help smallholder farmers access knowledge on improved farming practices, market information, and government programs to increase productivity, food security, and incomes. Examples of ICT tools include mobile phones, radio, video, and online portals. The presentation argues that ICTs can boost agricultural output, market access, governance transparency, quality of life, and access to information for rural communities. Overall, the document advocates that ICT interventions can significantly impact poverty reduction by enhancing various aspects of agriculture and livelihoods.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture and rural development. It discusses how ICTs can help smallholder farmers access knowledge on improved farming practices, market information, and government programs to increase productivity, food security, and incomes. Examples of ICT tools include mobile phones, radio, video, and online portals. The presentation argues that ICTs can boost agricultural output, market access, governance transparency, quality of life, and access to information for rural communities. Overall, the document advocates that ICT interventions can significantly impact poverty reduction by enhancing various aspects of agriculture and livelihoods.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture and rural development. It discusses how ICTs can help smallholder farmers access knowledge on improved farming practices, market information, and government programs to increase productivity, food security, and incomes. Examples of ICT tools include mobile phones, radio, video, and online portals. The presentation argues that ICTs can boost agricultural output, market access, governance transparency, quality of life, and access to information for rural communities. Overall, the document advocates that ICT interventions can significantly impact poverty reduction by enhancing various aspects of agriculture and livelihoods.
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University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
Department of Agricultural Economics
Seminar I On ICT in Agriculture and Rural Development Major Advisor: Dr. B.L. Patil
BY: Samuel Elias
Venue: Seminar Hall
Date: 25-10-2013 Time: 3:00 pm
Synopsis
The livelihoods of the worlds poor rise and fall with the fate of agriculture. Enhancing the ability of smallholders to connect with the knowledge, networks, and institutions necessary to improve their productivity, food security, and employment opportunities is a fundamental development challenge. Information and communication have always mattered much in agriculture. Ever since people have grown crops, raised livestock, and caught fish, they have sought information from one another. What is the most effective planting strategy on steep slopes? Where can I buy the improved seed or feed this year? How can I acquire a land title? Who is paying the highest price at the market? How can I participate in the governments credit program? Producers rarely find it easy to obtain answers to such questions, even if similar ones arise season after season. One promising area to do agricultural extension to reach large number of farmers is using information communication technologies (ICTs): mobile telephony, innovative community radio and television programs, mobile phones in combination with radio, video shows, information kiosks, web portals, rural tele-centers, farmer call centers, video-conference, offline multimedia CDs, open distance learning, etc. ICT-based agricultural extension brings incredible opportunities and has the potential of enabling the empowerment of farming communities. With the availability of ICTs the proposition for an increasing number of extension staff may no longer be wholly valid. Role of ICT in Rural Development
Agricultural Productivity
ICT can lead to more optimal use of inputs. Increasing producers knowledge of how to use and manage water, equipment, improved seed, fertilizer, and pesticide has improved the intensification of farm practices around the world. These will improve agricultural produce and improves livelihoods for the rural poor.
Market Information
Availability of markets and market information gives farmers the potential to bargain and improve their incomes, to seize market opportunities through the adjustment of production plans and better allocation of production factors, and also to use the information to make choices about marketing. The development and use of ICTs play a critical role in this regard.
Rural Governance:
Introduction of ICTs in rural areas is expected to bring in changes in the whole process of rural governance by improving transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency of rural institutions, promoting participation of the poor in decision-making processes and improving the efficiency and responsiveness of rural service delivery.
Quality of Life:
ICT can ensure a better quality of life for the rural poor with an improved access to markets, health, and education which pushes rural areas towards economic development, jobcreation and poverty alleviation.
Information-Base Of Rural Communities:
As rural poor are often unaware of their rights, entitlements and the availability of various government schemes and extension services, ICT can also improve their access to the information they need. It has the potential to ensure improved provision of short-term information required by the rural poor for effective livelihood strategies. Conclusion Any ICT intervention that improves the livelihoods of poor rural families will likely have significant direct and indirect impacts on enhancing agricultural production, marketing and post-harvest activities which in turn can further contribute to poverty reduction by improving health, education and other socio-economic aspects. References Haider Rize S.M., (2010), Livelihood solutions through mobile technology: an assessment. Daniel Anand Raj et.al, (2011), Crop nutrient management decision support system: India. www.itu.com http://LifeLines-india.net/lifeline/aboutLifeLines http://www.undp.org/mdg/
