Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Agricultur
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Information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture comprise those networks, mobiles, devices, services, and applications that aid the processing, management, and exchange of data, information, or knowledge with a target audience. They include a broad range of converging technologies, including traditional telecommunications, television and video, radio, CD-ROMs, cell phones and smart devices, and several modern technologies such as computers and the internet, sensors, Geographic Information Systems, satellites, and the like. Essentially, the purpose of ICT is to transfer information from one point to another.
Impact of ICT on Agriculture.
Through ICT, farmers are able to stay updated with all recent information. This is inclusive of data about weather, agriculture, and newer and more advanced ways of enhancing crop quality and production. The tremendous adoption of ICTs has made it possible to facilitate better communication and ensure the delivery of services and information to people who previously lacked access.
ICT’s Promotion in PROFALCAM
Regulatory policy and governance
The widespread adoption of digital technologies by agriculturists is resulting in an exponential increase in the availability of a wide range of big data that can aid better policy-making and monitoring, as well as help transform the agriculture sector. PROFALCAM through its social media pages share information on homologated pesticides to her promoters to prevent the use of contraband chemicals within the country.
Agricultural extension and advisory services
ICT in the form of innovative media platforms (Whatsapp, Telegram) bridges the gap between farmers on one end and PROFALCAM extension agents on the other. It is a more cost-efficient method to improve promoters’ knowledge of current agricultural practices and markets. GPS devices help PROFALCAM personnel to measure promoters’ field for future forecasting, monitoring and seed supply.
Enhanced market access
ICT takes market information to promoters giving them access to nearby markets and their awareness of current consumer demands through the transfer of information from the PROFALCAM staff. ICTs also foster networking among the agri-stakeholders, which facilitates increased market access for inputs and product marketing and trade.
Environmentally sustainable agriculture
Promoters are encouraged to use budget-friendly mobile phones for easy internet access and other services to disseminate information and provide rural farmers with improved access to solutions for climate-smart agriculture, pest management and the appropriate knowledge to use them.
Pest and disease management
PROFALCAM is geared on training farmers on the use of PLANTVILLAGE NURU an application use for pest and disease detection, monitoring and management in the field. PROFALCAM also advise members on other agricultural apps that can help them in farm, pest and disease management to increase yield.
Early warning system (EWS) for disaster management
Through ICTs, actionable and real-time information to platform members and communities on disaster prevention and management are shared. They also increase the efficiency of responding efforts during emergency situations and drive more effective communication by providing the members with timely advice on risk mitigation procedures.
Food safety & traceability
A combination of simple and sophisticated technologies, such as mobile phones, software solutions, tags, data input websites, and sensors using GPS technology, among others, enable producers, processors and distributors to capture and monitor reliable data and also comply with international traceability of PROFALCAM flour.
Financial inclusion and risk management
ICTs devices like mobile phones and computers have strengthened rural and smallholder promoters’ access to the platform financial services and tools to better manage risk, and empower them with information regarding financial services that are available to them within the platform.
Capacity building and empowerment
In PROFALCAM, trainings are done on site and online through social media platforms like whatsapp, website etc. ICTs serve as vital education tools for the development of promoters and staff. They broaden the reach of women, youth, and other beneficiaries and open the doors for newer business opportunities to enhance livelihoods and incomes.