An investigation into the impact of ICT's in the provision of agricultural information to small scale farmers in Harare

Type Conference Paper - Scientific and Technical Information and Rural Development IAALD XIIIth World Congress
Title An investigation into the impact of ICT's in the provision of agricultural information to small scale farmers in Harare
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2010
City Montpellier
Country/State France
URL http://iaald2010.agropolis.fr/proceedings/final-paper/CHISITA-2010-An_investigation_into_the_impact_​of_ICTs-IAALD-Congress-294_b.pdf
Abstract
This paper will investigate the provision of agricultural information to small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. It
will seek to find out the methods and means of disseminating agricultural information to the small scale
farmers in Harare. The writer will also describe how Information and Communication Technology has
impacted on the dissemination of agricultural information. It will also explain how I.C.T's are impacting on
agricultural production among small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. The paper will explain the extent to which
information provision is utilised in promoting dissemination of agricultural information to small scale farmers.
The writer will also highlight and explain the challenges that farmers are facing with regards to access to
agricultural information. The paper will also consider how the digital divide affects information dissemination
considering the challenges of connectivity in emerging economies. The paper will also highlight the current
ICT driven projects that are in place to facilitate access to agricultural information to farmers. The paper will
also seek to explain the roles of libraries, schools, and agricultural research extension (AREX) services in
providing agricultural information. It will explain the contributions of libraries and schools towards sustaining
agriculture. The writer will also explain the use of alternative media like radio, television, and podcasting to
disseminate agricultural information. The writer will also explain the challenges of using such media to
communicate agricultural information information to small scale farmers. The writer will also try to find out
the information services available to rural farmers in Zimbabwe and the extent to which these services are
driven by Information and Communication Technology. The writer will also try to explain how the
agricultural systems in place can contribute towards the development of agriculture. The paper will also seek
to explain the benefits of using agricultural information services to add value to small scale farming.

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