Barriers, Challenges, and Requirements for ICT Usage among Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officers in Bangladesh: Toward Sustainability in Agriculture

Abstract

The present work is the first detailed study of sub-assistant agricultural officers (SAAOs), who are key players in delivering agriculture extension services in Bangladesh. We determined the status of information and communication technology (ICT) usage, knowledge gaps, approaches and tools for information delivery, barriers and obstacles to ICT usage, requirements for adoption, and possible solutions for efficient agriculture extension advisory services. We surveyed key respondents (SAAOs, n = 117) from nine sub-districts under the six administrative districts of Bangladesh with a semi-structured questionnaire. We found that 73.2% of all extension officers had basic knowledge of ICT. We observed that the most effective tool for information dissemination was field visits (90.90%, Moulvibazar district) and the most frequent extension approach was training and workshops (77.31%, Dhaka district). The best sources for information collection were broadcast media and social media. While delivering information, difficulty was found due to technical obstacles in Gazipur district, Rajshahi district, Sylhet district, and Dhaka district among 60% to 70% of SAAOs. However, farmers’ ignorance was reported in both Feni district and Moulvibazar district (36.36%). A shortage of computers in Gazipur district (56.25%) was an essential barrier to ICT usage for extension services. A major challenge in using ICT applications in Dhaka district was inadequate training support (64.51%). Mobile devices, internet connectivity, updated ICT applications, and a farmers’ database were the most important supports needed for the SAAO’s skilled advisory activities. In conclusion, our results and recommendations will help to redesign policies to improve infrastructure and allocate funding for capacity and skill development and ICT-based innovations in this sector to achieve sustainable extension and advisory services and attain food security in Bangladesh.

A comprehensive examination of security and privacy in precision agriculture technologies

“…Conduct regular security awareness training for farmers, agricultural workers, and technology providers [183]. Educate them about potential security threats, best practices, and the importance of maintaining a security-conscious mindset.…”

Modified Q-Learning Algorithm for Mobile Robot Path Planning Variation using Motivation Model

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“…It indicates that included the motivation model can produce routes without the potential collision. (1,8), (1,7), (1,6), (1,5), (1,4), (2,4), (3,4), (3,3), (4, 3), (4, 2), (4, 1), (5, 1), (6, 1), (7, 1), (8, 1), (9, 1) 17 983 1.366 2 (1, 9), (1,8), (1,7), (1,6), (1,5), (1,4), (2,4), (3,4), (3,3), (4, 3), (4, 2), (4, 1), (5, 1), (6, 1), (7, 1), (8, 1), (9, 1) 17 983 1.408 3 (1,9), (1,8), (1,7), (1,6), (1,5), (1,4), (2,4), (3,4), (3,3), (4, 3), (4, 2), (4, 1), (5, 1), (6, 1), (7, 1), (8, 1), ( ), (0, 9), (0, 8), (0, 7), (0, 6), (0, 5), (0...…”

“…Javaid et al in [2] mentioned the importance of implementing robotics in smart farming. However, the change from traditional technology to automated devices provides opportunities and challenges [3], [4], including the use of agricultural robots [5]- [11]. Oliveira et al [5] showed the notable advances in mobile robotics and the advantages of investing in technologies.…”

Investigating the Interplay of ICT and Agricultural Inputs on Sustainable Agricultural Production: An ARDL Approach

“…The use of modern ICT tools, such as radio, television, telephone, smartphone, Internet, and computers, has improved the condition of Bangladesh's agriculture sector. These tools have helped restore the sector's former prominence [20][21][22]. Table 1 displays a comparison of ICT development between Bangladesh and its neighboring countries.…”