Information and communication technologies (ICTs): The potential for enhancing the dissemination of agricultural information and services to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The transformation of smallholder farming is poised to be one of the key drivers of achieving the dual objectives of food security and poverty reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Smallholder farmers account for between 60–80% of the food produced in the region but face many challenges that impede their productivity. Such challenges include a lack of timely access to appropriate agricultural information and services, which results in poor decision-making, particularly in addressing challenges and responding effectively to opportunities. In that context, the effective use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in improving accessibility to appropriate agricultural information and services presents substantial prospects for transforming the productivity and livelihoods of the farmers. Currently, the region experiences massive penetration and propagation of mobile and web-based applications. However, there is a dearth of compelling, comprehensive reviews evaluating their importance in enhancing agricultural information and services dissemination to smallholder farmers. Therefore, the current review explores the potential of enhancing agricultural information and services dissemination to smallholder farmers through ICTs and highlights gaps in their development and deployment in SSA. Five existing mobile applications used to disseminate agricultural information and services to smallholder farmers were identified, and their advantages, limitations, and opportunities were discussed. These were Esoko, iCow, Community Knowledge Workers, WeFarm and DigiFarm. The development and deployment of user-driven mobile applications that provide curated skill-sharing platforms, encourage farmers to give feedback to extension systems in real-time and promote the participation of women and youth in agriculture are recommended.

A Pathway towards Climate Services for the Agricultural Sector

“…Substantial prospects for modifying productivity and livelihoods are demonstrated by the enhanced services provided. These services overcome complexities involving data quality, availability, and access and concomitantly promote stakeholder engagement and use, as well as the characterization of climate risks at a local scale encouraging further applications and research trends [182,183].…”

Understanding Innovation and Technological adoption in agriculture: A Systematic Literature Review with Thematic Analysis

“…These applications serve as both a knowledge resource and a connecting tool, enabling farmers to communicate with professionals, exchange experiences, and even access online markets (Xydis et al, 2020). Inception and execution of user-fueled mobile applications that foster meticulously curated skill-sharing platforms, stimulate farmers to promptly furnish feedback to extension systems, and champion the active involvement of women and youth in agriculture (Mapiye et al, 2021). The integration of data analytics, however, is where mobile apps really shine (Karar et al, 2021;Oteyo, 2021).…”

A Comprehensive Review on Future of Smart Farming and Its Role in Shaping Food Production

“…Educational institutions, in collaboration with industry and government agencies, should develop and offer training programs focused on the latest agricultural technologies and practices. Online platforms and mobile applications can also provide accessible learning resources, ensuring that farmers in remote areas have the opportunity to upgrade their skills [34].…”