The challenges of utilizing information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small‐scale farmers in Zambia

Abstract

PurposeThis paper attempts to discuss some of the key challenges that Zambia faces in the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small‐scale farmers.Design/methodology/approachA survey of information needs of small‐scale farmers in two selected provinces was carried out in order to establish and prioritize their information needs. Evaluation of the existing information infrastructure provided insights into the type of ICTs that can support the provision of information to small‐scale farmers in Zambia.FindingsThe paper highlights some of the salient findings of the research carried out under the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Zambian Chapter and financed by the International Development Research Foundation (IDRC) from 2001 to 2003. These, among others, include: weak human capital and technical infrastructure, lack of clear national information policy and lack of a coordinated agricultural information support system for small‐scale farmers anchored on ICTs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study illustrates that it is becoming increasingly evident that the success of any agricultural development programme in Zambia requires a well‐organized and functionally integrated information delivery system propelled by the application of appropriate ICTs. The paper presents recommendations for this to be realized.Originality/valueThe changes in the socio‐economic and political arena in Zambia have had a drastic effect on the management of the agriculture sector. Further, even though it is widely acknowledged that information plays an important role in agricultural and rural development in Zambia, this conception has received less pragmatic attention and seems to have been less consolidated over time. The central role of information in this sector has thus been largely superficial. The need for a clear national policy framework on the use of ICTs for the small‐scale farmers to enhance national development is thus articulated in this paper.

The Information Practices of the Fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

“…Several studies, such as Momodu (2002), Kalusopa (2005), Mtega (2012), Benard , Dulle and Ngalapa (2014), Owolade and Kayode's (2012), report the information practices of various rural populations including farmers, snail farmers, rural women, and cottage industry professionals. This section briefly illustrates the core findings of some of the studies conducted on rural dwellers in various countries.…”

“…The information sources consulted by the respondents of Momodu's study include radio, television, and newspapers, extension workers and agents, and informal networks. In Zambia, a study by Kalusopa (2005) reports farm management, dairy management, and poultry equipment and technology are the three essential areas of information needs of small-scale farmers who participated in the study. In Tanzania, a study by Mtega (2012) reports that information related to market, health, political, credit, leisure, and agricultural husbandry practices were some of the information need of the rural population studied.…”

A Reflective Perspective Towards Agricultural Information-Based System Development in General Rural China and Farmers' Economic Association as the Entry Point of Icts

“…Many researches have demonstrated the profound contributions of information towards agriculture development and poverty reduction. (Kalusopa, 2005) pointed out agricultural information has become core dynamic factor for rapid rural development. Agricultural development activities are based on the utilization of information.…”

“…According to (Kalusopa, 2005;Obijiofor, 1998;Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2003), in terms of the information development, several challenging factors can be summarized, these factors are social culture and local basic needs, appropriate institution and systems, users' capacity building and skills improvement, infrastructure establishment, management skills, and the appraisal method improvement, etc.…”

Constraints in the Use of Social Media as Perceived by Researchers and Extension Personnel in Karnal District of Haryana, India

“…Information is critical in agricultural development because it is a tool for communication between stakeholders and serves as a channel for assessing trends and shaping decisions (Kalusopa, 2005). Farming requires information and technical expertise hence the need for extension services however, due to various factors extension services are not readily available to all researchers and extension personnel.…”