Focus on... ICTs in Agriculture

Featured in New Agriculturist, this series of articles focuses on how information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries are helping to increase the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of smallscale farms, providing up-to-date information on prices, access to credit and training, and the ability to interact with other farmers -often bridging the gap between scientific research and the public. The articles include:

• "Shape up That Shamba!" - This Kenyan make-over television programme has an agricultural twist. Produced by Mediae Company in Nairobi, each series guides smallscale farmers in improved pest management, irrigation, cattle rearing, poultry keeping, and other techniques, in an engaging yet informative way.
• "Digital Green: Rethinking Extension" - Digital Green partners with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government organisations that employ conventional agricultural extension methods to improve the efficiency and reach of their ongoing extension efforts in communities around the world. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity by training small and marginal farmers via short instructional videos. They then produce videos by farmers, of farmers, and for farmers, and promote the exchange of information on agricultural practices.
• Growing More Maize - with a Mobile Phone" - "Six months ago Eric Owandu, from western Kenya, signed up to a regional trial of the new E-Farming text message service that provides him with advice on crop management, fertiliser use and which maize varieties to plant. In its pilot phase, the text messaging service is being assessed to see whether agronomic advice can be effectively disseminated to farmers via mobile phone."
• "Strengthening Rural Development with ICT" - In a province of Burkina Faso where over 80% of the population is illiterate, the International Institute for Communication and Development has supported use of locally produced visual media to train farmers in better farming practices. This and other projects have now been evaluated in order to learn lessons about the effective use of ICT to boost rural economic development.
• "e-Krishok: Promoting ICTs to Farmers in Bangladesh" - In Bangladesh, availability of timely and appropriate information is a big challenge. To address this, the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development launched the e-Krishok initiative, whereby farmers can access information by mobile phone (SMS and an expert call back service) and email. From a pilot in 10 locations, the service is now available via 350 telecentres across the country.
• "Phone Advice Helps Rice Farmers Earn More" - In partnership with the Philippines Department of Agriculture, the International Rice Research Institute has developed an internet-based tool, an SMS service, and an app for smartphones to provide rice farmers with advice on the optimal timing, amount, and type of fertiliser to apply to their crop to maximise production and profit and reduce waste.
• "The Key to Bagging Bigger Markets" - In Zambia, Connect Africa has established a permaculture demonstration plot which illustrates how ICTs can foster agricultural potential. Volunteers are trained in growing high-value crops, while applying sustainable and cost-effective farming practices and employing ICTs on a regular basis to ensure appropriate markets for their improved produce.

New Agriculturist covers a wide range of stories and issues around agriculture and rural development across the globe. It is designed to keep online readers - scientists, development professionals, policymakers, lecturers, students, and the media - abreast of trends, results, and innovation in agricultural development, particularly in Africa but also in Asia and Latin America. In addition to subscribing to receive monthly email updates, people may follow the resource on Facebook and Twitter.