Dial 'A' for Agriculture: A Review of Information and Communication Technologies for Agricultural Extension in Developing Countries

39 Pages Posted: 12 Oct 2011

See all articles by Jenny C. Aker

Jenny C. Aker

Tufts University - The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; Center for Global Development

Date Written: September 29, 2011

Abstract

Agriculture can serve as an important engine for economic growth in developing countries, yet yields in these countries have lagged far behind those in developed countries for decades. One potential mechanism for increasing yields is the use of improved agricultural technologies, such as fertilizers, seeds and cropping techniques. Public-sector programs have attempted to overcome information-related barriers to technological adoption by providing agricultural extension services. While such programs have been widely criticized for their limited scale, sustainability and impact, the rapid spread of mobile phone coverage in developing countries provides a unique opportunity to facilitate technological adoption via information and communication technology (ICT)-based extension programs.

This article outlines the potential mechanisms through which ICT could facilitate agricultural adoption and the provision of extension services in developing countries. It then reviews existing programs using ICT for agriculture, categorized by the mechanism (voice, text, internet and mobile money transfers) and the type of services provided. Finally, we identify potential constraints to such programs in terms of design and implementation, and conclude with some recommendations for implementing field-based research on the impact of these programs on farmers’ knowledge, technological adoption and welfare.

Keywords: agriculture, agriculture extension, information technology, program evaluation

JEL Classification: D1, I2, O1, O3

Suggested Citation

Aker, Jenny C., Dial 'A' for Agriculture: A Review of Information and Communication Technologies for Agricultural Extension in Developing Countries (September 29, 2011). Center for Global Development Working Paper No. 269, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1942954 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1942954

Jenny C. Aker (Contact Author)

Tufts University - The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy ( email )

Medford, MA 02155
United States

Center for Global Development ( email )

2055 L St. NW
5th floor
Washington, DC 20036
United States

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