Ghana E-extension Programme(WAAPP) Convergence of technologies for farmer information and communication delivery

Universal information/Communication in e- Extension services E-extension in Ghana being built by Prepeez is providing a universally affordable and accessible communication/ information needs of farmers.

Introduction The Prep-eez Solution Our aim is to develop a robust, easy to use integrated and accessible system that will improve the lot of the farmers through effective /responsive participation of Research and key implementers and stake holders in the promotion &adoption of best practices, quick response to field concerns . Offer low cost communication for farmer and service providers, access to demand-driven time-critical content and real-time access to any agricultural services no matter their location, language/level of education and finally access to modern markets through integration into commercial agricultural schemes including, low cost communication for farmer and service providers, access to demand-driven time-critical content and real-time access to any agricultural services no matter their location, language/level of education and finally access to modern markets through integration into commercial agricultural schemes establishing relationship and integration with telecom services providers for subscription to extremely affordable voice and data services.

Things to consider In our quest to develop this platform, the following were considered; The institutional acceptability of the technology The degree of accessibility of the platform in various locations The level of education of the various users ( literacy) and their appreciation of the technology The commonly used communication technology devices of the various stake holders (commonly acceptable means of communication) Affordability of the services to various users especially to farmers who are going to be the end user. User friendliness

components Developing a knowledge and operational process management platform that integrates research/content developers with field officers through a portal and smartphones Developing an interconnection between the platform and the ordinary farmer through the establishment of a multilingual interactive voice response (IVR) search system with a call center support for local farmers where they utilize their common mobile phone to call in and access. This unit also provides voice SMS to specific needs of farmers and other users.

Knowledge for farmer support Input services providers Research Gov. Agric Departments Expert support The Portal IVR/ CALL Center Multi Lingual Transcription and translation Produce buyers Field/extension agents Alerts and Prompts Business agencies and associations and Local FBOs Agencies eg NGOs and Donor sponsored entities Farmers Knowledge managers

Deliverables: We seek to increase agricultural productivity by undertaking interventions in electronic agricultural extension information gathering and dissemination through highly interactive institutional e-based collaborations and content sharing with Knowledge developers, field expert ,Farmer Based organizations (FBOs) and Farmers. Giving farmers’ direct access to demand-driven proven production technologies, time- critical information as well as information on inputs and even health that will directly increase farmer productivity, increase their market access and boost their income levels through common communications tools like mobile phones Implement voice based proven and locally acceptable content to farmers to overcome literacy barriers in the form of IVR (interactive voice response) and Voice messaging services  Where farmer’s problems cannot be addressed via mobile applications, farmer can easily reach a local extension support staff via phone call or We offer a call-center help services where information can be sourced from an assistant in real-time or connect farmer to an industry specific expert

www.e-extension.gov.gh

Registration at Abuja

Disease Picked from Sierra Leone

Farm direct

Experts Connecting officers and farmers Sector Head Directors and regional heads Expert in Crop Research, CSIR universities, etc Farm Direct

Call Center response component Farmer calls beyond IVR Call Center agent Local Support expert Level 1 Language specific agent and access to database Regional support expert Level 2 National Support expert Level 3

IVR Call FLOW Crops maize Livestock cassava Fisheries Oil palm Buyers Farmer calls IVR and select Language Crops maize Pre-cultivation info Livestock cassava Land preparation and sowing Fisheries Oil palm Weed control, Water management fertilization and Pest control Inputs suppliers Buyers Post Harvest management and marketing Local info Call Center Health tips

Data and call center Assistant Call Center and Data Center Support Expert in Crop Research, CSIR universities, etc Regional or district support services Farmers &Fishermen

Output A common affordable communication platform to drastically reduce the cost of communication between farmer to farmer, farmer to expert , farmer to input suppliers, farmer to buyer . Established of Local Content IVR and Call Center to support all farmer needs Then also offer ‘expert/institutions to farmer ‘and farmer groups audio conferencing over the mobile phone. Automation of Extension services through Simple data/voice based farmer user data collection application, for facilitating data collection for surveys for institutional users and input supply monitoring and performance evaluations. Automation of Extension services through the use of Smart phone applications used by field experts to collect real time field data and reporting for efficient and real time monitoring, management & evaluation as well as improved response time response to field issues including, epidemic, flood, drought and other time critical information Providing effective communication and collaborative platform support for the entire value chain to create an informed farmer who expects better profits and gets integrated into Agricultural commercialization network

Other Services Demonstrations and exhibitions; actual demonstration in the field on model farms or may be catered for via video trainings and via media boxes( hard drive based) and projectors Establishment of regional and district and community level e-labs and mini testing kits to support farmer access to basic localized information like soil testing , pest and disease management , vaccinations, Processing packaging and business Presentation skills, Farmer to buyer match making and the promotion of traceability for reliable and sustainable commodity delivery to the market

Subscribers awaiting LuAnch Peasant Farmers Association Ghana (PFAG) Ghana Rubber Growers Association and other FBOs in Ghana

THANK You Merci