An Adaptable e-Service Communication Model for Rural Agricultural Extension (e-AgriSERVICOM) Olutayo Ajayi (ajayiob@funaab.edu.ng , Babarinde Oluwaseyi (babarindeos@funaab.edu.ng)– Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – Ogun State, Nigeria WACREN e-Research Hackfest – Lagos (Nigeria)

Outline Abstract The Scientific Problem area Procedures and Workflow Data Gathering Mechanism Potential of the e-Service Application Project Timeline Computational and data model Implementation strategy

Abstract Agricultural extension finds itself at a time of crisis. Many of today's agricultural extension services are suffering under bureaucratic centralised management structures. Squeezed by decentralization policies, diminishing public funds and the privatization of public services, they are urgently in need of change. The design is to come up with communication model using web and mobile technology to reinvent agricultural extension to improve the kind of information that is being disseminated to farmers

Scientific Problem Area Proposed wide applications: To engage the use of mobile devices that permits communication through interaction and transmission Facilitation of effective gathering, deposition, processing, retrieval, display, dissemination and exchange of information Identified problem domains: Established technical practices going obsolete Increased organizational costs Reduction and disruption of extension staff Distraction from farming practice Costs of high profile equipment/gadgets

Application defined Procedures and Workflow Machine dependent Procedures: Web-based query system with multilingual capabilities Agro-Expert advice mechanism Lightweight mobile delivery report mechanism Use of real-time datasets from third party platforms with regard to forecasting User-end workflow Engage the gadget on real-time basis Provide suggestions according to queries Keep up-to-date regarding the upgrades and new technologies domicile on the platform

Data Gathering Mechanism Data migration process from farmers Use of mobile devices to submit personalized farming history Data filtering and analysis Recording of field events through video integration Use of knowledge bank for expert advisory purpose

Potentials of the e-Service Application Internet-based mobile phone for extension service delivery Convergence of mobile platforms for extension message delivery Mobile video and audio component for documentation of extension messages Support low requirement bandwidth utilization using text and voice tool for extension services Combine use of mobile devices to stimulate interactive social communication among rural dwellers for transformation of their social economic wellbeing.

Computational and data model

Implementation strategy e-Infrastructures Futuregateway framework– authentication, authorization of users to e-AgriSERVICOM to manage users’ activities. gLibrary – cloud storage for repository of research publications OAR (Open Access Repository) – Online storage of media content Ophidia – data mining for early warning, weather, climate and information.

Implementation strategy Technical Specifications - Features Web, mobile-web & mobile-app Media upload & download Private & instant messaging SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Information contribution and sharing Agent networking Knowledge-base,discussion board Third party integration 10

Implementation strategy Technical Specifications - Functionalities Real-time optimized technology & market-driven info. Recommender System Repository - publications, media Analysis of data 11

Prospects & Benefits Creating an online ecosystem for the sustainable development of agriculture. Bridging the wide gap among agents in the sector. Facilitate an effective and efficient demand-supply chain Viable means of agricultural information system Publishing and implementation of research work Generation, access and availability of statistical data Training and empowerment opportunities e.g. loans, grants 12

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