AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT INTERNET & AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Importance of Internet in Agriculture Bring new information resources Open up new communication channels for rural communities and agriculture organizations Bridging the gaps between development professional Foster new alliances and interpersonal networks Increased efficiency and reduced communication costs

Ex. Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations Plays important role in assisting the establishment and growth of internet services for rural communities and for agriculture development.

Benefits when communication improved Rural Communities & Agriculture Organizations Sharing information about their activities in the fields of agriculture, rural development, forestry, fisheries, health, nutrition and education- better serve rural people and farmers Improved vertical channels of communication that enable rural stakeholders and farmers to communicate with decision makers

The internet is a multipurpose tool Enables people to learn from one another & work together. Tool for enhancing human relationship Improvements in knowledge sharing and knowledge access and enhancement of communication among people & org.

Internet : Increase rural community resources and agriculture resources such as : Locally develop learning tools, learning networks Interactive & collaborative extension information networks among farmer organizations governments extension services, rural media, research bodies and edu. institutions Market information networks Distance learning programme Participatory research and action networks Early warning system information dissemination Disease and pest monitoring action networks

Implementation in developing countries Mexico – Mexican Ministry of Agriculture & Assistance & Services for Agriculture Marketing (ASERCA)-plans for develop an electronic trading system for agriculture products & services. The development communication approach used to form the Mexicali System that provides farmer org with data on crops, intl crop status,prices, market conditions, wheather, technical & training information.

Implementation in developing countries Zambia and Zimbabwe FAO develop internet based market information tools, household food security information system, early warning systems & other tools to assist decision makers. National newspaper publish daily versions on WWW and host various email discussion groups. Support creative internet application & information services particularly among rural stakeholders- extend the reach of information sharing efforts(locally & globally)

Sustainable rural agriculture development in Internet applications Small and medium enterprise – need instant information on global markets, new production and market techniques, new transportation system. Ability to communicate with potential buyers and brokers Small producers have the flexibility to quickly change crop choices, develop products for small niche market and market directly to the consumer or commodity broker in other countries. Local Internet systems become valuable strategic planning and decision making tools.

Provide knowledge about successful development strategies. Applications of community development Internet services valuable for local community, in rural areas, act as intermediaries not only improved market knowledge but also: Provide knowledge about successful development strategies. Improved access to huge variety of information, training, research and educational resources that are typically unavailable in rural and remote areas due to the costs associated with accessing printed material and books. Enable rural young people to learn about computers and have access to the technologies and information available to their urban peers. Provide access to critical technical information for rural professionals such as physicians, health care workers, technicians and engineers – to encourage them continue practicing in rural and remote communities. Be used as marketing tools to promote rural tourism and market the agri- based products.

Supporting & development of internet initiatives Promote regional coordination of internet strategy for rural and agriculture development Support local internet entrepreneurs & other service providers in developing countries Assist stakeholders in advocating for internet service provision and telecommunication infrastructure and policy improvements Provide internet awareness building and demonstration Support creative Internet applications and information services for rural & agriculture development

Established under FAO to address the Millenium Development Goals Global community of practice – exchange information, ideas and resources related to the use of information and communication technology for sustainable agriculture and rural development Established under FAO to address the Millenium Development Goals With 8000 members from 160 countries e-Agriculture community is made up of individual stakeholders i.e researchers, farmers, policy makers, institutions

Policy and Regional coordination of internet strategy for rural and agriculture development Donors /agencies play important role in influencing national policy with regard to rural development and national telecommunication improvement strategies. They can :- ENCOURAGE GOVERNMENT To support private sector knowledge and communication technology innovations and services targeted to rural and agriculture communities Involved in telecommunications service improvement to recognise the needs of rural and agriculture communities for service upgrades Utilize knowledge and communication technology for administrative improvements, extension, and for civil society liaison within rural and agriculture communities To involve women and women’s organization in the development of internet and telecommunication strategy development and activities

conclusion The internet represents a vast global library of information that can become more easily available to rural and remote residents of developing countries. Farmers, workers and entrepreneurs in rural areas needs Internet to access market information, improve quality and productivity and strengthen business skills and employment opportunities. Governments, donors, agencies, institutions, educational entities play major role in ensuring the networks and internet facilities and updates information are readily available in rural and remote areas.