ICT FOR FARMERS

HOW ICT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN FADAMA III FARMERS LIVELIHOODS

As the project development objective is to increase the incomes of users of land and water resources on a sustainable basis that relies on facilitation for demand driven investments and empowerment of local community groups and to improve productivity and land quality.

The role of ICT to enhance food security and support rural livelihoods is increasingly recognized as Ebonyi State Fadama III Project was officially endorsed in all thirteen (13) local desk offices. This includes the use of computers, internet, geographical information systems, mobile phones as well as traditional media such as radio and Television. Although it is a relatively new phenomenon evidence of the contribution of ICT to agricultural development and poverty alleviation is becoming increasingly available.

Enhancing Farmers Production

Increasing the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of small scale farms is an area where ICT can make a significant contribution. Farming involves risks and uncertainties, with farmers facing many threats from poor soil and drought for Fadama III yam, Rice and cassava production, pest and disease for fadama III fishery and poultry production.  Key improvements stem from information about pest and disease control, especially early warning systems new varieties, new ways to optimize production and regulations for quality control should be put in place.

 Improving market access 

Awareness of up-to date market information on prices for commodities, inputs and consumer trends can improves farmers’ livelihoods substantially and have a dramatic impact on their negotiating position. Like in Fadama office we have Fadama hotlines where peoples call to know the FUGs that have matured broilers or Fish such information is instrumental in making decision about the best time and place to sell and buy.

Capacity building and empowerment

Communities and farmers organizations can be helped through the use of ICTs to strengthen their own capacities and better represent their fadama community association (FCAs) when negotiating input and output prices, land claims resources rights and infrastructure projects.

 ICT enables rural communities to interact with other stakeholders thus reducing social isolation. It widens the perspective of local communities in terms of national or global developments opens up new business opportunities and allows easier contact with friends and relatives.

A role is also played by ICT in making processes more efficient and transparent. It helps in making laws and land titles more accessible. Global positioning systems (GPS) which facilitators used in tracking the position of Fadama Sub-projects linked to geographical information system (GIS). Digital cameras and internet help rural communities to document and communicate their situation, because of it important in the human life, the executive Governor of Ebonyi State has made it compulsory that all the civil servant should be competent on the use of ICT.