ICTworks

What is ICT4Ag?

ICT4Ag is using information and communication technology (ICT) in agricultural development programs. ICT4Agriculture programs aim to increase food security by helping smallholder farmers improve their use of modern agritech farming methods and their access to markets. These Agritech solutions encompass the full agricultural value chain and includes adjacent technologies like digital financial services and geographic information systems.

ICT4Ag solutions in the development sector help countries achieve the Sustainable Development goals. Solutions often focus on agriculture extension services for farmers to learn about agriculture technologies and innovation. ICTs can amplify the efforts of the extension agents who work directly with farmers across the entire value chain from planing what crops to grow, to sourcing inputs for crop cultivation, to selling it in the market.

Why is ICT4Ag Important?

Smallholder farmers have limited resources and often live in underserved and remote areas. They have limited knowledge, services, and technologies available to them, and typically need support to adopt modern farming methodologies. Agricultural extension services are usually inadequate , with less than one extension agent per 1000 farmers .

Climate change is now impacting more farmers, particularly the most vulnerable, so there is greater need for reaching farmers with information and services that can improve their food security. ICT4Ag can play a crucial role in supporting farmers to access new inputs, credit, and markets with personalized and customized services.

Examples of ICT4Ag in Food Security Programs

The potential to achieve high impact at the farm-level requires appropriate technology and adoption methodologies. Please find below an ever-increasing list of successful ICT4Ag solutions.