Workshop On Information And Communications Technologies (ict) For Agriculture And Rural Development

INTRODUCTION

The livelihoods of the world's poor often depend on agriculture, making the enhancement of smallholders' ability to access knowledge, networks, and institutions a critical development challenge. Where rural areas were once isolated, today, information and communication technologies (ICTs) connect the globe, offering transformational opportunities for rural populations, both as producers and consumers. Realizing this potential requires a long-term commitment to mobilizing appropriate resources and expertise. Our Workshop on Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for Agriculture and Rural Development is designed to support practitioners, decision-makers, and development partners working at the intersection of ICT and agriculture. This training program provides practical guidance on understanding current trends, implementing appropriate interventions, and evaluating the impact of ICT programs in agriculture. Participants will learn how to leverage ICT to improve productivity, food security, and employment opportunities in rural areas.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Gain basic skills in ICT for agriculture.
• Appreciate the need for ICT integration in agribusiness development.
• Understand current trends in ICTs as they pertain to agriculture.
• Design, implement, and evaluate sustainable ICT components in agricultural projects.
• Build effective public and private partnerships to promote ICT access and innovation for agriculture.
• Include ICT in policy dialogue and planning for agricultural and rural development goals.
• Apply ICT in farm production, inventory management, marketing, and extension services.
• Gain knowledge on gender equitable ICT skills in agriculture for rural development.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

This course is intended for various actors in the agriculture extension field, including:

• Agricultural extension officers
• Senior agricultural officials and policymakers
• Community workers in governments, funding agencies, research organizations, and NGOs
• Professionals involved in agriculture support activities and rural development programs

Course Content

Module I: Overview of ICT for Agriculture and Rural Development

• ICT adoption methodology, priorities, collaborators, and constraints
• Economics of ICT implementation
• Innovation theory and e-Government
• Key drivers of ICT-enabled services in agriculture
• Principles of digital development
• Impact of mobile phones and mobile technologies on agriculture
• Comparative advantages of ICT opportunities
• ICT constraint and solution identification
• Tools for personal involvement in ICT adoption and implementation

Module II: ICT and Farm Management

• ICT in farm management and Farm Management Information Systems (MIS)
• ICT in crop production and animal husbandry
• Crop, agricultural inputs, and process models
• Extending rural access to financial and insurance services through ICT

Module III: Strengthening Rural Governance, Institutions, and Collective Action with ICT

• National ICT priorities: Infrastructure, standards, policies, globalization
• ICT's potential contribution to national and regional initiatives
• ICT-supported services: National, regional, personal, and sectoral
• National and regional connectivity issues and solutions
• Agricultural policy and cooperation
• Government-funded services in rural areas
• Empowering intermediary institutions with ICT

Module IV: Strengthening Agricultural Market Access with ICT Tools

• Strengthening agricultural marketing with ICT
• ICT applications for smallholder inclusion in agribusiness supply chains
• Marketing, tracking, and traceability in production chains
• ICT applications for agricultural risk management
• Improving food safety and traceability with ICT
• Strengthening rural governance and citizen participation using ICT
• ICT for land administration and management
• Inventory management with ICT
• Agricultural marketing and commerce

Module V: Using ICT for Remote Sensing, Crowdsourcing, GIS, and Big Data

• Remote sensing
• Crowdsourcing and crowd mapping
• GIS and RS application in agriculture
• Big data for analytics

General Notes

• This course is delivered by seasoned trainers with vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields. It combines practical activities, theory, group work, and case studies.
• Participants receive comprehensive training manuals and additional reference materials.
• Upon successful completion, participants are awarded a certificate.
• Customized training courses can be arranged to meet specific organizational needs. Contact us at training@skillsforafrica.org for more information.
• The training will take place at the SKILLS FOR AFRICA TRAINING INSTITUTE in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The training fee covers tuition, materials, lunch, and the training venue. Accommodation and airport transfers can be arranged upon request.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training, with proof of payment sent to training@skillsforafrica.org.