The National Agriculture Information Service (NAIS) is the major information and communication framework for farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector. However, this channel is limited to radio programmes especially servicing the rural areas. Programmes on TV are proving to be more effective but the limited coverage of the TV network across the country has resulted in limited exploitation of the technology. Usage of effective voice communication systems among farmers such as radio phones as a community service has not been exploited. However, it is desirable that TV, Phones and Internet should make an impact as information/communication channels among
stakeholders in the sector. Some of the challenges in integrating ICTs in Agriculture include:
- Inadequate channels for information delivery among framers, businesses and policy makers;
- Poor quality of existing infrastructure and high cost of ICT infrastructure rollout thus limiting access to ICT products and services among stakeholders;
- Limited coverage of effective media tools like radio and TV among rural farming communities coupled with high cost and limited energy (electric) supply to enhance uptake of ICTs;
- Inadequate ICT literacy skills especially in rural areas; and
- Lack of integrated approach in rollout of ICTs, energy and other social services infrastructure.
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