Question 4 (10 Dec.)

Dear Lisa, This is an important question as far as the use of ICTs in rural areas is concerned.Some heaviliy funded and fancy projects in India have failed because of the lack of proper implementation.Some major constraints as well as challenges are: lack of awareness Training of all stakeholders involved including farmers Lackof electricity Internernet connectivity data updation Design of information modules Cost factor Economies of scale These projects can be successfully implemented only if the infrastructural constraints are removed and the proper training is done. also the networking between various institutions is required regarding sharing of databases etc. Any further questions are welcome. sapna

Dear Sapna, Thank you for the complete list of challenges. Would some body like to add to that list? or to elaborate about the drivers for success,perhaps by sharing the examples of an especific project? Cheers, Lisa

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote="Rabiu Yakasai"] Hi Lisa, it all depends on local situations you now, but here in Kano State Nigeria, the list is endless, one can only prioritize as follows: a) access to information b) poverty (device affordability) c) formal organization of the sector d) partnership synergy (public/private) e) choice of ICT devices for particular situation f) knowledge of the ICT potentials and diversity g) system reliability (technology, operation environment etc) h) state policy i) collaboration and participation Challenges faced include ignorance, monopoly, informal transaction, lack of transparacy, thriving subsistence farming, food insecurity and poor income generation. If access to information is effectively addressed via ICT various device arrangement, the rural farmer will be attracted to the magic of ICT there by bringing out his will to cooperate to open up about local situation for external collaboration and participation. Typical example is the Rural Digital Bridge (RDB) that I designed and implement with local farmers, it improved farmers access to the Internet through Mobile phone and traditional methods of communiction within local communities. This led to strategic commodity development through trial plots conducted by farmers on thier fields which eventually addressed the issue of post-harvest waste and improved market prices of the affected commodity. The key actors (the RDB coordinator, private firms dealing with the commodity and the farmers) were several kilometers away from each other but were fully coodinated using the ICT customized arrangement.

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] Hi Lisa, I very much agree with the constraints and challenges mentioned by Sapna and Rabiu Yakasai. In the last past few years IFAD has started testing ways in which information and communication technologies (ICTs) can support rural communities. Particular attention has been given to support access to new markets. The pilot experience which began establishing Internet Centres in a few rural communities has been expanding and now reaches more than 30 rural districts in five Departments of Southern Peru. Some of the reasons that explain the success of this project are the tangible benefits that Internet brings to local (often isolated) communities: (i) reduction in the operational costs of local governments (with access to Internet they do not need a liaison office in urban centres); (ii) access to updated market information; (iii) better and greater access to technical and educational resources. Key success factors have been: (i) the strong ownership of these initiatives by the communities themselves, and (ii) the participatory way in which this project is being implemented. In Latin America (as in India) heavily funded projects have failed because they often neglect the key role of local organizations.

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote]I think that Raul, Sapna and Rabiu have all raised important points. I would like to add four more "drivers of success" to the list: relevant content; appropriate technology; private sector investment in rural ICT; and opportunities for the small private sector in rural areas. IFAD experience in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) with the First Mile project and Rural Knowledge Network has shown that farmers and others in the value chain will use ICTs, especially mobile phones, to gather and share locally-relevant market information and to arrange trading deals. They are also using the Internet to upload market information that can be accessed and shared via SMS - and to share lessons and experiences on how to develop their own small businesses. They key is that the information is locally relevant and up-to-date. Farmers spontaneously started using mobile phones in this context because they were available, relatively cheap and there was good coverage. Some local entrepreneurs have now started using "ruggedized" laptops with GPRS modems, that enable them to access the Internet via the mobile phone network. Alongside these developments, IFAD is supporting the emergence of IT service providers in rural areas who can lease out equipment to small entrepreneurs, and provide maintenance and back-up support when the ICTs break down. Another key issue is the role of the public sector, including development organizations. In my opinion, we need to focus on working with governments to support creation of the "enabling environment" for private sector investment in rural ICT, and for the corresponding emergence of a healthy "small" private sector. Take a look at www.linkinglearners.net

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] A significant driver for success is attracting the interest of private entrepreneurs to develop and deliver the ICT services. An entrepreneurial focus is more likely to meet the true needs of the local communities that they serve, otherwise they don't get paid; more likely to innovate to make the services affordable; and more likely to to develop new services to meet other needs.

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Dear Sapna, Thank you for the complete list of challenges. Would some body like to add to that list? or to elaborate about the drivers for success,perhaps by sharing the examples of an especific project? Cheers, Lisa [/quote] Dear Lisa, Thanks for inviting to add more challenges. I think language of communication and particular device of ICT demand special attention.I like to elaborate a little to explain two drivers. You might recall that the discussion on mobile telephony emphasized on vernacular or local language.It is also applicable for value chain activities.I felt that talking through mobile phone in the preferred languages by the various actors of value chain is the best ICT device/means for operation of value chain activities.Because it helps instant contact and communication.I have seen sellers in fish,flower and vegetable sectors frequently use mobile phones for sharing information. I think SMS is not that popular or usable because of language,typing or operational procedure. Thanks to all participants for presenting a lively discussion. Cheers! Zainul I

[quote="sapnaaroranarula"] Dear Lisa, This is an important question as far as the use of ICTs in rural areas is concerned.Some heaviliy funded and fancy projects in India have failed because of the lack of proper implementation.Some major constraints as well as challenges are: lack of awareness Training of all stakeholders involved including farmers Lackof electricity Internernet connectivity data updation Design of information modules Cost factor Economies of scale These projects can be successfully implemented only if the infrastructural constraints are removed and the proper training is done. also the networking between various institutions is required regarding sharing of databases etc. Any further questions are welcome. sapna [/quote]

[quote="zainul"] I felt that talking through mobile phone in the preferred languages by the various actors of value chain is the best ICT device/means for operation of value chain activities. [...] I think SMS is not that popular or usable because of language,typing or operational procedure. [/quote] Dear Zainul and other ICT experts, Do you think preference of calling over SMS is only due to technical reasons? What about pricing of the different services? I've noticed the price of SMS services can vary widely between countries. Does pricing policy by mobile phone operators lead users to choose call rather than SMS? Jo

[quote="charmasiello"] [quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] There are some very useful examples of resources/activities underway in this question 4 from members comments. I encourage those who have examples to also submit them to the Resources Section. They can be used as illustrations in the final report of the Forum. Best, Charlotte [/quote="Rabiu Yakasai"] Hi Charlotte, OK will send an overview of my recent response in focus but already I sent a master project doc (pdf) to [email protected], I hope that will serve a purpose because I had big problem to get that through and wouldn't fancy to repeat the process again. Kind regards

Dear all, Here , i would like to lead the discussion to the following important points: what is the role of private sector in spread of ICTs in agri-value chain? What kind of private companies can play part in these activities? What kind of activities can be undertaken by public sector?or the role of public sector will be limited to funding? the possible PPP mode of partenership for strengthening agrivalue chain through ICTs is also important, how? Your comments/ suggestions/examples from your own countries are welcome. Sapna

[quote="charmasiello"] [quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] There are some very useful examples of resources/activities underway in this question 4 from members comments. I encourage those who have examples to also submit them to the Resources Section. They can be used as illustrations in the final report of the Forum. Best, Charlotte [/quote="Rabiu Yakasai"] Charlotte, just responding to your question about whether farmers were trained in the rural digital bridge system and how I gained thier cooperation. You see, only the local contact need to be trained for effective communication between farmers and the rural digital coordinator. About farmers cooperation, you see my farmers face annual post-harvest loss up to 40% on fresh vegetables due to market glut brought by lack of information and strategic planning. Because of this recurring losses every year, affected farmers want MONEY and anything that comes with a hint to improve thier income especially MONEY they are keen with tremendous willing to cooperate, in terms of commercial farm extension local farmers here are distant with the public sector. Moreover, exhibited ICT power to the farmers makes them highly inquisitive.

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] I posted the following link in the resources section to an article on the case of the use of ICT by FEPPASI in Burkina Faso and the success factors involved: http://ictupdate.cta.int/en/Feature-Articles/Farmers-teaching-farmers

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] Dear Lisa, Security may be considered a vital challenge for the use of ICT(in value chains)in rural areas.Unless the safety and security can be ensured for the costly ICT devices,the realization of ICT in value chains may be very difficult.I invite the learned participants to comment on this aspect. Best regards, Tasnim

[quote="Tasnim"] Security may be considered a vital challenge for the use of ICT(in value chains)in rural areas. Unless the safety and security can be ensured for the costly ICT devices,the realization of ICT in value chains may be very difficult. [/quote] Hi Tasnim, Yes indeed, the deployed ICT solutions should be adapted to the local situation in order to last as long as possible. And in some cases, well guarded too... However, I believe that trust is the most important issue to address when considering how to change behaviours - whether it's with ICT's or without. Without trust between the actors, even the best market price information system will not work. The same accounts for agricultural information: only when the beneficiaries trust the provider of the information will they accept it and eventually adopt it to their situation. This is one of the reasons why I believe that it is essential that farmers themselves become ICT-proficient: the strongest testimonies will come from their fellow farmers.

[quote="flaureys"] [quote="Tasnim"] Security may be considered a vital challenge for the use of ICT(in value chains)in rural areas. Unless the safety and security can be ensured for the costly ICT devices,the realization of ICT in value chains may be very difficult. [/quote] Hi Tasnim, Yes indeed, the deployed ICT solutions should be adapted to the local situation in order to last as long as possible. And in some cases, well guarded too... However, I believe that trust is the most important issue to address when considering how to change behaviours - whether it's with ICT's or without. Without trust between the actors, even the best market price information system will not work. The same accounts for agricultural information: only when the beneficiaries trust the provider of the information will they accept it and eventually adopt it to their situation. This is one of the reasons why I believe that it is essential that farmers themselves become ICT-proficient: the strongest testimonies will come from their fellow farmers. [/quote] I strongly agree with Faureys statement, trust is really the key. Morality also will contribute, because when knowlegde is applied with understanding things work almost perfectly.

[quote="jo.cadilhon"] [quote="zainul"] I felt that talking through mobile phone in the preferred languages by the various actors of value chain is the best ICT device/means for operation of value chain activities. [...] I think SMS is not that popular or usable because of language,typing or operational procedure. [/quote] Dear Zainul and other ICT experts, Do you think preference of calling over SMS is only due to technical reasons? What about pricing of the different services? I've noticed the price of SMS services can vary widely between countries. Does pricing policy by mobile phone operators lead users to choose call rather than SMS? Jo Dear Jo I think pricing policy may not be responsible for calls over SMS, most time the text do not go through due to network congestion, moreso, some persons take a while before they go through their SMS box and reply thereafter. So calls most time are cheaper, because you get instant response. Thank you. Sea [/quote]

[quote="sapnaaroranarula"] Dear all, Here , i would like to lead the discussion to the following important points: what is the role of private sector in spread of ICTs in agri-value chain? What kind of private companies can play part in these activities? What kind of activities can be undertaken by public sector?or the role of public sector will be limited to funding? the possible PPP mode of partenership for strengthening agrivalue chain through ICTs is also important, how? Your comments/ suggestions/examples from your own countries are welcome. Sapna [/quote="Rabiu Yakasai"] Dear Sapna, your question hinges on patriotism (public sector), commerce (private sector) and relevance (agriculture) all in the driving seat. The destination (benefit to each) depends on time and virtual condition of the terrain (governance). However, there are three levels of approach in my opinion Level [1] Public sector to provide conducive policy frame work that is in line with global ICT trend for local agriculture development. The sector should also provide critical infrastructure and service to reduce inflation of ICT charges for rural application. Typical examples: (a) In Nigeria where electricity is unreliable, mphone firms operate independent power generation which translate to mphone users paying for airtime and power generation simultaneously. (b) Public sector should also provide service antennas deep in rural areas to attract ICT firms for rural connectivity. Again, in a study I conducted on rural connectivity for contactivity I came across "digital isolation' and digital vacuum' where a commercial mphone call provider uses make shift wire antenna erected on wood bar to enhance connectivity. Full version (pdf) of the study available from [email protected] Level [2] Private sector should suspend discriminating against undeveloped investment potential of rural agriculture by making ICT plan on the drawing board that generally covers rural areas since ICT is now considered undisputable opener of the "closed development bottle'. Level [3] Public private partnership (PPP) Public, private and community (farmer groups) sector's benefit must be clearly drawn and well understood by all for the partnership to serve any purpose. Public sector investment in the private sector circle should target to directly improve rural agriculture. So private sector ICT function in rural areas should identify and comply with dynamic public sector policies for rural agric development. Farmers groups are expected to become highly organized, cooperative and with team work spirit in the PPP. The bottom line is for the private sector to re-align its ICT profit drive to give chance to rural agriculture to take shape at least in the immediate and short tem periods while the public sector continues with favourable policy support. A related more specific question to the forum: What ICT-based approach do we need to adopt to address unfavourable cross-border activities by customs and security agents on farm produce marketing that falls within the provisions of regional agreements?

Dear Sapna The role of private sector in ICTs agric-value chain includes; infrastrutural development, management and funding. Many ICT corporations, Banks, financial institutions, and agro related companies. In Nigeria, Companies like Leventis PLC., play a lot of role in the agricultural sector development; one of which is ICT improvement towards Sustainable Food Security Programme. The role of public sector should not be restricted to funding, rather they should also serve as regulators(watchdogs), for efficient and effective services. The PPP approach in ICT for strengthen agric-value chain is important because the veiw of the stakeholders will be more appreciated since the impact will be observed by all those in the coverage area and they can serve as checkers and balancers in project monitoring and evaluation. Promotes accountability and transparency in processes. It also reduce fraud and will promote timeliness in all transactions. The oppurtunty of the owners of a project to be part of it will increase the level of speedy and sustainable development. Sea

[quote="Sea"] I strongly agree with Faureys statement, trust is really the key. Morality also will contribute, because when knowlegde is applied with understanding things work almost perfectly. [/quote] :P

Dear all, The discussion has mentioned public-private partnerships (PPP) many times now as having an important role in the success and sustainability of ICT in the value chain. Earlier the e-Agriculture community held a forum on PPP in Asia, which has some relevance to our discussion here. For those who were not part of that discussion, you can access the PPP forum (and others) at [url=http://www.e-agriculture.org/275.html]http://www.e-agriculture.org/275…] We've also created a Key Topics reference on PPP at [url=http://www.e-agriculture.org/569.html]http://www.e-agriculture.org/569…]

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] Lisa, A significant driver for success is collaborating with private entrepreneurs (Public Private Partnership) and generating their interest to develop and deliver the ICT services. Combined objective is to create, develop, and deliver services to meet the basic needs of local communities. Despite the fact that in India, many projects have failed due to non-involvement of local organizations (NGOs) and other social welfare organizations, still we are making significant progress at a gradual rate as we continue learn from the lessons & experience. Challenges include lack of knowledge, ignorance, poverty, economies of scale, lack of education and reach of technology. Thanks, Ryhan

Hi All I think all of you remember the ICT (mainly telecommunication) market liberalization during late 1980s and 1990s in most of the developing countries. If that didn't happen most of the modern technologies we are talking about may not be Available for most of the rural farmers whom we are talking about now. Most of the private sector investment has helped to connect the unconnected rural people in developing countries. -Sameera.

[quote="RAY"] A related more specific question to the forum: What ICT-based approach do we need to adopt to address unfavourable cross-border activities by customs and security agents on farm produce marketing that falls within the provisions of regional agreements? [/quote] This question reminds me of earlier comments that transparency in markets is essential for equitable development. Thus it would seem there is a role for ICT in improving agricultural value chains beyond just the crop (or livestock or fish) production/harvest/process chain of events. Are there more thoughts on this?

Hi Michael Going beyond the production, harvesting, etc. … Forward Sales Agreements This is the process we need a third (or more) party involvement, Buyer, Farmer and a Bank. Sometime we may require an insurance company as well. So this is another process which can be facilitated /catalyzed by the involvement of ICT. -Sameera.

Dear Sapna, Private sector role will be greater if : 1) The size is bigger , so they hold stronger role in term of bargaining power with local goverment. 2) If the private sector is small like my company , goverment policy would be a binder & booster to build much greater synergy. The role that my company play now in such idea is to spread the idea about smart farming & plantations. For example : - Applications of green fertilizers & microbiological fertilizers , saving up to 70 % of conventional fertilizer cost , improve soil quality , boosting harvest volume. The way we persuade people show them that smart farming is not only helps the nature , but also good for business , because lower production cost & higher yield. - Other than mono-culture , we present many options for many year levels to many kind of plantations. It also shows that intercropping can also leads to more space-efficient smart farming that have many benefits : lower overall working capital / better cash flow performance , higher economic gain / profit , less new area need to be opened , so natural raiforest will be safer , for example , in falcatta woodland plantations , in the first 2.5 years we still can cultivate intercropping with corn or any other herbs that have established market demand , then later would be Konnyaku tuber / Amarphopallus oncophilus that grows well underneath tree shade canopy. Adding more income , but also helps the nature. In between every blocks , we plant natural insecticides / pesticides plants , such as Azadirachta indica . With those examples , it's very clear that private sector can ignite , or at least resonance new ideas that answer the biggest problem that opress the nature , which is greed , by providing more answers to higher income , and also change the paradigma of non-environmental friendly farming ( excessive inorganic fertilizers & synthetic pesticides ) toward more eco - friedly farming , which will be rewarded well by the nature. Private sector can do that without any fund support from the goverment , because they also gain some profit. Goverment policy will multiply the effect & the benefit. Also some regulation will assure the market & the development of the ideas. Best regards, Rudy

can some one give me best literature or references on public private partnership in the field of agriculture extension plz! :bang: