According to our experiences to obtain the sustainability of ICT-based advisory services the programs should be focus on followings,

1. The contents and informations should be developed according to need of the end users eg. need of farmers

2. Before implementing the program it is needed to ensure the skills of users on ICT. before implementing make sure to give basic knowledge and infrastructure for accesing ICT

3. Contents should be in local languages and they should be in simple and interactive form

4. Advisory services should be upto date and should supply timely and relevant information

Considering above factors also will be help to ensure  the sustainability of ICT based advisory programs for smallholders.

Nisansala

Agriculture is the mainstay of the rural sector of Sri Lanka. Farmers are resource poor and face constraints in gaining access to information and knowledge not only to improve crop productivity but also to compete in business environment. To expose rural farmer to knowledge and information, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka has built an innovative ICT-based farmer education program that is Online Diploma in Agro-technology in local languages and English. This is the first-ever attempt by Sri Lankan university system for giving opportunity for farmers to pursue further education through Open and distance learning with appropriate information and communication technologies while being engaged in their cultivations. Course lessons developed by Agriculture experts were converted to an interactive digital form into online Learning Management System (LMS) in Moodle. A prototype was developed and implemented with farmers all around the country.

Even though many internet based online courses are available, due to incompetency in English language, local farmers are unable to follow them. This was the major reason to develop an online Diploma program in Agro -technology in local language. To considering the easy access and without any fixed learning times, the program was converted to an Online Distance Learning Program. However Sri Lankan farmers have never even dreamt for the university education. The Online e-diploma program started in 2008 in order to solve this problem.

The Online Diploma in Agro-technology program consists of eight Certificate Courses on diverse agriculture subjects. Learning Management system (LMS) was developed in local language using Moodle and online discussion forums and chat sessions were also designed in LMS to discuss their day-to-day issues in agriculture with their colleagues and teachers. Solutions and advices given by them would allow farmers to solve problems in cultivations easily. The courses and lessons were developed based on farmer needs. Through this farmers are getting useful, relevant and updated knowledge and information on issues in agriculture. In an effort to improve retention and quality of learning of farmers, a number of steps were taken in preparation of study materials to enhance guidance and advice. Learner support is also provided through learner guides, print material, CDs and DVDs, face-to-face discussions, computer assisted instruction and video-conferencing in local language. To encourage peer interactions, online learning groups based on agriculture interest of student farmers have been facilitated. The courses can be accessed through any one of the National Online Distance Education Service Access Centers which are established by Ministry of Higher Education with all ICT facilities and the Government ICT centers located throughout the country, or through student personal computers.

As the result of following the program, knowledge on agriculture and accessing the relevant information for farming has been significantly improved. Through this program all student farmers have empowered towards learning and farming. There is an improvement of personal and professional characters of farmers. Because of the program, communication ability, social contacts and leadership qualities of farmers have been improved. Due to increment of their income via improving their cultivations they have gained a higher social status in community. Also the program showed positive impacts on the farmers’ entrepreneurship ability, marketing capacity, social mobilization and agri-business creations by following the course and transforming traditional farms to professional ones. Online distance learning is a suitable method for farmers to learn. This is a new and modern opportunity for younger generation who lack knowledge and information on agriculture and for those who have special interest on agriculture. Also, this program is considered to student farmers as a way of keeping themselves with satisfaction and pride towards agriculture as their profession.