Margaret Bernard
| 组织 | The University of the West Indies |
|---|---|
| Organization type | University |
| Organization role |
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science & Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology
|
| 国家/地区 | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Area of Expertise |
Computer Science
|
This member participated in the following Forums
论坛 The Role of ICTs in Sustainable Crop Production Intensification (SCPI) of horticulture crop based system (mainly fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers)
What are the specific constraints you have faced in the use of ICTs for sustainable intensification of horticulture crop base
In the Caribbean, the AgriNeTT project developed several customized apps for farmers. These were selected as being the greatest need, from discussions with farmers and other agriculture persons. However, the uptake is still very small. What we have come to realize is that using ICT tools in farming (even the simplest ones) requires a fundamental shift in the farmers thinking about how he manages his farm business. He has to see the tool directly improving his profitability.
One approach we are trying is getting farmers to encourage other farmers. Farmers look to other farmers more than they do to extension officers and even agriculture shops. Working with a small community of farmers who could see the transformation in thier business, can generate willing 'ambassadors' in getting the word out to other farmers. People follow success stories.