AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

Subtopic: ICT in agricultural support services

What is ICT?

ICT means Information and Communication Technology — tools that help people find, share and use information. Examples: mobile phones, SMS, apps, radio and the internet.

Why is ICT important for farmers?

• It gives weather forecasts so farmers can plan planting and avoid losses.
• It shares market prices so farmers get better pay for crops.
• It connects farmers to extension officers (experts) for advice on pests, seeds and soil.
• It allows payments and purchases using mobile money (e.g., M‑Pesa).
• It helps keep records (how much was planted, sold, and profit).

ICT services used in Kenya (real examples)

• iCow (SMS & App): Livestock and dairy tips sent by SMS and app for smallholder farmers.
• M‑Farm: Price information and a marketplace app to find buyers and compare prices.
• Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD): Weather forecasts and alerts (rain, drought warnings).
• KALRO & County extension: Online and SMS advice on crops and seeds from research and extension officers.
• M‑Pesa: Mobile money for safe payments and receiving money from buyers.

How ICT helps different agricultural support services

• Extension and training: Farmers can join WhatsApp groups, watch short training videos, or get SMS tips about planting, pest control and nutrition.
• Market information: Daily prices for maize, onions, tomatoes and other crops help choose where and when to sell.
• Weather and early warning: Alerts of heavy rain or drought so farmers protect crops and plan irrigation.
• Input supply and e‑vouchers: Farmers order seeds and fertiliser via apps or codes, sometimes using government or NGO e‑vouchers.
• Record keeping: Simple apps or spreadsheets help track costs, harvests and profits.
• Pest and disease diagnosis: Send photos to experts or use apps that suggest what the disease may be.

Simple case study (Kenyan smallholder)

Wanjiru from Nyeri grows tomatoes. She gets a morning SMS with market prices for tomatoes in nearby towns. When prices are good in Nyeri, she sells there. When prices rise in Nairobi, she uses a transport buyer she found on an app. She receives payment by M‑Pesa. If her plants get a pest, she sends photos to the county extension officer in a WhatsApp group and gets advice the same day.

How to use ICT if you have:

• Basic phone (no internet): Use SMS services and USSD codes. Subscribe to price and weather alerts.
• Smartphone: Download trusted apps (iCow, M‑Farm), join farmer WhatsApp groups, watch training videos.
• Radio + phone: Listen to agricultural radio shows and call in with questions — many programmes link listeners to extension officers.

Short glossary

• Extension officer: A person who teaches farmers about better farming methods.
• SMS: Short Message Service (text messages).
• USSD: Short codes (like *123#) used to access services on simple phones.
• M‑Pesa: Mobile money service popular in Kenya for sending and receiving money.

Mini activity (for class or home)

1. Find one local ICT service (app, SMS, radio programme) used by farmers in your county. Write its name and one thing it helps with.
2. Draw a simple map or flow (3 boxes) showing how a farmer gets a weather alert and protects crops.
3. Discuss: How would you help a neighbour who only has a basic phone but wants market prices?