Digital Extension – reaching out to farmers in remote areas through podcasting

In Zimbabwe, Practical Action has developed an innovative digital extension system targeting communities living in remote rural areas. The remote areas are characterised by lack of communication infrastructure, electricity and usable roads and this restricts them from accessing development knowledge, market information and general agriculture extension messages. Through the use of MP3 devices, the project complements traditional extension methods of distributions knowledge and information. The technology is particularly suitable for areas with no communication infrastructure, poor roads and in communities with low levels of literacy but can also be used in other areas. The project approach began with a baseline survey, which identifies community knowledge and information needs, literacy levels, the ward and district structures as well as understanding gender sensitive aspects in the community .Existing knowledge sources are also analysed. Using participatory methods involving knowledge experts, development agents and communities, the project was able to capture and disseminate digitalised knowledge and information covering a wide spectrum of sectors.

Opportunities

·         Can be both demand and supply driven i.e. farmers can input in the type of content they want uploaded while extension officers can also upload general agronomic content.

·         Huge outreach opportunities

·         Can be linked with national call centres ( learn from Botswana how these are working), local radio programs & community radios where they exists

·         Saves costs in the long term

·         Can also enhance farmer to farmer learning by uploading  & sharing lessons from other farmers

Scaling Up

·         Work with government extension agents

·         Share cusses stories widely

·         Partnerships with other stakeholders (the private sector through contract farming or as embedded services)

·         Including other ICTs such as mobile & videos.

What can/should AFAAS do?

·         Link up with AFAAS virtual platforms

·         Profile and share success stories

·         Coordinate linkages and communication for learning

·         Provide ICT support to country fora

by Hopewell Zheke 

E-mail: hopewell.zheke@practicalaction.org.zw

tel: +2634776631-3