THE ROLES OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN SELECTED FARMERS TRAINING CENTERS OF GAMBELLA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The study was carried out in four purposively selected FTCs in Gambella region. This research attempted to study the roles of ICTs in management of agricultural knowledge. It then examined the status and use of ICTs in Agricultural Knowledge Management, evaluated the provision of Agricultural Information and knowledge and, identified constraints of ICT use for agricultural knowledge management in selected FTCs. The subject (unit) of analysis is in this research were various stakeholders engaged in agricultural knowledge management ranging from experts from BoARD, WoARD, DAs and farmers. Respondents were selected using both Purposive and 10 % random sampling technique. The research followed a mixed method of research. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Data was analyzed in both qualitative and quantitative ways. Simple statistical tools like percentage, frequency, and ranking were used to analyze data of quantitative in nature. Besides Categorization, narrative analysis, classification and comparisons made for analyzing qualitative data. Based on the result of the study the major tools to acquire agricultural knowledge and information and knowledge was identified were mobile phone, traditional ICTs like TV and radio. Besides mechanism to disseminate agricultural information and knowledge were through person to persons, using ICT tools Like TV. The use of internet is negligible in the process of disseminating agricultural knowledge in research area. The finding of the research also reveals that the use ICT tools are largely used for three purposes: For data storage, data processing and as sharing/communication tools. By and large ICTs helped farmers to acquire information and knowledge in various farm practices and new technique of agricultural production. Indigenous agricultural knowledge is poorly managed and mostly lacked ICT support. Besides, the research indicates that the majority of FTCs do not have an internet connection. Unavailability and inappropriateness of the existing agricultural information and knowledge sources, irrelevance and not timely of agricultural information and knowledge, lack of ICT tools, lack of electric power, absence of support from wereda and regional bureau, lack of skill to use ICT tools and institutional challenges were the major constraints. However, despite prevailing problems traditional ICTs played roles in each FTCs. Generally, before the establishment of ICT projects, rapid rural appraisals should be done to assess the type of information most in demand and concerned bodies should provide network infrastructure. Furthermore, Government should reorient its policies in order to harness ICTs potential for contributing agricultural knowledge management and agricultural development. Besides all stake holders need to be strive to equip FTCs /knowledge centers/ with appropriate ICT tools and provide training for its personnel.