Pro-poor value chains for small scale farming innovation : sustainability improvements through ICT

Abstract

The success of small-scale farmers in pro-poor value chains is constrained by aspects related to government policies, research and training, community issues, and the quality of existing information and communication technology (ICT) tools. This article discusses effective strategies to increase the access to and adoption of ICT by small-scale farmers. Based on a literature review and an expert opinion survey, it identifies and assesses the key factors that facilitate increased ICT access and adoption. Investment in the development of ICT for rural small-scale farmer development is needed, to customise farming ICT to be user-friendly, and to conduct research on the use of simpler but more appropriate technologies to facilitate ICT adoption and use for value chain development.