Publication: ICT in Agriculture : Connecting Smallholders to Knowledge, Networks, and Institutions
Date
2011-11
ISSN
Published
2011-11
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
The livelihoods of the world's poor
rise and fall with the fate of agriculture. Enhancing the
ability of smallholders to connect with the knowledge,
networks, and institutions necessary to improve their
productivity, food security, and employment opportunities is
a fundamental development challenge. Where once rural areas
were largely disconnected from the greater world, today,
networks of information and communication technologies
(ICTs) enmesh the globe and represent a transformational
opportunity for rural populations, both as producers and
consumers. However, climate change and price fluctuations in
the global food market remind us that realizing this
opportunity requires a long-term commitment to mobilizing
appropriate resources and expertise. It is for this reason
that we are particularly pleased to introduce the ICT in
agriculture e-sourcebook. This resource was designed to
support practitioners, decision-makers, and development
partners who work at the intersection of ICT and
agriculture. The authors hope is that it becomes a practical
guide in understanding current trends, implementing
appropriate interventions, and evaluating the impact of
those programs. It combines cutting-edge expertise in ICT
with empirical knowledge of a wide range of agricultural
sectors, from governance to supply chain management. As an
online knowledge source, it will continue to evolve and be
updated to reflect the emerging and changing challenges and
opportunities facing the sector. This activity was carried
out as part of the program on creating sustainable
businesses in the knowledge economy, for which the
Government of Finland provided generous support. The
publication represents a partnership of infoDev and the
Agriculture and Rural Development Department of the World
Bank Group, with significant contributions from outside experts.
Citation
“World Bank. 2011. ICT in Agriculture : Connecting Smallholders to Knowledge, Networks, and Institutions. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/20e761ff-89c1-56b2-8302-be059076a909 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”