Information Technology In Agriculture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Information Technology In Agriculture - Essay Example Information exchange and dissemination, therefore, remain serious constraints on the agricultural production potential in the country. The rapid development and applications of the Internet and other forms of ICTs in the agricultural sector have presented a whole new dimension in the transfer and access of agricultural information, which previously was difficult and expensive to obtain. It is expected that these technologies will improve communication and provision of agricultural information among agricultural researchers, extension workers and other actors involved in research and extension. Through the application of ICTs, free flow of information would be enhanced and this could facilitate the adoption of agricultural technologies ultimately improving agricultural productivity in the country. It should, however, be noted that for ICTs to improve the provision of agricultural information other inputs and/or conditions such as skill development, policy, and regulatory framework, and conducive infrastructure is necessary (Ajit, 2003). The lack of computer and Internet skills by the majority of workers in the field of agriculture is a major constraint to use of ICTs. Lack of comprehensive national and institutional policy on ICTs is also mentioned as a constraint to diffusion of ICTs in the agricultural sector. In addition, lack of monitoring and evaluation system made it difficult to know the performance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the adopted ICTs and whether they were sustainable in the long run.