CABI Summit discusses ICTs for agricultural development

In October this year, a session at the CABI Summit discussed Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in agricultural development.

Speakers made clear that development of relevant and validated content is key. But local participation and partnerships are essential too – especially in translating important messages, which can be used directly by farmers, into local languages. This will ensure that the rural poor are not disadvantaged by language and communication difficulties.

Download speeches and presentations:

Dr Albino Maggio, Science Officer, Food & Agriculture, European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST): COST Foresight 2030 – how the digital revolution will contribute to ensure food security – speech >

Dr Stephen Rudgard, Chief, WAICENT Capacity Building & Outreach, FAO: Bridging the rural digital divide: global partnerships to enhance e-Agriculture – speech >

Dr Harsha Liyanage, Managing Director, Sarvodaya ICT4D Movement: From Agri-clinics to FarmerNet: application of mobile phones and internet to support rural farmers – speech > presentation >

Mr Theophilus Mlaki, Director of Information, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology: Using ICT in making peasant farmers more knowledgeable – speech >

Dr Elizabeth Dodsworth, Global Director, Knowledge Management, CABI: Mobile phones and the internet: communication tools for agricultural development – speech >