Intermediation Capabilities of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Ghana’s Agricultural Extension System
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23962/10539/32212Keywords:
Information and communication technology (ICT), Agricultural innovation systems (AIS), ICT for agriculture (ICT4ag), Agricultural extension, Intermediation, Intermediation capabilities, GhanaAbstract
Information and communication technologies (ICTs), specifically those that are digital and interactive, present opportunities for enhanced intermediation between actors in Ghana’s agricultural extension system. To understand these opportunities, this study investigates the capabilities of ICTs in support of seven forms of intermediation in the context of agricultural extension: disseminating (information), retrieving (information), harvesting (information), matching (actors to services), networking (among actors), coordinating (actors), and co-creating (among actors). The study identifies the types of ICTs currently functioning in Ghana’s agricultural system, and applies a Delphi-inspired research design to determine the consensus and dissensus of researchers, scientists, and practitioners about the potential of these ICTs to support each of the seven intermediation capabilities. The findings reveal that experts reached consensus that interactive voice response (IVR) technologies currently have the highest potential to support disseminating, retrieving, harvesting, and matching. Meanwhile, social media messaging (SMM) technologies are currently seen as highly capable of supporting coordinating and, to a lesser extent, co-creating, but no consensus is reached on the potential of any of the technologies to support networking.
References
Abdu-Raheem, K. A., & Worth, S. H. (2016). Suggesting a new paradigm for agricultural extension policy: The case of West African countries. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 44(2), 216–230. https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2016/v44n2a425
Abdulai, I., Hoffmann, M. P., Jassogne, L., Asare, R., Graefe, S., Tao, H. H., Muilerman, S., Vaast, P., Van Asten, P., Läderach, P., & Rötter, R. P. (2020). Variations in yield gaps of smallholder cocoa systems and the main determining factors along a climate gradient in Ghana. Agricultural Systems, 181, 102812. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102812
Adekunle, A. A., & Fatunbi, A. O. (2014). A new theory of change in African agriculture. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 21(7), 1083–1096. https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.mejsr.2014.21.07.21564
Adolwa, I. S., Schwarze, S., Bellwood-Howard, I., Schareika, N., & Buerkert, A. (2017). A comparative analysis of agricultural knowledge and innovation systems in Kenya and Ghana: Sustainable agricultural intensification in the rural–urban interface. Agriculture and Human Values, 34(2), 453–472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-016-9725-0
Agyekumhene, C., De Vries, J. R., Van Paassen, A., Macnaghten, P., Schut, M., & Bregt, A. (2018). Digital platforms for smallholder credit access: The mediation of trust for cooperation in maize value chain financing. NJAS – Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 86–87( July), 77–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2018.06.001
Ajani, E. N. (2014). Promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for agricultural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for policy. Journal of Agricultural & Food Information, 15(1), 42–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/10496505.2013.858049
Aker, J. C. (2011). Dial “A” for agriculture: A review of information and communication technologies for agricultural extension in developing countries. Agricultural Economics, 42(6), 631–647. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-0862.2011.00545.x
Aker, J. C., Ghosh, I., & Burrell, J. (2016). The promise (and pitfalls) of ICT for agriculture initiatives. Agricultural Economics, 47, 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12301
Allen, T., Prosperi, P., Cogill, B., Padilla, M., & Peri, I. (2019). A Delphi approach to develop sustainable food system metrics. Social Indicators Research, 141(3), 1307–1339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-018-1865-8
Asiedu-Darko, E. (2013). Agricultural extension delivery in Ghana: A case study of factors affecting it in Ashanti, Eastern and Northern regions of Ghana. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 5(2), 37–41.
Asiedu-Darko, E., & Bekoe, S. (2014). ICTs as enablers in the dissemination of agricultural technologies: A study in the East Akim District, Eastern Ghana. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 3(3), 224–232. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajaees/2014/7661
Bell, M. (2015). Information and communication technologies for agricultural extension and advisory services: ICT – Powering behavior change for a brighter agricultural future. MEAS Discussion Paper. https://meas.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Bell-2015-ICT-for-Brighter-Ag-Future-MEAS-Discussion-Paper.pdf
Benitez-Capistros, F., Hugé, J., & Koedam, N. (2014). Environmental impacts on the Galapagos Islands: Identification of interactions, perceptions and steps ahead. Ecological Indicators, 38(2014), 113–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2013.10.019
Bennett, W. L., & Segerberg, A. (2012). The logic of connective action: Digital media and the personalization of contentious politics. Information, Communication & Society, 15(5), 739–768. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2012.670661
Berkes, F., Colding, J., & Folke, C. (2003). Navigating social-ecological systems: Building resilience for complexity and change. Cambridge University Press.
Bua, S., El Mejahed, K., MacCarthy, D., Adogoba, D. S., Kissiedu, I. N., Atakora, W. K., Fosu, M., & Bindraban, P. S. (2020). Yield responses of maize to fertilizers in Ghana. In IFDC FERARI Research Report. https://www.ifdc.org/projects/
Chu, H. C., & Hwang, G. J. (2008). A Delphi-based approach to developing expert systems with the cooperation of multiple experts. Expert Systems with Applications, 34(4), 2826–2840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2007.05.034
Cieslik, K. J., Leeuwis, C., Dewulf, A. R. P. J., Lie, R., Werners, S. E., Van Wessel, M., Feindt, P., & Struik, P. C. (2018). Addressing socio-ecological development challenges in the digital age: Exploring the potential of Environmental Virtual Observatories for Connective Action (EVOCA). NJAS – Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 86–87(2018), 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2018.07.006
Davis, K. E. (2008). Extension in Sub-Saharan Africa: Overview and assessment of past and current models, and future prospects. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 15(3), 15–28.
Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services of Ghana (DAES). (2011). Agricultural extension approaches being implemented in Ghana. https://www.g-fras.org/en/reviewsassesments/item/949-agricultural-extension-approaches-being-implemented-inghana.html
Dittoh, F., Van Aart, C., & De Boer, V. (2013). Voice-based marketing for agricultural products: A case study in rural Northern Ghana. In ICTD ‘13: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Information and Communications Technologies and Development: Notes (Vol. 2) (pp. 21–24). https://doi.org/10.1145/2517899.2517924
Doria, M. de F., Boyd, E., Tompkins, E. L., & Adger, W. N. (2009). Using expert elicitation to define successful adaptation to climate change. Environmental Science and Policy, 12(7), 810–819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2009.04.001
Fabregas, R., Kremer, M., & Schilbach, F. (2019). Realizing the potential of digital development: The case of agricultural advice. Science, 366(6471), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay3038
Fielke, S., Taylor, B., & Jakku, E. (2020). Digitalisation of agricultural knowledge and advice networks: A state-of-the-art review. Agricultural Systems, 180(2020), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102763
Gakuru, M., Winters, K., & Stepman, F. (2009). Innovative farmer advisory services using ICT. https://www.w3.org/2008/10/MW4D_WS/papers/fara.pdf
Gbangou, T., Ludwig, F., Van Slobbe, E., Greuell, W., & Kranjac-Berisavljevic, G. (2020). Rainfall and dry spell occurrence in Ghana: Trends and seasonal predictions with a dynamical and a statistical model. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 141, 371–387. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-020-03212-5
Gershon, I., & Bell, J. A. (2013). Introduction: The newness of new media. Culture, Theory and Critique, 54(3), 259–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735784.2013.852732
Granovetter, M. S. (1973). The strength of weak ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78, 1360–1380. https://doi.org/10.1086/225469
GSMA. (2019). 618 active tech hubs: The backbone of Africa’s tech ecosystem. Mobile Innovation. https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/blog/618-active-tech-hubs-thebackbone-of-africas-tech-ecosystem/
Hansen, J. P., Jespersen, L. M., Brunori, G., Jensen, A. L., Holst, K., Mathiesen, C., Halberg, N., & Ankjær Rasmussen, I. (2014). ICT and social media as drivers of multi-actor innovation in agriculture. In World Congress on Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources (pp. 1–8). https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.3549.8242
Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2000). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(4), 1008–1015. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2000.t01-1-01567.x
Heeks, R. (2017). Information and communication technology for development (ICT4D). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315652603
Howells, J. (2006). Intermediation and the role of intermediaries in innovation. Research Policy, 35(2006), 715–728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2006.03.005
International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2021). Connectivity in the least developed countries: Status report.
Kaushik, P., Chowdhuy, A., Odame, H. H., & Van Passen, A. (2018). Social media for enhancing stakeholders’ innovation networks in Ontario, Canada. Journal of Agricultural & Food Information, 19(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/10496505.2018.1430579
Kilelu, C. W., Klerkx, L., Leeuwis, C., & Hall, A. (2011). Beyond knowledge brokering: An exploratory study on innovation intermediaries in an evolving smallholder agricultural system in Kenya. Knowledge Management for Development Journal, 7(1), 84–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/19474199.2011.593859
Kivimaa, P., Boon, W., Hyysalo, S., & Klerkx, L. (2019). Towards a typology of intermediaries in sustainability transitions: A systematic review and a research agenda. Research Policy, 48(4), 1062–1075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2018.10.006
Klerkx, L., & Gildemacher, P. (2012). The role of innovation brokers in agricultural innovation systems. In Agricultural innovation systems: An investment sourcebook (pp. 221–230). https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264167445-19-en
Klerkx, L., & Leeuwis, C. (2008). Institutionalizing end-user demand steering in agricultural R&D: Farmer levy funding of R&D in the Netherlands. Research Ethics, 37(3), 460–472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2007.11.007
Koutsouris, A. (2012). Facilitating agricultural innovation systems: A critical realist approach. Studies in Agricultural Economics, 114, 64–70. https://doi.org/10.7896/j.1210
Leeuwis, C. (2004). Communication for rural innovation: Rethinking agricultural extension. Blackwell Science. http://www.modares.ac.ir/uploads/Agr.Oth. Lib.8.pdf#page=20&zoom=auto,-161,323
Leeuwis, C. (2010). Changing views of agricultural innovation: Implications for communicative intervention and science. In F. G. Palis, G. R. Singleton, M. C. Casimero, & B. Hardy (Eds.), Research to impact: Case studies for natural resource management for irrigated rice
in Asia (pp. 15–32). International Rice Research Institute.
Leeuwis, C., Cieslik, K. J., Aarts, M. N. C., Dewulf, A. R. P. J., Ludwig, F., Werners, S. E., & Struik, P. C. (2018). Reflections on the potential of virtual citizen science platforms to address collective action challenges: Lessons and implications for future research. NJAS – Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 86–87, 146–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2018.07.008
Martin, B. L., & Hall, H. (2011). Mobile phones and rural livelihoods: Diffusion, uses, and perceived impacts among farmers in rural Uganda. Information Technologies & International Development, 7(4), 17–34.
Materia, V. C., Giarè, F., & Klerkx, L. (2015). Increasing knowledge flows between the agricultural research and advisory system in Italy: Combining virtual and nonvirtual interaction in communities of practice. The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 21(3), 203–218. https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2014.928226
McCole, D., Culbertson, M. J., & McNamara, P. E. (2014). Addressing the challenges of extension and advisory services in Uganda: The Grameen Foundation’s Community Knowledge Worker Program. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 21(1), 6–18. https://doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2014.20101
McNamara, P. E., Dale, J., Keane, J., & Ferguson, O. (2014). Strengthening pluralistic agricultural extension in Ghana. USAID and MEAS.
MEST. (n.d.). https://meltwater.org/
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). (2007). Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy. Government of Ghana.
Misaki, E., Gaiani, S., & Tedre, M. (2018). Challenges facing sub-Saharan small-scale farmers in accessing farming information through mobile phones: A systematic literature review. Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 84(4), 1–12.
https://doi.org/10.1002/isd2.12034
Molony, T. (2006). “I don’t trust the phone; It always lies”: Trust and information and communication technologies in Tanzanian micro- and small enterprises. Information Technologies and International Development, 3(4), 67–83.
Msuya, C. P., & Wambura, R. M. (2016). Factors influencing extension service delivery in maize production by using agricultural innovation system in Morogoro and Dodoma Regions, Tanzania. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 44(2),
–255. https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2016/v44n2a431
Munthali, N., Leeuwis, C., Van Paassen, A., Lie, R., Asare, R., Van Lammeren, R., & Schut, M. (2018). Innovation intermediation in a digital age: Comparing public and private new-ICT platforms for agricultural extension in Ghana. NJAS – Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 86–87, 64–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2018.05.001
Nyamekye, A. B. (2020). Towards a new generation of climate information systems: Information systems and actionable knowledge creation for adapative decision-making in rice farming systems in Ghana. Wageningen University and Research Centre.
Obeng, F. K., Gumah, S., & Mintah, S. (2019). Farmers’ perceptions of information and communication technology (ICT) use in extension service delivery in Northern Region, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Science, Technology and Development, 6(1), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.47881/126.967x
Perrier, T., Derenzi, B., & Anderson, R. (2015). USSD: The third universal app. Association for Computing Machinery Conference December 1-2, 13–21. https://doi.org/10.1145/2830629.2830645
Qiang, C. Z., Kuek, S. C., Dymond, A., & Esselaar, S. (2012). Mobile applications for agriculture and rural development. World Bank.
Schmidt, C., Gorman, T. J., Gary, M. S., & Bayor, A. A. (2010). Impact of low-cost, on-demand, information access in a remote Ghanaian village. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 8(2), 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1145/2369220.2369261
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2021 Nyamwaya Munthali, Rico Lie, Ron Van Lammeren, Annemarie Van Paassen, Richard Asare, Cees Leeuwis
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
- Abstract 420
- PDF 263
.png){kind=spacer}