An analysis of the opportunities for information technology in improving access, transfer and the use of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya
| Published date | 01 March 1999 |
| Date | 01 March 1999 |
| Pages | 115-128 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435129910251575 |
| Author | Joseph Kiplang’at |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
An analysis of the
opportunities for
information technology
in improving access,
transfer and the use of
agricultural
information in the rural
areas of Kenya
Joseph Kiplang'at
Introduction
Kenya has, since independence, relied heavily
on the agricultural sector as the mainstream
for economic growth, employment creation
and foreign exchange generation. According
to the current National Development Plan
(1997-2001) the agricultural sector employs
about 82 per cent of the labour force. It
accounts for 27 per cent of Gross Domestic
Product and 64 per cent of export earnings.
The sector is also a major source of the
country's food security and a stimulant to the
growth of off-farm employment, both of
which are of primary concern to the Kenyan
government. About 80 per cent of Kenya's
population live in the rural areas and depend
on agriculture for their livelihood.
Accelerated growth in agriculture will in-
crease employment opportunities, enhance
foreign exchange earnings and act as a catalyst
to improve the standard of living of the
people. However, it should be recognised that
increased agricultural production in any
developing country will require investment in
improved rural roads, technological support
to farmers in terms of better seeds, research
and extension services, mechanisation ser-
vices, plant protection and animal health,
irrigation and drainage and credit.
Information access by rural communities
The key to increased agricultural production
ultimately lies with the nation's ability to
disseminate relevant information to the farm-
ing community to facilitate the effective
adoption of new production techniques, ap-
plication of agricultural inputs, decision
making on markets, prices and methods of
conserving water, soil and vegetable resources.
Ojiambo (1989) observed that ``the problem
of inadequate information provision to the
rural areas, where the bulk of our population
live is an issue which has been addressed but
with few successes''. The characteristics of the
rural environment include poverty among the
ruralites; geographical isolation; low literacy
level; ill served by educational, health, trans-
portation, communication and other social
services. The rural people in the developing
countries suffer from the poverty that restricts
their material goods and works, and curtails
their store of information in amount and
quality. They tend to get bypassed by
The author
Joseph Kiplang'at is Lecturer in the Faculty of
Information Sciences, Moi University, Kenya.
Keywords
Agriculture, Information, Information technology, Kenya,
Rural areas
Abstract
Presented at the SCANUL-ECS Conference held in Kenya
23-26 July 1998. Examines the opportunities of informa-
tion technology (IT) in improving access, transfer and use
of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya.
This paper has used the term ``information technology'' to
include CD-ROM, computer networks, desktop publishing,
interactive video, packet radio, expert systems, geogra-
phical information systems and satellite communications.
The methodology adopted by the study was the use of
case studies of the organisations and institutions that use
IT in disseminating agricultural information to the rural
population in Kenya. The study was limited to agricultural
information. The information technologies examined
include CD-ROM, computer networks, video and desktop
publishing. Highlights the advantages and limitations of IT
in disseminating information in the rural areas of Kenya.
Among the factors that make IT relevant for rural
development are vast storage, fast and inexpensive
communication channels, links between different media,
easy and enjoyable use at comparatively and steadily
declining costs. Concludes that for IT to have more impact
on rural development, it should be needs driven, rather
than technology driven. This can only be achieved if the
needs of the users are placed at the centre and
appropriate technologies adopted.
Electronic access
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115
Library Management
Volume 20 .Number 2 .1999 .pp. 115±127
#MCB University Press .ISSN 0143-5124
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