(GROUP 3): Web 2.0 and Social Media for Youth Participation in Agriculture.
By
Adekunle, P. Adesola: adekunlesola1@gmail.com
Oladapo Emmanuel: oladapoemmanuel2010@gmail.com
Abiodun Oyeleye: ahrjobrecruitment@gmail.com
Ishola Kayode: isholakayode42@gmail.com
Lamidi Funmi: lamidifunmi0027@gmail.com
THE ROLE OF ICT AMONG AFRICA YOUTHS FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY.
Research had showed a substantive trend of youngsters in Africa displaying an increased interest in farming, caused by the creation of stronger farmer organisations with an amplified focus on the market (value chain development). This interest in farming is further strengthened by ICT using Web 2.0 and social media which have help in providing access to markets and information to boost production. Farming is increasingly seen as a profitable business. Proper orientation and use of these tools helps youth easily acquire information, and jump onto new market opportunities.
“One web 2.0 tool such as mFarm in Kenya help farmers connect directly with the markets. They no longer entirely rely on the services of the exploitative middlemen and because of this, they make more money for the same products previously farmed at a low price because they believed the prices the brokers quoted to them”. Hillary Kiplagat, 30-year-old potato farmer in Nyaru, Kenya.
African youths can make a distinction between single persons in their early and mid-twenties, and young married farmers, often with young children. The first group sees ICT (web 2.0 and social media tools) as a gateway to better jobs and employment outside or next to farming. The second group sees the importance of ICT for improving the productivity and profitability of their farming activities. They use ICT to get more reliable market and production information for their existing crops.
In the research locations, the youth tended to use ICT to access production knowledge such as the correct use of fertilisers and high yielding certified seeds. The resulting access to several information sources allowed information to be cross-checked. Extension workers and older farmers stated that youngsters ventured into more technically complex farming activities than older farmers. Examples range from the use of tissue culture for bananas to artificial insemination to improve breeding standards.
ICT is also used to keep proper records for improved farm management, compare different crops and seasons, calculate profit margins and assess risks. Robert Amodoi, 23 year-old farmer in Eldoret explains: “I needed a faster and efficient way of keeping my farm records for future reference and I found it at the ICT Centre through my training in Excel”.
Improved status
The use of Web 2.0 and social media increases the social status of young persons. This acts as a motivating factor for ICT use and more productivity. ICT creates an image of entrepreneurial young farmers who are keen to adopt new innovations.
This results in the perception of young farmers changing in the eyes of external actors’ such as government extension officers. Because of increased yields and new farming practices applied, young people also became technical resource persons to other farmers. As Esther Chebus, an 18 year old farmer in Kakamega pointed out: “The people in his village now look up to me as the source of the latest farming information. This makes me feel important and it gives me a sense of responsibility in my community. They come to me whenever they want to know the latest prices of tomatoes or just new farming technologies.”
At field days the youth turns up in greater numbers. As a result of this transformation, government extension workers now start to consider the youth as their entry point into communities, through which they introduce modern knowledge and new ideas.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm among the youth to embrace the latest farming techniques such as greenhouse. I believe this is being triggered by the recent wave of ICT platforms emerging that are making high quality information freely using social media tools available through mobile phones”.
AIS( Agricultural Innovative System) aimed to improve farmer’s productivity. Apart classical approaches like Training and visit systems support by World Bank, there are several others approaches like Farmers Field School (FFs), Market access approaches, market oriented approaches …
This new approaches also use several tools. But some studies have proved that, using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) like rural development tools can lead to good results. So the question to be ask is that how can we uses Mobile phone, Internet, community Radio and others to profitable ways in AIS? The following experiences are some solutions axes are can be repeated or adopted depending on various contexts.
WEB 2.0 AND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE
Technological innovation is taking place at a breath-taking pace. Simple, open source internet-based applications and services designed to enhance on-line collaboration are now available to the wider public at little or no cost at all. These new online technologies known as Web 2.0 and ‘social media’ enable people to collaborate to create, share and publish information.
The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation EU-ACP (CTA) has a mandate to facilitate access to and dissemination of information in the fields of agriculture and rural development in 78 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP). Supporting the adoption of Web 2.0 applications represents a great opportunity for meeting it.
The Land Resources Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in partnership with the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation EU-ACP (CTA) is hosting the web 2.0 and information exchange training. This is in the framework of the upcoming launch of the Youth in Agriculture Blog Competition (YoBloCo Awards) organized by the CTA - ARDYIS project of which SPC is a key partner.
In the face of agricultural development, the use of web 2.0-social media innovations encourages users to look at some examples from around the world of ways to engage youths in agriculture.
In a world of rapid change, Web 2.0 tools such as Blogs, facebook, twitter, Google, LinkedIn and other social media networks have changed how the world works today.
In his opening speech, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture for Fiji, Mr Ropate Ligairi said, The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture has recognised the potential of youths as they contribute immensely to the development of, not only the agriculture sector, but for the overall development of Fiji’s economy.’
He further added, ‘In recognising the needs of food security, poverty alleviation, employment and economic growth, the Government has set up a partnership with the Fiji National University to pioneer a new scholarship programme in Fiji that has two basic aims — to produce a new generation of farmers in Fiji and to encourage young people to become farmers and give them ability to do so’.
Mr Ligairi supports the development of young people’s knowledge and skills through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as social media/web 2.0.
Mr Ligairi said, ‘The use of online tools such as facebook can change the online environment for people to share and exchange information and ideas on agricultural practices. At the Department of Agriculture, Fiji created a facebook page which promotes the use of social media technologies to engage with the agriculture community, its stakeholders and also to empower youths to participate, share and discuss the successful ventures in the area of agriculture.’
Dr Ken Cokanasiga of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community highlighted the SPC Pacific Youth Development Framework which is expected to be launched in December 2013 as an important document in promoting the development of young people in the Pacific region.
The Pacific Youth Development Framework is very much informed by and embraces the Pacific Youth in Agriculture Strategy 2011–2015, developed by the Land Resources Division of SPC. The Youth in Agriculture strategy recommends actions and initiatives that all stakeholders can pursue to encourage the active engagement of youth in agriculture across the region,’ he said.
As a way to promote information sharing and exchange, SPC is keen to collect a wide range of experiences about how best to engage young men and women in agriculture and forestry and, in particular, to learn how social media and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) may be used to develop agricultural opportunities for youth.
A young agriculture extension officer from the remote island of Cicia, Fiji is participating at the web 2.0 training workshop. Mr Cama Tuidelaivagadra aims to enter the YoBloCo competition as a challenge to showcase Cicia Island as a fully organic certified island. Mr Cama said, ‘Sharing the stories about organic farming through the use of websites and social media networks can boost the developments of rural remote communities such as the island of Cicia to access markets.
Unleashing your social media powers for Agriculture!
Are you a social media lover? Have you ever considered the power of Social Media for contributing to Agricultural Development?
Social Media reporting of key events in the field of agriculture has been expanding in the last few years as a mean to get “the people” better informed and more involved into policy and strategic discussions that impact their life.
Agency like ‘’YPARD’’ particularly work on soliciting Young Professionals to join these initiatives as a way for the youth to get fully involved in debates that would shape their present and future. Get relevant knowledge, express your own thoughts and ideas, and ultimately get more voice into discussions where youth’s issues should have complete attention for ensuring a sustainable future!
Empowering youth in agriculture
Agriculture is an ageing and undervalued profession for which there is a declining interest among young people. Youth, as key stakeholders in the future of agricultural research for development, must not only be involved but also empowered.
“The road is long towards full inclusion of young professionals into strategic international actions for agricultural development.But the adventure enables you to meet and work with outstanding people who understand the critical role youth play for sustainable development. It is time to celebrate youth supporters and look at the achievement made together so far.”
GCARD2, 2012, represented a milestone for making youth voices stronger at key agricultural research for development (ARD) events. Through our collaboration with GFAR and the CGIAR, more than 25 young professionals from YPARD were involved in discussions through social reporting of the global conference. Our team truly made agriculture cool again!
Enrica Porcari of the CGIAR was key to making this happen. In 2010 at GCARD1, while YPARD was involved in a side event with 40 young researchers, Enrica was already trying to get the youth involved into bringing ARD messages beyond the doors of the conference room. She also worked to make it a capacity development exercise. GCARD2 Youth Social Reporting Programme is the “ripe fruit” of her efforts.
The GCARD2 as a process catalyzing action goes beyond a one-time event. One month after the conference, a series of initiatives generated by young professionals was born as a result of their experience at the GCARD2.
The freshly wrapped-up AASW6 – 6th African Agriculture Science Week, organized by the Forum for Agricultural Research for Africa (FARA), also gave a chance to more than 40 young people to yet again experience the power of social media for ARD for youth to get a voice. The participation of these young people was made possible by the collaboration of FARA, CTA, CGIAR, GFAR and YPARD.
It is our pride to see one of the GCARD2 young social reporters at the heart of the initiative to replicate the magic formula for the AASW6: Idowu Ejere, the Communications and Public Awareness Officer at FARA. She was supported by Sam Mikenga, Media Coordinator at CTA, Marina Cherbonnier, from YPARD and Peter Casier from CGIAR, the knowledge broker and utmost inspiring social media coordinator who undertook the coordination of the social reporting experience at GCARD2 and AASW6. The encouragement and support from Prof. Monty Jones, immediate past Executive Director of FARA and Dr. Michael Hailu, Director of CTA made the social media initiative possible.
This is one very concrete success story of “GCARD as a process and not a mere conference” – as asserted by GFAR; we can tangibly see the progress made for youth empowerment through the collaborative work of ARD organisations!
Yes, young professionals are full of capacity. Give them a chance to take responsibility and you will see the positive impact!
We couldn’t have such a range of action without the support of experienced people and key organisations willing to give the little push to get young professionals on board. We want to thank them for listening to and opening the doors for us.
While there is continuous effort to provide opportunities for youth to be recognized and involved as an equal stakeholder in the implementation of ARD actions, it is our duty to take responsibility to make sure it happens.
“AASW6 over; what’s next?” Stay posted!
Potentials use Mobile phone in Agricultural Extension
Mobile phone can help in agriculture and rural development. To do this, youth farmers must first overall consider mobile phone like work tool and not like something luxurious. They should be familiar with their phone when manipulating it.
Mobile phone is use to inform farmers about market demand and supply, about market opportunities. In Cameroon due to the fact that all Government action in rural areas in based on agricultural sector, many Non Governmental Organization goes with State to help them achieved certain goals. For Example NGO called Association Camerounaise pour la Dépense des Intérêts Collectifs (ACDIC) (www.acdic.net) have a good experience in this services.
When there is a new convention between State and a donor in favor of specific crop, farmers are informed by Short Message Services (SMS). This led then to conceive their projects and submit then to decision market. And this allows some of then gets financial and/or technical support. When there is a new agricultural policy farmers are inform. This year about 97 of small scale farmer missed maize new variety seeds. But due to the fact that there were inform at right time by SMS, they have recourse to their local seeds. ECDIC used this service to inform farmers about the planting date or seeding due to scarcity of rain.
Community Radio in farmer’s education and trainings
Community Radio is other ICT tool spreading out around the country in favor of farmers. More than 200 communities or local radio operating in rural areas are operational. Each radio has a specific day with broadcast focus on agriculture. Those broadcast educated, trained, inform farmers on diverse domains concerning their daily activities. This Kind of services has a good success in Brazil and India. We notice here that, all broadcast are diffuse in local language of areas concerned and sometime in “Pidding”.
The success of such experience by NGOs leads State to get involved. So today a State Telecommunication Agency (CAMTEL) is multiplies its antenna around the country in order to permit a maximum possible of rural areas getting Network signal (Phone, Radio and TV).
To conclude, ICTs using mostly by youth has a great role to play in agricultural development, food security and rural development. ICTs will allow farmers to stow with globalization (E-trade, e-selling, e-learning, e-education…). To achieve these goals, Youth have to be implicated because there are those concerned by economic growth, social security, political stability,… because Youth represent more than 60% of handwork in all sector notably Agriculture, more than 80% are students, and there are those who will lead World tomorrow and ICTs is an essential key.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE USING SOCIAL MEDIA.
Youth Opportunities in agriculture can not be overemphasized, community-based agencies are dedicating their resources and time to providing a range of services to youth who are experiencing financial challenges, social media has help youths who have keen interest in Agriculture to be more productive and improving their social interactive skills which has a lot to do with communication between them, buyers, sellers and middlemen in the Agro business. Opportunities offers an increasingly integrated and comprehensive system of services for youths.
Agency such as ‘’Youth Opportunities’’ is committed to building better futures for young people by providing opportunities they need to lead responsible and fulfilling lives and developing themselves, with particular concern for those who know the opportunities in agriculture and this will help their ability to develop successfully in their work using the tools provided in the Web 2.0 platform to promote their produce.
We emphasize providing safe and structured care; strengthening the capacity of youths to provide appropriate security, nurturing and direction and, teaching young people and skills that can enhance their lives, the good thing about the Social media tools is that both the learned and unlearned can use them.
Some other Agricultural agencies provides social Support, experts, researchers and administrative staff thats can provide strong commitment, creativity, and experience in their work.
Youth Opportunities services are available with equal access to all persons regardless of race, color, disability, age, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin. Our staff understands and respects the inherent dignity of each person we serve. Youth Opportunities' goal is to meet our client's needs quickly and thoroughly with sensitivity and complete confidentiality.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kinkade, Sheila, and Christina H. Macy. Our Time Is Now: Young People Changing the World.
New York: Pearson Foundation, 2005. Print.
http://www.e-agriculture.org/news/icts-stimulate-participation-youth-agriculture-new-report-iicd
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