News

• Three categories of intermediaries in the agricultural sector were surveyed in several countries, including Ghana and Mali, on their use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): agricultural extension agents, sellers of agricultural inputs and products;
• Cell phones top the list of ICT tools used by intermediaries in Ghana and Mali, followed by computers, tablets, TV and radio;
• Poor connectivity, high costs and illiteracy are just some of the challenges hindering the use of ICTs.

According to the results of a survey conducted in May 2022 in Ghana and Mali, the cell phone proved to be the most widely used tool for information and communication in both countries, by intermediaries in the agricultural sector. 

The study was facilitated and coordinated by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), of which CORAF is a member, in West and Central Africa. 

Intermediaries are individuals and small businesses who act as intermediaries between farmers and markets, playing a crucial role in the development of the sector.

The study examined the use of ICTs by intermediaries in their professional activities, and the impact of ICT use on the scope, quality and profitability of service provision.

"The results indicate that the main type of ICT device used by intermediaries for their professional activities is the cell phone, even though they own other ICT devices such as radio, TV, computer and tablet," conclude the authors of the Ghana-based study, Omari R, Jumpah E.T, Arthur J. O., Asabo R, Hagan E, Mahama A, Ameyaw R.A. and Frempong G. 

While Kergna A. O., Nientao A., Diallo D. F. and Baumuller H., who carried out the same study in Mali, maintain that "the most dominant ICT channel among extension agents and sellers of agricultural inputs and products in Mali is the cell phone, in particular the smartphone".

"The results of this study in Ghana and Mali illustrate that ICTs have an appreciable penetration rate, at the level of intermediaries in the agricultural sector in the sub-region, based on the case of these two countries. This is a good thing, because in the age of digitalization, it is now necessary to put the battery of digital tools available at the service of agriculture to achieve the sustainable development objective of zero hunger", observes CORAF Executive Director Dr Abdou TENKOUANO. 

"We now need to exploit the great potential of ICTs, particularly cell phones, to stimulate the development of agriculture, by offering players appropriate services via this channel".

In this study, which involved three hundred intermediaries in Ghana and over six hundred in Mali, three categories of these actors were considered: agricultural extension agents, sellers of agricultural inputs and outputs.

Respondents also reported a number of benefits from the use of ICT tools, specifically the telephone. 

In addition to bringing producers and intermediaries closer together, the study shows that cell phones can save time, improve relations and interactions between players, share information in real time, promote activities and products, and increase business profitability.

However, there are a number of challenges that hamper access to and use of ICT tools by agricultural intermediaries.

Among these challenges, the authors of the study identified the high cost of ICT devices and services, limited access and poor network connectivity, particularly in rural areas.

Exposure to online fraud and misinformation or fake news, as well as poor computer skills and digital literacy were also noted.

"ICT tools are real springboards that can help players in the agricultural sector gain the momentum they need to transform agriculture and make it more inclusive. To achieve this, accompanying measures are needed at policy level to facilitate and guarantee access to and optimal use of these tools, especially in rural areas", says CORAF's Director of Research and Innovation, Dr Emmanuel NJUKWE.

The study on the use of ICT by intermediaries in the agricultural sector in Ghana and Mali was carried out with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

In addition to CORAF, the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) and the Coordination Centre for Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) are founding members of FARA, which coordinated the study.