Question 1 (opens 12 Nov.)

Hi Andy, I believe the utilization of ICTs in agriculture sure supports farmer access to relevant information especially in intensifying within the farming community itself the creation, management, and dissemination of appropriate and pertinent knowledge and information. But, I am sure these ICT initiatives face a number of challenges. It could be a case of inadequate knowledge and skills in modern farming techniques, language barriers (Nong Bry’s comments on materials in the local tongue), telecom connectivity, etc.; there could be a ‘disconnect’ between a certain ICT project and the end users— not relevant to the local needs and the local context (i.e. localized context in an appropriate language), or perhaps this draws attention to appropriate ICT policies?

-Arnel

Hello Arnel,

This is the main concept of the Philippine Digital Strategy (PDS) for 2011 to 2016.  The PDS lays out what needs to be done in order for the country to progress.  It allows Filipinos to be more than just informed and updated on the latest trends in technology and it also help create citizens who are proactive and innovative.   The government also addresses not only  the needs of our formal sectors but also of our marginalized communities. 

That's right; the Philippines, with the Philippine Digital Strategy (PDS), through previous ICT road maps that laid the foundation for its development, will build it up even 'further' and 'farther' given the PDS's aspiration for a citizenry that's knowledgeable and adept on ICT-- digitally empowered.   

Hi, Andy you have highlighted some interesting observations regarding the reality of our agricultural situation in the country (Philippines), specifically in your area.  I can picture out the circumstances of what you have elaborated in your post.  Likewise, I can also see the point of what you have said that transferring the "know how", the knowledge of ICT to the potential recipients is still difficult and ineffective.  To reflect on the question as to "where does the problem lie"?, I think there are many factors to be considered.  These might be other important related topics to include in our  discussions in this forum. 

One strategy that we employ in our agency for an effective technology transfer is conducting "School-on-the-Air" over the radio.  Through this "school-on-the-air", we taught farmers the appropriate agricultural technologies.  The farmers are being given examinations to assess the extent of knowledge they have gained through studying in the "school-on-the-air".  After the farmer-students successfully completed the module, graduation ceremonies are being held.  You coud see the happy faces of the farmers receiving their certificates of completion.  I could say that technology transfer using this strategy is effective.  Farm visit is another means to diffuse technology to the farmers but due to inadequate personnel in the field, this could not be religiously done.  To remedy this situation, local farmer technicians (LFTs) are being developed.   They are being trained extensively for them to become effective extensionists/disseminators of knowledge to their fellow farmers in their respective communities. To compensate them, they are being granted monetary incentives.  These LFTs are members of farmer cooperatives or associations. - Joyce Wendam        

Thanks for sharing this Joyce. It is interesting to see cooperatives moving in to fill the void in extension services. Do you know if the LTFs are trained in the use of ICT, or if ICT are part of their service provision?

Hi Sir Michael.  ICT is not part of the service provision of the LFTs.  These LFTs are being trained on the application of appropriate agricultural technologies, cultural practices, pests and diseases, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), palay check, organic agriculture and other relevant courses.  However, training as to the use of ICT like computers,  etc. are not part of the curriculum. But they know how to access the Farmers' Contact Center through the use of their mobile phones since this is widely disseminated to them.  Some of these LFTs are really asking to be trained on the use of computers.  When I attended  a farmers' forum few months ago, the LFTs in a certain municipality were requesting their Local Chief Executive to provide them with a training on the use of computer especially this internet thing.  They want to gain additional knowledge through the use of internet.  According to them, they need to know even the simple thing of turning on and off the computer.  A local State University was also there in the forum and the President of the SUC volunteered to train these LFTs.  Partnership and collaborative undertaking now come into the picture.  Instead of these LFTs going to the school to learn, it will be now the SUC bringing their cyber bus to the rural communities to conduct hands-on training on the use of computers. - Joyce Wendam

Aside from the Farmers Contact Center (FCC), we have another known as the Farmers Information Technology Services (FITS) Center.  Generally, the FITS Center aims to serve as a viable tool to facilitate faster access to information to fasttrack the delivery of services to clients in agriculture, forestry and natural resources. 

The FITS Center offers services on Rice Knowledge  Bank (RKB) utilization, information on Short Message System (SMS) utilization, video conferencing and other Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based online transactions.

The center is also equipped with informaiton in print, techno CDs and other IEC materials.  FITS Centers also called Techno Pinoy Centers provide farmers and researchers fast access to information and technologies.   Technology services include technological training, technology clinics, linkage of clients with experts and financial institutions, technical assistance and consultancy and support for enterprise development.  Information services include technology information, exhibits of new products and technologies, internet, SMS, and FITS databases. 

The FITS ICT program provides infrastructure (computer with internet connection, printers, fax machines, camera, cellphones) for FITS researchers, clients and farmers.  It is the modality which provides immediate response to current problems and frequently asked questions.  It provides opportunities for capability enhancement through training and enables quick inquiry available from FITS-IS through the internet. 

As of January 2010, there are 630 FITS Centers around the country.  However, sustainability is the major issue here.  Unfortunately, some of the LGU-beneficiaries of the FITS Centers lack available funds to maintain the facility.  This project operates on a public-private partnership scheme with PCARRD providing the facilities and the LGUs with maintenance and operating expenses, etc. 

Sometimes there is a tendency nowadays to disregard the functions of radio in the social media practice, because it seems that it is becoming obsolete in the urban sites due to the effect of more attractive and fascinating results of modern devices such as computers, televisions, and e-digital information systems.  However, reading some posts, it gives an impression that radio has still played indispensable role in bringing information especially to those distant and remote areas which other modern technologies can hardly be accessed and operated.  So we cannot disregard the use of it, depending indeed on the contextual reality.

I can recall my short radio program for the Filipino migrants abroad and it is also catering Filipinoseafarers' listeners on board, those who are being reached out with the short wave of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA).  Truly, there is an option in employing ICT in order to connect with the target beneficies of the program.

 I just would  like to ask,how can we help the farmers improved by the use ICT  if most of them are techno peasants?