Abstract
Abstract:
One of the prime ingredients for rural development in
developing countries is information access. Although the
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
revolution in these countries has gained momentum, most
of the farming communities still have no access to value
added information. The agricultural researcher and the
farming community need to enhance their knowledge by
increased ‘farmer participation’ in research. This paper
makes a strong case for the use of participatory
approaches involving farming community for
development and adoption of ICT in the agricultural
sector. It acknowledges that farmers are knowledgeable
and encourages researchers to work with farmers and
development workers for agricultural improvements. This
paper discusses how digital ICT developed by means of
participatory learning and action research can spur
development and eradicate poverty by providing services
to farmers in rural areas. It also highlights how
participatory approaches can empower collective groups
of farmers and help to put decision-making in the hands
of the farmers. Although no single ICT will be
satisfactory for farmers, the use of a wide range of ICTs
in agriculture can improve the livelihood of the farmers
in rural areas and help in their socio-economic growth.
The paper focuses on various participatory approaches
such as participatory communication and participatory
learning for effective use of ICTs in agricultural domain.
It highlights how participatory approaches can assist in
‘participatory information and communication
technology development’ for rural farming community.