Challenges of meeting information needs of rural farmers through internet-based services: experiences from developing countries in Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to identify the various challenges associated with meeting information needs of rural farmers through internet-based services with references to experiences in developing countries. The study used literature review to collect relevant data. Deductions were drawn from content analysis of literature reviewed. The findings indicates that challenges to meeting information needs of rural farmers through internet-based services include lack of ICT infrastructures through which internet-based services can be provided and accessed, low level interest in utilizing agricultural information among rural farmers, inadequate knowledge among rural farmers, inadequate knowledge of rural farmers agricultural information needs, level of ICT literacy, non-existence of information providing agency in rural areas. The findings also revealed that creating of online farmers discussion forum, organizing ICT and agricultural information literacy, carrying out research to ascertain rural farmers agricultural information needs, repackaging of information using social media platform were recommended as solutions to the identified problems.