JOURNAL OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, FEBRUARY 2012 11

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) for Agricultural Development in Rural Nigeria

Emmanuel Ukpe and Jane Chukwurah American University of Nigeria,

Abstract Information & Communication Technology (ICT) has played a significant role in various sectors within the Nigerian Government. Its role to advance agricultural research, education and extension to improve the quality of life in a rural area is well established. Information Technology not only improves quality of life but can also help an average Nigerian farmer to get relevant information regarding crop production technologies, agro processing, market support, agro-finance and management of farm agri-business. Agriculture is the backbone of the rural community and modern farming practices and technologies has been implemented in many parts of the world which need to spread out to the areas unaffected by it; in this case, rural Nigeria. Both the communication networks and supporting infrastructure have to reach out to rural areas to allow the biggest entrepreneur community i.e., Farmers to deliver its best and thus create a stronger nation and economy. This paper discusses the main problems and possible solutions of the agricultural sector for the benefit of the rural dwellers of the country. Keywords: Agriculture, E-agriculture, Information Technology, Rural Development

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Problem Statement This paper is posed toward the study of efficient and effective incorporation of information technology in the agricultural sector, especially in the rural areas. Agriculture provided 41 percent of Nigeria's total gross domestic product (GDP) in 1999. This percentage represented a typical reduction of 24.7 percent from its contribution of 65.7 percent to GDP in 1957. The decrease will

continue because, as economic growth occurs, the relative size of the agricultural sector generally decreases [1]. Poverty in the rural areas of the country is particularly critical since up to 80 per cent of the population live below the poverty line. These poverty stricken individuals depend on agriculture for their food and income. About 90 per cent of Nigerias food is produced by small-scale farmers who cultivate small plots of land and depend on rainfall rather than irrigation systems. Surveys show that 44 per cent of male

2012 JICT www.jict.co.uk

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farmers and 72 per cent of female farmers across the country cultivate less than 1 hectare of land per household [2]. 2. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF PROBLEM The agricultural history of Nigeria is intertwined with its political history; consequently, it is not difficult to understand the origin of the problem in the agricultural sector. The period of the colonial government in Nigeria, 1861 1960, was punctuated by a rather impromptu assistance to rural development. During this era, considerable emphasis was placed on research and extension services. The 1962-1968 development plans were Nigerias first national strategy. Among several objectives, it emphasised the introduction of more modern farming methods through farm settlements, co-operative (nucleus) plantations, provision of improved farm implements (e.g. Hydraulic hand presses for oil palm processing) and a significantly expanded agricultural extension service (Agricultural Development Since Independence, [3]. As at 2006, Nigerias population was estimated at 140 million, with women

constituting about 49.6%. Agriculture, since independence, held the key to Nigerias rapid economic transformation, poverty alleviation, established internal and ethical governance as well as state and food security. Agriculture employs about two-thirds of Nigerias labour force, contributes over 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides about 88% of non-oil earnings. The crops sector contributes 85% of the agricultural GDP, livestock (10%), Fisheries (4%) and Forestry (1%). Over 90% of the Nigerian agricultural production is accounted for by small-scale and subsistence farmers with less than two (2) hectares farm holding [4]. The agricultural sector in 1998, which has been relatively stagnant at 3% growth potential moved from 4.1% growth rate to 7.4% by the end of 2007. This was as a result of a renewed attention of the government within the years through various reform programmes that also encouraged increasing private (but sector not

entrepreneurial

activities

necessarily due to the effectiveness of policy implementation in the long run). In growth terms, the sector was only second to telecommunications services, the fastest growing sector since 2004 [4].

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Table 1.1 Sector Growth Rates (AZIH, 2008) 2.1 Thesis Statement Despite the fact that most of the rural population depend on agriculture for food and livelihood, today's agricultural sector does not disclose or appreciate the amount of effort put by rural farmers. 2.2 Scope of the Research The focal point of this research is on the rural areas of Nigeria. Information about this study was derived from journals, websites and books. The general aim of this paper is to determine the potential solutions for the improvement of agriculture in the rural. To be more specific, this paper illustrates the various issues affecting the agricultural sector in Nigeria. Again, it concentrates on the rural areas and provides possible solutions to the agricultural problem in the rural areas. 2.3 Significance of the Research This paper provides a method for rural farmers to be informed on the benefits of information technology in agriculture. This information would allow farmers to incorporate the use of information enhanced facilities and technologies to enable agricultural processing for commercial. This will lead to increased efficiency in not only the existence of the rural farmer but to the country as a whole. 3. REVIEW OF LITERATURE E-Agriculture is an information technology enhanced area which focuses on the enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication processes. Since no precise work has been done on this topic, the literatures being used in this research work explores different eagriculture strategies used in various rural communities. A reason for the selection of these strategies was that it was most relevant to the research work presented. E-Agriculture involves the conceptualization, design,

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development, evaluation and implementation of modern ways to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture. [5]. 3.1 E-Japan Strategy In Japan, pending issues slowing down the extension on IT to the agricultural land were identified. Agriculture stood as an extremely complex process as it interacts with biological, climatic and geographical factors; in addition to physical and economic activities. IT in agriculture turned out to be a failure because information was uncertain, unstable, subjective, site-specific and reliant on empirical decisions given the inherent variability of biological phenomena. This phenomena were beyond the scope of the information science used in manufacturing information systems, therefore, difficult to understand. Poor network infrastructure in rural areas served as one of the obstacles for IT in agriculture; because the Internet is a critical factor wherever information system is being developed. Another problem faced was the computer literacy in the rural areas. Finally, they also faced the problem of convincing farmers of the benefits of IT. The key factors stipulated for IT in agriculture were as following;

How to customize software to the special features of agricultural information; How to improve digital contents; How to use the Internet, primarily to reduce time and economic costs; How to prepare easy-to-use systems for computer literacy; and How to convince farmers of the potential benefits of IT After the e-Japan strategy, intense commercial competition brought the country a rapid growth of very affordable broadband Internet in urban areas. However, broadband connectivity is still somewhat lacking in rural areas because of lack of viable competition. This fact also limits the IT extension in the rural areas, as the Internet is apparently an inevitable core infrastructure in IT utilization [6]. 3.2 E-Agriculture in India: EAgriculture in India: E-Agriculture in India was intended to augment sustainable rural development and food security in India by facilitating the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the Agriculture Sector of India. It also intended to allow the interested players in this area to exchange opinions, case studies, experiences, good practices and resources related to e-agriculture [7]. India

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is predominantly an agricultural economy and thus requires robust support and development of its agricultural resources.The challenges faced in the agricultural sector incudes: Insufficient rural infrastructure and support facilities, Insufficient institutional capacity to deliver farmers specific services, Lack of knowledge regarding proper farming methods among the farmers, Inadequate use of Public-Private Partnerships in India, Lack of public platforms for the farmers in India, Insufficient use of ICT for agricultural purposes, etc. ICT, according to India, can be used to improve the lives of the rural communities by leveraging agricultural outputs through technological interventions. Some of the benefits of ICT for the development and strengthening of agriculture sector in India were: Timely information on weather forecasts and calamities, Better and spontaneous agricultural practices, Better marketing publicity and pricing,

Reduction of agricultural risks and enhanced incomes, Better knowledge and information, Improved networking and communication, Facility of online trading and ecommerce, Better representation at various forums, authorities and programme, etc. 3.3 E-agriculture in Bangledesh In Bangladesh, e-Agriculture is seen as an emerging field, which combines agricultural informatics, rural development and entrepreneurship. E-Agriculture helps in the dissemination of gathered information to the farmers, mostly lived in rural areas, to use in their normal work. The information disseminated by eAgriculture can be divided into several major areas, which is called as services of e-Agriculture [8]. These are : Weather Information Price Information Production and Cultivation Techniques Educations and Health Information Diseases and Insect Information E-Agriculture is not a new development in Bangladesh. It is known

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that both government and private organizations have taken initiatives for proper implementation of e-Agriculture. A number of these initiatives were only research purposed,while others are direct implementation. Some important steps taken so far is as follows: o In 2003, under the Support to ICT taskforce program the ministry of agriculture of Bangladesh did set up an agricultural information system. At first this method used the data of 10 different districts of Bangladesh for collecting and disseminating the knowledge of the products produced by the different agricultural sectors. But it was contradictory for extension due to traditional database [9]. o In 2005, a group of researchers of D.Net (Development Research Network, Bangladesh) proposed the idea of Pallitathya Help Center and conducted a project on

it. The idea centred on the use of relatively less fashionable ICT, the mobile phone, as an effective 'lastmile solution' to improve access to employment information for the rural people. They found it most difficult to understand the problems (related to health, agricultural, weather information) of rural people and to provide the appropriate information [10]. o The application of Geographic Information System (GIS) as a computer assisted spatial information system in Bangladesh started more than a decade ago in early 1990s. There are about 30 GIS base in the country so far but GIS installations in different organizations work with their specific mandates. Still the farmers are not getting the modern agricultural information when needed [12].

4. RESEARCH DESIGN PROCESS 4.1 Hypothesis The hypothesis of this research is that farmers in the rural areas that are already engulfed in the old farming practice in Nigeria will be introduced to a more effective method of agriculture

which will in turn increase productivity on the long run. 4.2 Assumptions Although E-agriculture proves to be of great benefit to Nigeria and the rural areas, certain assumptions have to be reviewed and tackled. They include:

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1. E-agriculture will change the life of the rural farmer for the better 2. E-agriculture will establish a rural farmer richer instantly 3. Implementing Information Technology in the agricultural sector of the rural areas will be difficult 4. E-agriculture will not only promote growth to the rural community but the country as a whole.

Power Supply: In most of the rural areas in Nigeria, power supply is not available for extended hours or even at all. This will reduce the usefulness of the intended services. Funding: Implementing e-agriculture in the rural areas will require some form of funding as it will not come from thin air. Where to obtain these funds may serve as a limitation. Convincing government officials for funds may also serve as an issue.

4.3 Limitations Some of the limitations that may arise on the implementation of information and communications technology in agricultural sector particularly in the rural areas include: Culture: Some individuals in the rural areas of Nigeria are stuck on the concept of culture. They serve idols and believe in these idols for a good farming season and prosperity in general. Reaching out to these individuals will be difficult as they will not be convinced about the benefits of information technology in agriculture. Local languages: Implementing information technology for agricultural development in the rural areas, local languages have to be considered as most farmers only speak in their mother tongue. Resistance to Change: Some or most of the farmers in the rural are already used to and comfortable with the way they are used to things. Some of them will oppose this development since it will involve changing what they are already used to and know. 5. SUMMARY of RESULTS The results provide a clearer picture of those benefiting from the ICT Revolution and various benefits provided by ICT. The rural farmer: Implementing information technology in the agricultural sector improves the chance of the rural farmer. This can be said because agriculture is the backbone of the economy, contributing about 45 per cent of GDP. The agriculture sector employs about two-thirds of the countrys total labour force and provides a livelihood for

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about 90 per cent of the rural population [2]. Since agriculture is the principal source of livelihood for most rural farmers, it is obvious that E-agriculture benefits them. The rural community: Stated previously, 90 percent of the rural population depends on agriculture. If the 90 percent benefited from the incorporation of information technology in agricultural development, then the rural population also benefits. The country (Nigeria): Nigeria was heavily dependent on agriculture, with the sector accounting for more than 40 percent of pre-1973 GDP. But in the decade up to 1983, agricultural production in Nigeria declined 1.9 percent and exports fell 7.9 percent. Agricultural imports as a percentage of total imports rose from 3 percent in the late 1960s to 7 percent in the early 1980s. Nigeria's gloomy agricultural development resulted from the loss of competitiveness among farm exports as the real value of the Nigerian naira appreciated mainly from 1970 to 1972 and from 1982 to 1983 [13]. Nigeria has continued to decline since then especially since Nigeria is now entirely dependent on crude oil. Incorporating ICT to the agricultural sector will bring hope and improve the economy of the country as a whole.

1. Why should everyone embrace the digital revolution? According to Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, It is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. For the country to develop, everyone in the nation should be open to change. It is only through exploring various opportunities and renovations that the citizen of the country will reap the benefits of the land. 2. Is there hope for those on the other side of the divide? Yes there is. This is because the individuals on the other side in this case are the rural dwellers. Although, this may seem like a difficult change, but with time, the individuals in the rural community will learn to adapt to this change. This can be done by informing them of the benefits of information technology on agriculture and their lives and by also gradually introducing them to IT enhanced mechanisms such as tractors, leaf blowers, sprinklers and many more. 6. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION It is evident from developed countries that IT can increase agricultural productivity. Information Technology has

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just started spreading its shoots, but with its enormous potential to standardize and regulate the agricultural processes and solve the problems, it is evident that IT will be one of the most critical areas in the near future for agricultural development. It is hoped that Information Technology will create a highly developed farming system through positive contributions to the nation by narrowing down the enormous gap between researchers and farmers. It is suggested that the farmers are to be made aware of the utility of the Internet and related information regarding Information Technology. Finally, it is known fact that Nigeria depends entirely on crude oil and importation of goods. Nigeria is blessed with anticipated weather conditions and fertile soil. Until the agricultural sector of the country is fully exploited, the country will most likely remain depressed. Information technology provides a method for this to be brought to life, and if e-agriculture becomes implemented especially in the rural areas of the country, there will be a noticeable growth in the nations economy.

from Nations Encyclopedia: http://www.nationsencyclopedia.xom/econ omies/Africa/NigeriaAGRICULTURE.html#ixzz1fZaYILbo [2] IFAD. (2006). Rural Poverty in Nigeria. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from Rural Poverty Portal: http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/web/gue st/country/home/tags/nigeria [3] Agricultural Development Since Independence. (2011, September 6). Retrieved December 1, 2011, from Connect Nigeria: http://www.connectnigeria.com/articles/ag ricultural-development-sinceindependence/556 [4] AZIH, I. (2008). A Background Analysis of The Nigerian Agricultural Sector. Oxfam Novib Economic Justice Campaign in Agriculture [5] Devcompage. (2011, August 16). Conditions leading to completion and discontinuance of the enrollees in the ATI e-learning for agriculture and fishery program in Eastern Visayas. Retrieved December 2, 2011, from DEVCOM: http://devcompage.com/?p=3395 [6] Ninomiya, S. (2004, 09 01). Successful Information Technology (It) for Agriculture and Rural Development. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from Food and Fertilizer Technology Cente: http://www.agnet.org/library/eb/549/ [7] E-Agriculture in India. (2008, January). Association For People of Haryana

7. REFERENCES [1] Nigeria Agriculture, Information about Agriculture in Nigeria. (2011, September). Retrieved December 1, 2011,

[8] Ruhul, A., Saleheen, S., Kibria, R., & Karmakar, K. C. (2009). An Effective Approach for Implementing E-agriculture in Bangladesh.

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[9] Jagat, C. (2004). Special Edition on eGovernance [10] Raihan, A., Hasan, M., Chowdhury, M., & Uddin, F. (2005). Pallitathya Help Line: A Precursor to People's Call Center. A D.Net Publication.
Authors Biographies Emmanuel Ukpe M. S. Information & Telecommunications Systems, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 2005 M. S. Information & Communications Technology, Strayer University, Washington D. C, USA 2003 MBA Accounting, Southeastern University, Washington D. C, USA 2000 Instructor of Information Technology, American University of Nigeria Experience in implementation and integration of large and complex systems, Information Technology consulting for Small business eExposure and Tele-coaching services for staff, and corporate case studies; Emmanuel courses draw on his professional skills in system networking, programming, the design of web sites and critiquing website content and creation of databases and spreadsheets for small companies and professional associations. He has served as a consultant to both government and industry, having worked in a number of professional capacities in the US. Research Interests: Economics of IS; Information System Control & Security; IT Governance; ICT Entrepreneurship, ICT & Education, ICT & Economic Development, eLearning; Adoption and Diffusion.

[11] Rashid, M., & Ali, M. (1997). In Status of Gis in Bangladesh : A Review. Oriental Geographer (pp. 41(1) : 64-77) [12] Nigeria-Economy. (2010). Retrieved December 2, 2011, from Mongabay.com: http://www.mongabay.com/reference/coun try_studies/nigeria/ECONOMY.html
Professional Affiliations: SANS Institute, Association of Computing Machinery, Association of Information Systems Association of Information Technology Professional, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Selected Publications/Conference Proceedings Ukpe, E. F. Workforce Preparation: Free Vocational Information Technology Training IEE: Computer Society Ukpe, E. Education and Training: ICT Integration in the Rural School System Ukpe, E. Information & Communication Technology & Food Security: 7th National conference of National Association for Science, Humanities and Education Research Ukpe, E. Environmental Science for Sustainable Development, through ICT application 4th International Conference on Research and Development

Jane Chukwurah Currently undergraduate student in Software Engineering program at the American University of Nigeria Research Interests Software development, ICT planning and development; Databases & Software Ethics