The Importance of ICTs in the Provision of Information for Improving Agricultural Productivity and Rural Incomes in Africa

Abstract

African Human Development Report. The authors include leading academics and practitioners from Africa and around the world, as well as UNDP researchers. The findings, interpretations and conclusions are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of UNDP or United Nations Member States. Moreover, the data may not be consistent with that presented in the African Human Development Report. Abstract: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) developments have taken place in Africa with the significant growth over the past decade. This paper looks at the evidence on the role of emerging ICTs in the agricultural sector in Africa with lessons from Asia with respect to farmers ’ access to information and other services that would help improve agricultural productivity, practices, and farmer livelihoods. It suggests that countries should avoid monopoly situations and encourage pluralistic providers to induce competition for higher efficiency and lower costs to consumers.