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In this article, we draw on a case study of a weather information system in West Bengal, India to examine how the design and usage of ICTs can play a much larger role in steering holistic changes in everyday practices of smallholder farmers as they cope with effects of climate change. In doing so, we focus on the role of the information system in f...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... data collection process took two different forms, centered on two different artifacts -automated weather stations (AWSs) and manual weather stations (MWSs). AWSs were digital devices that collected data on rainfall, wind speed, temperature and humidity ( Figure 1). They were installed in three locations in each block. ...
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Citations
... Diversified agricultural practices are conditions for food system resilience (Calo et al., 2021). Traditional elements such as agricultural infrastructure, communication technology, social capital, and transportation facilities are generally considered to be important factors influencing the level of agricultural resilience (Crespo et al., 2014;Chacon-Hurtado et al., 2020;Chaudhuri and Kendall, 2021;Chen, 2023). Hao Aimin et al. (2022) emphasize the significance of integrating agricultural industries under external shocks, highlighting its impact on enhancing resilience. ...
Introduction
This study delves into the intricate dynamics between fiscal policies supporting agriculture and the non-linear influence of agricultural science and technology innovation on enhancing agricultural resilience. We conducted research across 31 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities) in China from 2007 to 2021.
Method
By constructing the evaluation index system of agricultural resilience, the entropy value method is used to measure the value of agricultural resilience, and then standard deviation ellipse and center of gravity migration analysis, benchmark regression model, heterogeneity analysis, threshold regression model are used to analyze the relationship between agricultural science and technology innovation, fiscal policies supporting agriculture and agricultural resilience.
Result
(1) The analysis of the spatio-temporal evolution trend shows that the overall development of China’s agricultural resilience is relatively stable, the resilience range is expanding, and the geographical area with the southeast as the center of gravity presents a stronger pulling effect; (2) The benchmark regression model shows that agricultural science and technology innovation has a significant positive effect on agricultural resilience; (3) Agricultural science and technology innovation plays a nonlinear role in increasing agricultural resilience when fiscal policies supporting agriculture are used as a threshold variable. (4) Heterogeneity analysis highlights stronger promotion of agricultural resilience through science and technology innovation in non-main producing areas and economically underdeveloped regions.
Discussion
To address this, policymakers should leverage the resilience of the Southeast, boost innovation capacity, tailor innovation to local needs, and reinforce fiscal policies supporting agriculture. These insights provide valuable direction for policymakers in crafting effective measures to enhance agricultural resilience.
... Other articles in the collection examine specific issues related to sustainable agriculture, such as the challenges faced by marginalized farmers [36] and the use of technology to control agronomic variables in crop production [37]. They also highlight the importance of collaboration and the use of innovative technologies, such as nanotechnology [38] and ICTs [39], in building resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Some articles even underline the need to diversify crop production to include CC Fig. 6. ...
Climate change (CC) is a global issue, with effects felt across nations, including India. The influences of CC, such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events, have a direct impact on agricultural productivity, thereby affecting food security, income, livelihoods, and overall population health. This study aims to identify trends, patterns, and common themes in research on Climate Change and Resilience, Adaptation, and Sustainability of Agriculture in India (CCRASAI). It also seeks to illuminate potential future research directions to guide subsequent research and policy initiatives. The adverse impacts of CC could push farmers into poverty and undernourishment, underscoring the imperative to focus on the resilience, adaptation, and sustainability of agriculture in India. A bibliometric review was conducted using Biblioshiny and VoSviewer software to analyze 572 articles focused on CCRASAI from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, published between 1994 and 2022. There was an evident upward trend in CCRASAI publications during this period, with steady growth appearing after 2007. Among the States and Union Territories, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have the highest number of published research articles. Research on CCRASAI is most concentrated in the southern plateau, the trans-Gangetic and middle Gangetic plains, and the Himalayan regions. The frequently used terms—'climate change impacts,’ ‘adaptation strategies,’ and ‘sustainable agriculture'—in CCRASAI research emphasize the focus on analyzing the effects of CC, creating adaptation strategies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
... With a growing world population expected to hit 8.5 billion people in 2030 1 , the subject of how farmers make decisions and use technology amidst calls for sustainable farming practices is becoming increasingly important. Technologies and information systems promise efficiency gains for farming, but evidence suggests that uptake of new technologies is lagging [1]. Lack of trust in technology and information systems has been suggested as a bottleneck in advancement [2]. ...
... Collaborative practices in a weather information system business in West Bengal, India, support the design and usage of ICT4D to play a much larger role in steering holistic changes in the everyday practices of smallholder farmers to build resilience in the face of the global climate crisis (Chaudhuri & Kendall, 2021). Beerepoot and Oprins (2022) highlighted that through innovations in ICT, it is possible to increase the tradability of services, job creation, rapid income growth, poverty reduction, and gender equality in developing countries (Beerepoot & Oprins, 2022). ...
Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) emerges positively as a sustainable practice since several studies are focusing on these positive aspects, such as digital financial inclusion and digital platforms for helping communities. This study intends to investigate how a sustainable business value model (SBVM) might be framed in ICT4D from the perspective of business practices. We analyzed the literature of 160 publications in the ICT4D research field from 2003 to 2022 using social network and content analysis to perform a systematic literature review. The findings reveal six different business value perspectives to establish an SBVM in ICT4D initiatives, suggesting a broader perspective for innovators and entrepreneurs to create new business formations for better development outcomes in their communities. This paper contributes to socioeconomic development by identifying ways in which the SBVM may contribute to different communities’ development in emergent countries.
... Collaborative practices in a weather information system business in West Bengal, India, support the design and usage of ICT4D to play a much larger role in steering holistic changes in the everyday practices of smallholder farmers to build resilience in the face of the global climate crisis (Chaudhuri & Kendall, 2021). Beerepoot and Oprins (2022) highlighted that through innovations in ICT, it is possible to increase the tradability of services, job creation, rapid income growth, poverty reduction, and gender equality in developing countries (Beerepoot & Oprins, 2022). ...
Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) emerges positively as a sustainable practice since several studies are focusing on these positive aspects, such as digital financial inclusion and digital platforms for helping communities. This study intends to investigate how a sustainable business value model (SBVM) might be framed in ICT4D from the perspective of business practices. We analyzed the literature of 160 publications in the ICT4D research field from 2003 to 2022 using social network and content analysis to perform a systematic literature review. The findings reveal six different business value perspectives to establish an SBVM in ICT4D initiatives, suggesting a broader perspective for innovators and entrepreneurs to create new business formations for better development outcomes in their communities. This paper contributes to socioeconomic development by identifying ways in which the SBVM may contribute to different communities’ development in emergent countries.
... A case study in Tanzania shows that farmers can better understand soil moisture and fertilizer dynamics, then improve productivity and even food security. Chaudhuri and Kendall (2021) show how the use of ICT solutions can help to: (1) promote the collaboration between multiple smallholders, (2) positively change daily practices and (3) be more resilient to recent climate change. The concept of collaboration is also addressed by Omulo and Kumeh (2020), who report the experience related to the adoption in Kenya of "Wefarm", an ICT-based platform, which promotes knowledge-sharing between small-scale farmers, with the aim to improve access to information about agricultural production, marketing and financial services. ...
Purpose
This paper proposes an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform to increase the sustainability and resilience of smallholders to face supply chain disruptions in the event of COVID-like crises. The platform facilitates interactions between smallholders and buyers, workers and freight transport companies in agri-food ecosystems. Furthermore, this research work presents the implementation of the freight transport companies’ platform module.
Design/methodology/approach
The research work begins with a literature review aiming at analyzing current available ICT solutions supporting smallholders and other actors in the agri-food supply chain. This analysis identifies the research gaps which have to be filled by the platform. Then, the authors proceed with the analysis of the operational scenarios of each platform actor by interacting with experts and operators working in the agri-food sector. The results of such analysis resulted in a comprehensive, unambiguous and consistent set of specification being used to define the platform structure and modules architecture. The platform modules have been developed by using the web-application framework Laravel.
Findings
Preliminary tests show that the proposed platform is usable and promises to improve the resilience and economic, social and environmental sustainability of agri-food supply chains, with a focus on smallholders.
Originality/value
The research work allows players in the agri-food supply chain and in particular small local producers to react and mitigate the impact of COVID-like crises through development of a platform in which smallholders, citizens (buyers and workers) and freight transport companies are simultaneously present.
... Chaudhuri and Kendall [7] show how the use of ICT technologies can help to improve the collaboration of multiple small-scale farmers, positively change daily practices and be more resilient to recent climate change. The concept of collaboration is also addressed by Omulo and Kumeh [8], who report the experience related to the adoption in Kenya of "Wefarm", an ICT-based platform, which promotes knowledge-sharing between small-scale farmers. ...
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted all the weaknesses of manufacturing systems and supply chains. In this challenging context, smallholders have faced several crises mainly related to the difficulty of finding manpower for harvesting activities and the impossibility of distributing food, due to the forced closure of many distribution channels. The main consequences were lost sales and wasted food. With the aim of increasing the responsiveness of smallholders in the face of COVID-like crises, this paper provides an overview of methodologies and approaches currently available in the literature in terms of: ICT tools, blockchain-based solutions, business models, sustainability-oriented frameworks, simulation models. The analysis of the literature provides two main outputs: (1) a list of challenges to be faced in the coming years to improve the working conditions of smallholders, (2) the definition of future research developments, which mainly concern the design of an ICT platform, which integrates multiple technological aspects.
... Although smartphone-based digital extension services are limited, a precision application model and mobile-based advisory services have influenced farmers' adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies, and their utilization in decision making should be promoted in developing countries [91][92][93]. Collaborations between different stakeholders and linkages from the bottom up through the design and usage of ICT have shown positive outcomes for climate adaptation in Bangladesh and resilience farming in India [94][95][96]. Sensors, remote sensing technologies, and software applications have undergone trials or field testing with small farmers, but their usage is limited for large-scale country-wide services, except for a few government web-based platforms [97][98][99]. Such technology-based development and linkage decision systems between researchers and extension agents could empower rural farmer communities toward a digital ecosystem for future sustainability in the food systems of developing countries, including Bangladesh [100][101][102][103][104]. ...
The present work is the first detailed study of sub-assistant agricultural officers (SAAOs), who are key players in delivering agriculture extension services in Bangladesh. We determined the status of information and communication technology (ICT) usage, knowledge gaps, approaches and tools for information delivery, barriers and obstacles to ICT usage, requirements for adoption, and possible solutions for efficient agriculture extension advisory services. We surveyed key respondents (SAAOs, n = 117) from nine sub-districts under the six administrative districts of Bangladesh with a semi-structured questionnaire. We found that 73.2% of all extension officers had basic knowledge of ICT. We observed that the most effective tool for information dissemination was field visits (90.90%, Moulvibazar district) and the most frequent extension approach was training and workshops (77.31%, Dhaka district). The best sources for information collection were broadcast media and social media. While delivering information, difficulty was found due to technical obstacles in Gazipur district, Rajshahi district, Sylhet district, and Dhaka district among 60% to 70% of SAAOs. However, farmers' ignorance was reported in both Feni district and Moulvibazar district (36.36%). A shortage of computers in Gazipur district (56.25%) was an essential barrier to ICT usage for extension services. A major challenge in using ICT applications in Dhaka district was inadequate training support (64.51%). Mobile devices, internet connectivity, updated ICT applications, and a farmers' database were the most important supports needed for the SAAO's skilled advisory activities. In conclusion, our results and recommendations will help to redesign policies to improve infrastructure and allocate funding for capacity and skill development and ICT-based innovations in this sector to achieve sustainable extension and advisory services and attain food security in Bang-ladesh.
... HCI4D and ICT4D have long been concerned with designing, deploying, and evaluating digital agricultural services and connected sectors [33] in the developing world. Research has explored the use of multiple technologies, including mobile phones [43,52,61], Interactive Voice Systems [58,59], and sensors [13] to support the agricultural sector [19,35]. Furthermore, a prominent strand within HCI4D/ICT4D has been the use of purpose-built technologies for disseminating and sharing information, such as market prices [7,14,78], expert advice [38], and experiential knowledge from peers [37,45,46,51,52]. ...
... For example, Thailand's Department of Agricultural Extension uses Facebook and YouTube to publish agricultural information [40]. In their deployment of a Weather Information System in India, Chaudri and Kendall [13] report on how farming recommendations were forwarded from agricultural extension offices to community mobilizers and volunteers, who then used WhatsApp, SMS, and printouts to disseminate the information to farmers. However, recent research has shown that the use of social media by Agricultural Extension offices and staff is still underutilized [15,40,56,68,71] and often remains onedirectional (social media is used to only disseminate information rather than interact with farmers) [68]. ...
... In Njoro subcounty, 41.3% of participants also used WhatsApp for agricultural information [62]. However, access to information does not necessarily translate to improved livelihood opportunities, and not all information shared/accessed fits with farmers' decision-making practices or the situated complexity of their livelihoods [13]. Therefore, an economic lens is needed to analyze and understand how social media platforms are used in the agriculture sector to facilitate trade, i.e., social commerce. ...
... Farmers' resilience against climate change hinges on three main points: first, their ability to manage changes that happen due to external events such as floods; secondly, their ability to recover from these events; thirdly, their ability to adapt to new short-and long-term scenarios (Chaudhuri and Kendall, 2021). Focusing on farming systems, resilience is considered as their ability to continue providing the system functions despite the occurrence, at a time, of various and complex challenges (whether economic, environmental, social and/or institutional), by means of the capacities of robustness, adaptability and transformability (Meuwissen et al., 2019). ...
CONTEXT
In the last few years, the effects of climate change have impacted heavily on the agricultural sector, particularly in developing countries provided their high vulnerability. In this sense, knowledge and information transference could act as a strategic support service to improve the resilience of their farming systems, as this would help farmers to adapt and take advantage of the new scenarios brought by climate change, as well as to take preventive actions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to understand the structure of the interactions between farmers and institutions of the National Agrarian Innovation System of Peru regarding the transfer of information on preventing the effects of extreme weather events. To do so, we aim to understand how farmers and institutions are connected and how the climatic and farming systems' particularities of the territories, the main roles of the institutions and the media through which farmers get the information from each of them could influence such information transfer processes.
METHODS
The structure of interactions between institutions and farmers is modelled for the period 2016–2019 by means of the Latent Block Modelling clustering algorithm. Given the differences in size, resources and practices between smallholders and large-scale farmers, the relationships between them and the institutions are modelled and analysed separately.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
This study identifies how actors involved in preventive information transfer in the National Agrarian Innovation System of Peru are connected, quantifies their relevance and detects deficiencies in such transfer processes. Results show that less than 13% of smallholders and 18% of large-scale farmers in Peru are getting this information, which is mainly transferred by the TV and the radio (non-specialized media) and mostly only by one governmental institution. Additionally, we detected some groups of farmers who rely on other institutions too, with regional differences in the access to information. Results suggest that there is room for improvement regarding the transfer of information on preventing extreme weather events.
SIGNIFICANCE
The results obtained and their discussion could be particularly useful to help in the design of policies focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of climatic-related information transfer. In the end, this would help to improve the resilience of Peruvian farmers against climate change and thus, to strengthen the Peruvian agricultural sector.
