A text message away: ICTs as a tool to improve food security. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nakasone, Eduardo; Torero, Maximo
• Is Part Of: Agricultural economics. Volume 47(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: D83 -- O13 -- Q18 -- O32 -- Information and Communication Technologies -- Mobile phones -- Agricultural Extension -- Market Price Information; Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.105
• DOI: 10.1111/agec.12314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5150

Abstract

Abstract: The growing use of ICTs around the world, particularly cellular phone technology, provides a significant development opportunity. Under certain situations, ICTs can improve rural households' agricultural production, farm profitability, job opportunities, adoption of healthier practices, and risk management. All these effects have the potential to increase wellbeing and food security in rural areas of developing countries. Several challenges to effectively scaling up the use of ICTs for development remain, however. Taking advantage of the opportunities provided by ICTs depends on increased connectivity of marginalized population groups, the content and usefulness of the information provided through ICTs, and the capacity of households in rural areas to understand and act on the information that they receive. We need innovative ways to bring together the public and private sectors to ensure that the three C s (connectivity, content, and capacity) are addressed as a whole.