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A Model for ICT based Services for Agriculture Extension-Phase-II

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Publication date
11/12/2012
Number of Pages
179
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Working Papers & Briefs
Focus Region:
Asia and the Pacific
Focus Topic:
Capacity Development
Agricultural Value Chains / Agri-Businesses
Type of Risk:
Managerial & operational
Commodity:
Crops
Author
Mahrukh Siraj
Organization
CABI

This project aims to improve livelihoods for farmers in target states in Pakistan through improved reach and monitoring of extension services to the farming community at a lower cost. The report covers progress in achievement of output indicators presented in the newly constructed logical framework during the second reporting period of the project.

Output 1: A functional MIS for agriculture extension, helpdesk and mobile applications for use by the farmers and extension providers. During this phase, the MIS application, consisting of a web interface and mobile survey application have been completed. The help desk has also been established.

Output 2: Content developed for the system. More than 500 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on the four target crops; cotton, rice, wheat and citrus have been developed. This content has been informed by workshops with extension workers, baseline survey and review of extension advisory materials from the Department of Agriculture – Punjab.

Output 3: Training and capacity development of extension services. Training in the use of the MIS application has been provided to local champions from Vehari district. The application will be launched for all staff in Vehari by the end of this year (2012).

Output 4: Scale up and sustainability planning leads to development of a robust model for adaptation of the service in other states/districts. A series of communication activities have been completed and the project has been presented at a seminar ‘What can telecoms do for Agriculture’ arranged by Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. The project was also presented at 12 th IT and Telecom Exhibition and Conferences, a premier IT & Telecom event in Pakistan. At both events the project was much appreciated. The events provided an opportunity to network with other possible stakeholders and collaborators.