... Embracing other forms of tech
Citing other achievable technology targets, Edwards-Merchant pointed to the potential use of both text and voice messages to communicate technical information to farmers about best practices, how to increase productivity, and other information relating to the dos and don’ts in preparation for natural disasters.
She pointed out that social media was not being ignored.
“The use of social media in the creation of WhatsApp groups for farmers to communicate with technical officers and among themselves are some of the technology initiatives being implemented,” Edwards-Merchant said.
She stated that capacity building of farmers was critical and, as such, RADA was encouraging training of personnel in the sector, including extension officers, via online platforms such as Moodle.
And farmers have been grateful for the opportunity to infuse modern technology into their operations.
“We believe that the use of technology has tremendously enhanced the productivity of our farmers and, by extension, the sector. They have been embracing and are appreciative about the different avenues being employed to assist them to increase their yields and improve their markets,” she said.
HUMAN RESOURCE CHALLENGES
However, Edwards-Merchant noted that there are challenges.
“Our greatest challenge still remains the shortage of human resources in the field and the continuous funding for some of these projects for sustainable use – for example, the sending of both text and voice messages continuously. Additionally, we would want to acquire a drone which has analytical capabilities. This will greatly assist in the analysis of the data collected,” she maintained.
The more than 200,000 farmers registered with RADA are in 98 extension areas across the country, with field experts at a ratio of 1,500:1, Edwards-Merchant informed.