#ICT4Scale
Harnessing ICT to scale-up agricultural solutions
This research project aims to contribute to the overall challenge of scaling agricultural solutions in rural developing regions, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, through a study focused on the role and contributions of ICT.
This work is being carried out with the aid of a grant from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) www.idrc.ca.
Research problem
Despite the development and testing of agricultural
innovations that have demonstrated potential to enhance
household food and nutrition security and contribute to rural
development, there remain important challenges to their
uptake at scale by smallholder farmers and rural communities.
Research questions
1. What combinations of ICT, actors and institutional arrangements are most effective in scaling agricultural solutions?
2. What strategies for the use of ICT are successful in facilitating the scaling of solutions, e.g. interaction with audiences, type and quality assurance of information and content?
3. What are the gender equality considerations of ICTenabled scaling of agricultural solutions?
4. How and by whom are ICT being designed, applied and tested as part of business models that lead to successful scaling of solutions and practices?
5. What barriers may limit the reach or effectiveness of ICTs in scaling initiatives?
Meta review
Impact assessments and findings from a set of existing ICT-enhanced scaling-up initiatives implemented worldwide are being synthesized using content analysis of documents, surveys, and interviews.
Case studies
Case studies are being conducted in sub-Saharan Africa to examine in more detail the functioning and impact of concrete scaling-up initiatives.
Intervention
We are testing elements of our ICT4Scale models within existing initiatives, and the assessment of their impact on beneficiaries. This includes radio, call-centres, SMS and more...
Our impact pathway
1. Research
Better understanding of how ICTs can enhance scaling-up of agricultural solutions
2. Develop & test
Identification of gender-responsive ICT models that can enhance scaling-up
3. Share knowledge
Increased awareness and acceptance of ICT models by stakeholders
4. Use of models
Increased used of proposed ICT models by stakeholders
5. Impact at scale
Increased number of beneficiaries benefiting from agricultural solutions being scaled-up with ICT models