There is an increasing need for the implementation of ICT in farming. This is due to the need for farmers to meet higher demands in crop production. Meeting these demands allows farmers to remain competitive and meet client satisfaction.
In this article, we’ll cover the various reasons why rural farmers should consider implementing ICT systems in their farming processes and how it can benefit their businesses.
What is ICT?
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. In farming, ICT serves as one of the smart farming methods. This can include the use of a wide range of tools, such as smartphones, weather apps, digital and AI platforms for agricultural data analysis, and more.
These tools give farmers quick access to information on their crops or aspects that affect their crops. This allows them to make informed decisions. By implementing information and communication technology systems, farmers are not only keeping up with the times but also ensuring that they build sustainable businesses.
1. Higher Crop Productivity
Using ICT tools can help rural farmers easily gain access to information. When farmers can easily access information about what they need for their crops, it helps them optimise their agricultural processes.
Through mobile applications like Khula, they can trade and contract crops. They can also compare prices to find the best deal. This means they can buy what they need without spending too much, or without wasting too much time on a manual hunt for what they need. Additionally, if rural farmers implement digital payment systems, they can streamline their payment processes.
2. Reduced Crop Waste and Damage
Post-harvest losses are a serious problem. This issue causes farmers to lose crops in the process. The main causes are poor storage, pests, and delays.
ICT helps reduce crop waste. Farmers use mobile apps and SMS alerts to spot pests early. They can also use drones and sensors to detect crop diseases before they spread.
Additionally, if farmers, particularly those starting out in agriculture, make use of digital market platforms to link themselves directly with buyers, they can shorten the time between harvest and sale, which means less spoilage.
3. Weather Forecasting
Weather remains the biggest risk for farmers. Unpredictable rainfall and droughts can wipe out entire harvests. ICT tools allow farmers to prepare their crop production.
There are several smartphone apps that provide real-time weather forecasts. However, apps like AgriCloud were specifically designed with farmers in mind.
AgriCloud provides planting dates for the next ten days, as well as spray conditions according to time of day. The advice given on the app can be set based on the South African language you prefer.
4. Crop Preparation
Planting the wrong crop can cost a farmer the entire season. ICT reduces this risk. Advisory platforms suggest which crops are best for a farmer’s soil and region. They also highlight what the market needs most.
With this guidance, farmers become smarter in their crop preparation. They avoid seeds that fail in local conditions and focus on crops with real demand.
5. Data Driven Decisions
Traditionally, many farmers relied on experience. This knowledge is useful but not always enough for today’s markets. ICT tools offer clear data that improves decision-making.
Farm management systems allow you to record expenses, sales, and yields. This helps farmers see which crops make money and where costs can be reduced. Online platforms also show market rates, which allows farmers to negotiate from a point of market comparison.
The Disadvantages of Using ICT Tools for Rural Farmers
Now that you are aware of the benefits of using ICT tools in farming, it’s also important to ensure you know about the possible disadvantages you may face if you choose to use these tools. Some of these disadvantages include the following:
- Costs: Smartphones, apps, and tools can be expensive.
- Poor connectivity: Internet coverage in remote South African areas is still limited.
- Digital literacy: Some farmers might struggle adapting to certain tools.
- Maintenance: Smart devices require updates and repairs.
Future-Proofing Agriculture
The need to digitise is unavoidable. In order for businesses to keep up with their competitors and ensure they meet supplier demand, they need to implement tools that will ensure their production thrives. Thus, one of the best ways to do that is through ICT tools.
