AGRO-ADVISORY SERVICES: INCLUSIVE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR PROFITABLE SMALLHOLDER FARMER GROUPS IN NORTHERN UGANDA
Author
Adur, Hilda
Term
4. Semester
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-07-31
Abstract
This thesis examines the added value that inclusive digital technologies bring to agro-advisory services for smallholder farmer groups in Northern Uganda, where farmers struggle to convert harvests into income despite good yields. Guided by the Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) and Rural Communication Services (RCS) frameworks, the study uses a qualitative design with twenty semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions involving cooperatives, extension workers, input dealers, and other stakeholders. Findings indicate that cooperatives, extension workers, and input suppliers act as central hubs for knowledge sharing and resource pooling; traditional channels such as radio and face-to-face communication remain essential, while adoption of mobile applications is increasing. Digital tools like Symos and iProcure+ offer benefits including improved market access, enhanced traceability, and streamlined production monitoring, but uptake is constrained by costs, limited connectivity, and the need for training and support, alongside concerns about data privacy and equity. The thesis emphasizes user-centered, inclusive design, capacity building, and equitable partnerships as key to realizing digital advisory benefits, offering practical insights for stakeholders seeking to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability among smallholders.
Denne afhandling undersøger den ekstra værdi, som inkluderende digitale teknologier kan tilføre landbrugsrådgivning for småbrugergrupper i Norduganda, hvor småbønder trods gode høstresultater kæmper med at omsætte afgrøder til indkomst. Med udgangspunkt i rammerne Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) og Rural Communication Services (RCS) anvender studiet en kvalitativ tilgang med tyve semistrukturerede interviews og fokusgrupper med kooperativer, extension-medarbejdere, inputforhandlere og andre aktører. Resultaterne viser, at kooperativer, extension-medarbejdere og inputleverandører fungerer som centrale knudepunkter for videndeling og ressourcer; traditionelle kanaler som radio og ansigt-til-ansigt-kommunikation er fortsat afgørende, samtidig med at brugen af mobilapplikationer er stigende. Digitale værktøjer som Symos og iProcure+ giver fordele som bedre markedsadgang, øget sporbarhed og mere effektiv produktionsopfølgning, men udbredelsen hæmmes af omkostninger, begrænset netværksdækning og behov for træning og support, samt bekymringer om databeskyttelse og lighed. Afhandlingen fremhæver brugerdrevet, inkluderende design, kapacitetsopbygning og retfærdige partnerskaber som nøgler til at realisere gevinsterne ved digitale rådgivningstjenester og tilbyder praktiske indsigter for aktører, der vil styrke produktivitet, rentabilitet og bæredygtighed for småbønder.
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