ICTs for better access to information/knowledge for Ethiopian livestock keepers

Fanos MekonnenICT4ag International Conference, Kigali, Rwanda

4-8 November 2013

Finding ways to improve the access to information and Knowledge for smallholder livestock keepers through the use of ICTs along the whole value chains

Purpose

IPMS KM approach

Experiences- Knowledge centers

• PCs for easy access to relevant knowledge

• Experts awareness increased

• 28 centers that reach around 3000 experts established

Challenge- Capacity, acceptance, Language

Experiences- Ethiopian Agriculture Portal

• Online gateway for Ethiopia’s agriculture

• Resources in short

circulation got better feasibility

Challenge- network connection, power, content

www.eap.gov.et

Experiences- Audio-visual (radio and TV)

• Radio & video programs for creating awareness and knowledge

• 1000s of short videos on many topics distributed for training input & availed online

Challenge- gender issues

Success

IPMS experienced the big role ICTs play in market oriented agriculture development interventions in public extension system by availing the right knowledge and information at the right time and place.

E- book readers- kindles- for increasing knowledge and skill of extension experts

Use of mobile phones for improved production and management practices and marketing technologies

Next step

www. ipms-ethiopia.org www.lives-ethiopia.org