Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is critical for advancing the agenda for modernizing agriculture and meeting the food security and nutrition needs of Africa, Dr AgBendech Mohamed, Senior Food and Nutrition Officer, has said.
Dr Mohamed with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Regional Office for Africa said ICT would continue to play a crucial role in shaping future agriculture intelligence at farm level and within food chains.
He made the remarks at the ongoing the 68th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) in Accra at the University of Ghana.
The 68th ANYSC, on the theme: “Promoting National Development through Agriculture Modernisation: The Role of ICT,” is being organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana, under the auspices of the MTN, Eximbank Ghana, and the Kosmos Innovation Centre.
The aim of the ANYSC is to create the platform for passionate discussions on how ICT could be integrated into agriculture, to modernise the sector for sustainable national development.
Dr Mohamed said the strategic application of ICT to agricultural industry, offered the opportunity for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
He noted that the FAO would continue to work with Ghana and governments in Africa to improve the understanding and awareness of the needs and challenges of small-scale farmers on effectively applying ICT through systematic participatory approaches.
FAO would also reinforce capacities of communities and local organisations to lead and own the process of appropriation of successful ICT technologies as well as combining old and new technologies to create a three-tier system.