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The use of ICT- based tools in agricultural extension has been much discussed over the past years and is considered to have the potential of largely increasing outreach to farmers in a cost effective way. AFC has been working in this field in the context of the “Green Innovation Center for the Agriculture and Food Sector”, implemented on behalf of GIZ in Nigeria since 2015 with the aim of furthering the application of innovations along the rice, maize, cassava and potato value chains.
Among others, AFC has been involved in the implementation of the Rice Advice mobile app. Rice Advice is a bilingual Android App developed by Africa Rice that serves as decision support tool for providing rice farmers with tailor-made recommendation for enhancing yield and increasing profitability. The App can be used in the field in off-line mode, providing technical advice calibrated to local conditions on issues related to the cropping calendar, fertilizer application, expected income levels, ground leveling, uniform crop stands and weed control.
In cooperation with Africa Rice, AFC has started to implement Rice Advice in the area of good agricultural practices. After validation trails were successfully conducted with farmers at field level, real scale implementation has started. Extension agents have been trained in the application of the Rice Advice App and are using it as a tool in their direct work with small scale rice farmers. The aim is to reach some 10.000 rice farmers in 2017.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact: Matthias.Webendoerfer [at] afci.de