Designing Technology Adoption Frameworks for Marginalized Rural Communities. A Case Study of Small-Scale Farmers in South Africa Using Design Science Research

Designing Technology Adoption Frameworks for Marginalized Rural Communities. A Case Study of Small-Scale Farmers in South Africa Using Design Science Research PDF

Author: Agyei Fosu

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2024-06-27

Total Pages: 76

ISBN-13: 3389041079

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Document from the year 2024 in the subject Computer Science - Commercial Information Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (School of Information Technology), language: English, abstract: In this book, the author demonstrates how Design Science Research (DSR) approach can be used to design a tailor-made technology adoption assessment framework to gauge small-scale farmers found in developing nations' marginalised rural communities' adoption of ICT. The book presents a practical approach to illustrate the implementation process by using small-scale farmers found in the deeply isolated rural areas of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) of South Africa as a case study. The electronic environment (e-environment) created by the digital age continues to see the adoption of various technologies like Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by individuals, nations, and organisations to facilitate development, effectiveness, efficiency, enhance productivity and business opportunities. Technology adoption assessment emerged alongside the rapid adoption of technology in the digital age as a tool to evaluate the factors or determinants that influence and contribute to technology adoption. In the case of developing nations rural societies, because of the socio-economic dynamics of the marginalised rural communities, the design of the assessment tools to gauge technology adoption should capture factors such as suitability, relevance of the technology as well as local context and capacity, social implications, and availability of resources to address the unique challenges faced by the region. This makes the design of technology adoption assessment tools to gauge adoption of technology among marginalised communities in developing countries to follow a tailor-made approach.

The contemporary era information streaming and developing nations deep isolated rural communities. A conceptual framework

The contemporary era information streaming and developing nations deep isolated rural communities. A conceptual framework PDF

Author: Agyei Fosu

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2022-12-23

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13: 3346783227

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Document from the year 2022 in the subject Computer Science - Commercial Information Technology, grade: N/A, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (School of Information Technology), course: PhD-IT, language: English, abstract: The scope of the book is to examine developing nations deep isolated rural communities’ information exchange environment, some models that explain information search patterns, information needs, and perception on ICT is needed. The book begins by examining several models on information needs, information sources, patterns of seeking information, uptake, and use of technological innovations to establish and explain the constructs of the conceptual framework in chapter one. Chapter two introduces the constructs underpinning the framework. The constructs include information needs, information seeking patterns and perception of ICT. Maepa (2000) assert that once individual outlined his or her needs with regards to the required information, then directly or indirectly the individual positions themselves to identify the source(s), media, or channels to access the information require. The framework give insight that by examining developing nations deep isolated rural communities’ information needs, information seeking patterns will define the behavioural intention as to access to the types of ICT and usage. Again, assessing perception on ICT and whether they perceive its use to beneficial will lead to individual intention to access certain ICT innovation. Chapter three details of the technical stages of the framework are given. It covers the generalisation of the framework, theorising the framework as well as the use of Design Science research paradigm in the development and evaluation of the framework. In chapter four detailed explanation of the practical implementation of the framework in rural communities’ communication strategies designs are outlined, along with empirical case studies of rural small-scale farmers in Amathole District Municipality (ADM) of South Africa. This book has been derived from the author PhD work submitted to Nelson Mandela University South Africa. The book can be used as a support course material in graduate and undergraduate research work around conceptual frameworks design and analysis.

Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: A Framework for Africa

Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: A Framework for Africa PDF

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2019-03-13

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 9251308713

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This framework presents ten interrelated principles/elements to guide Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa (SAMA). Further, it presents the technical issues to be considered under SAMA and the options to be analysed at the country and sub regional levels. The ten key elements required in a framework for SAMA are as follows: The analysis in the framework calls for a specific approach, involving learning from other parts of the world where significant transformation of the agricultural mechanization sector has already occurred within a three-to-four decade time frame, and developing policies and programmes to realize Africa’s aspirations of Zero Hunger by 2025. This approach entails the identification and prioritization of relevant and interrelated elements to help countries develop strategies and practical development plans that create synergies in line with their agricultural transformation plans. Given the unique characteristics of each country and the diverse needs of Africa due to the ecological heterogeneity and the wide range of farm sizes, the framework avoids being prescriptive.

SMALL-SCALE FAMILY FARMING IN THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA REGION

SMALL-SCALE FAMILY FARMING IN THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA REGION PDF

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2018-08-09

Total Pages: 185

ISBN-13: 9251095027

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This report provides an overview of a study conducted in the NENA region in 2015-2016 in partnership with FAO, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM and six national teams, each of which prepared a national report. In the six countries under review in the NENA region (Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan and Tunisia), agriculture is carried out primarily by small-scale family farmers, the majority of whom run the risk of falling into the poverty trap, largely due to the continuous fragmentation of inherited landholdings. As such, the development of small-scale family farming can no longer be based solely on intensifying agriculture, as the farmers are not able to produce sufficient marketable surplus due to the limited size of their landholdings. An approach based strictly on agricultural activity is also insufficient (as small-scale family farms have already diversified their livelihoods with off-farm activities). In fact, developing small-scale farming cannot be achieved by focusing strictly on t he dimension of production.

Working with Smallholders

Working with Smallholders PDF

Author: International Finance Corporation

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2023-11-01

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 1464819637

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Smallholder farmers are the stewards of more than 80 percent of the world’s farms. These small family businesses produce about one-third of the world’s food. In Africa and Asia, smallholders dominate the production of food crops, as well as export commodities such as cocoa, coffee, and cotton. However, smallholders and farm workers remain among the poorest segments of the population, and they are on the frontline of climate change. Smallholder farmers face constraints in accessing inputs, finance, knowledge, technology, labor, and markets. Raising farm-level productivity in a sustainable way is a key development priority. Agribusinesses are increasingly working with smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries to secure agricultural commodities. More productive smallholders boost rural incomes and economic growth, as well as reduce poverty. Smallholders also represent a growing underserved market for farm inputs, information, and financial services. Working with Smallholders: A Handbook for Firms Building Sustainable Supply Chains (third edition) shows agribusinesses how to engage more effectively with smallholders and to develop sustainable, resilient, and productive supply chains. The book compiles practical solutions and cutting-edge ideas to overcome the challenges facing smallholders. This third edition is substantially revised from the second edition and incorporates new material on the potential for digital technologies and sustainable farming. This handbook is written principally to outline opportunities for the private sector. The content may also be useful to the staffs of governmental or nongovernmental development programs working with smallholders, as well as to academic and research institutions.

Agricultural Innovation Systems

Agricultural Innovation Systems PDF

Author: The World Bank

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2012-02-21

Total Pages: 685

ISBN-13: 0821389440

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Managing the ability of agriculture to meet rising global demand and to respond to the changes and opportunities will require good policy, sustained investments, and innovation - not business as usual. Investments in public Research and Development, extension, education, and their links with one another have elicited high returns and pro-poor growth, but these investments alone will not elicit innovation at the pace or on the scale required by the intensifying and proliferating challenges confronting agriculture. Experience indicates that aside from a strong capacity in Research and Development, the ability to innovate is often related to collective action, coordination, the exchange of knowledge among diverse actors, the incentives and resources available to form partnerships and develop businesses, and conditions that make it possible for farmers or entrepreneurs to use the innovations. While consensus is developing about what is meant by 'innovation' and 'innovation system', no detailed blueprint exists for making agricultural innovation happen at a given time, in a given place, for a given result. The AIS approach that looks at these multiple conditions and relationships that promote innovation in agriculture, has however moved from a concept to a sub-discipline with principles of analysis and action. AIS investments must be specific to the context, responding to the stage of development in a particular country and agricultural sector, especially the AIS. This sourcebook contributes to identifying, designing, and implementing the investments, approaches, and complementary interventions that appear most likely to strengthen AIS and to promote agricultural innovation and equitable growth. It emphasizes the lessons learned, benefits and impacts, implementation issues, and prospects for replicating or expanding successful practices. The information in this sourcebook derives from approaches that have been tested at different scales in different contexts. It reflects the experiences and evolving understanding of numerous individuals and organizations concerned with agricultural innovation, including the World Bank. This information is targeted to the key operational staff in international and regional development agencies and national governments who design and implement lending projects and to the practitioners who design thematic programs and technical assistance packages. The sourcebook can also be an important resource for the research community and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Training Manual for Organic Agriculture

Training Manual for Organic Agriculture PDF

Author: I. Gomez

Publisher: Scientific Publishers - UBP

Published: 2017-09-01

Total Pages: 110

ISBN-13: 9388148932

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The production of this manual is a joint activity between the Climate, Energy and Tenure Division (NRC) and the Technologies and practices for smallholder farmers (TECA) Team from the Research and Extension Division (DDNR) of FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The realization of this manual has been possible thanks to the hard review, compilation and edition work of Nadia Scialabba, Natural Resources officer (NRC) and Ilka Gomez and Lisa Thivant, members of the TECA Team. Special thanks are due to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) for their valuable documents and publications on organic farming for smallholder farmers.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Small Scale Irrigation in the Ameya District of South West Shoa

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Small Scale Irrigation in the Ameya District of South West Shoa PDF

Author: Tigistu Amsalu Oljira

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2015-09-10

Total Pages: 37

ISBN-13: 3668044066

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Bachelor Thesis from the year 2008 in the subject Agrarian Studies, grade: A, , course: RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURAL EXTENTION, language: English, abstract: The research was intended to answer the following questions: 1. What are the factors impeding adoption of small scale irrigation? 2. What are the problems contributing for less participation of farmers on small scale irrigation? 3. What are possible solutions to improve community participation on irrigation? Agriculture is the major primary economic activities of the Ethiopian population. Due to the existence of diversified topography, soil, weather and climatic conditions that favor agricultural activities the majority of the Ethiopian population have been engaged in and generate their income from the sector. However, agriculture in Ethiopia is mainly characterized by the use of backward & traditional farm implements and subsistence farming system dominates by rain fed agricultural production that resulted to low and declining productivity of the sector. The use of supplementary irrigation from either traditional or modern water harvesting structures is considered by the government.