SCALING UP THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMALLHOLDER WOMEN FARMERS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS IN KENYA

Abstract

Women play an important role in agriculture in developing countries making up over 50 percent of the smallholder farmers.  In Kenya, farming is done under smallholder farm systems dominated by women farmers. Information on agriculture production is shared by agricultural extension agents through education activities like demonstrations and farm visits, a situation that is favourable to women farmers. The mitigation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic challenge sharing of information through these traditional extension methods. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) sector is well developed in Kenya and presents opportunities for agricultural extension agents to overcome the emerging challenges. This paper is based on a theoretical review of literature on scaling up the use of ICTs for agriculture development, and particularly by women. Scaling up involves the realization of more quality benefits to people over a wide geographical area fast, equitably and in a sustained way. The power of ICT in knowledge management plays an important role in meeting challenges related to sharing and disseminating information and innovations. ICTs are further recognized as crucial in changing the delivery of agricultural extension services. Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model indicate that innovations are adopted based on the perceived usefulness people attach to them. In scaling up, the advantage of ICTs use in meeting the agriculture information needs of the smallholder farmers must be clear to increase adoption and sustainable application.