23 Pgs., Information and Communication Technology is a potent force in the developing world for social, economic and educational transformation of individuals, agencies and institutions. This study examined the veritable roles of ICT in empowering rural women farmers in Rivers State. The specific objectives were to examine the demographic characteristics of the respondents, identify ICT devices in use by the respondents; information needs of the respondents, the roles of ICTs in rural women empowerment and constraints to the use of ICT devices by the respondents. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents and oral interview where necessary. The respondents were 120 rural women farmers purposively selected from the farmers list obtained from the ADP (Agricultural Development Project) Office in the Area. The results indicate that 54.2% of the respondents are married, 57.5% with secondary education, 52.5% hold a farm size of 0.25 – 1 hectare of land. ICT devices in use include mobile phones, television, radio and other devices. They need information on inputs, prices, markets, produce demand, new practices and technologies. ICT play various roles in empowering the women such as offering entrepreneurial opportunity, breaking isolation, providing linkages to inputs and markets, assisting small and medium size business, reducing poverty, and illiteracy and improving income and savings of rural women. The problems affecting use of ICT devices include absence and erratic supply of electricity, lack of ICT skills, low level of awareness etc. Government should provide basic amenities to the rural dwellers to improve their socio-economic well-being.
Ercilla-Montserrat, Mireia (author), Sanjuan-Delmás, David (author), Sanyé-Mengual, Esther (author), Calvet-Mir, Laura (author), Banderas, Karla (author), Rieradevall, Joan (author), and Gabarrell, Xavier (author)
Format:
Online journal article
Publication Date:
2019-09
Published:
Springer New York LLC
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 83 Document Number: D10839
19 pages., via online journal., Soilless crops are commonly used in rooftop agriculture (RA) because they easily adapt to building constraints. However, acceptance of the produce derived from this system may be controversial. This paper evaluates consumers’ acceptance of food from RA in Mediterranean cities, focusing on the quality of the product, production system, and consumers’ motivations. We surveyed 238 respondents on the UAB university campus as potential consumers. The survey was distributed via an Internet-link that was provided along with a sample of tomatoes from RA. The results showed that most people approved the quality of RA products and perceived them to be local and fresh (94%). The respondents exhibited acceptance of soilless-produced tomatoes and considered them to be environmentally better than conventionally produced ones (69%). Cluster analysis revealed that consumers with high income levels and a university education had a better perception of the quality and proposed a higher price for RA products, but no difference was found regarding their environmental perception of this products. Moreover, people who possessed more information about the product also had a higher perception of the quality and production system (it was perceived to be environmentally friendly) and would pay more for them. The main concerns of consumers were related to food safety and the social impact of RA. Additional research is needed to improve the sustainability of RA, and the applied measures should be communicated to potential consumers to enhance their acceptance and success.
Hitchin, S.A. (author), Posnett, N.W. (author), and Land Resources Development Centre, Overseas Development Administration/Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Tolworth Tower, Surbiton, Surrey, UK; Land Resources Development Centre, Overseas Development Administration/Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Tolworth Tower, Surbiton, Surrey, UK
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1981
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 76 Document Number: C03985
Notes:
In: Agricultural information to hasten development : Proceedings of the VIth World Congress of the International Association of Agricultural Librarians and Documentalists, held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Manila, Philippines; 3-7 March 1980. Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines : Agricultural Libraries Association of the Philippines; Agricultural Information Bank of Asia, 1981. p. 32-43
The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10897
Notes:
8 pages., IAALD XIIIth World Congress., via IAALD website., Governments have been largely responsible for research and the provision of extension services in Nigeria. The emphasis has been on the transfer of technology, paying little attention to farmer development and communication needs. Recently, the high output of agricultural research has led to a large pool of new agricultural technologies, which are yet to be disseminated to farmers, particularly those in the core rural areas. Therefore this study examined development and information need of the resource poor and the strategy adopted to meet these needs, using „town crier‟ as a case study. The study identified 2 states in south west, Nigeria, based on literature/past studies, where this concept has been adopted. A focused group discussion technique and interview schedule was adopted for data collection. The study identified 141 „town criers‟ across the study areas through the help of key informants. Results shown all Town Criers are male, average age of 55.54 years and all have postsecondary education. Town Crier primarily source of information is from the traditional-head. Main information disseminated by the Town Crier bothers on security of the town and community development and projects. The study concluded that this channel rarely meets the information need of the people, as the study revealed that only 20% of such information meets these needs. Past studies have documented that information/communication channels in Nigeria such as extension institution has collapse, there is no effective communication channels in the country again. The small number of extension officers that exists, only congregate at the urban towns, leaving behind those at the rural areas. Thus, the use of town criers in this regards can be used effectively to fill this gap and can also be trained on basic extension work.
22 pages., via online journal., Identifying and communicating uncertainty is core to effective environmental
assessment (EA). This study evaluates the extent to which uncertainties are considered
and addressed in Canadian EA practice. We reviewed the environmental protection
plans, follow-up programs, and panel reports (where applicable) of 12 EAs between
1995 and 2012. The types of uncertainties and levels of disclosure varied greatly.
When uncertainties were acknowledged, practitioners adopted five different
approaches to address them. However, uncertainties were never discussed or
addressed in depth. We found a lack of suitable terminology and consistency in how
uncertainties are disclosed, reflecting the need for explicit guidance, and we present
recommendations for improvement. Canadian Environmental Impact Statements are
not as transparent with respect to uncertainties as they should be, and uncertainties in
EA need to be better considered and communicated.
Bahn, Henry M. (author / U. S. Department of Agriculture) and Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education
Format:
conference papers
Publication Date:
1997-03-04
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 133 Document Number: C20293
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, Section H; from "1997 conference papers : Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education", 13th Annual Conference, 3, 4, 5 April 1997, Arlington, Virginia
