Effect of ICT on agricultural production: a Sri Lankan case study

Abstract

Agriculture sector is an important determinant in Sri Lankan economy. Changing world creates a new learning requirement for farmers. In order to improve agricultural extension service of Sri Lanka, new ventures are warranted, especially for quick and cheaper methods to disseminate knowledge. According to global experience Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the important tools which can be employed to achieve this task. This study is carried out to identify the existing usage of ICT among Sri Lankan farmers, reveal effect of existing ICT for agricultural livelihood, and further to understand constraints of using ICT.The study was conducted in Ridibendi-ela, Magalla major irrigation scheme in Kurunagala district, Sri Lanka which has been rehabilitated under Pro-Poor Economic Advancement and Community Enhancement Project (PEACE). Purposively selected 100 farmers were subjected to the investigation. Pre-tested questionnaire and secondary data were used for the study. According to results, most of the farmers prefer to get information through conventional sources than using ICT. Among ICT tools, television, CDs and DVDs, print media and mobile phones were used. Most of the farmers used ICT tools to obtain information on pests and diseases control, agro chemicals, and new cultivation methods. Further, results indicate that there is a significant effect on improvement of farmers' knowledge to reduce pests and diseases. However, very few farmers used ICT to obtain market information. Farmer awareness on government ICT initiatives such as 1920, Nenasala was very low. But among users there was a positive attitude on 1920, but in contrast attitude on Nenasala was poor. Time limitation, low awareness, negative attitudes, poor technical skills to handle new ICT tools were the major constraints in using ICT in the area.