ICTS And Rural Livelihoods

How can information and communication technologies (ICTs) contribute to the livelihoods of rural farmers? This book examines the question by analysing the role of information and information handling technologies in rural livelihoods by adopting a Sustainable Livelihood model. Using an interpretive case study approach to an ICT-led initiative – the Eastern Corridor Agro-Market Information Centre (ECAMIC) project in Ghana – the study provides evidence of the positive role of ICTs in strengthening livelihoods of rural farmers. The study shows that among farmers who participated in the ECAMIC project, ICTs facilitate access to useful information which improved their human, social and financial capitals more than their natural and physical capitals. Furthermore, ICTs supports efficient communication between the farmers, markets, service providers, and policy makers; it strengthens linkages between stakeholders, creates transparency among market stakeholders and helped develop institutional and individual capacities which contribute to the reduction of farmers vulnerabilities. However, the study highlights some limitations and proposes suggestions for further research.