A Review of Information Dissemination System on Small-Holder Farmers: Role and Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/ajcst-2026.15.1.4430Keywords:
Smallholder Farmers, Information Dissemination Systems, Digital Literacy, Agricultural Productivity, ICT InfrastructureAbstract
Small-scale farmers are central to rural economies and sustainable agriculture, contributing to community development, food security, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge. However, many smallholder farmers struggle to access real-time agricultural information across the pre-planting to post-harvest stages. Traditional channels such as radio, television, and extension services often fail to deliver timely and context-specific guidance. Digital information systems also face limitations due to low digital literacy, limited ICT skills, high data costs, and inadequate internet and electricity access in rural areas. This study systematically reviews information dissemination systems (IDSs) to examine their role in supporting smallholder farmers and the barriers that hinder effective information flow. Relevant literature from 2020 to 2024 was analyzed to understand farmers’ information needs and the challenges affecting their productivity. Findings reveal that smallholder farmers contribute significantly to national food production, yet language barriers, technical complexities of ICT tools, poor network coverage, limited electricity, high costs, and a lack of localized content reduce the effectiveness of IDSs. Many systems also function as one-way communication channels, offering minimal opportunities for interaction or feedback. The study concludes that strengthening IDSs through ICT literacy training, user-friendly platforms in local languages, and improved rural digital infrastructure is essential to enhance information access and boost agricultural productivity.
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