The Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS) in the Dissemination of Agricultural Information to Stakeholders: The Ghana Agricultural Information Network System (GAINS) Experience

Abstract

In Ghana, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and is vital to the overall economic growth and development as it is a source of livelihood for a great majority of the population. An important vehicle for increasing agricultural productivity is the provision of relevant and current agricultural information on time and in the right format to stakeholders. This paper presents the role that the Ghana Agricultural Information Network System (GAINS)
has played in disseminating agricultural information to stakeholders using ICT tools such as websites, e-mail facilities, fax, phone (mobile and landline), radio and other wireless technologies, Web2.0 tools, CD-ROMs, and DVDs. Information for the paper was collected through the use of desk research. The use of leTs in disseminating agricultural information is key to national development and efforts should be made to encourage its usage by
agricultural stakeholders.