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M-learning for Promoting Advancements in Agriculture: An Innovative Educational Model for Ethiopian Farmers

. Vikrant Shaga, Sayyad Samee, Abhishek Kumar, K. Vengatesan, V.D. Ambeth Kumar


Abstract

ICT is bridging the gap for most of the farmers all over the world. The agriculture sector provides not only employment opportunities but also, it’s a very important source of livelihood for farmers. ICT and Agriculture is an important combination nowadays for any country. Rapidly changing in the technologies opened a wide scope in the agriculture sector. Smart farming, Weather prediction, Satellite imaging, Vertical farming, Use of Drones and many other farm automation technologies fascinated for effective farming. It has been observed that farmers in various regions of Ethiopia are unaware of the latest emerging trends and technologies for effective agriculture processes. Apart from that, farmers are suffering economically and socially due to illiteracy. Some of the other challenges include lack of market knowledge, unpredictable climatic conditions, lack of enhanced  practices and lack of crop disease knowledge. Learning comprises of knowledge acquisition, knowledge management, and knowledge augmentation. The learning contents include crop cultivation, use of pesticides, water management, harvesting and so on. An appropriate farming knowledge base is required for better functioning and future predictions. Based on the knowledge base, Mobile learning will provide innovative services, reduces the time, improves efficiency and increase the sustainability for farmers and other agriculture stakeholders for a longer period. This research will propose an educational model for all the farmers to learn and expose the latest technologies in agriculture as well as peer to peer interaction for solving critical issues while farming. In context to the same, we are also focusing on eliminating the language problem for understanding better farming practices. The implementation will improve agricultural productivity and hence, the economy. 
 

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