Goodluck is a 35 year old progressive farmer. He starts his day early checking his smartphone for the latest news on the weather, the crops he grows and on any policy developments that may concern his business and the cooperative he is a member of.

As he is about to start work, he remembers that he wanted to see if he could find any information on a new pest he heard about yesterday on the radio. He will link up with his input provider, Kahilu, later today to discuss possible solutions and sends him a quick SMS to confirm the meeting. A firm believer in getting a second opinion, he reminds himself that he should also get in touch with the Farmers’ helpline.

After running a quick digital scan of his cows and sending the data to the national disease surveillance system, he checks the commodity prices at the nearby market before logging onto Facebook to see if there is anything new from the farmers’ federation which represents his interests in the region.

ICTs are among the most effective drivers of agricultural growth and transformation in ACP countries. In this context, the international conference ‘ict4ag’ will be a key milestone in promoting the application of ICTs in the agricultural sector and will place a particular emphasis on value chains, advocacy and policy development.

• This high-level event will be an unparalleled learning and networking opportunity where delegates can:
• Exchange ideas on solutions to the key challenges facing the widespread use of ICT in agriculture in ACP countries
• Share experiences and lessons learned and connect with existing communities of practice
• Review cutting-edge research and the latest technological developments
• Examine approaches to and methods best suited for measuring the impact of ICT4D projects
• Strategise on how to ensure greater appropriation of ICTs by women and youth for them to play an active role in the domains of advocacy and agriculture value chain development.
• Get inspired by the innovations taking place in agriculture and rural development
• Foster relationships which could lead to future entrepreneurial partnerships

ICT4Ag is cohosted by The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI). It is co-organised by an impressive array of partners listed below.