Transformative Power of Innovative ICTs in Media for Agriculture

Organised by: CTA

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Mass media are powerful tools that help address some fundamental challenges of contemporary agriculture. The tremendous development of ICTs has been radically transforming the ACP mass media landscape. Not only mainstream media are affected in their strategies and operations, but community media finds a renewed potential to continue developing; new media (including social media) and new forms of journalism (citizen journalism) have emerged and are thriving. This session will showcase how CAADP Journalists Network has been using ICTs, including Google and Google products get improved insights into, and cover, agricultural issues. Through a case study from Uganda, participants will appreciate how a multimedia centre links to community radio and mobile phone better to inform farmers and allow them to share best practices at a much larger scale. The vital importance of regular and proper ICT-based media monitoring is highlighted in a contribution from the Caribbean. They allow for easier, instantaneous and more cost-effective access to of newspaper and media monitoring. Finally, a Southern African case demonstrates how mass media use ICTs to contribute to more effective climate change adaptation policies and practices regarding land use planning and risk management.