ICT in Agriculture and Food Security

 Information Communications Technology (ICT)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is a broader term for Information Technology (IT), which refers to all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middle ware, video-conferencing, social networking, and other media applications and services enabling users to access, retrieve, store, transmit, and manipulate information in a digital form.

ICT is also used to refer to the convergence of media technology such as audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks, by means of a unified system of cabling (including signal distribution and management) or link system. However, there is no universally accepted definition of ICT considering that the concepts, methods and tools involved in ICT is steadily evolving on an almost daily basis.

ICT in Agriculture and Food Security

Through ICT, farmers and agricultural producers can more easily access relevant and timely information—from the acquisition of quality seeds, credit and insurance, water supply for irrigation, to livestock care and market prices. ADB’s efforts in this area help create and spread agricultural knowledge, disseminate up-to-date technology, facilitate trainings, and connect rural enterprises to markets.

Featured ICT-related Projects in the Agriculture Sector

River Basin Water Resources Management and Development, This TA aims to improve transparency and efficiency of the public procurement system.

Some of its activities include: (i) review and assess existing hardware and software elements of data collection and transfer; (ii) design means of transferring existing data into new databases; and (ii) select GIS software and formulate structure for an inventory of water and related natural resources.

Applying Remote Sensing Technology in River Basin Management

This TA aims to improve river basin management including flood risk management using SBT and ICT in target countries. The project’s specific agenda include: (i) developing application methodology on space based technology (SBT) and information communication technology (ICT) for water-related disaster management; (ii) developing strategies and programs for water-related disaster mitigation applying SBT and ICT; and (iii) developing capacity for SBT and