Digital green contributes a lot in empowering smallholder farmers thereby to lift them out of poverty via harnessing the collective power of technology and partnerships, so disclosed scholars.
Scientist Menale Kassie, at International Centre of Insect Physiological and Ecology said that digital green began as a research project at Microsoft and became a first non-profit spin-off in 2008.
Center’s work focuses on smallholder farming communities across India and Ethiopia and other parts of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
As to him, to produce and disseminate videos on agriculture practices the centre trains frontline workers who are instrumental in deepening the awareness of smallholder farmers. We develop scalable and cost-effective technologies to increase smallholder farmers’ income, he said
“Community videos are instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of the extension system. Digital green, through means of video production, video screening and follow up with farmers, community members and data collection, has a responsibility shoulder on the government partners at woreda and kebele levels,” he added.
He stated that government partners must display feelings of ownership of the day-to-day implementation of digital green program. The video production, dissemination and data management must be acknowledged by functionaries and leadership at local levels.
He indicated that the videos will bring about change in behavior and demand for inputs in the activities of producing vegetable seeds, fertilizers, chicken and technical support. This needs high attention and proactive action on the accessibility, affordability and periodic follow up of production practices.
As to him, efficient coordination is a must between implementing parties at various levels in the digital green program. Video production, dissemination and data management are the utmost tools to campaign in agricultural movement.
The Ethiopian Herald January 12, 2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
