Improving the Transfer and Use of Agricultural Information

World Bank Discussion Paper 247.Farmers in developing countries receive much of their technical information from family and friends as well as from private and public extension programs. These programs are facing ever-growing challenges in many areas, while an information technology revolution is unfolding. Rural areas, unfortunately, are much less affected by the revolution than are urban centers. This paper argues that more investment should be made in information technology applications for agricultural development in developing countries.The author provides nonspecialists in the field with practical and easily accessible information on present and future applications of information technology in rural development. Such assistance should help to correct the growing imbalance in information, reduce poverty, increase participation, improve governance, manage natural resources, and improve opportunities for women.