Identifying Information and Communication Technology Use Capacity Needs of Extension Networks

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to address critical considerations within rural advisory service (RAS) networks, specifically, getting the right information to audiences in a timely and appropriate manner. ICTs are technologies that facilitate knowledge and information sharing. For RAS networks, ICTs can be an important tool to ensure that both explicit and tacit information is shared with network members with the anticipated benefit of increased capacity of the network. Although the importance of ICTs are well documented within the literature, there are limited guidelines for what specific network capacities in ICT use are needed to better provide support for RAS providers to fulfill their responsibilities. Using the Delphi process, a panel of 31 experts from 24 countries arrived at consensus on 51 specific ICT use capacities associated with effective RAS networks. The results of the research provide a practical framework for RAS providers and networks to develop ICT use related capacity building and tactical planning activities. Keywords: Information Communication Technology (ICT); ICT use; Delphi; evaluation; capacity assessment

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“…Since this technique is most often used to make population estimates (Baker et al, 2013), it was deemed as the most ideal sampling method to meet the objectives of the study. Limitations associated with nonprobability opt-in sampling include introducing bias from under coverage and nonresponse (Lamm & Lamm, 2019). In addition, selection bias also can occur based on the type of person that would opt-in to complete a survey online (Lamm & Lamm, 2019).…”

“…Limitations associated with nonprobability opt-in sampling include introducing bias from under coverage and nonresponse (Lamm & Lamm, 2019). In addition, selection bias also can occur based on the type of person that would opt-in to complete a survey online (Lamm & Lamm, 2019). However, research has shown "nonprobability samples have yielded results that are as good as, or even better than, probability-based samples when appropriate techniques are employed to overcome its limitation" (Lamm & Lamm, 2019, p. 55).…”

Information and Communication Technology Use Capacity Within Extension Networks: Development and Preliminary Validation of an Empirical Scale

“…Access to information is a critical factor in socio-economic transformation (Asenso-Okyere & Mekonnen 2012). However, failure to link innovative agricultural research to farming communities significantly affects global agricultural development (Davis & Sulaiman, 2014;Lamm et al, 2019;Maningas, 2006). Agricultural sectors in the global South consist primarily of smallholder farmers with limited access to infrastructure and information.…”

“…Modern ICTs facilitate efficient information transfer and increase decision-making capacity (Ekbia & Evans, 2009;Narine et al, 2019a) by reducing the cost of communicating information on a large scale, not always possible through traditional interpersonal communication channels (Aker et al, 2016). Effective ICT use provides critical connections between farming communities in the global South and emerging research (Aarts et al, 2014;Lamm et al, 2019;Swanson & Rajalahti, 2010). For international extension networks, there is a demonstrated need to evaluate network capacities for ICT development and implementation (Lamm et al, 2019).…”

“…Effective ICT use provides critical connections between farming communities in the global South and emerging research (Aarts et al, 2014;Lamm et al, 2019;Swanson & Rajalahti, 2010). For international extension networks, there is a demonstrated need to evaluate network capacities for ICT development and implementation (Lamm et al, 2019).…”