Mr. Ronald Udedi

Mr. Ronald Udedi

Author

Journalism & Media Studies

1 publications

Digital Media Practitioner of 15 years with expertise in Multimedia production.

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Rural Youth are Agriculture Information Brokers

Conference Proceeding
Published 1 year ago, 361 views
Author
Mr. Ronald Udedi
Co-authors
Mr. Ronald Udedi
Abstract
This paper is based on the results of digital information flow in Malawi and also how young people in rural towns and villages disseminate agriculture videos to farmers. The surveys were carried out in 60 rural towns and villages of 12 districts of Southern Malawi from November 2014 to September 2016.
The first question which the research was trying to find out was; How entertainment movies are distributed through the informal network, focusing on videos for mobile phones in Malawi. The second question which the research was answering is the role of tech savvy youth in distributing agricultural information to farmers.
This study uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods. We mostly collected data during interviews. The study participants were 20 farmers, 95 individuals working in burning centers, 3 Music centers, 4 Artist, 1 Education Institutes, 3 Video shows, 2 Bookstores, 2 Telecenters, 1 Prison, 2 Agro Input Shops
We found that information technology speeds up video messages to farmers and farmers easily understand the messages without the assistance of the extension workers. The youth are opinion leaders of the community when it comes to Information technology, because they are using it to earn a living and also use it to disseminate information services. Information technology removes gender barriers as women can access a message which they want. The gap between the farmer and extension workers is reduced because of Information Technology.
We conclude that these informal networks of information dissemination using information Technology by the youth can enhance development in the rural areas if properly given support
Year of Publication
2018
Proceedings Title
Agricultural innovations, information and knowledge: Catalyzing the attainment of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the African Union Agenda 2063
Page Numbers
1-8
Conference Dates
30th May to 1st June 2018
Conference Place
Pretoria, South Africa
Supporting Files
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