ICT Tools in Agriculture Training Course (2026)

Course Overview
As agriculture becomes increasingly knowledge-intensive and technology-driven, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)—particularly mobile tools—has transformed how extension services are delivered, accessed, and utilized. These digital innovations provide timely, targeted, and cost-effective solutions to longstanding challenges in rural advisory services, such as limited reach, weak feedback mechanisms, and lack of localized content.
This course empowers agricultural professionals to harness ICTs and mobile tools to enhance extension delivery, farmer engagement, and information flow. It introduces participants to a wide range of digital solutions including SMS-based advisories, mobile applications, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, GIS tools, e-extension platforms, and social media for agricultural outreach. The course also explores the principles of content development for digital platforms and the integration of ICTs into broader agricultural knowledge systems.
Through practical exercises, real-world case studies, and collaborative group work, participants will learn how to select, adapt, and implement ICT tools that are inclusive, scalable, and aligned with farmer needs. The course emphasizes the use of mobile technology not only for information dissemination but also for data collection, decision support, and two-way communication that enhances accountability, feedback, and innovation in agricultural extension systems.
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Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the role and potential of ICT and mobile tools in transforming agricultural extension.
•Identify, evaluate, and implement appropriate ICT tools for different extension contexts.
•Develop engaging, farmer-friendly digital content tailored to various platforms.
•Use mobile technology for real-time data collection, feedback, and monitoring.
•Design inclusive and gender-sensitive ICT-based extension strategies.
•Integrate ICT solutions into institutional extension programs and policies.
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Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
•Agricultural extension and rural advisory service providers
•ICT4Ag and digital agriculture professionals
•Development program and project managers
•Government and NGO staff working in agriculture and food systems
•Agribusiness advisors, farmer organization leaders, and field officers
•Researchers and educators developing or supporting digital outreach
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Training Methodology
•Demonstrations of ICT tools and mobile applications
•Interactive sessions with expert facilitators and digital solution providers
•Group work on digital content design and ICT strategy development
•Case studies of successful ICT-enabled extension models
•Hands-on practice using mobile data collection and advisory platforms
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Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
•Gain practical skills in applying ICT and mobile tools in extension services
•Strengthen their capacity to design digital strategies that enhance outreach and engagement
•Improve information flow between extension providers and farmers
•Enhance data-driven decision-making and real-time advisory services
•Develop an action plan to implement or scale up ICT solutions in their institutions or projects