E-Agriculture Platform

Abstract

The study examined accessibility and effect of e-agriculture on the livelihoods of the farming households using quantitative methodology. Farmers that have used e-agriculture components in their livelihoods were interviewed. Results showed that users had a great access to e-agriculture components and it has a positive effect. Access to e-agriculture platform increases market coverage for the sales, thereby doubling their income. The e-wallet was used to purchase inputs directly from companies and deposit money via e-transaction. The e-agriculture platform facilitates easy and fast communication with extension agents and fellow farmers. In order to operate the platform effectively, poor electric power supply and network connectivity must be resolved. The concept of e-agriculture aids the transformation of agriculture production by providing a platform to obtain information and market links to dispose produces which prevent postharvest losses and enhance profit margin. The impact of e-agriculture in the livelihoods of rural people, largely depends on their accessibility to the platform.