Advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly mobile phones, in developing countries has created new opportunities for improving knowledge and information sharing among farmer communities. Farmer to farmer videos are seen as social change tools that enhance knowledge sharing among multilingual communities. Mobile phones noted to deliver content through text, voice messages, and multimedia, have sparked numerous innovative initiatives aimed at supporting farmers in rural areas to access knowledge.
The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) through Mukono ZARDI embarked on providing participants with ICT skills to promote climate change adaptation practices as part of a project titled “Integrating climate resilience into agricultural and pastoral production in Uganda”. The week long training comprised of selected Farmer Field School (FFS) representatives, extension staff, and staff of CARITAS. The training focused on enhancing video production and dissemination skills by enabling participants to gain knowledge in messages development, handling of video equipment, shooting, editing and sharing of videos using online platforms
According to Mr. Sam Matovu a farmer from Friends of environment FFS group-Kikyusa, “I appreciate the trainers for giving us these skills, I hope to use it to capture own videos and share with other farmers.”
Hajati Halima Yasin, a farmer from Mirembe Poultry FFS group in Kikyusa, noted, “I learnt how to capture and edit videos and can now share information on climate adaptation with fellow farmers.”
Mr. Sekanjako, CARITAS Luwero project Coordinator, ‘The training approach has been very good and I appreciate the NARO-MUZARDI facilitators as every member has grasped something”. He urged participants to practice what they had learnt.
The trainees are expected to train fellow members in the Farmers Field Schools so that they can integrate the digital tools in their information dissemination channels.