Abstract
In this chapter, the research theme is focused on the relationship between small farmers and information and communication technologies (ICT). Although there are other previous works that have already analyzed this same relationship, the authors believe that access to information remains a major challenge for farmers. With the application of workshops on agricultural practices of maize, in communities of Oaxaca and Veracruz, they learned about the practices of farmers around the production cycle and applied a survey to find out their opinion regarding the use of ICT. In addition, they used a specialized database to complement the workshops objectives. Next, in collaboration between researchers in the areas of biology and computing, they developed a web platform for access and use of information related to the variables of interest to farmers. Among the main results, they highlight that the community prefers to use cell phones to access such information and that the older generations are looking to transmit experiences and knowledge to the young with the aim of conserving ancestral knowledge.
TopBackground
Extensionism, a term defined by the OECD (2011) as the service provided by staff of education and research institutions, aims to facilitate access to knowledge, information, and technologies for different audiences. Among these audiences are producers, rural economic groups and organizations, and actors in the agricultural, fisheries and aquaculture sector, as it currently occurs in Mexico.
The essential components of extensionism are communication for development and innovation, technology transfer using information and communication technologies, education and training of key actors, and technical support (Cadena Iñiguez et al., 2018).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Seasonal Agriculture: It is agriculture in open spaces, which depends on residual humidity and rainfall for the development of the crop. These areas are not susceptible to irrigation technology. In Mexico, 80% of the agricultural production is under these conditions.
Traditional Knowledge: It is the wisdom, attitude, and practices that are developed in a place or region according to the predominant culture. It is important to value and rescue it in order to transmit it to new generations.
Usability: It is a collection of techniques aimed at facilitating the interaction between users and software products.
Small Farmers: Agricultural producers that are characterized by having a recuded sowing area up to 2Ha. Their parcels are generally distributed in areas of slope or difficult access and they are people with low economic resources and little or no schooling.
Interdisciplinary Work: Field of study that crosses the traditional boundaries between various academic disciplines which implies consensus on different priorities, thinking styles, and ethical values.
Native Maize: They are varieties of maize that are given in each locality, also called criollo maize. These maizes have developed appropriate characteristics to the environment where they grow, therefore, they can hardly grow well in places outside the region.
Data Science: It is a general method that combines theories and techniques from databases, mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, and information visualization, with the purpose of analyzing data to obtain patterns that generate insights and novel knowledge.