An ICT framework to enhance food security in rural communities of Uganda

Abstract

In the past decade, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has increasingly shown great potential in supporting developmental initiatives. It was against such background that the researcher set to establish the best and preferred Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) that could address the food insecurity situation in rural communities of Uganda. Food insecurity is a daunting situation with enormous problems and when not addressed leads to massive deaths. This is why the study focused on the use of ICT in solving such an important community concern. The study was an action research carried out in a rural community setting. With the use of questionnaires, interviews and group discussions the collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics which brought forth the findings herein. Findings revealed that the present media was characterized of old communication channels like; local radios, workshops and face to face. However, these channels were not fully utilized in promoting food security in rural communities. On administering the research, the rural communities welcomed the concept of ICT usage to enhance food security. For rural communities to benefit from the communication industry new ICTs have to be integrated with the existing communication media. Below are the recommended old communication channels and the new ICTs (local community radios, workshops, computer (print-outs), mobile phones and internet). The new proposed ICTs included; internet with 39.0% preference and mobile phone with 5.1% preference. For the old communication channels, local radios and workshops were still preferred. The major concern expressed by the rural communities was the need for government and donor support in harnessing ICT for development.