ICT can improve African farming : computer scientist

Cameroonian computer scientist, Jacques Bonjawo, has emphasised the importance of using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to improve agriculture in Africa.

"ICT specialists can serve as relays to producers in Africa. For instance, they can provide information on pluviometry (branch of meteorology dealing with measurement of precipitation, e.g. rain) to allow farmers to plan when best to sow their crops," he said. Speaking at a symposium organised as part of the recent agriculture Trade Show in Paris, Bonjawo explained the possible use of ICTs in livestock, notably in Sahelian countries. "We can use satellite information to direct breeders towards abundant pastures as we can also tell them the available of water-points to graze their cattle," said Bonjawo, who formerly worked for Microsoft.

He underscored the possibility to ensure the Nairobi-based African Virtual University (UVA) incorporated courses in the use of ICTs to improve African agriculture. "The UVA has the necessary experience to run this type of teaching. I think the use of the ICTs to African farmers must integrate the training component," he said."We have the capacities to train specialists,"
said Bonjawo, who is chairman of the UVA governing board.