ICTs, Food Security and Small Farmers

The role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Pakistan is progressively being recognized to address food security. It bids double advantage of increasing access to information for the rural poor whereas, also helping the government to settle on the current state of affairs at a lower cost. The situation of food security of small farmers was concluded to be not much satisfactory as this result was also supported by AEPs (Agricultural Extension Professionals) response. Inflation and poor quality of food items were believed to be the main hindrances respectively by both farmer and AEP respondents. Affordability and accessibility of recommended agricultural inputs and sensitization about nutritious use of food items were claimed to be the fairly needed measures to improve situation of food security. Development of local markets and provision of paid advisory services were considered to be the fruit full measures to ensure food security. The study findings would be helpful for the researchers and AEPs to use ICTs more effectively for ensuring food security of small farmers.