Introduction
Agriculture has a significant impact on the growth and development of economies around the world. Agriculture is important for developing countries; for this reason, farmers need new technologies to support and promote its development. This shows that research studies should be undertaken to develop approaches that can promote the sustenance of agriculture and food security. Lack of food is an indicator of the failure of policies and subjects citizens to the threat of starvation.
Nations which cannot feed their people affect the future of the population; it is a very serious matter, especially when it comes to child mortalities. Therefore, with the recent launch of telecommunications around the globe, mobile phones have become transformation tools for development. The paper seeks to outline the influence of mobile phones on developing agriculture and how they help create food security around the world.
Agricultural growth
This research will enable farmers to improve their farming techniques, which will, in turn, promote economic growth. Farmers have been dependent on the shifting seasons to grow their crops. This has caused a loss because such seasonal changes have become unpredictable making farmers constantly be afraid of droughts or floods.
Some are not aware of when to plant their seedlings since they cannot determine when the rainy season may end. Farmers, through their mobile phones, may send text messages inquiring about weather conditions of their regions so as to plant their seedlings (“Beyond Voice” par 4). In addition, mobile phones can enable farmers to access farming tips that can advance their farming practices. Through message queries, farmers get access to agricultural information, which is relevant in protecting their animals and crops from pesticides and other diseases.
Mobile phones facilitate the transmission of information from one person to another. The outbreak of numerous animal diseases has caused a negative impact on farming because many animals died. Some farmers lack sufficient knowledge regarding certain diseases, and when such outbreaks occur, they incur problems that affect production.
Therefore, through mobile services, the information will be passed to farmers in case of an outbreak (“Eureka Moments” par 6). Through communication, the farmer is able to connect with the marketing agencies that buy the goods. Agriculture involves creating a link between a seller and a buyer for an effective business. Therefore, through mobile phone services, the buyer is able to reach farmers and their products. Therefore, mobile phones can play a significant role in improving agriculture and should be endorsed to develop the economy.
However, there are risks that should not be omitted in this process. The world has witnessed a drop in phone prices whereby it is easy for one to acquire a mobile phone. This reduction in prices enables farmers to use their product returns to buy phones for easy communication with customers and agricultural officers. Services provided to farmers concerning weather forecasts, market prices, among others, may be charged at high prices, which may lead to exploitation.
High charges imposed on farmers will directly result in the costs of goods, making the products expensive. This indicates that the use of mobile phones in agriculture may lead to an increase in prices so as to enable farmers to maximize their returns. Future studies should be focused on proper mechanisms that will monitor service charges to avoid the rise in cost. Agriculture involves creating a link between a seller and a buyer for an effective business. Therefore, mobile phones will encourage food production that will create food security.
Works Cited
“Beyond Voice“. The Economist. 2009. Web.
“Eureka Moments“. The Economist. 2009. Web.