The use of computing techniques to support agricultural extension in rural development

Abstract

The paper outlines the studies (and the resulting field system) carried out in eight countries by International Computers, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and Agricultural Computer Systems International Limited within their joint SCAPA project into the general role computers might play in the extension function. For those unfamiliar with agriculture, the extension service is the linchpin of innovation, responsible for the provision of management, advice and monitoring by agricultural ministries, aid agencies and co‐operatives to large populations of smallholders. The paper relates the studies in Kenya and Malaysia to the World Bank's Benor extension system, to the SCAPA system as since implemented and to pilot experience with and the requirements of one major development authority, RISDA (The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority of Malaysia) which is responsible for 400,000 smallholders and a quarter of the world's rubber production.

SCAPA (System for Computer‐aided Agricultural Planning and Action) started as a project set up by ICL Research Division and University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 1978 to examine what contribution computing could make in this field of application. It has involved an interesting and unusual mix of computing and operational research specialists and those from various agricultural backgrounds, ranging from researchers to people with twenty or more years of field experience as agricultural or administrative officers in developing countries. Their proposals have benefited greatly from inputs and criticism from ODA and the World Bank, from development institutes, consultancies and universities in the UK and overseas, and in particular from visits and detailed studies with development authorities in several countries.

The proposals were evaluated and implemented on ICL computers as a software package for development authorities which was subjected to a pilot scheme with RISDA and was made generally available in 1984.