E-Agriculture Strategy Guide

Published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this guide provides a framework for countries in developing their national e-agriculture strategies in alignment with agricultural goals and priorities. E-agriculture is about designing, developing, and applying innovative ways to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture. Many literatures exist on the ways in which ICTs assist in the agricultural value chain; several are outlined and examples provided within the strategy guide, which is intended for use by agriculture sector managers/leaders in ministries, departments and agencies who will manage the development of an e-agriculture strategy in close consultation with other existing and potential stakeholders in the agriculture sector. "A national approach to e-agriculture that has been developed in an inclusive manner, involving representatives of all agriculture and other stakeholders, will ensure that adequate capacity development needs are identified, awareness is raised and effective engagement of key stakeholders is achieved."

• The first part of the guide consists of 10 chapters and focuses on developing the national e-agriculture vision. Chapter 1 gives an overview of e-agriculture, the elements of a national e-agriculture vision, and the method of developing it. Chapters 2-3 describe how to manage the vision process and work with stakeholders, and chapters 4-9 provide a detailed guide to gathering and analysing information, as well as preparing a draft vision and strategic recommendations. Chapter 10 provides guidelines on constructing and refining the e-agriculture vision and strategic recommendations.
• Part 2 of the guide contains 4 chapters and deals with developing an e-agriculture action plan based on the e-agriculture vision developed in part 1. Chapter 1 deals with the need for developing a national e-agriculture action plan; chapter 2 gives the steps involved in develop e-agriculture outputs and activities; chapter 3 deals with developing an integrated action plan; and chapter 4 assists with defining the implementation phases.
• Part 3 provides guidance on establishing a national monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework. The introduction summarises the outputs of Part 2 and how these relate to M&E. Chapters 1-2 cover the elements of an M&E framework and the method by which the framework is developed. Chapters 3-5 provide detailed guidance on defining a national M&E framework.
• Annexes at the end of many of the chapters provide tools and templates for completing the activities suggested within each chapter. Annex B has a list of example ICT innovations in agriculture and rural development.

"In dynamic and cross-sectoral areas such as ICT and agriculture, it is important that a periodic review of the strategy is undertaken to keep up with the changing demands, emerging goals and new technologies."