| dc.description.abstract | The paramount scenario behind Sri
Lankan agriculture is that one-third of the
country's population which engages in
agriculture contributes to only 7% of the GDP.
The distribution of smaller amounts of income
among large communities increases poverty
among farmers in Sri Lanka. This limited income
shrinks further due to sudden price drops,
wastage, damages and oversupply. Various types
of ICT-based solutions have been provided to
eliminate poverty among farmers in Sri Lanka.
However, research findings and literature show
that most farmers are still suffering in poverty in
the information age with the availability of many
forms of information sources required for
farmers. Due to some issues or reasons, farmers
do not continuously use information systems and
available information systems become obsolete
within a short period due to lack of continued
use. The research explores reasons for the low
use of information and communication
technology-based agricultural information
systems among Sri Lankan farming community.
The research collected data using literature
review, questionnaires and interviews from 76
farmers in four districts of Sri Lanka. Weekly
average prices of three selected vegetables and
selling offer received for a digital classified
AgriApp was observed for one year and collected
data was analysed to identify farmers’ and
market behaviour patterns. Research findings
will help increase ICT practices in agriculture,
reduce wastage, control price fluctuation and
eliminate oversupply. It will ensure a continuous
supply of vegetables and food security to the
nation. | en_US |
