Analysis Of Information Systems Case study in Bomet County, Kenya

Post harvest management of cereal crops is a major concern for smallholder farmers in developing countries. A number of these countries lose between 30 and 40 per cent of cereals harvest due to inefficiencies in handling and are faced with threats of Aflatoxin due lack of timely and relevant information and knowledge on post harvest management of cereal crops. Decision-making by smallholder farmers is complicated by inappropriate and inefficient information transfer from research and extension services. Additionally, low literacy levels among these smallholder farmers usually prevent farmers from using agricultural information effectively. New developments in ICTs offer possible solutions to these problems and thus the need for carrying out this study. This study used agricultural information theory to analyze the existing Agricultural information systems on post harvest management of cereal crops among smallholder farmers in Bomet County, Kenya. Results revealed that 61% of smallholder farmers reported extension agents as source of agricultural information, 48% from mass media and 1 % from public research institutions and Universities .