As part of a collaboration between the University of London and AfricaSeeds, a study was conducted from May 18 to June 20, 2015. The study explored the
role of information and communication technologies (ICT), particularly the mobile telephony, in the sustainable development of the rice seed sector in Côte d’Ivoire.
Timely access to information is crucial to a harmonious development of a sector. However, several other factors play a role in the establishment of an enabling environment for all stakeholders involved. For this reason, it is essential to define the conditions in which information access is a priority. In addition, the study clearly defined the actors in order to best meet the needs of all stakeholders.
For the above reasons, the study has been an opportunity to interact with different categories of actors. Categories included public institutions, the private sector, the civil society, producer organizations and farmers. Similarly, discussions were held with actors in the information technology and communication sector at the public and the private level.
As a result, the study will form the basis for in-depth discussions around information flow about rice seed. Eventually, it will allow to better assess the contribution of ICT in sustainable development of the seed sector.
