Abstract:
Semonkong smallholder farmers' communication networks (telephone, television, radio, road,
and internet) connect farmers to agricultural production and marketing in rural Lesotho. This
study aimed to assess the role of communication networks in the production and marketing of
potatoes among smallholder farmers in Semonkong, Lesotho. A mixed-method research design
that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods is used. The study's research
questions concentrated on the "how" and "what" of communication networks' effects on
agricultural output. The research objectives include an examination of the role of
communication networks in promoting agricultural production and marketing of farm produce,
examination of how smallholder farmers access and use marketing technology in promoting
farm produce in rural Lesotho, and to assessment of challenges that farmers face when
attempting to access agriculture information in rural LesothoThe study's findings indicated that farmers with more expertise are far more likely to adopt
agricultural practices that will boost their yield and enable them to participate in marketplaces.
The research, therefore, suggests that the government of Lesotho increase its investment in the
construction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. According to
the literature, most farmers are hampered in accessing and disseminating agricultural
information due to poor infrastructure, resulting in decreased potato yield and productivity.
The results also show that extension staff provide the vast bulk of information delivery to
farmers, accumulating educational skills, extension tools, and communication tools, farmers
gain from communication networks. However, there are not enough extension agents working
in the current environment to provide farmers with new technology. Information is been shared
with many stakeholders involved in agricultural activities using information and
communication technology (ICT) techniques.
It can be concluded that access to relevant information and knowledge is very important to
improve agricultural performances and livelihoods in rural areas, especially in African
countries. Agriculture-related innovations will change the way smallholder farmers practice,
do business, and access advisory agricultural information. According to the reviewed literature,
efforts to develop enabling policies that guide and support the use of ICT-related technologies
must be strengthened
