In the agricultural world, knowledge is power. For smallholder farmers, access to reliable, practical information can mean the difference between subsistence and sustainability. However, traditional methods of agricultural extension often struggle to reach remote communities. That’s where technology and innovation step in, as demonstrated by two impactful projects: a study from Uganda highlighting the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in farming education and illuminAid’s Video Education Workshop in Honduras.
Lessons from Uganda
A study in Uganda evaluated the impact of ICT tools, including videos, on maize farmers’ knowledge, practices and yields. Farmers shown short, targeted videos on best practices in maize cultivation saw a 10.5% yield increase. These videos not only bridged literacy gaps but also made complex agricultural concepts accessible. However, additional tools like interactive voice response (IVR) and Short Message Service (SMS) reminders had limited success due to low engagement. This underscores the unique effectiveness of video as a medium for agricultural education.
illuminAid in Honduras: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration
Building on the power of video, illuminAid hosted a four-day Video Education Workshop in Honduras for Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) and its partners. This initiative, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Transforming Market Systems (TMS) activity, trained participants in video production, editing and dissemination. The workshop equipped attendees with tools such as cameras, projectors and solar kits to ensure accessibility in off-grid locations.
Participants produced two videos during the workshop: one on compost production and another on fertilizer creation and utilization. These initial outputs mark the beginning of a larger project — a series of 10 agriculture-focused videos that will be shared with local farming communities. Topics will range from coffee farming and soil management to wet milling, directly addressing the needs of Honduras’s coffee sector and other critical areas of agriculture.
Bridging Gaps in Education
illuminAid’s model, much like the Ugandan study, focuses on reaching farmers often excluded from traditional group-based training. These include women, smallholders and those in remote areas who lack access to ongoing education. By partnering with ACDI/VOCA, illuminAid ensures that the videos are not just informative but also culturally relevant and grounded in local agricultural challenges.
Beyond Training: Measuring Impact
What sets illuminAid apart is its commitment to sustainability and impact measurement. The organization will work with ACDI/VOCA to oversee video production and evaluate their effectiveness in the field. This approach ensures that the resources are not only delivered but also lead to tangible improvements in farmers’ knowledge and livelihoods.
The Power of Video
From Uganda to Honduras, video is proving to be vital for agricultural extension efforts. By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, projects like those from illuminAid and ACDI/VOCA are empowering farming communities with the tools they need to thrive.
In the end, these efforts help create resilient, informed communities capable of transforming their own futures. And with initiatives like these, the seeds of change are being sown.
