ICTs as Enablers in the Adaptation of PGS: A Participatory System for Socio-Economic Empowerment of Rural Smallholder Farmers in Adamawa

ICTs are presented as enablers in an adaptation of PGS for socio-economic empowerment of rural smallholder farmers in the village of Bura Lamja in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A consensus exists in international development that ICTs can contribute to the development of rural poor provided the targeted communities actively participate in such development efforts. Furthermore, communication, knowledge sharing, and respect for diversity are critical determinants of the success of socio-economic change. Development initiatives targeting the rural poor should create an enabling environment for stakeholder ownership and active participation. The communities must make a meaningful contribution in conceiving and nurturing such initiatives. ICTs are deployed here not as direct solutions to social inequalities but as catalysts supporting communication processes that empower the Bura Lamja community to actively engage change and build the capacity needed to improve their livelihoods in a sustainable way.