4.2.1. Farmer Capacity

The most sophisticated AGI initiatives may be ineffective if target users are unable to access or utilise the information. Various socio-economic factors potentially limit accessibility for smallholder farmers, e.g., the level of disposable income required to acquire and/or access technologies like the internet, computers, smartphones, or televisions. Even relatively low-cost technologies like mobile phones may be inaccessible for many individuals, particularly in developing nations [83]. Consequently, poorer farmers are disadvantaged with increased difficulty in accessing AGI, despite often being the most in need. With reference to increasing participation in CROPROTECT, Bruce [62] described a lessening of digital divides in recent years, but poorer minorities still may lack access to ICTs. Communication technologies for enhancing knowledge access are often most beneficial for younger and more highly educated individuals [49]. Conversely, Bojovic et al. [84] demonstrated a weakening of digital divides for online participation in climate adaptation with groups that are typically excluded appearing as active participants (e.g., older or uneducated individuals). The contrasting ability of geographic information and ICTs to disproportionately benefit those who have access could be exacerbated if existing socioeconomic divisions within and across communities become greater [85].

One measure to increase farmer capacity is to incorporate local and additional languages in AGI initiatives, to ensure the usefulness of information and geographic information reach to maximise farmers benefitted. Information services provided only in English, for example, reduce the capacity of farmers who have first/only language to access the information. Producing and providing content in local languages facilitates comprehension and immediate connection with the local community (see Digital Green; [63]). However, using a local language alone reduces opportunities to expand platform use into other populations/geographical areas. Provision of information in both local/regional and national/international languages increases the probability of meeting a target user's preference [59]. Projects incorporating detailed information in multiple languages relevant to the scale of operation, including regional and local dialects (e.g., Airtel Kilimo, Jayalaxmi Agro Tech, and Digital Green) are likely to exhibit improved information dissemination and utilisation.
