A Cluster-Based Information Dissemination System for Rural Agrarian Communities.

Abstract:

Timely dissemination of agricultural information to farmers in rural, resource-constrained areas of sub-Saharan Africa remains a major challenge. This study developed an Information Dissemination Model (IDM) that leverages web and mobile technologies to deliver timely agricultural information to rice farmers. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining data from government and research websites, structured questionnaires, and interviews with extension workers and 67 rice farmers in Ede North Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using Open Data Kit and analyzed with Google Form Sheets. The IDM integrated multiple data sources using Graph-Relational Object Queries and applied K-Means clustering to categorize information into key production topics. Implemented as an Android-based web application using Java, NextJs, and Tailwind CSS, the system enabled push notifications from extension agents. Usability evaluation indicated high performance in stability, usability, and assurance, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in enhancing timely delivery of agricultural information to farmers.