Use of information technology in South African agriculture

Rapid developments in information technology have exposed South African farmers to the potential benefits of using these technologies in farm decision-making. Use of computers on South African commercial farms is increasing, with three studies showing adoption rates of 48 percent (1993), 64 percent (1996) and 72 percent (1998). About 38 percent of computer users in a 1998 survey of commercial maize farmers had access to the Internet. Spreadsheets and financial management software are popular amongst commercial farmers, while use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are being used more widely in South African agriculture. Small-scale farmers in developing areas rely mainly on government and private industry extension services for farm information