Title: Enhancing communications in developing countries using SMS technology: the case of agricultural value chains in Cambodia

Authors: Robert Fitzgerald, John Spriggs, Nou Keosothea

Addresses: Australian Institute for Sustainable Communities, Faculty of Education, University of Canberra, 2600 ACT, Australia. ' Australian Institute for Sustainable Communities, Faculty of Education, University of Canberra, 2600 ACT, Australia. ' Australian Institute for Sustainable Communities, Faculty of Education, University of Canberra, 2600 ACT, Australia

Abstract: This paper reports on a pilot project that was undertaken in 2006 to develop the use of SMS technology to enhance communication in agricultural value chains in Cambodia. The project worked closely with farmers, traders, silo managers and Ministry of Commerce officials to develop an electronic marketing communication system (EMCS) based on text messaging. The EMCS demonstrated a successful proof-of-concept and showed SMS as a robust and cost-effective technology. Future projects will explore the wider scale implementation of this SMS system in Cambodia and address the broader issues of cost, training and user literacy levels.

Keywords: Cambodia; SMS; mobile phones; cell phones; agriculture value chains; farmers; information technology; communications technology; ICT; communication; short message service; electronic marketing; e-marketing; text messaging.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2010.031649

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2010 Vol.20 No.1, pp.72 - 83

Published online: 16 Feb 2010 *

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