Farmers’ Requirements in an Artificial Intelligent System for Diagnosis of Maize Diseases in Kenya

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the following: commonly used sources of agricultural diagnostic information by maize farmers, content of information which farmers would like to receive for full satisfaction on diagnostics, formats and form farmers prefer to receive the information and ICT tools, channels and features which farmers have high self- efficiency. These aspects were vital for developing of an artificial intelligent system for agricultural diagnostics. The study was conducted in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya where population targeted was maize farmers. A case study design was used in Uasin Gishu County.A case of maize diagnostics formed the representative area and crop for farmers in Kenya. Ninety (90) farmers were interviewed, Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data using SPSS version 16. The study findings revealed that farmers gathered information mostly from extension officers, agro vet shops, from themselves, from internet, radio, televisions and mobile phones. Farmers preferred to access full information on pests and diseases regarding their scientific and common names, symptoms, management options and prescription, and where to purchase the prescription. It was therefore desirable to develop a system with a system manager to search, collect and input new diseases and pests diagnostics information. Information on the disease diagnostics is to be included in the system development. The final information content delivered by the system must be in a printable format and which must be accessible to farmers through Webpage and internet based application using mobile phones and computers as ICT tools.