- Level-III

Module Title: - Applying Digital

Technology in Agriculture
Instructor Name Benyas Y. And Keralem
M.
 LO
#1 :Understand the
Concept of digital
technology

LO#2: Apply
content Digital
technologies
among rural

LO #3: Recording
and documenting
 LO #1 Understand the Concept of digital
technology
1.1 Understanding digital technologies
 What is digital technology?
 Digital technology is a term that covers electronic tools, devices, and systems that
process, store, and transmit data. Digital technologies are electronic systems and
resources that help us learn, communicate, play and more. When we use digital
technology, the main thing we need is infrastructure internet, such as the added
computer, smart phone, tablet, GPS, web browser. Generally, Digital Agriculture
(DA) is currently understood as using modern tools, data monitoring
and analytics, and data-driven solutions in agriculture to improve
and/or optimize farming systems, increase crop quality and yield,
reduce waste, and manage pest and disease pressure. Digital
technologies are being used in agriculture to improve efficiency,
reduce waste, and increase food production. Some examples of how
digital technologies are being applied in agriculture include:
 Precision agriculture: Farmers can use satellite imagery and
remote sensing to monitor crop health, water needs, and nutrient
requirements.
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Before you learn about the computer and software application, we need
to know what computer and software means. Basically, computer
system is divided in to two major parts
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 Hardware
It is the visible part of the computer or the physical pieces of equipment in a
computer system.
 Input devices: are devices that help us to enter data or program to the
computer. It also converts human understandable language to computer
understandable language.
Example Input devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Light pen, Digital
Camera, Modem, etc.….
 CPU (Central Processing Unit): is the heart of the computer uses to process
data and contains three units:
 The Arithmetic & Logical Unit (ALU): This contains the circuitry for
performing the basic arithmetic operations. The unit can also perform
logical operations such as comparing the magnitude of two values.
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Control Unit (CU): This contains the circuitry to monitor and
control all operations of the computer. It acts as an interface
between the peripheral unit and main memory and as an interface
between the arithmetic-logical unit and main memory.
Memory Unit/Register: This is a Permanent storage location for
specific types of data. Files and programs necessary for the CPU
itself (For CU and ALU)
 Example: BIOS Memory (Controls Basic Input Output
System)
Storage devices: are hardware devices that store data either
temporarily or permanently. There are two types of storage devices,
namely:
Primary storage devices (Main memory): The two basic types of
main memory are RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read
Only Memory).
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RAM: Random Access Memory, as it is popularly known, is the
key working area of the memory that is used for our problems
and data. This area is often called User memory.
ROM: Read Only Memory, as the name itself implies, holds
permanent data or instructions that can only be read from, but
not written on to.
Secondary Storage device (Auxiliary memory): It stores data
or instruction permanently that is important for the future use.
It is non-volatile.
Examples: Hard Disk, Floppy Disk, CD-ROM, Flash Disk, etc….
 Output devices: are hardware devices that are capable of
bringing out processed data to the users and it converts computer
understandable language to human understandable language.

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It is the invisible part of a computer system; it is a computer program or
instruction that drives the hardware (the machine) to do.
 System software: consists of all the programs, languages and
documentation supplied by the manufacturer with the computer. They
are used to the internal activities of the computer.
 Operating System software: used to control I/O devices, memory
and used to manage files & folders. It is also used as interface
between application software and hardware. Examples of Operating
System Software: MS-DOS, MS-Windows.
 Language System software: used to write programs. Examples of
Language System Software: C, C++, VB, COBOL, FORTRAN.
 Application software: These are programs employed by the user to
perform specific functions. Examples of Application Software: MS -
Word, MS - EXCEL, MS –ACCESS.
 1.1.2 Internet
 The Internet is an increasingly important part of everyday life for people around the world. But
if you've never used the Internet before, all of this new information might feel a bit confusing
at first. The Internet
 is a vast network that connects computers all over the world. Through the Internet, people can
share information and communicate from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Figure: 1.1 How the Internet connects to our planet

 1.1.3 Computer
computer is a machine that can store and
process information

Figure: 1.2 computer with accessories.

 1.1.4 Web Browser
 A web browser is a software program that allows a user to locate, access, and
display web pages. When a user requests a web page from a particular website,
the browser retrieves its files from a web server and then displays the page on
the user’s screen. Browsers are used on a range of devices, all of them have a
URL, URL is the web address, or URL (Uniform Resource Locator), that you
type into the address bar tells the browser where to obtain a page or pages. For
example, when you enter the URL http://www.lifewire.com into the address bar,
you're taken to Lifewire's home page.
 1.1.5 GPS
Which stands for Global Positioning System, is a radio navigation
system that allows land, sea, and airborne users to determine their
exact location, velocity, and time 24 hours a day, in all weather
conditions, anywhere in the world.
Digital technologies are a powerful
1.2 Understanding importance of digital technologies
instrument that can help improve education
in various ways, such as making it easier for instructors to generate instructional
materials and providing new methods for people to learn and collaborate.
Digital technology enables the storage of massive amounts of information in
relatively small spaces. Large amounts of media, such as photos, music, videos,
contact information, and other.

Figure: 1.9 Importance of technology

 1.2.1 Need for digital technologies in education
The globalization of education has already necessitated the application of
digital technologies. Online platforms were available for conducting classes,
sharing resources, doing the assessment and managing the day-to-day activities
of academic institutions. However, the use of these platforms was proactive .
1.2.2 Sharing and searching information
Farmers can also collaborate to share knowledge about innovative farming
techniques and best practices. The benefits of sharing in agriculture include
reduced costs, increased yields, and improved sustainability through the more
efficient use of resources. Sharing can also help build stronger social
connections among farmers and foster a sense of community.

Figure: 1.5 Method of Sharing information

1.3 Identification the role of digital technologies in agriculture

 1.3.1 The role of digital technology : is vast and encompasses virtually

every aspect of modern life. Digital technology has transformed the way we live,
work, communicate, and interact with the world around us. Here are some of the key
roles’ digital technology plays in our lives:
 Communication: Digital technology has revolutionized the way we communicate
with each other, enabling us to connect with others from anywhere in the world
through a variety of channels such as email, social media, video conferencing,
and instant messaging.
 Information access: Digital technology has made it easier than ever to access
information on virtually any topic. With the internet, we have access to a vast
amount of information at our fingertips, enabling us to learn, research, and explore
like never before.
 Entertainment: Digital technology has transformed the way we consume and enjoy
entertainment, with streaming services, online gaming, and social media platforms
providing endless options for entertainment and leisure.
 Education: Digital technology has had a profound impact on education, with online
learning, educational apps, and digital resources providing new opportunities for
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Another important role of digital technologies in agriculture is to
increase collaboration and communication between various
stakeholders in the value chain. These include farmers, input
suppliers, traders, processors and consumers. Digital technologies
can help create new business models that improve efficiency and
reduce transaction costs, leading to greater profitability for
everyone involved.

Figure: 1.6 electronics devices for digital technology

 1.4 Identification principles of agricultural technology

 The principles of agricultural technology identification involve assessing the needs of

farmers and identifying technologies that can help them meet those needs. Here are some
principles of agricultural technology identification:
 identify and solve problems using the technological process
 safety rules and regulations applicable within agricultural environment,
 use safety measures in the transport of animals and livestock
 basic operational knowledge and correct use of agricultural tools, equipment and
machinery.
 Design with user One of the principles of agricultural technology design is to
design with the user in mind. This means that the technology should be
designed to meet the needs of the user and be easy to use.
 Understand the existing ecosystem Another principle of agricultural
technology design is to understand the existing ecosystem. This means that the
technology should be designed to work within the existing ecosystem and not
disrupt it.
 Design for scale principle of agricultural technology design is to design for
scale. This means that the technology should be designed to be scalable and
 1.5 Understanding smart phones and template functions
 Mobile data collection with smartphones which belongs to the methodological
family of ambulatory assessment, ecological momentary assessment, and
experience sampling is a method for assessing and tracking people's ongoing
thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or physiological processes in daily life using a
smartphone. The primary goal of this method is to collect in-the-moment or
close-to-the-moment active data (i.e., subjective self-reports) and/or passive
data (e.g., data collected from smartphone sensors).
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Smartphones are powerful devices that can be used to collect data in
various ways. Here are some steps that you can follow to collect data
using a smartphone:
Define the data collection method: Before collecting data, you need to

define the data collection method, whether through a digital survey form
or via a mobile application.
Download a data collection app: There are several data collection apps

available for both Android and iOS smartphones that can assist with tasks
such as creating surveys and forms, and saving collected data to
databases. Some of the apps to consider include Google Forms App,
SurveyMonkey, Kobo Toolbox, Open Data Collection (ODK) Collect etc.
 LO2: Apply Digital technologies among rural population
and farmers
 2.1 Identification and coordination require tools
and equipment

 Identifying and coordinating tools and equipment to apply digital

technologies in agriculture means that farmers need to have access to

digital technologies such as mobile devices, sensors, and other
equipment that can help them collect data and make informed
decisions1
 Digital technologies including the Internet, mobile technologies and

devices, data analytics, artificial intelligence, digitally-delivered

services and apps are changing agriculture and the food system.
2.1.1 Tools and equipment are indeed necessary to apply digital
technologies in various industries, including agriculture
I. Crop sensor. A crop sensor is a camera sensor that captures a smaller
image than a full-frame sensor, which is the same size as traditional
35mm film. A crop sensor reduces the field of view and increases the
depth of field of the photos.

Figure: 2.1 crop sensor tool.

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automated machinery requires GPS-enabled hardware and software to

function accurately. In order to collect and store data, hardware such
as sensors, cameras, or other monitoring devices may be needed to
generate accurate data inputs. Software programs, such as databases or
machine learning algorithms, may also be an important part of using
digital technologies for solving specific problems.
 2.3 Developing digital technology skills.

 There are many ways to develop digital technology skills. You can

identify areas where you can improve based on your existing strengths
and your profession. You can also ask your managers or colleagues for
their feedback.
 Digital skills are critical both for job success and to participate fully in

a digital society. Such skills include generic competencies like

searching online, communication via email, or instant messaging, as
well as the ability to use work-related online platforms and knowledge
of digital financial services.
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 Email: Email is a method of exchanging messages between people

using electronic devices 1. To send an email, you can use email clients
such as Gmail or Outlook.

Figure: 2.2 Basic Mailing address.

2.4 Developing digital Agri-perineurial skill.
Developing digital agri-entrepreneurial skills involves acquiring the knowledge,
skills, and mindset needed to leverage digital technologies to start and grow
successful agribusinesses. Here are some steps to develop digital agri-
entrepreneurial skills.
 Understand the Agriculture Industry: Gain a deep understanding of the
agriculture industry, including the latest trends, technologies, and market
opportunities. This will help identify potential business opportunities and areas
where digital technologies can be used to improve operations.
 Develop Digital Skills: Develop digital skills, including proficiency in social
media, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing.
 Identify a Niche: Identify a niche in the agriculture industry that aligns with
your skills, interests, and market demand. This could include areas such as
precision agriculture, farm management software, agricultural robotics, and e-
commerce platforms for agricultural products.
 Secure Funding: Identify sources of funding to support the development and
growth of the business, such as grants, loans, or investors . This will provide the
resources needed to launch and scale the business.
 2.5 Using digital technology communication tools

 There are many digital communication tools that can be used for

communication. Some of the most common ones include email,

mobile phones, instant messaging apps like Telegram, SMS and
WhatsApp. These tools can be used for both personal and business
communication. For example, email is commonly used for sending
messages and files instantly to others. Mobile phones enable verbal
conversations to be conducted anywhere. Instant messaging apps like
Telegram, SMS and WhatsApp are also popular for sending messages
and files instantly.
 Communication tools and technique's with users.
 Video Chat: Video chat technology is any tool used to enable face-to-
face interactions online. This includes popular video calling
technology such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts, as well as
tools built specifically for customer service.

Figure: 2.5 Video chat rooms

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Virtual Meeting A virtual meeting is a form of communication that enables

people in different physical locations to use their mobile or internet-connected

devices to meet in the same virtual room. People use virtual meetings in many
ways, including for connecting with family and friends, teletherapy, and
collaborating with their distributed workforce.

Figure: 2.6 Virtual meeting.

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 E-learning is the use of electronic media and information and
communication technologies (ICT) in education. E-learning includes
numerous types of media that deliver text, audio, images, animation,
and streaming video. You can use e-learning platforms such as
Coursera, Udemy, edX, Khan Academy and more to learn new skills
online.

Figure: 2.7 E-learning

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E-mail.electronic mail, is a fast method of exchanging messages between the
sender’s and receiver’s systems using the Internet. You can even send non-text files
like images, videos, and audio files as attachments. One of the great things about it is
that it’s fast, cost-effective, and convenient.
 Video conference. is a technology that allows users in different locations to hold

face-to-face meetings without having to move to a single location together. This

technology is particularly useful for business users who need to collaborate with
colleagues or clients that are located in different parts of the world. Some popular
video conferencing tools include Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and
more.

Figure: 2.8 Video conferencing

LO #3 Recording and documenting
 3.1 Developing data collecting formats. Data collecting
formats development is an important aspect of research. Before you begin
collecting data, you need to consider the aim of the research, the type of data
that you will collect, the methods and procedures you will use to collect,
store, and process the data. To collect high-quality data that is relevant to
your purposes
TYPES OF DATA . Before selecting a data collection method, the type
of data that is required for the study should be determined. This section aims
to provide a summary of possible data types to go through the different data
collection methods and sources of data based on these categories. However,
we need to understand what data is exactly? The embodied information in
terms of figures or facts used to analyze for different calculations and finally
gain a result to address the study question or hypothesis testing is known as
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Qualitative Data is expressed in numbers and graphs and is
analyzed through statistical methods. It can be used to find patterns
and averages, make predictions, test causal relationships, and
generalize results to wider populations.
Quantitative Data is expressed in words and analyzed through
interpretations and categorizations. (e.g., text, video, or audio) to
understand concepts, opinions, or experiences
DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Figure 3.1 classification of data diagram

3.2 Primary data vs secondary data
Primary data collection methods: Primary data collection is based on

the processes by which you gather data yourself for your purpose of

study and no one has access to use this data until it is published and both

qualitative and quantitative approaches are used for this purpose.

Secondary data collection methods: is the data gathered from published

sources meaning that the data is already gathered by someone else for

another reason and can be used for other purposes in a research as

well. In all papers, the literature review section is based on

secondary data sources

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Figure 3.2 Data collection method

 3.3 Recording and documenting
are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, there is a

subtle difference between the two. Recording involves a process of

gathering information and documenting in written, oral and visual forms
what is noticed. When we record something, we are able to track
progress and support further learning. On the other hand, documenting
refers to the process of recording something in a way that it can be used
as evidence. For example, a document is a piece of writing that contains
information whereas a record is a document that can be used as
evidence. Documentation as a set of instructional materials shouldn’t be
confused with documentation science, the study of the recording and
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 Identification and selection of data collection methodologies
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Figure: 3.4 sample data recoding format

Understanding Fields and Their Data Types
Field - an element of a table that contains a specific item of
information, such as a last name.
Field’s Data Type - determines what kind of data the field can
store.
Add Fields to the Table
Click Table Design from the Ribbon (ensuring that the Ribbon is on
the Create tab

Figure: 3.5 table design icon

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Figure: 3.5.1 black table (Table1)

Add Fields to the Table: Now we will enter each field and select
their data type. In the first cell under Field Name add a field called
GenreId. Select Auto number as its data type. Under that field, create
a new one called Genre and select Short Text for its data type
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Figure: 3.52 field properties

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 Set a Primary Key: Right-clickon the GenreId field and select Primary
Key from the drop-down list. This makes the field a primary key field.
Once you've done this, you'll see a little key icon to the left
of GenreId.

Figure: 3.54 primary key in the field name

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Table Relationships: One of the goals of good database design is to
remove data redundancy (duplicate data). To achieve that goal, you
divide your data into many subject-based tables so that each fact is
represented only once.
Relationships work by matching data in key columns, usually
columns that have the same name in both tables. In most cases, the
relationship connects the primary key, or the unique identifier column
for each row, from one table to a field in another table.
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 Types of table relationships: There are three types of table
relationships in Access.
one-to-many relationship: In Access, a one-to-many relationship is a
type of relationship between two tables in which one record in the first
table can have many related records in the second table.
Figure: 3.60 one-to-many relationship
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many-to-many relationship: a many-to-many relationship is a
relationship between two tables in which a row from the first table can
have many matching rows in the second table and vice versa. To
represent a many-to-many relationship, you must create a third table,
often called a junction table, that breaks down the many-to-many
relationship into two one-to-many relationships

Figure: 3.61 many-many relationship

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 one-to-one relationship: In a one-to-one relationship, each
record in the first table can have only one matching record in the
second table, and each record in the second table can have only
one matching record in the first table. This relationship is not
common because, most often, the information related in this way
is stored in the same table. You might use a one-to-one
relationship to divide a table with many fields, to isolate part of a
table for security reasons, or to store information that applies only
to a subset of the main table. When you do identify such a
relationship, both tables must share a common field.
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Figure: one-to-one relationship

 3.3.1 Google Drive
is a cloud-based storage solution that allows users to store files
online and access them from anywhere. It is part of Google
Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) and offers users 15 GB of
free storage space. Users can also purchase additional.
storage space if needed.

Figure: google drive icon

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steps to store data in Google Drive:
Open Google Drive.
Click on the “New” button in the top left corner of the screen.
Select the type of file you want to upload (e.g., document,
spreadsheet, presentation, etc.).
Choose the file you want to upload from your computer.
Click on the “Open” button.
Wait for the file to upload.
Once the file has uploaded, you can access it from anywhere by
logging into your Google account and opening Google Drive
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3.4 Organizing, analyzing, interpreting, documenting and reporting collected
data
 Organizing, analyzing, interpreting, documenting, and reporting collected data are

all important steps in the data analysis process. These steps are typically part of a
larger framework for data analysis, which includes planning, collecting, processing,
analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data.
 Planning: The process of determining the objectives and goals of a project or task,

and developing a strategy to achieve them. Planning involves identifying the

resources required, setting timelines, and establishing milestones to track progress.
 Collecting: The process of gathering data or information from various sources. This

can involve conducting surveys, interviews, or experiments, or gathering data from

existing sources such as databases or historical records.
 Processing: The process of organizing and manipulating data or information to

make it more useful or understandable.

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Figure: 3visualized report.

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 Analyzing: The process of examining data or information to identify patterns,

relationships, and insights. This can involve applying statistical methods or other
analytical techniques to the data, and interpreting the results to draw conclusions or
make predictions.
 Interpreting: The process of making sense of the results of an analysis or

investigation, and drawing conclusions or making recommendations based on those

results. This involves synthesizing the findings and considering their implications in
the broader context of the project or task.
 Reporting: The process of communicating the results of a project or investigation to

stakeholders or other interested parties. This can involve creating written reports,
presentations, or other forms of output that summarize the findings and conclusions of
the analysis, and provide recommendations for future action.
3.6 Organized, analyzed and interpreted data are documented and reported

 Documenting and reporting the results of data analysis is an important part of the process,
as it helps to communicate the findings to stakeholders and other interested parties. The
documentation and reporting process typically involves the following steps:

 Summarizing the data: The first step is to summarize the data in a clear and concise
manner. This can involve creating tables, charts, or other visualizations to represent the
data.
 Analyzing the data: Once the data has been summarized, the next step is to analyze it to
identify patterns, trends, or other insights. This may involve applying statistical
methods or other analytical techniques to the data.
 Interpreting the results: After the data has been analyzed, the next step is to interpret the
results to draw conclusions or make recommendations. This involves synthesizing the
findings and considering their implications in the broader context of the project or task.
 Reporting the results: Finally, the results of the data analysis should be reported in a
clear and concise manner. This can involve creating written reports, presentations, or
other forms of output that summarize the findings and conclusions of the analysis, and
 3.7 Collection of feedbacks
Collection of feedbacks is the process of collecting
information directly from users/customers about their
reactions to a product, service, or website experience

Figure: visualized report

 Continued
What is user feedback? User feedback is the direct collection of feedback and opinions
from the people using your product, website, or service. It’s a customer-centric method to
gather actionable insights from your users and get their unfiltered opinions—because what
better way to find out what people think of your business than to simply ask them?
7 powerful customer feedback tools
 Podium to centralize and manage reviews from online listings

 Hotjar to get granular product experience (PX) insights

 Parlor.io to gather and prioritize feedback across tools and teams

 Reevoo to collect authentic customer feedback through questionnaires and forms

 Sprinkle to create customer communities and feedback forums

 Qualtrics to capture customer feedback across social media

 Intercom for instant messaging and live chat