Game Changer Handy? : die Bedeutung von Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien für die Einbindung afrikanischer Obst- und Gemüsebauern in internationale Wertschöpfungsketten

This contribution illustrates how even simple information and communication technologies (ICTs) can support the integration of African small-scale farmers into international value chains, using the example of various value chains for fresh fruit and vegetables in Kenya and Tanzania. Positive effects include an improved access to simple and complex knowledge, new options for financial transactions and a better position in negotiating with business partners. However, ICT usage can also lead to problems for farmers. For example, as ICTs can become quasi-mandatory for accessing certain value chains, they can lead to a digital divide between farmers. In total our results show that the effects of ICTs largely depend on the respective type of value chain, the farmers are embedded in.