American International Journal of Social Science

ICT-Based Market Information Services, Operational Environment and Performance: The Case of Malawi Agricultural Commodity Exchange and Food and Nutrition Security Joint Task Force
Samson Katengeza

Abstract
The increased demand for agricultural market information to farmers in Malawi led to the emergence of ICT-based Market Information Service projects to promote farmer linkage to better markets. This case study examined existing ICT-based applications in Malawi, the environments in which they are applied and critically analyzed challenges encountered. The paper used two projects, Malawi Agricultural Commodity Exchange and Food and Nutrition Security Joint Task Force. The study revealed existence of a number of ICT-based interventions which were applying both new generation ICT-based tools such as telephones and internet and older ICT-based technologies namely the radio and television. The interventions appeared to have helped some farmers to access local and international markets timely. However, the projects were seriously affected by government policies such as minimum price and quantitative restrictions on exports. Lack of business models was another serious constraint as most projects appear to be too dependent on donor support.

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