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Agricultural Technology

Farmer Decision Support System (FDSS)

Drastic changes in climate have now prompted the incorporation of technology to increase the reach of information dissemination on weather changes, farming cycles, and current farming practices. In Isabela, Cagayan Valley, the use of a farmer decision support system through SMS technology is proposed to increase the accessibility of information for areas with no internet access.
Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

The FDSS is available for farmers and extension workers willing to subscribe. It provides daily weather updates and plant management advisories, and information on new and upcoming farming practices. This technology also allows the farmers to post queries regarding day to day farming decisions depending on the weather outlook.

Climate Hazards

  • Drought
  • Rain-Induced Flooding
  • Rainfall Variability

Locations

  • Ilagan City, Isabela, Region II (Cagayan Valley)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Agriculture
  • Water Management

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Children
  • Farmers and Landless Rural Workers
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Senior Citizens
  • Women
  • Youth and Students

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Low

The goal of FDSS is to increase the yield of farmers by providing information on the projected yield of crops under specific environmental conditions and seasons. It also includes the market price of the crops in different locations to serve as a basis for the costing of their produce.

Technical Feasibility
Mid

This technology depends on the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) which creates crop simulation models that take into consideration climate variability, nutrient distribution, irrigation method, plant varieties, and farm management. However, DSSAT does not require farmers to learn technical knowledge as the SMS-based FDSS translates it to usable information that can be easily accessed by farmers.

Social Acceptability
Low

A total of 331 farmers gained access and benefitted from the FDSS while 31 city extension workers were trained on using crop calendars.

Environmental Impact
No Evidence

There is no direct environmental impact for this solution.

Mitigation co-benefit

There is no direct mitigation co-benefit for this solution.

Keywords

decision support system, weather outlook, optimal planting date, harvest time, water management, projected crop yield, fertilizer application, simulated yields

References

• Trogo, R., Bagtasa, G., Tongson, E., and Balderama, O. (2015). SMS-based Smarter Agriculture decision support system for yellow corn farmers in Isabela. IEEE Canada International Humanitarian Technology Conference. https://doi.org/10.1109/IHTC.2015.7238049

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