The value of information management systems for Fiji's fruit and vegetable export industry in the 21st century

摘要

Fiji's fruit and vegetable export industry is growing steadily which is in contrast to traditional agricultural commodities such as sugar and copra which is in decline. Unlike the bulk commodities, the smallholder based value chains for these horticultural products are complex and are constantly evolving. For this reason, the flow of information throughout the value chain is critical for their development and long term sustainability. This paper therefore examines a range of strategies currently being trialled to establish an Information Management System (IMS) for selected fruit and vegetable crops. Key findings indicate that a private sector industry led IMS has many advantages over the traditional approach of public sector bodies delivering theseservices. The Fiji experience indicates that the use of print, e-newsletters and text messaging can be valuable tools, linking farmers to current applied research findings. Although ICT in our agricultural industry in Fiji has not progressed as fast asthose of our other ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) member countries, the expansion of its current use of basic web and mobile phone technology is viewed as being a more reliable and efficient means to help develop an effective IMS for our selected exportable fruit and vegetable crops that would greatly enhance the sustainability of the industry.