Abstract:
The agriculture sector has witnessed an increased use of information systems. These systems have improved efficiency on the farm though they perform specific
tasks. The specificity, therefore, implies that for every task a corresponding system
must be acquired. Since these systems cannot communicate with each other, data
is scattered and unsynchronized over multiple applications. This has led to the
need for integrated information systems that offer one in all solutions to the challenges facing the farmers. This study sought to develop a framework for the integration of heterogeneous agricultural information management systems for the agriculture sector in Kakamega County. The specific objectives were; to identify existing heterogeneous agricultural information management systems; to identify challenges of using heterogeneous agricultural information management systems; to identify factors influencing the integration of heterogeneous agricultural information management systems, and to develop a framework for the integration of heterogeneous agricultural information management systems. This study employed mixed methods research. The study was conducted in 4 sub-counties of Kakamega County. The target population was 15520 with a sample size of 375 respondents derived using Slovin's formula. The study used simple random sampling and stratified sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interviews were the main data collection tools. During data analysis, data was coded and entered into the computer using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Quantitative
data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis by use of Delve software. Presentation of results was by use of tables, graphs and pie charts. Majority of respondents 89.80% used agricultural information management systems with 35.20% using more than one system. There were challenges associated with the use of heterogeneous agricultural information management systems with 85.20% agreeing. The majority of challenges were related to a lack of integration. Governing policies and regulations; ICT knowledge and devices; Data Backup and Synchronization 85.80%; Investment 84.40%; And User requirements, system features and interface design 85.20%, were major factors influencing integration. The study resulted in a framework for the integration of heterogeneous agricultural information management systems christened Heterogeneous Agricultural Information Management Systems Integration Framework. Major recommendations included training and investment in Agricultural Information Management Systems; review of policies and regulations and incorporation of system users’ views at all levels of the integration process. The output of the study lays a foundation for decision-making by key players in the agriculture sector and system developers, especially during the design, integration and deployment of Agricultural Information Management Systems.
