User-Friendly Information Sharing System for Producers

Abstract

A model that connects producers, consumers, and farmers’ markets was developed, and an information system was developed as a communication tool in order to collate the experience- and intuition-based know-how of producers and improve the value of their crops. However, the elderly comprise over 60% of the population employed in agriculture, and farmers are unwilling to utilize information technology (IT) devices. In an effort to increase the IT utilization rate, a proof-of-concept test was conducted up to 2016 at a roadside station. Therefore, in this study, we design a new IT tool that connects producers with consumers. In addition, the study considers a user-friendly interface design, where elderly farmers can operate intuitively, and which enables the continuous use of the system in order to actively realize the application of IT to agriculture. Specifically, an analysis of information needed to connect producers and consumers is performed, and a method for acquiring such information is also developed. The study also investigates the ease of use in terms of the inputting, sharing, and viewing of information over a mobile device (e.g., smartphones).