3.5.7 ICT for Modern Agricultural Sector 3.5.7.1 Overview Agriculture forms the backbone of Ethiopia’s Economy. It employs over 80 percent of the rural population and accounts for an equally large share of export earnings. In recognition of the potential use of ICT for agriculture modernization, the government is committed to the exploitation and application of ICT in the context of the following objectives strategies. 3.5.7.2. Goal To improve the productivity and competitiveness of agriculture through the application of ICT by plan, by implementation, by follow up and by the process of information exchange. 3.5.7.3. Objectives a) To improve the agricultural sector productivity by the application of ICT. b) To support the agricultural products to be competitive globally using ICT services during the process of production and commodity exchange. c) To develop and maintain nation-wide geographical information system to monitor agricultural land use and natural resources management. d) To ensure sustainable and rapid development through the application of ICT in agricultural development. 3.5.7.4. Strategies a) Develop and implement integrated agricultural development harmonized agricultural information information system. b) Create integrated and disseminating system so as farmers and pastoralists across the country have access to information. 18