ICT and AG Profile: Literacy Bridge

Supported by USAID’s Fostering Agriculture Competitiveness Employing Information Communication Technologies (FACET) project under the FIELD-Support LWA, this profile introduces the Talking Book, a small, handheld audio computer that allows users to play, record, and categorize audio recordings. It can be pre-loaded with agricultural information by extension workers and then shared with a community or group of users. Users can then record their own audio, which they can categorize under programmable subject headings. This audio device is designed specifically for people who cannot read and who live without electricity. Local experts spread knowledge reliably and easily with no information loss. The Talking Book shares vital knowledge among poor, rural communities.

The FACET project aims to help USAID missions and their implementing partners in sub-Saharan Africa use information and communications technology in sustainable and scalable approaches to improve the impact of their agriculture-related development projects.