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Web Based System That Will Link Farmers To Buyers

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100% found this document useful (2 votes)

1K views76 pages

Web Based System That Will Link Farmers To Buyers

Uploaded by

isaacvictorchuemere

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Available Formats

Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A WEB BASED SYSTEM

THAT WILL LINK FARMERS TO BUYERS

ACADEMIC RESEARCH MATERIAL

WE ASSIST OUR CUSTOMERS BY PROVIDING QUALITY MATERIALS FOR

ACADEMIC RESEARCH.

THIS MATERIAL IS FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD BE

USED AS GUIDELINE.

DO NOT COPY VERBATIM (WORD FOR WORD)

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CONDITIONS” PAGE https://sparklyn.com.ng/sparklyn-terms-policy/

DO NOT COPY THIS MATERIAL VERBATIM.

STUDY THE BELOW MATERIAL CAREFULLY AND DEVELOP YOUR OWN

FRESH MATERIAL. THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL IS JUST A GUIDELINE.

For more Project Topics and Materials

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1
2
APPROVAL PAGE

This is to certify that this project work, “Design and Implementation of a Web

Based System that will Link Farmers to Buyers ”, was written by Student’s

Name with Registration number Your Matric / Registration Number and has

been read and approved for the award of (Degree, ND, or HND) in the department

of (Your Department), Your School (SIAS, SBMT, SHSS), Institution

Address.

………………………………… ………………………….

Project Supervisor’s Name DATE

(Project Supervisor)

………………………………… ………………………….

Your HOD’s Name DATE

(Head of Department)

3
DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who help

to make life a pleasant experience.

4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I owe my indebtedness to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department

(Name of your HOD) and the Lecturers in the department of (Your Department) for their moral

support that facilitated the successful completion of my (Tertiary Institution level). I am

grateful to God Almighty and my parent for their financial support in my career. I really

appreciate you all for everything, Thank you very much.

5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preliminary Pages

Title page

Approval page

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Table of Contents

Abstract

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Background of Study

1.3 Statement of the Problem

1.4 Aim and objectives of the Study

1.5 Significance of Study

1.6 Scope of Study

1.7 Limitations of the Study

1.8 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Theoretical Framework

2.3 Agricultural Management Subsystem

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2.3.1 Agricultural Administrative Subsystem

2.3.2 Agricultural market-management subsystem

2.3.3 Agricultural Education Subsystem

2.3.4 Agricultural Extension Subsystem

2.4 Functionalities of the Web-Based Agricultural Support System

2.5 Agricultural Production Subsystem

2.6 Piggery Farming or Hog Farming

2.6.1 Management Information System (MIS)

2.2.2 Farm records and Their Uses

2.2.3 Importance of Keeping Farm Records

2.2.4 Types of Farm Records and Their Uses

2.7 Empirical Studies

2.7.1 Managing the Farm Business

2.7.2 Transmission of Data Into Information

2.7.3 Management Information Systems For Tertiary Institution

2.7.4 The Evolution of Management Information Systems (MIS)

CHAPTER THREE

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.1 Methodology Adopted

3.1.1 Problem Identification Using SSADM

3.2 Analysis of the Existing System

3.2.1 Dataflow of the Existing System

3.2.2 Disadvantages of the Existing System

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3.3 Analysis of the Proposed System

3.3.1 Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System

3.3.2 Advantages of the Proposed System

3.3.3 Justification of the Proposed System

3.4 Functional Requirements

3.4.1 Use Case Diagram of the Admin / User Privileges

3.5 Data Requirements

3.6 High Level Model of the Proposed System

CHAPTER FOUR

SYSTEM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Objectives of the Design

4.2 Cohesion and Decomposition High level Model

4.3 Control Center / Overall Dataflow Diagram

4.3.1 Proposed System Operation Flowchart

4.1 System Specification and Design

4.4.1 Input and Output Specification

4.4.2 Database Specification and Design

4.4.3 Data Dictionary

4.5 Choice and Justification of Programming Language

4.6 Program Documentation

4.7 Implementation Techniques

4.8 Programming Module Specification

4.8.1 Installation

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4.9 Computer Hardware Minimum Requirement

4.10 Software Requirement

4.11 Personnel / User Training

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary

5.3 Conclusion

5.4 Recommendation

REFERENCES

APPENDIX A - "SOURCE CODE"

APPENDIX B - "OBJECT PROGRAMS"

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ABSTRACT
A web based system for linking farmers to buyers is a software that promotes farm products
and livestock through farm product advertisement. Farm business has different impact on
different people. The relevance of farm business is seen in different ways by different scholars
in the profession. The aim of the study is to design a Web Based System That Will Link
Farmers to Buyers. In achieving this aim, the specific objectives were set out to design and
implement a Farm Product Marketing system to aid farmers in rural areas have a proper
platform to promote their farm product, enhance link between Farmers and end product users
in urban areas and ease the distribution of farm products across the country through
technology. The motivation that led to the implementation of the proposed system is that
agricultural farm products differ from industrial products due to their perishable nature and
special requirements during various harvesting process and transportation operations. Most
times this farmers’ mistake marketing efficiency with marketing margins and physical losses
and state of market competition. The methodology adopted in this study is the structure system
analysis and design methodology (SSADM) which is a technical approach for analyzing and
designing an application or system by applying object oriented programming as well as visual
modeling throughout the software development process. The programming language used is
HTML, CSS, JAVASCRIPT, PHP, SQL and JQUERY. The reason why web programming
languages was used is because, it is platform independent and it is a web based application.
These indicators are also discussed in this chapter. Further, the research also covers major
areas to identify major agricultural marketing problems with their possible solutions using
modern web technology. This study will be of immense benefit to farmers and other
researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to
build more on their research work. The expected result is a web based system that will link
farmers to buyers by showcasing their agricultural products after a successful harvest season.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

A web based system for linking farmers to buyers is a software that promotes farm products and

livestock through farm product advertisement. Farm business has different impact on different

people. The software packaged of the proposed system contains a lot of files and records the file

that was designed in details. These files include sales, files which each of this record consist of

files like varieties of farm products and attributes such as; quantity, price, weight, sub-total, total

amount, and grand total of the farm product. Farm business has different impact on different

people. The relevance of farm business is seen in different ways by different scholars in the

profession. Agricultural marketing incorporates all exercises which enhance value to agricultural

products as they move from rural areas of agricultural production to ultimate urban areas for

consumption. A successful and productive marketing system is required in order to ensure fair

returns to farmers but unfortunately, little consideration is paid to this sector across Nigeria.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this

study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of

the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and

Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Agriculture sector in Nigeria is considered a major contributor to economic growth and

development. This sector not only meets food demands of population but also provides raw

material for industry besides providing surplus for exports. Despite the face this sector has

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witnessed many high points and low points in recent years, overall growth has remained

satisfactory. This sector has a proven great potential to support the nation’s economy both now

and in the future if due consideration is given to solve rising issues. Reasonable agriculture

growth and improvement rely on how concerns various partners particularly farmers who are

facing several risks in farm production and marketing of their farm produce, are adequately

addressed. Regularly, farmers need to bear value reduction in their produce due to poor

infrastructure and post-harvest practices. Moreover, frequent food surpluses and deficiencies

have featured the need to modernize marketing system framework so that goal situations can be

handled. Marketing can be defined and comprehended in various ways but commonly it is

recognized as a place or areas where buyers and sellers gather and interact for buying and selling

goods and services.

Many other scholars have described marketing as an exchange process of goods and services

accompanied by price making mechanism. Agricultural markets play a central role of assembling

rural agricultural produce from scattered and vast production areas and distribute these

commodities further to consumers and other stakeholders in urban and peri-urban areas.

Agricultural marketing most times encompasses activities which may be picking/harvesting,

drying, cleaning, sorting, grading, processing, packaging, labeling, transporting, storage,

promotion and sale of agricultural products. All these major activities contribute in adding value

to agricultural products as these products flow from farm producers to consumers. While some of

these major activities are performed on farmers’ farm, the others are carried out off-farm by

other market intermediaries such as traders and agro-processors.

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1.3 Statement of the Problem

Agricultural farm products differ from industrial products due to their perishable nature and

special requirements during various harvesting process and transportation operations. There is a

need to design a farm product marking system to aid in displaying farm produce from farmers

across the country to meet major stakeholders in need of these farm products. This will assist in

growing the economy of the country when international investors invest in the farm produce seen

on the marketing system. Furthermore, agricultural marketing includes all business activities

designed to plan, price, promote and distribute want satisfying goods and services to household

consumers and industrial users.

1.4 Aim and objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to design a Web Based System That Will Link Farmers to Buyers. In

achieving this aim, the specific objectives were set out as follows:

1. To design and implement a Farm Product Marketing system to aid farmers in rural areas

have a proper platform to promote their farm product.

2. To develop a software that will enhance the link between Farmers and end product users in

urban areas.

3. To design an application that will ease the distribution of farm products across the country

through technology.

1.5 Significance of Study

Agriculture is a well-organized and vibrate sector in Africa, it contributes significantly to the

growth of any economy. It also provides employment to over 1.5 million people. Recently, this

sector has shown 8 to 10 percent growth rate per annum due to rising demand of various

13
agricultural products. It is observed that an agricultural commodity changes seven to eight

different hands before reaching ultimate consumers. Functions performed by various market

bodies (especially the middlemen in the market chain) remain one of the most controversial

issues in Africa’s agricultural economy. It is argued that middlemen exploit marginal farmers

and hamper their legitimate share which can be solved with the use of technology to link farmers

directly to buyers.

Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or

1.6 Scope of Study

In the study of this nature, one would like to accumulate information from many areas, but in the

view of the time given for this research, such a wide range could not be reached. The researcher

therefore, concentrated on the development of a web based system that will link farmers to

buyers.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to

school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher

not to implement some necessary features.

2. Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs

are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of

information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them

14
time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was

reduced.

3. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the

study.

4. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure

sustainable power.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Computer: A machine used in modern times in organization and homes do manipulate data.

Data: Is a row fact that has no meaning.

Database: A collection of interrelated data stared with controlled redundancy to serve one or

more application.

Information: Information is a data that has been evaluated. It is a processed data.

Information System: A systematic way of organizing the handling of information, from

information gathering to information retrieval and use.

Management: The process of procuring, allocating, combing and utilizing or organizational

resources expressed usually as 3ms (men, materials and money) through planning organizing

directing and controlling activities of work of the organization member to reach certain stated

objectives.

Management Information System: Management Information System is an integrated and

holistic reporting network system in an organization that provides planning and controlling

information for effective decision making.

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Mobility: This ability of information to move from one point to another, from one person to

another easily and timely.

System: It is a collection of interrelated and interdependent procedures that are joined together to

perform an activity or a task.

Software: The programs that control the computer operation the system program controls the

hardware component of computer which application program controls task performed by

computer.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current

knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It

documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in

the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the Theoretical

Framework, Agricultural Management Subsystem, Functionalities of the Web-Based

Agricultural Support System, Agricultural Production Subsystem, Piggery Farming or Hog

Farming, and Empirical Studies.

2.2 Theoretical Framework

Agricultural research focuses on more diverse objectives than other science research, including

cropping production, animal husbandry, water management, soil cultivation, pesticide /herbicide

application, nutrition of nitrogen, etc. The research model proposed by Yao (2003) is suggested

applicable to agricultural research subsystem; we lay out the whole research process into 7

phrases:

1. Idea-generating phase: The phase aims to identify a study topic of interest. It may also

be referred as the preparation or the exploration phase. Literature search and reading

plays important roles in this phase.

2. Problem-definition phase: The objective is to precisely and clearly define and formulate

study question from general observation generated from the previous phase. Problem

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definition involves careful conceptualization and abstraction. Precisely defined problem

renders. It easier to find related and solved problems, as well as potential solutions.

3. Procedure-design/planning phase: The objective is to make a workable research plan

by considering all issues involved, such as expected findings and results, available tools

and methodologies, experiments designs, system implementation, time and resource

constraints, and so on. This phase deals with planning and organizing research at strategic

level.

4. Observation/experimentation phase: The objective is to observe real world

phenomena, collect data, and carry out experiments. Depending on the nature of the

research disciplines, various tools and equipment, as well as different methods, can be

used.

5. Data-analysis phase: The objective is to make sense out of the data collected. So we can

extracts potentially useful information from data. Statistical software packages can be

used.

6. Results-interpretation phase: The objective is to build rational models and theories that

explain the results from the data-analysis phase. It is necessary to investigate how the

results help answer the research question, and how this answer contributes to the

knowledge of the field. The connections to other concepts and existing studies may also

be established.

7. Communication phase: The objective is to present the research results to the research

community. Communication can be done in either a formal or an informal manner. Books

and scientific journals are the traditional communication media. Web publication is a new

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tool of communication. Oral presentation at a conference, or discussion with colleagues,

is an interactive means of communication.

2.3 Agricultural Management Subsystem

2.3.1 Agricultural Administrative Subsystem: Agriculture administration is a concept that the

government and the ministry of agriculture should formulate guidelines, provisions, plans,

strategic decisions, and policies of agriculture development and be responsible for carrying out

policies for different purposes, such as, production, distributing, financial, credit, labor, etc.

2.3.2 Agricultural market-management subsystem: Though the transformation from

planning-economy to market-modulated economy has taken place since 1980,s, some major

conflicts have occurred. One most outstanding contradiction is that circulation channels of the

primary products can’t meet the demands of market. Market-management by the governmental

macro-manipulation can help to stock and protect the crucial primary products which related to

the national economy and the peoples' livelihood. For example, under the market economy, some

crucial primary products may overstock largely due to the years’ bumper harvest, quantity and

quality problems. The price will decrease too much once the primary products can’t sell

successfully, which leads to the loss of farmers’ interest to produce in next year. Under such

condition, the government should generate the protective prices to ensure the farmers’ essential

income. On the other hand, when the farmers are faced with serious natural disasters that they

reject to sell their agricultural products, some agricultural products will be in serious shortage

and result in panic buying and high-rising prices, which can’t be accepted by the consumers. In

order to deal with such problems, governments should have enough stock of crucial agricultural

products to stabilize prices in the market.

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It is obvious that good management will be of great benefit not only to nation but also to farmers

and others. So WASS should be able to help decision makers for better solution.

2.3.3 Agricultural Education Subsystem

Agricultural education means training people to produce, process, and distribute food or fiber,

and spreading scientific and technical information related to all phases of such work. It strives to

help the people of the world improve the quantity and quality of products indispensable to

human life. Agricultural education covers different levels from children’s class in village schools

to graduate study in universities (Anderson, 1980). Education and training are widely

acknowledged as important contributors to national economic development and social well-being

(Sue, 2000).

In general, agricultural education is divided into three level: higher agricultural education, for

example education in universities and institution; vocational agricultural education, including

various kinds involved knowledge and skills in agriculture; and the agricultural training for the

adults or the youth. So a agricultural support system should fulfill all such needs.

2.3.4 Agricultural Extension Subsystem

The agricultural extension subsystem plays key role for agricultural development. The main

function of extension is to disseminate useful information, including the research results in

agriculture, home economics, and related subjects. As well as to helps families to apply such

knowledge to real problems at farm, home, and community level (Anderson, 1980). Such

functions are shown as the follows (Van, 1999):

a. First, it is medium between the agricultural research institutions, universities and farmers;

Second, it fills the gap between agricultural technology into real practice;

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b. Third, it transfers the skills and knowledge to the farmers as to improve their living

standard and agricultural practices;

c. Forth, it helps farmers to make decision.

d. Firth, it helps extension agents or organizations effectively and efficiently identify the goal

and which decision it tries to help its farmers,

e. Last, extension managers can effectively deal with administrative affairs.

2.4 Functionalities of the Web-Based Agricultural Support System

In order to support a large spectrum of agricultural activities, WASS must be flexible and has

much functionality. This section summarizes the functionalities and required computer

technologies.

Decision support or expert system: There are many factors, which can affect the agricultural

activities. Its' not an easy thing to deal with all kinds of agricultural problems effectively and

correctly no matter to the producers or the governors or others related. Agricultural decision

support system can serve as an important and very useful tool for farmers and decision-makers

for solution to various problems. They can reach an optimal decision based on many

considerations. For example, farmers can get information about what kind of crop should be

grow under different soil type and how to choose the crop varieties, how to fertilize, how to

irrigate, how to prevent the diseases and insects, etc.

Collaborative work support: Collaborative work support provides a sound environment where

all experts for agriculture in different areas can work together virtually, and significantly

promote agriculture development.

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Collaboratory is one kind of collaborative work support, which is an open meta-laboratory that

spans multiple geographical areas with collaborators interacting via electronic means. It gives a

good chance to scientists to share research instruments, data and information, to exchange

experiences, and to accelerate the development and dissemination of knowledge (Xiaorong et al.,

2003).

Audio/video conferencing is another kind of collaborative work support. The virtual

conferencing greatly supports interaction between scientists, farmers, governors, extension

agents and any others who are engaged in agriculture, and it provide a friendly environment to

communicate with each other. Lots of the agricultural problems can be communicated and solved

effectively and efficiently with such conference. And the audio/video conferencing can act as a

virtual classroom for agricultural education too.

Chat room is another component of the collaborative work support, which will facilitate the

communications between the users. In the agricultural support system there are various chat

rooms in accordance with the difference of subsystem, for examples education chat room for

education subsystem, extension chat room for extension subsystem etc. The users who want to

communicate with the extension agents can enter the extension chat room.

Bulletin Board System (BBS) is integrated into the Collaborative work support system. The same

as the chat room, it is comprised of education BBS, the extension BBS and so on, so the users

can easily keep a track of previous discussion contents in which they are interested. Furthermore,

e-mail is a essential tool suitable for exchanging information too.

Information support: Information support includes information collection, management,

retrieve or searching, exchange of for agricultural usage.

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Agricultural production is closely involved with many factors a great matter, such as soil,

precipitation, temperature, altitude, price of the products, transportation etc. So it is very

essential to continuously collect information in different aspects and construct database, which is

easy for searching and reuse later on.

Good searching support is very important for scientists, farmers, governors, and others. The

scientists can find information of interest efficiently by researching support (Tang et al., 2003).

With searching support, the farmers can get to know information about crops varieties, livestock,

price of agricultural products etc. The extension agents can collect new information of

agricultural technology by searching. The governors and other decision makers can also benefit

greatly from the searching support.

Exchange of information allows users to experiences, skills, data etc, thus to promote agriculture

development. Researchers can upload research papers, others can share such information by

downloading this; and government or administrator can publicize agricultural policies, rules;

Extension agents can disseminate and popularize new technology through the system, at the

same time farmers can keep up with the progress of new agricultural technology.

2.5 Agricultural Production Subsystem

Agricultural production subsystem is the core and basis component of agricultural system, which

can be further divided into three levels: pre-production system, production system, and post-

production system.

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Pre-production and post-production subsystem: The agriculture pre-production subsystem

includes all various departments, which provide production material and service for agriculture.

The main tasks include the manufacture and maintenance of farm machineries and other

agricultural facilities; the production of chemical products such as fertilizers and pesticides, the

production of agricultural construction materials, and supplementary materials, the production of

agricultural transportation facilities, the processing of seeds and feed; the circulation,

transportation, information and finance service, and etc.

The agriculture post-production subsystem deals with processing the primary products such as

grain, oil, food, feed,etc.

Production subsystem: Production subsystem is a main component, which directly supplies

food to human being and raw material to industry. It is comprised of five parts: planting,

forestry, animal husbandry aquaculture, etc. The production may effected greatly by soil,

weather, water etc. Farmers need to overcome all kinds of constraints due to resources limits,

etc., in order to get higher yield and better quality products. A combination the web-technology

and agricultural expert system or agricultural decision support system will be very helpful to

farmers so that they can get to under certain latitude and soil type, which is suitable for specific

crop, how to control the insects, what kinds of feedstuff to be feed on the livestock etc.

2.6 Piggery Farming or Hog Farming

Piggery (Pig farming or hog farming) is the raising and breeding of domestic pigs as livestock,

and is a branch of animal husbandry. Pigs are farmed principally for food (e.g. pork, bacon,

gammon) and skins.

2.6.1 Management Information System (MIS)

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A management information system (MIS) is a computer system that gathers data from multiple

business systems, analyzes the information, and provides reports that help guide management in

decision-making.

2.6.2 Farm records and Their Uses

A farm record is a document (in most cases a book) that is used to keep account of different

activities, events, materials etc. regarding the farm operations. Farm records are different from

farm accounts in the sense that farm accounts deal only with the financial aspects of all farm

operations. Farm accounts deal majorly with the farm expenditures and income and help the

farmer to calculate how his business is doing.

2.6.3 Importance of Keeping Farm Records

a) Farm records help a farmer to keep stock and manage each aspect of the farm properly.

b) They are important for planning and budgeting. They provides a farmer with enough

information needed for proper planning and budgeting at every point in time.

c) They help farmers know the progress and contributions of each aspect of the farm to its

overall success.

d) They are important for proper farm management.

e) They can be very helpful when a farmer needs to access financial aids from banks or

other financial institution.

2.6.4 Types of Farm Records and Their Uses

a) Daily Farm Record: These are the records of all important daily activities and events

that happen on the farm. These records help the farmer keep track of past farming

activities and plan for future activities.

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b) Records of farm implements and equipment:This is used to keep an inventory of all

the equipment on the farm and their quantity. It can also contain the date of purchase of

the equipment and sometimes their description.

c) Record of agricultural inputs: This record is used to keep track of all agricultural inputs

such as fertilizers, seeds, etc. The record often also contains the amount of that was

bought, the amount that has been used, and what is left.

d) Records of livestock and livestock products: Farmers keep different records of

livestock for each type of livestock on the farm. Also, for livestock that have products

e.g. eggs from chickens, the farmer keeps a record that accounts for the number of eggs

laid every day. If a farmer has cows for milk production, he keeps record of the amount

of liters of milk produced per day.

e) Records of animal feeds: This record is used for keeping an inventory of the types of

animal feed and the quantity purchased, used, and also quantity in stock on a daily basis.

f) Production records: Production records are used to document everything that is

produced on the farm. These records are prepared every week. And then summed up at

the end of the month and also at the end of the year. Thus, there is a weekly record, a

monthly record, and an annual record of everything produced on the farm. They help the

farmer to keep track of how well the farm is doing.

g) Records for farm use: Used for recording the date the land was prepared for farming,

the number of plots or hectares used in planting, the plants planted on the farm and where

they are planted.

h) Farm expenditure records:Farm expenditure records are used to keep a record of all

expenditures.

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i) Workers records: This type is used to keep the record of staffs, their salaries, and

payment. It is also known as labour record.

j) Vehicle records: It is used to keep a record of all vehicles used on the farm, petrol and

oil used, and also any repairs and servicing and the dates of the repair or servicing.

k) Sales record: Sale records are used to keep a record of all sales made from farm produce.

2.7 Empirical Studies

Farm business has different impact on different people. The relevance of farm business is seen in

different ways by different scholars in the profession.

2.7.1 Managing the Farm Business

According to Stephen (1886), “In general, the value of information is the value of the change in

decision behaviours caused by the information less the cost of the information”. In other words, a

decision maker given a set of possible decisions will select on the basis of the information at

hand. If new information brings about taking a different decision, then the value of the new

information is the difference in value between the outcome of the old decision, less the cost of

obtaining the information.

From the above assertion, computerized farm management information system can be regarded

as the prior technology for farm managers, although some people failed to understand the

importance and as well appreciate the opportunity offered by technology, which would be of a

great advantage to the management at all levels. Without information, farm managers will just

grind to a half.

27
They went further to throw more light on the difference between data and information.

Information is obtained from the data. The farm manager typically has a large multitude of data,

but a limited supply of information.

Data -> Processing -> Information

2.7.2 Transmission of Data Into Information

The relation of data to information is roughly that of raw material to finished products. Data is a

group of unprocessed symbols which represents quantities, actions, things, etc. Information is

data that has been processed into a form that is meaningful to the recipient and is of real or

perceived value in current or prospective decision. Hence, information is data that have been

evaluated in the context of a specific problem or situation. The true value of information is

related to decision that the manager has to make”.

According to Davis who defined management information as “integrated man / machine system

for providing information to support the operation, management and decision making in an

organization”; MC Donough defined Management and Information System (MIS) as “Logical

configuration of the significant element in a selected problem area.

Engr. Agbo defined it as “a supporting system which assist management in his decision for the

attainment of organization objective”

In view of all these attempts to define management information system, it implies that the basic

purpose of MIS in an organization is to provide a means for supplying the decision makers (the

managers) with information for making decision. It also implies that it is a supporting system

which assists the management in his decision for the attainment of set objectives. This shows that

poor management information system can lead to a total liquidation of a management. In this

study effort and intention is geared to effective and efficient means of information.

28
Computerizing a system is to hand over all man activities / manual activities like data gathering,

storage, processing and dissemination of information to computer power. The computer makes

for the availability of accurate, efficient, and timely information promptly to the farm manager.

Jorue et al. (2000) in their research work “Given that information innovation adoption is not due

to either government or similar edict (e.g. from Bank lender), nor due to technological necessity,

the research hypothesis is that information innovation adoption depends on the concurrent

presence of three factors: Thus

1. Knowledge gap between the software developer and user: This gap involves the

knowledge and information that each farmer possesses and use for operating and managing

her / his farm relative to software developer’s concept. Its large gap may result in different

viewpoints of the decision problem and its solution. If this knowledge gap is small, the

adoption will be facilitated, otherwise adoption will not occur.

2. Extent of farmer’s perception of the economic benefit and ease of management

derived from the adoption of information system innovation: A clearly perceived

benefit will reinforce adoption behaviour, otherwise adoption will not occur.

3. Skills needed to manage the information innovation: Adoption will be accelerated if

farmers have the skills, otherwise adoption will be slowed down. According to these

scholars, “successful use of information system depends on the three factors:

a. The extent to which information innovation operation fits with the farmers

existing work environment: The better this fit, the greater the use and vise – versa.

b. The matching of the information innovation capacity with the farmer’s decision

context: The more flexible the system to accommodate the farmer’s requirements,

the more successful the system will be.

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c. Suitable system facilities such as introduction of inputs, interface design, output

type and design and integration with the other applications: This aspect defines

the level of application friendliness. The greater the friendliness, the more likely will

the application be successful and vice –versa”.

2.7.3 Management Information Systems For Tertiary Institution

According to Akuwudike et al., (2004), “Evolution of computer – Based management

information system (MIS), this author emphasized on the evolution of computer-based

Management Information System which started from stage one (1) data processing to the last

stage which is interactive networks. It is this last stage that we have up to date.

Table 2.1 Evolution of Computer – Based Management Information System (MIS)

S/ Stages Time Period Description

N
1 Centralized data processing (Batch 1954- 1964 Accounting and clerical
processing) applications pay rolling and salary
administration.
2 Management focused data 1965- 1980 Direct support DSS for
processing management and operation
function
3 Decentralized End – user 1980- 1985 Personal computers under the
computing (real time processing direct control of users
4 Interactive networks 1986-date Lining individuals end-users

2.7.4 The Evolution of Management Information Systems (MIS)

A management information system (MIS) is a computer system that gathers data from multiple

business systems, analyzes the information, and provides reports that help guide management in

decision-making.

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MIS started as a data capturing and processing system and evolved into a more complex and

intelligent system. Here’s how MIS evolved through the years.

1950-1960: Electronic Data Processing (EDP): Electronic Data Processing (EDP) systems,

also called Transaction Processing Systems (TPS), were groundbreaking at the time. It was the

first large-scale computer information system to centralize and process day-to-day transactions

and activities such as cash deposits, ATM transactions, and payment orders. Shifting from

manual to electronic made transaction processing and record-keeping a much faster process.

1960-1970: Management Information Systems (MIS): It wasn’t long before the EDP system

was upgraded to a Management Information System (MIS) that was able to generate reports from

the data it collected. MIS pulled reports from historical data to determine cost trends, do a sales

analysis, keep track of inventory, and measure production performance.

When managers evaluated the information in these reports, they could see which areas of the

business were underperforming and adjust decisions accordingly.

1970-1980: Decision Support Systems (DSS): Decision Support System (DSS) provided

historical and ad hoc reports on both internal and external information for example, internal sales

reports and external market pricing.

This advancement brought a new level of decision-making to businesses. Management could

more accurately forecast sales, perform a risk analysis, and make bolder strategic decisions.

It was during this era that personal computers entered the workplace. PCs were connected to the

main server so information became accessible to employees throughout the company. This led to

a significant boost in productivity.

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With this came the need for expert skills to manage these computer networks. Information

technology (IT) soon became a burgeoning career and a degree in Management Information

Systems became sought after.

1980-1990: Executive Information Systems (EIS): As PCs put power in the hands of

executives, they could purchase software tailored to their department’s needs, such as

accounting, project management, and HR systems. It resulted in multiple systems within an

organization working independently.

This led to Executive Information Systems (EIS), a more refined version of the DSS system. It

allowed executives to analyze their department’s output and how it impacted the business’s

overall performance.

1990-2000: Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) Systems: Multiple information systems

that were not integrated resulted in employees wasting time duplicating information across

systems. MIS had to become efficient.

It did that by creating Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) systems that integrated

knowledge management systems and expert systems.

Knowledge-based systems were used to organize and disseminate business knowledge within an

organization. Example: placing a best practices resource on the intranet.

Expert systems started to use artificial intelligence to provide advice and solutions. Example:

proposing faster delivery routes or assessing risk profiles for credit applications.

For the first time, different systems were “talking” to each other.

How is MIS Changing?

MIS systems are becoming more intelligent. Most of the trends below are not new but they will

continue to shape how management information systems function in the future.

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a) Automation and cross-functional integration: Automation can be used for repetitive

tasks and to cross-populate data with other systems. This frees up employees’ time to focus

on higher-value tasks. For example, automation can track inventory and alert you when

stocks are low or automatically reorder stocks when needed without human intervention.

b) Big data analytics: Worldwide, around 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are being generated

daily. That’s a ton of data and a lot of it is harvested by businesses. From customers’

buying habits to social media interactions, data is rolling in from everywhere. Management

information systems not only have to cope with the influx of data, but also analyze it. The

information gleaned can be used to make operations more efficient, improve customer

service, and create personalized marketing campaigns.

c) Artificial intelligence (AI): Artificial intelligence is making waves across almost every

sector. AI has been the biggest disruptor in business in recent years. From chatbots to self-

driving cars, AI is already a part of our lives and will continue to become more entrenched.

d) AI technology is capable of learning patterns and identifying anomalies when processing

big data. It can be used to detect fraud and determine the risk profile of applicants applying

for credit.

e) Cyber security: Cybercrime is a threat every business faces. Most cyber attacks are

financially motivated but some want to access or steal information to gain a competitive

edge. A cyber attack can be a fatal blow to a business. Research by Fundera shows that

60% of small businesses that experience a cyber attack go out of business within six

months. Companies now invest heavily in protecting their data. As cybercriminals become

more sophisticated, cyber security software will have to stay one step ahead.

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Outdated technology can hold your business back. If your business still uses an old

management information system, it may be time to upgrade. A more robust MIS can

enhance productivity and improve customer service, and that ultimately leads to higher

profits."

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CHAPTER THREE

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.1 Methodology Adopted

The structured system analysis and design methodology (SSADM) was adopted for the analysis,

design and implementation of this system. Structured systems analysis and design methodology

(SSADM) is a set of standards for systems analysis and application design. It uses a formal

methodical approach to the analysis and design of information systems.

SSADM follows the waterfall life cycle model starting from the feasibility study to the physical

design stage of development. One of the main features of SSADM is the intensive user

involvement in the requirements analysis stage. The users are made to sign off each stage as they

are completed assuring that requirements are met. The users are provided with clear, easily

understandable documentation consisting of various diagrammatic representations of the system.

SSADM breaks up a development project into stages, modules, steps and tasks. The first and

foremost model developed in SSADM is the data model. It is a part of requirements gathering

and consists of well defined stages, steps and products. The techniques used in SSADM are

logical data modeling, data flow modeling and entity behavior modeling.

a) Logical Data Modeling: This involves the process of identifying, modeling and

documenting data as a part of system requirements gathering. The data are classified

further into entities and relationships.

b) Data Flow Modeling: This involves tracking the data flow in an information system. It

clearly analyzes the processes, data stores, external entities and data movement.

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c) Entity Behavior Modeling: This involves identifying and documenting the events

influencing each entity and the sequence in which these events happen.

3.1.1 Problem Identification Using SSADM

The SSADM was used to discover some problems;

a) Feasibility Study: This assumes that the proposed project has been identified as a result of

an exercise such as strategic planning and sets out to evaluate the various technical,

organizational, financial and business options available. The aim is to establish the whether

the direction and requirements of the project are feasible. The aim is to evaluate the

feasibility of the proposal, involving an analysis of the problem and determination of the

best solution; usually a range of potential solutions are presented.

b) Investigation of the Environment: The process of identifying, modeling and documenting

the data requirements of the system being designed. The result is a data model containing

entities (things about which a business needs to record information), attributes (facts about

the entities) and relationships (associations between the entities).

c) Business System Option (BSO): A BSO defines the functional scope of a proposed

solution. At its most basic level it consists of textual descriptions of those requirements

satisfied by the solution. All BSOs must satisfy the minimum requirement as identified by

user representatives.

d) Requirement Certification: Requirement Certificate aims to equip the learner or end user

(client) with the advanced knowledge of project management and will enable the learner to

understand the system requirement to uphold the project management required parameters.

e) Technical System Option (Implementation): There is availability of software, hardware

and technical man power for the development and running of the new system. Hence the

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system is technically feasible as the requirement can be met without stress and much

financial input. The software and hardware requirements include an Integrated

Development Environment for web based applications, a standard PC for running this

application, a local server and an up to date web browser for testing. As a programmer, the

researcher can provide these requirements with ease and as such, this project is technically

feasible.

f) Logical Design: Technical system options are production and logical design updates and

query processing and system dialogue.

g) Physical Design: physical database design and a set of program specifications Program

specifications are using the logical system specification and the technical system

specification.

3.2 Analysis of the Existing System

The analysis of the existing system comprises the following;

a) Input Analysis: The input of layout of the existing system comprises user intervention

such as; filling of link request form, opening account and login into system.

b) Process Analysis: The customer is registered and being given account number, when the

customer wants to apply for linking farmers to buyers, the customer enters the ID number

in the provided field and information related to that Identification number is displayed if

the information matches the customer’s information, the customer then proceed to choose

the type of farmer he/she prefer and then answer security questions then request for the

card. Why this is necessary to be implemented as an improvement to the existing system is

that it takes away the hassles of a physical registration process and makes it possible for

multiple users to carry out the registration process simultaneously without any delays.

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c) Output Analysis: The output from the system designed is generated from the system

inputs. These reports can also be presented as hard copy.

3.2.1 Dataflow of the Existing System

WEB BASED SYSTEM THAT WILL

LINK FARMERS TO BUYERS

Input Analysis Output Analysis

Process
Fill Link Analysis Produce Result
Request Form

Process Request
Opening Account Generate Report

Login to System Process New Account

Validate Login Details

Figure 3.2.1: Dataflow of the Existing System

3.2.2 Disadvantages of the Existing System

Some of the problems identified in the present system include:

1. The speed of processing data manually is low and prone to errors.

2. The current process is stressful to customers

3. Things done manually were very uncomfortable.

3.2.3 Weakness of the existing System

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Agricultural farm products differ from industrial products due to their perishable nature and

special requirements during various harvesting process and transportation operations. There is a

need to design a farm product marking system to aid in displaying farm produce from farmers

across the country to meet major stakeholders in need of this farm products. This will assist in

growing the economy of the country when international investors invest in the farm produce seen

on the marketing system. Furthermore, agricultural marketing includes all business activities

designed to plan, price, promote and distribute want satisfying goods and services to household

consumers and industrial users.

3.3 Analysis of the Proposed System

An overview of the proposed system flow chat has a relationship between an object to another

just like the entity. Relationship diagram, the object relationship pair can be graphically

represented by a diagram called entity relationship diagram (Entity Relationship Diagram). It is

mainly used in database applications but now it is more commonly used in data design. The

primary purpose of ERD is to represent the relationship between data object.

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3.3.1 Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System

This is a data flowchart of the proposed system as shown in figure 3.2.

Sends Success /

ADMIN TABLE ADMIN

Found / Not Found Login

Success /

USER TABLE USER

Success /
Sends Failure

Registration Details

Figure 3.2: Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System

3.3.2 Advantages of the Proposed System

Agriculture is a well-organized and vibrate sector in Africa, it contributes significantly to the

growth of any economy. It also provides employment to over 1.5 million people. Recently, this

sector has shown 8 to 10 percent growth rate per annum due to rising demand of various

agricultural products. It is observed that an agricultural commodity changes seven to eight

different hands before reaching ultimate consumers.

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Functions performed by various market bodies (especially the middlemen in the market chain)

remain one of the most controversial issues in Africa’s agricultural economy. It is argued that

middlemen exploit marginal farmers and hamper their legitimate share which can be solved with

the use of technology to link farmers directly to buyers.

3.3.3 Justification of the Proposed System

Agriculture sector in Nigeria is considered a major contributor to economic growth and

development. This sector not only meets food demands of population but also provides raw

material for industry besides providing surplus for exports. Despite the face this sector has

witnessed many high points and low points in recent years, overall growth has remained