Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents 2.7 E-COMMERCE Electronic payment systems are the cornerstone of E-Commerce development in the country by ensuring convenience and flexibility when undertaking commercial transactions and trade. Therefore, the banking sub-sector plays an important role in the development of E-Commerce solutions. With the adoption of Internet, some of the financial institutions are already offering Internet banking and international cash payment via electronic cards such as VISA to customers. Mobile commerce solutions via GSM phones are increasing on the market mainly due to the convenience, flexibility and increase in the use of mobile phones. However, the growth of E-Commerce depends on good telecommunications infrastructure, effective legal/regulatory framework, widespread use of E-Commerce related services, awareness creation and development of E-commerce solutions etc. Some of the challenges in the development of E-Commerce include: (a) Lack of effective ICT infrastructure to support widespread use of E-Commerce solutions; (b) Inadequate laws and legal system to support E-Commerce; (c) Inadequate innovative solutions from the ICT industry that can promote the spread of E-Commerce; (d) Lack of supportive and integrated investments in ICT, energy and other social infrastructure projects to increase uptake, access and demand for ECommerce. 2.8 AGRICULTURE The National Agriculture Information Service (NAIS) is the major information and communication framework for farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector. However, this channel is limited to radio programmes especially servicing the rural areas. Programmes on TV are proving to be more effective but the limited coverage of the TV network across the country has resulted in limited exploitation of the technology. Usage of effective voice communication systems among farmers such as radio phones as a community service has not been exploited. However, it is desirable that TV, Phones and Internet should make an impact as information/communication channels among stakeholders in the sector. Some of the challenges in integrating ICTs in Agriculture include: (a) Inadequate channels for information delivery among framers, businesses and policy makers; (b) Poor quality of existing infrastructure and high cost of ICT infrastructure rollout thus limiting access to ICT products and services among stakeholders; (c) Limited coverage of effective media tools like radio and TV among rural farming communities coupled with high cost and limited energy (electric) 13