DELIVERING EXPERT-SYSTEMS TO AGRICULTURE - EXPERIENCES WITH CALEX COTTON

The problems associated with the delivery of expert systems to the int ended end users have not been adequately addressed by those developing such programs. Major issues in delivering expert systems include invo lving users in the development of the product to improve usefulness, d elivering computer-based technology, using computer technology to tran sfer agricultural production technologies, and implementing whole syst ems rather than components. CALEX/Cotton, an integrated expert system for cotton production, is used as an example to examine these issues. This expert system was developed specifically as a decision support ai d, and delivery to end users was given a high priority from the outset . CALEX/Cotton is underutilized by cotton producers in spite of early user involvement in development, close technical support during its in troduction to the field, and low price. To improve adoption of the tec hnology, the program should be modified to be more responsive to immed iate production issues, delivery of information should include avenues in addition to office-based hardware, and a commitment should be made to long-term technical support to the user.