alin linking research to development
DESCRIPTION
Research brokers and intermediaries in different sectors and contexts: agriculture Presentation by James Nguo, Executive Director, Arid Lands Information network (Kenya) at the Locating the Power of the In-between conference July 08TRANSCRIPT
Arid Lands Information Network(ALIN)
Arid Lands Information Network(ALIN)
Is a Network of over 2000+ grassroots development, workers (CDWs) drawn from NGOs, CBOs as well as government departments, all offering a form of extension service in their fields of expertise.
Linking Research to DevelopmentthroInfomediaries
Linking Research to DevelopmentthroInfomediaries
Arid Lands Information Network(ALIN)
Arid Lands Information Network(ALIN)
Is a Network of over 2000+ grassroots development, workers (CDWs) drawn from NGOs, CBOs as well as government departments, all offering a form of extension service in their fields of expertise.
Core bizz
Mission
Vision
Core bizz
Mission
Vision
To facilitate information exchange among communities
To enhance livelihoods of communities through information exchange
A knowledge-driven society
InfomediariesInfomediaries
These are the people who act as a source of information and knowledge for the rest of the community out of duty or social responsibility.
What we doWhat we do
Info supportInfo support
Capacity buildingCapacity building
Food securityFood security
The project focuses on the dry areas of Kenya occasioned by food shortages and reliance on relief operations.
How-to-do it publications
How-to-do it publications
Partnerships with research institutions to spread technologies that address food security.
Information support- Development of small scale-drip irrigation manual.
Access to Knowledge
Access to Knowledge
In collaboration with other partners, we establish and equip Community Knowledge Centres (CKCs) with ICT equipment to enhance information access, content creation and skills development among rural communities.
Linking producer groups
Linking producer groups
Information Sharing Platform
Information Sharing Platform
All the CKCs use a software, eNRICH (http://enrich.nic.in/), which provides a platform for exchange of ICT-based content creation and exchange in various media and in local languages.
Data Entry Sheet
Data Entry Sheet
Summary of
content
Summary of
content
Full content
Full content
Other ICTs initiativesOther ICTs initiatives
Online Pest
Information
(OISAT)
www.oisat.or
g
Online Pest
Information
(OISAT)
www.oisat.or
g
Partnership with;
ALIN
PAN-Germany,
PELUM-Kenya
Ministry of Agriculture
OISAT is an online information service for non chemical pests management in the tropics
The Kyuso
Resource Centre
The Kyuso
Resource Centre
The centre that is powered by solar energy is equipped with various appropriate ICT tools that include –a computer, CD-ROMs, a worldspace radio and adapter card, printer and GPRS card.
Performance of the Centre
Performance of the Centre
• Centre has 3 compendiums on animal health, Forestry and crop protection.
• More than 1,300 visitors have been recorded and many farmers visit the during the rain season
• Visitors include farmers, teachers, extension staff and students
Sharing Knowledge via Farmer Forums
Sharing Knowledge via Farmer Forums
• Farmers forums organised to share OISAT experiences and knowledge
• Over 30 people attend the forums. - farmers, local leaders, teachers and extension team.
• The forums offer a platform for participants to share info on various development issues
Empowering Farmers with ICT
Knowledge
Empowering Farmers with ICT
Knowledge
• Partnerships with research institutions to spread technologies that address food security.
• Information support- Development of small scale-drip irrigation manual.
• Pest identification through community meetings
Empowering Farmers with ICT
Knowledge
Empowering Farmers with ICT
Knowledge
Validation of local knowledge- farmers’ knowledge and practices
Establishment of Community-based Knowledge Centres
Capacity building for communities to create and share local knowledge using ICTs.
Open forums to demonstrate technologies
ResultsResults Increased food production during the dry spell.
Spread of the technology in the region-increase in knowledge.
Valuing of the local knowledge reinforcing its creation, communication and exchange.
We involve the Youth in knowledge activities at the CKCs.
They assist in content creation and dissemination.
This improves their skills and prepares them for the job market.
Young Infomediaries
Young Infomediaries
LessonsLessons Research and development can be strongly linked through partnerships with grassroots groups
Social networks are important in knowledge transfer.
Infomediaries play a key role in knowledge transfer
The use of multi media tools can assist in simplifying high level research findings
ICTs are important tools in information management
Thank You!Thank [email protected] www.alin.or.ke