Establishing an Agricultural Information System in Iran

Establishing an Agricultural Information System in Iran

Abstract

In April 2007, the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture Think Tank (MJTT) undertook a critical review of the Agricultural Information System of Iran (AISI) project, initiated in July 2006. This project is a result of comprehensive analyses of existing agricultural information systems within the country, a comparative study of agricultural information systems worldwide, and a profound exploration of modern methodologies, particularly knowledge management, aimed at the development of an efficient agricultural information system in Iran. This article summarizes key aspects discussed during the workshop held on April 21, which included presentations on the necessity of AISI establishment, the methodology for its implementation, cognition states related to its establishment, and a panel discussion on cooperative protocols within AISI.

Introduction

The establishment of an effective Agricultural Information System in Iran (AISI) is a significant endeavor, driven by the recognition of the pivotal role that information systems play in the context of agricultural economics. In this article, we present the key insights and discussions from the April 2007 workshop organized by the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture Think Tank (MJTT).

The Necessity of Agricultural Information System Establishment

Amir Abbas Moazzen, the project manager of AISI, underscored the vital role that information systems play in the economic landscape, particularly in the realm of agricultural economics. Economic aspects of information systems entail considerations of cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and value factors. AISI's short-term objectives focus on achieving cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness, thus ensuring that the information system provides competitive advantages to the agricultural industry in Iran. Moazzen emphasized the critical flow of information in the agricultural sector, stating that data, information, and knowledge flow are central factors in formulating successful agricultural mechanization strategies.

The Methodology of Agricultural Information System Establishment in Iran

Askar Norozi, a key collaborator in the AISI project, provided insights into the historical development of information systems in Iran and other countries. He highlighted the significance of an information system in the context of agricultural strategies in Iran, attributing its necessity to factors such as integration, leadership, management, the prevention of parallel activities, and the enhanced utilization of information within the agricultural sector. Norozi elucidated that research and studies conducted within the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture revealed several challenges, including macro challenges, context management challenges, technological challenges, organizational challenges, and human resource challenges. The primary challenge identified is the lack of systematic relations between information system units within the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture organizations and the agricultural sector. Norozi affirmed that research outcomes underscore knowledge management as the optimal approach to fostering unified thought development within the agricultural information system in Iran.

Cognition States in Agricultural Information System Establishment in Iran

Maziar Amirhosseini, another collaborator in the AISI project, presented the theoretical foundation for information system development in Iran. He articulated the establishment of a national theoretical framework specific to agricultural information systems. This framework integrates philosophical models rooted in knowledge theory, encompassing ancient Iranian philosophy, Islamic philosophy, and the knowledge theory of Immanuel Kant. Amirhosseini elaborated on a three-step thought process, commencing with macro ontology, derived from ancient Iranian and Islamic philosophies, which addresses the cognition of existence. The second step involves epistemological thought, influenced by Immanuel Kant's knowledge theory. The final step, micro ontology, embodies pyramidology thought, delineating the structure of a virtual organization within the agricultural information system of Iran. This micro ontology is represented in the form of a pyramid, signifying systematic relationships between all organizations within the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture responsible for information duties. The pyramid model orchestrates these organizations' interactions with the agricultural sector.

Conclusion

The initiation and ongoing development of the Agricultural Information System of Iran (AISI) represent a concerted effort to harness the power of information systems in the agricultural context. Through a rigorous review of existing systems, a comparative analysis of international approaches, and a strong focus on knowledge management, AISI endeavors to create a unified, efficient, and sustainable agricultural information system in Iran. As this project progresses, it holds the promise of significantly enhancing agricultural practices, resource management, and the economic viability of Iran's agricultural sector.

Tags: Agricultural Information, Iran, Information System, Knowledge Management

Labels: Agriculture, Iran, Information

Source: Originally posted by IAALD blogger at Friday, July 13, 2007

The Role of Radio in Agricultural Information Systems

The Role of Radio in Agricultural Information Systems

In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, information is the key to success. Farmers and rural communities depend on access to timely and accurate agricultural information to make informed decisions, improve productivity, and adapt to changing conditions. While modern technology has ushered in an era of sophisticated agricultural information systems, one traditional medium continues to play a vital role in disseminating knowledge and connecting rural areas: radio.

Radio: A Powerful Tool for Agricultural Communication

Radio, a century-old medium, has retained its relevance in the digital age, proving to be a valuable component of agricultural information systems. Here are several reasons why radio continues to be a powerful tool for agricultural communication and development:

Wide Accessibility

One of radio's most significant advantages is its universal accessibility. In agricultural regions with limited internet connectivity and technological infrastructure, radio remains a reliable and accessible means of communication. Smallholder farmers, who form a substantial portion of the agricultural community, can easily access radio broadcasts, providing them with essential information without the need for costly devices or internet access.

Localized Information

Agricultural information must be context-specific, considering factors like climate, soil type, and crop varieties. Radio stations with local focus can provide tailored agricultural information to specific regions, taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities in each area. Localized content strengthens the connection between the radio station and its audience, fostering trust and engagement.

Interactive Engagement

Radio's interactive nature sets it apart from many other communication channels. Farmers can actively engage with radio programs through call-ins, SMS interactions, or even radio talk shows. This two-way communication allows farmers to seek clarification, ask questions, and share their experiences, creating a dynamic feedback loop that facilitates continuous learning and improvement.

Timely and Real-Time Updates

Agriculture is heavily influenced by external factors like weather conditions and market prices. Radio's ability to provide real-time updates on weather forecasts, market trends, and agricultural news enables farmers to make timely decisions and plan their activities accordingly. By keeping farmers informed about potential challenges and opportunities, radio plays a crucial role in risk management and crop planning.

Capacity Building and Educational Programs

Radio is a powerful platform for educational content and capacity building. Agricultural information systems can leverage radio to deliver extension services, training programs, and expert interviews, providing farmers with valuable insights and practical knowledge. Educational radio programs can cover a wide range of topics, from modern farming techniques to sustainable agricultural practices, empowering farmers to adopt innovative approaches and improve their livelihoods.

Supporting Rural Development

Agricultural information systems aim to contribute to rural development by empowering farmers and rural communities. Radio can become a catalyst for positive change, advocating for policy reforms, showcasing successful agricultural initiatives, and promoting social and economic development in rural areas. Through informative and inspirational programming, radio can foster a sense of community pride and unity among farmers and rural residents.

Overcoming Language and Literacy Barriers

In regions where language diversity and literacy levels pose challenges, radio becomes a powerful medium for overcoming communication barriers. Radio programs can be broadcasted in local languages, making crucial agricultural information accessible to all members of the community, regardless of their literacy levels.

Embracing Technological Advancements

Radio's integration with modern technology further enhances its impact in agricultural information systems. Online streaming and podcasting enable farmers to access radio content beyond traditional broadcast schedules, offering greater flexibility and convenience. Moreover, partnerships between radio stations and agricultural organizations can facilitate the use of mobile applications and SMS-based services to complement radio programs and provide additional support to farmers.

Conclusion: Amplifying Agricultural Knowledge

As agricultural information systems continue to evolve, radio remains an integral part of the communication landscape, connecting farmers with valuable knowledge and resources. Its accessibility, localized content, interactive engagement, real-time updates, educational programs, support for rural development, and inclusivity in overcoming language barriers make it a powerful tool for amplifying agricultural knowledge and driving sustainable development in rural communities. By embracing technological advancements and maintaining a focus on the needs of farmers and rural residents, radio will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture worldwide.

Radio's unique attributes and its compatibility with modern agricultural information systems make it a dynamic force in empowering farmers and fostering rural development. As we move forward in the digital age, the synergy between radio and technology will undoubtedly propel agriculture into new heights, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for farming communities worldwide.

The Benefits and Risks of Solar Powered Irrigation - FAO

The Benefits and Risks of Solar Powered Irrigation - FAO


1. Introduction



1.1 BACKGROUND



Agriculture is the single largest employer in the world, sustaining the livelihoods of 40 percent
of the world’s population, many of whom continue to live in poverty (United Nations, 2015).



Irrigation is among the measures that can improve yields, reduce vulnerability to changing
rainfall patterns and enable multiple cropping practices (FAO, 2011). As such, irrigation is often
seen as the engine that helps to ensure food security, generates incomes, provides jobs and
drives rural development.



Energy is a key input for irrigation services.
As investment costs for solar powered irrigation systems (SPIS) are coming down and subsidy
schemes for SPIS are being rolled out, solar technologies are becoming a viable option for
both large and small-scale farmers. SPIS provide reliable and affordable energy, potentially
reducing energy costs for irrigation. In rural areas where diesel fuel is expensive or where
reliable access to the electricity grid is lacking, they can provide a relatively flexible and climate friendly alternative energy source. SPIS can be used in large-scale irrigation systems as well as
for decentralized, small-scale irrigation.
Some countries are promoting SPIS in the framework of national action plans regarding climate
change as a way to reduce emissions from agriculture. The operation of solar pumps does not
produce any greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Life cycle assessments of SPIS, accounting for
emissions in a cradle-to-grave scenario, indicate a potential reduction in GHG emissions per
unit of energy used for water pumping (CO2-eq/kWh) of 95 to 97 percent as compared with
pumps operated with grid electricity (global average energy mix) and 97 to 98 percent as
compared with diesel pumps (GIZ, 2016).
Nevertheless, it is important to note that SPIS – if not adequately managed and regulated –
bear the risk of supporting unsustainable water use. Once the systems are installed, there is no
cost per unit of power and thus no financial incentive for farmers to save on fuel or electricity
for water pumping. This can lead to wasteful water use, over-abstraction of groundwater, and
low field application efficiency. In some cases, farmers sell water to their neighbours at a profit,
increasing the overall water withdrawals. Recognizing the water-related risks and addressing
those from the beginning – especially in the financing and design stages – will be crucial to
ensure the sustainable use of SPIS technology.



In light of the rapid expansion of SPIS, there is an opportunity to not simply introduce a
clean, climate-smart and innovative energy technology, but to think strategically about how
this technology can be used to encourage more sustainable use of groundwater resources,
to create more inclusive finance and management structures and to foster more integrated
thinking about solutions around the water-energy-food nexus.



1.2 GROWING INTEREST IN SOLAR POWERED IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS



There is a growing interest in solar-powered irrigation solutions around the world, noticeable
in the increasingly frequent requests from agricultural institutions in developing countries for
installation, finance and training. In May 2015, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
2 The benefits and risks of solar-powered irrigation - A global overview
United Nations (FAO) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
(GIZ) GmbH hosted an exploratory workshop to better understand the potential of SPIS
for developing countries. Representatives from 19 countries shared their experiences with
solar pumping technologies – from large to small-scale, from tropical to arid climate zones, for
vegetable gardens, orchards and livestock watering, using surface and groundwater.
It became clear that there was a need to synthesize these experiences and to respond to
the issues, questions and needs that were raised during the workshop.



What are the real
costs and benefits of SPIS compared with other technologies?

What rules, regulations and
policies are needed to manage the risks and realize the potential of SPIS?

What are viable
business models for SPIS?

How can smallholders benefit from SPIS technology?

How can
the risk of groundwater depletion be addressed effectively?

How can SPIS help to empower
women and promote gender equity?

What types of capacity development programmes are
needed to support farmers, extension workers, local private sectors and others?

What are the
opportunities for knowledge exchange and technology transfer?



FAO and GIZ decided to follow up on these questions with a global project that is part of the
“Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development” (PAEGC) initiative.



The
overall aim of the project is to:

(i) learn from good practices around the world;

(ii) foster policy
dialogue across sectors on topics such as finance, green jobs and groundwater management; and

(iii) support the responsible use of SPIS through training and improved advisory services.



This
report is one of the outputs of this project.
Drawing on the experiences in different countries and projects, this report seeks to give a
state-of-the art overview of historic and current trends in solar pumping technologies and to
explore different approaches to promoting, regulating and managing SPIS.



The report is based
on an online survey, personal, telephone and Skype interviews, site visits to India, Kenya and
Ethiopia, and an extensive literature review.



1.3 METHODOLOGY



1.3.1 Literature Research



A wealth of reports, case studies, product information, websites and published papers exists
on solar-powered irrigation. A systematic overview was obtained and the most important
information used is listed in the references. Several reports dating from several years back
are no longer relevant, as the SPIS sector is changing rapidly due to increasing efficiency and
decreasing investment costs in the last years. Different configurations of systems are now
possible that were not considered previously, and many innovations and technical advances
have been made.



1.3.2 Online survey



An online survey was developed to source information and to obtain a general overview of
experiences with SPIS around the world.



The survey was designed in English and French and
made available on a dedicated website. It was structured in three parts:

• Information on the person responding to the survey;

• Country-specific information on SPIS;

• Information on an SPIS case study.



1. Introduction

The link to the survey was sent to 156 people by e-mail. The recipients were people already
working with SPIS technologies, including government staff, private sector actors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers. Among the people contacted were
the participants in a FAO-GIZ workshop on the potential of solar-powered irrigation in May
2015. Other recipients were identified in relevant online forums and through intensive Internet
research. The people contacted received a short explanation about the context, purpose and
content of the survey and a link to the questionnaire. It was sent out on 5 April 2017 with an
initial deadline of 24 April 2017, later extended to 1 May 1 2017.
Statistics on the background and responses of the survey participants can be found in Figure
2. Answers to the questionnaire varied in length and degree of completion. Participants were
encouraged to reply to only the questions relevant to them. Overall, 54 individuals responded
to the survey – i.e. 35 percent of those contacted.
Figure 1
Answers to the questionnaire were received from these countries
ASIA
Bangladesh 2.04%
China 2.04%
India 6.12%
Lebanon 2.04%
Nepal 4.08%
United Arab Emirates 2.04%
AFRICA
Egypt 2.04%
Ethiopia 4.08%
Ghana 2.04%
Kenya 16.33%
Lesotho 2.04%
Morocco 4.08%
Senegal 10.20%
South Africa 2.04%
Tunisia 2.04%
Zimbabwe 4.08%
Chile 2.04%
USA 2.04%
AMERICA
EUROPE
Belgium 2.04%
Denmark 2.04%
Germany 12.24%
Italy 4.08%
Netherlands 2.04%
Sweden 2.04%
Other 4.08%
4 The benefits and risks of solar-powered irrigation - A global overview
Relevant information was received from the questionnaire responses, coming from 25
countries. The sample is not (and was not intended to be) representative. Most of the people
answering the survey were technical experts, technical advisors and trainers, as well as heads
of departments and project managers; 15 percent of them were female.
• 73 percent confirmed that their respective countries had government programmes and
policies to promote small-scale irrigation.
• 71 percent stated that their respective countries had programmes or policies on adapting
agricultural water management to climate change.
• Only 46 percent said there were specific regulations limiting groundwater abstraction for
irrigation purposes.
Regarding financial support for SPIS:
• 67 percent said that there are (financial) institutions that provide loans (and subsidies) for
solar-powered irrigation.
• 53 percent described significant sector investments or public-private-par tnerships for SPIS
in their countries.
Regarding the experience with SPIS:
• 55 percent strongly agreed that the performance of the SPIS they were describing was
good; 45 percent agreed.
• 52 percent strongly agreed that there were significant positive changes in agricultural
productivity after the installation of SPIS; 48 percent agreed.
• 47 percent strongly agreed that changes in income were significant after the installation
of SPIS; 43 percent agreed and 10 percent disagreed.
Servicing challenges for system repairs over the long term were seen by 31 percent; only 21
percent said that repair costs were high.
As expected, the degree of relevant and useable information varied. Those respondents who
provided contact details were contacted to solicit missing information.



1.3.3 Interviews



Twenty-five people engaged in research, development and/or implementation of SPIS were
interviewed in person or by Skype/phone. During visits to Kenya, Ethiopia and India, people
working with SPIS were also interviewed. Two smallholder farms in Kenya with solar-powered
irrigation and drip irrigation were visited, as well as a supplier of SPIS. This helped to put
the results of the online survey, as well as the interviews and the literature research, into
perspective. A training course at one of the solar pump manufacturers’ development centres
supported the better understanding of technological challenges as well as the significant
advances made during the last years.



LINK

Advances in greenhouse automation and controlled environment agriculture: A transition to plant factories and urban agriculture

Greenhouse cultivation has evolved from simple covered rows of open-fields crops to highly sophisticated controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities that projected the image of plant factories for urban agriculture. The advances and improvements in CEA have promoted the scientific solutions for the efficient production of plants in populated cities and multi-story buildings. Successful deployment of CEA for urban agriculture requires many components and subsystems, as well as the understanding of the external influencing factors that should be systematically considered and integrated. This review is an attempt to highlight some of the most recent advances in greenhouse technology and CEA in order to raise the awareness for technology transfer and adaptation, which is necessary for a successful transition to urban agriculture. This study reviewed several aspects of a high-tech CEA system including improvements in the frame and covering materials, environment perception and data sharing, and advanced microclimate control and energy optimization models. This research highlighted urban agriculture and its derivatives, including vertical farming, rooftop greenhouses and plant factories which are the extensions of CEA and have emerged as a response to the growing population, environmental degradation, and urbanization that are threatening food security. Finally, several opportunities and challenges have been identified in implementing the integrated CEA and vertical farming for urban agriculture.



Advances in greenhouse automation and controlled environment agriculture: A transition to plant factories and urban agriculture | Shamshiri | International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Precision Agriculture

The agriculture of our century is facing rapidly changing economic, social and environmental scenarios. A forecast of the world population’s increase estimated at about 9 billion by 2050 (Nikos and Bruinsma 2012) leads the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2014) to underline the growth of primary needs and food needs by about 60%, if compared to the annual average calculated between 2005 and 2007; the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament confirms these figures (McIntyre 2015). In this regard, the FAO focuses on how the global agricultural and food systems can support the subsistence needs of the world population, taking into account the fact that both developing and emerging countries need to satisfy food quantities in an optimal way and at the same time the populations of the industrialized countries have specific nutritional needs (food safety). Compared to the agricultural policies of the past, today some trends are better taken into account such as technological evolution, socio-political changes, water shortages, as well as the increase in energy needs and the emergence of new pests and diseases that affect agricultural production (Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali 2015). These are just some examples of the elements that are at the base of the political choices of the most modern agricultural activities. The technological innovation is therefore necessary for the development of companies that grow in size and for structures, with a path of integration oriented towards the automation and adoption of the most advanced technologies within the cultivation processes. From these premises we can highlight the two major challenges to which modern agriculture must be ready to respond: the need for increased production and the reduction of environmental impacts. Precision Agriculture can be an instrument to address these problems.




Precision Agriculture | Angela Tarabella | Request PDF

Internet-of-Things (IoT) based Smart Agriculture: Towards Making the Fields Talk

Despite the perception people may have regarding the agricultural process, the reality is that today’s agriculture industry is data-centered, precise, and smarter than ever. The rapid emergence of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) based technologies redesigned almost every industry including “smart agriculture” which moved the industry from statistical to quantitative approaches. Such revolutionary changes are shaking the existing agriculture methods and creating new opportunities along a range of challenges. This article highlights the potential of wireless sensors and IoT in agriculture, as well as the challenges expected to be faced when integrating this technology with the traditional farming practices. IoT devices and communication techniques associated with wireless sensors encountered in agriculture applications are analyzed in detail. What sensors are available for specific agriculture application, like soil preparation, crop status, irrigation, insect and pest detection are listed. How this technology helping the growers throughout the crop stages, from sowing until harvesting, packing and transportation is explained. Furthermore, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for crop surveillance and other favorable applications such as optimizing crop yield is considered in this article. State-of-the-art IoT-based architectures and platforms used in agriculture are also highlighted wherever suitable. Finally, based on this thorough review, we identify current and future trends of IoT in agriculture and highlight potential research challenges.





Internet-of-Things (IoT) based Smart Agriculture: Towards Making the Fields Talk

Internet of things for planting in smart farm hydroponics style

Recently, the farmers gain more profits by producing the quality product. The effects of the global warming make more difficult planning in uncontrolled environment. On the other hand, the yield does not match customers' needs. For these reasons, planting in a greenhouse is easy to maintain and to control important factors such as light, temperature, and humidity. Using of sensors coming in a greenhouse as Wireless Sensor Networks System are one efficiency of technology used in agricultural development by sending data to the cloud and controlling values such as temperature, light, etc. The results of this study will be useful for the farmer and related organizations applying in the farm.






(PDF) Internet of things for planting in smart farm hydroponics style

The Connected Farm

The Connected Farmer - PDF

Satellite-tracking to assist in the conservation of South Africa's Secretarybirds

BirdLife Community: BirdLife South Africa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme (EWT-BoPP), and the University of the Witwatersrand have launched a collaborative satellite tracking project on one of South Africa’s most charismatic raptors, Secretarybird.

Google Maps for Africa gets better - walking directions launched!

Try out the walking directions today. As a reminder, walking directions are currently in beta, and we recommend that you use caution, as the routes may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian crossings. Walking directions are editable, so if anything is amiss, you can correct it with our community mapping tool Google Map Maker. Google Map Maker is a tool that allows you to add and update geographic information for millions of users to see in Google Maps and Google Earth.

Epidemiology

Epidemiology: “If there is a case of rabies or an outbreak of a deadly disease, a field worker can send the detailed surveillance data immediately only using a mobile. Worst case, if there is no mobile phone network nearby, the field worker has to move to a location with network or must find the nearest internet connection. But no longer do they have to drive hours back to a capital city before the information can be confirmed,” explained Musisi.

Online educational repositories for promoting agricultural knowledge

"Towards promoting sustainable agriculture and economic growth, the development of the agricultural workforce and set up of innovative agricultural systems are required. Agricultural educational repositories are systems used for storing, reusing and sharing agricultural learning resources. They contribute to agricultural education at different educational levels and target groups. Thus, this paper firstly provides an overview of Institutional Repositories (IRs) and Open Access Archives (OAAs) in Greece and agricultural repositories worldwide. Also, it describes the agricultural repositories that provide access to educational content in Greek and presents experiences from the establishment of Agricultural University of Athens’ (AUA) repository."

Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support Systems for agriculture and rural development in Africa

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI): "In this technical guide we describe the Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (SAKSS) concept developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute in response to the capacity gaps typically found in many African countries for generating and translating evidence into action. SAKSS is defined as a collaborative network that acts as a mechanism by which relevant evidence is generated and used to inform agricultural and rural development strategy formulation and implementation. SAKSS brings together two important concepts—“strategic analysis” and “knowledge support systems.” The strategic analysis component describes an integrated framework of analysis that helps identify strategy and investment options for achieving high-end development goals. This analysis is carried out within the context of a knowledge support system, a network that serves the evidence needs of strategy formulation and implementation. By providing a platform for exchange, information, data analysis, and knowledge can be compiled, synthesized, and packaged into evidence that is supplied on a timely and reliable basis to be of use during strategy processes."

AKOL - using the cloud to feed the developing world

AKOL - using the cloud to feed the developing world: "Learning how to cope with drought and raise productive cows is now just a click away, thanks to a kibbutz-based company's cloud-based software supported by IBM. AKOL gives low-income farmers the ability to get top-level information from professional sources. Food prices are going up, and experts say they will continue to rise, thanks to changing weather patterns and unprecedented drought in the wrong places (Australia, China and Russia) at the wrong time, just when the burgeoning population of the world is using up stored food at an alarming rate. Since much of its land mass is desert, Israel is in a unique position to help these countries and others learn to cope with drought - and Israeli company AKOL has developed an exclusive Internet-based system to share that information with those who need it most. Recently, corporate giant IBM signed a development agreement with the company, whose name is an acronym for Agricultural Knowledge On-Line."

Kenyan farmers use SMS to beat climate-driven price uncertainty

AlertNet: "William Muriuki and his wife are inspecting their vegetable farm in the tiny village of Karimagachiije, some 15 km outside Meru town in central Kenya. Cabbages, onions and Irish potatoes are ready to go to market. But the question is where? Identifying the best market never used to be a problem, explains the 73-year-old farmer. “It was easy to tell what vegetables were in season in a particular area, so we knew the most appropriate places to sell our farm produce.” But changing climatic conditions have disrupted market patterns. “It is no longer as predictable as it was,” he says. “We have to physically identify places with high demand.”"

Keeping tabs on literature related to agriculture, nutrition and health

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI): "Online group in Mendeley continues adding members, publications post 2020 Conference. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest research publications about agriculture, nutrition, and health? Join the growing group of peers that have been contributing and following this group IFPRI 2020 Conference Group on Mendeley. As an innovative, collaborative bibliography, this group enables you to keep up on recent literature, contribute your own articles, and provides a forum for active engagement with your peers around the world. Register and join our Mendeley group to start contributing today! Check out additional resources to stay tuned under the Knowledge Fair’s Literature Hub."

AKOL

"AKOL from Anat Keshev Group -Gives special attention to developing Agricultural Management Software integration. The great advantage of AKOL lies in the agricultural sector, specialized in deep familiarity with the needs and activities of this sector.
AKOL is a leading entrepreneurial software house that provides the agricultural sector with comprehensive computer-based and communication solutions to meet its needs. AKOL's IT solutions helps farmers, across the different sectors, manage their resources, providing them with real-time control and the ability to conduct future planning, using off-the-shelf software that AKOL tailors to customers in each specific sector.

Since its founding in 1978, AKOL (formerly Anat Keshev) has pioneered the integration of IT systems in the agricultural sector and built computer and IT solutions renown in Israel and around the world.
AKOL solutions support the protocols of international agricultural standards, including ISO, GlobalGAP, etc."

“Farming Out” Agricultural Advice Through Radio and SMS

National Geographic News Watch: "In today’s installment of the special series Mobile Message, Amy O’Donnell takes a look at how radio is being combined with mobile phone text messaging to better connect smallholder farmers with local agricultural programmes in Kenya.

Mobile Message is a series of blog posts about how mobile phones are being used throughout the world to improve, enrich, and empower billions of lives."

CrowdSpotting: Who, what, why, where, and the when of your web audience

CrowdSpotting: Who, what, why, where, and the when of your web audience: "As the tools for statistics become more sophisticated we need to move away just from numbers of pageviews on our website and answer more questions on HOW our content is read by our audience. See WHO visits your website and the reach of the internet audience you have in their country. Measure the Height, Width and Depth of your readers behavior and find out WHAT interests them. See WHERE to put your effort in promoting your content…See exactly WHEN your visitors come and….. WHY do nearly all our visitors for one particular IFPRI publication come on a Thursday? Join us to find out."

Pfizer launches interactive Web portal

Pfizer launches interactive Web portal - News: "Pfizer Animal Health today announced its new U.S. web portal to better engage and connect with its customers and to create an interactive community for practicing and student veterinarians.
The enhanced web presence, www.PfizerAH.com, will serve as a single destination to all users of Pfizer Animal Health products in the United States -- including veterinarians, producers and pet owners.
“The new online platform offers new features and will ultimately contain a robust collection of information for the veterinary community,” said Michael McFarland, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, Group Director Veterinary Medical Services at Pfizer Animal Health. “We are committed to informing and supporting veterinarians as well as those involved in health decisions for livestock and pets.”"

Small groups, large forests

Small groups, large forests

Community methodology

Community methodology - ICT Update, a current awareness bulletin for ACP agriculture: "A study by the Kyoto: Think Global, Act Local project shows that using free open source software for data collection can be efficient and cost-effective for forest communities.



Communities need to be able to accurately map and geo-reference forest resources to participate in carbon credit payment schemes. ICTs are essential for both the initial mapping process and for assessing, at a local level, changes in carbon stock and forest cover over time. However, most of the methods available make use of expensive software and mobile devices that are well beyond the reach of the budgets of communities and local NGOs."

A social alliance

A social alliance - ICT Update, a current awareness bulletin for ACP agriculture: "Forest Connect works in 12 countries to link small-scale forestry enterprises to each other and to national institutions, and helps them to gather and deliver information using ICTs.

Many small and medium-sized forest enterprises (SMFEs) have little contact with other businesses, organisations and agencies in the sector. Forest Connect, established in 2007, tackles that isolation and encourages entrepreneurs to share ideas, and find funding to support their work.


The alliance currently works with national partner institutions in 12 countries, including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Liberia, Malawi, Mali and Mozambique. Previous research and work done by the two organisations managing the project, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and FAO, showed that the selected countries suffered from an apparent lack of institutions with skills and resources to support small businesses based on sustainable forestry management practices."

New software to aid farmers to resolve marketing woes

New software to aid farmers to resolve marketing woes: "Dr Rugemalira submitted his invention Uza Mazao (Swahili for sale produce) software that enable farmers and farm produce buyers to meet in a virtual market. Being a winner meant that he gets $100,000 as prize money to deploy his idea but on condition that he contributes an equal amount to the investment. “The prize had to be topped up with an equal amount viewed as ‘sweat equity’ from the winner,” he says."

Digital technology rapidly changing the way China reads - Books, Arts & Entertainment - The Independent

Digital technology rapidly changing the way China reads - Books, Arts & Entertainment - The Independent: "The survey found that on average Chinese people read 4.25 books per year, 101.16 editions of newspapers, 7.19 editions of magazines and 0.73 e-books.

The Chinese survey polled 19,418 people across 29 of China's provinces during the period of September 2010 through January 2011."

Video as a tool for agricultural extension in Africa: a case study from Ghana

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT - Vol. 7, No. 1 (2011): "The paper explores the effectiveness of video viewing clubs (VVCs) as a training method based on a formal survey of 32 Ghanaian women farmers who were trained on cocoa integrated crop and pest management (ICPM) using this method. Results suggests that the video viewing club is effective as a relatively low cost, interactive training method for providing low literacy populations with skills, information and knowledge on complex technical topics. While there was no significant difference between VVC participants and a control group in farmers’ reported implementation of selected ICPM practices or yield difference in the single year observed one year after the training largely due to methodological limitations, the study demonstrated that VVC training significantly improved farmers’ knowledge of most topics covered. Farmers’ perception of changes in their practices provided further evidence of the positive impact of the training, as did their high rate of knowledge diffusion. The use of local facilitators in the VVCs, which created a sense of ownership and added to the credibility of the technical messages, contributed to farmers’ appreciation of the method. The paper concludes by discussing the challenges of scaling up VVCs and identifying issues for further research."

International Expert Consultation on the theme “Building the CIARD Framework for Data and Information Sharing” | Coherence in Information for Agricultural Research for Development

International Expert Consultation on the theme “Building the CIARD Framework for Data and Information Sharing” Coherence in Information for Agricultural Research for Development: "This International Expert Consultation, which has been preceded by an electronic consultation on the e-agriculture platform (http://www.e-agriculture.org/en/forums/current-forum), will consider steps that need to be taken globally to build a framework for data and information sharing for agricultural research for development. Some suggestions include developing linked open data, open data repositories, registries of services and data sets, common vocabularies, standards etc. There may be additional activities needed among various ARD stakeholders and actors such as in advocacy, capacity development, collaboration etc. at various levels, communities, countries and regions to bring more rapid fruition to this important activity to improve agricultural research for development globally."

Strengthening rural livelihoods : the impact of information and communication technologies in Asia

Strengthening rural livelihoods : the impact of information and communication technologies in Asia: "Enthusiasm amongst international development agencies about harnessing the potential of Information and communications technologies (ICTs) for development has waned as observers have recently questioned the Impact and sustainability of such interventions. By presenting the findings of research specifically designed to measure Impact on livelihoods, Strengthening Rural Livelihoods offers new evidence for the development benefits of ICTs. The book presents an overview of SIX research projects within the 'Knowledge Networking for Rural Development In Asia Pacific' (ENRAP) research programme. It asks if ICTs enabled farmers to sell beyond local markets and at better prices, and whether there have been social gains in linking geographically disparate households and social networks. Using a control trial approach In four out of the SIX project case studies, and critically assessing the pros and cons of this methodology including the ethical Implications, the authors have provided significant new Insights Into how to overcome the challenges of mainstreaming lCTs Into rural livelihoods and more effectively measuring its effects. This book will appeal to academics, civil society organizations, practitioners and students who are Interested In what works and what doesn't work when applying ICTs to rural livelihoods."