Communicating Agricultural Information In

Home , Backbone (solitaire), Sultan (solitaire)

University of Kentucky UKnowledge

Library Faculty and Staff ubP lications University of Kentucky Libraries

1-1995 Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places: Part I Antoinette Paris Powell University of Kentucky, [email protected] Click here to let us know how access to this document benefits oy u.

Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/libraries_facpub Part of the Library and Information Science Commons

Repository Citation Powell, Antoinette Paris, "Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places: Part I" (1995). Library Faculty and Staff Publications. 55. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/libraries_facpub/55

This Conference Proceeding is brought to you for free and open access by the University of Kentucky Libraries at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Library Faculty and Staff ubP lications by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places: Part I

This conference proceeding is available at UKnowledge: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/libraries_facpub/55

IAALD International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists

Proceedings of the IXth World Congress of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists: Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places PART I

January 23–26, 1995 • Melbourne, Australia

Conference issue: Quarterly Bulletin of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists vol. XLI, no. 1, 1996 ISSN: 1019-9926 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION SPECIALISTS (IAALD) Aims of the Association The Association was founded in 1955 to promote, internationally and nationally, the professional interests of agricultural information professionals. The word “Agricultural” shall include but shall not be limited to agriculture, forestry, agricultural engineering, fisheries, food and nutrition, agricultural industries, veterinary science, biotechnology and rural development. The IAALD membership is about 500, drawn from eighty countries. Activities include a General Assembly (at least once in five years), annual meetings of the Executive Committee and meetings of the Working Com- mittees as occasion demands, and the issuing of publications in the field of agricultural information: bibliography, documentation, and librarianship. Executive Committee of IAALD Officers: President: Junior Vice President: Editor: Drs. Jan van der Burg Dr. Anton Mangstl Ms. Antoinette Paris Powell Boeslaan 55 ZADI Agriculture Library 6703 ER Wageningen, The Netherlands P.O. Box 20 14 15 Agricultural Science Center North Senior Vice President: D-53144 Bonn, Germany University of Kentucky Mr. Syed Salim Agha Secretary/Treasurer: Lexington, KY 40546-0091, USA KIRKHS, Dept. of Library Miss Margo Bellamy & Information Science CABI International International Islamic University Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE P.O. B ox 70, Jalan Sultan United Kingdom 46700 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Members: Josephine Sison (Philippines), Pamela André (USA), Janet L. Bombini de Moura (Brazil), John Beecher (USA), Edith Hesse (Mexico), Jodee Kawasaki (USA), Thiendou Niang (Senegal), Vyatcheslav Poznyakov (Russia), Carol Robertson (USA), Qiaoqiao Zhang (China). Representatives of Regional and National Associations: Sra. Ghislaine Poitevien (AIBDA), Prof. T. Sawamoto (JAALD), J.F. Giovannetti (AFDBA), Prof. Dr. W. Laux (GBDL), Jill Maughan (AGRIAA). Honorary Members of IAALD: D. Kervegant (France), D.H. Boalch (UK), T.P.Loosjes (Netherlands), E.J. Mann (UK), F.C. Hirst (UK), M.T. Martinelli (Italy), H. Haendler (FRG), F.E. Mohrhardt (USA). Membership/Subscriptions Subscriptions and applications for membership should be sent to: Subscriptions IAALD QB, c/o Miss Margot Bellamy, Secretary/Treasurer IAALD, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE, United Kingdom. Institutions: £45 or $90 (US) Individuals: £17.50 or $35 (US) Advertising Rates for the Quarterly Bulletin of IAALD Full Page: US$300 per issue – 6 1/2 inches wide by 9 inches long (16 cm by 23 cm). 1/2 Page: US$200 per issue – 6 1/2 inches wide by 4 inches long (16 cm by 10 cm). 1/4 Page: US$150 per issue – 3 inches wide by 4 inches long (7 cm by 10 cm). Personal Ads: US$25 each – 50 characters per line, 5-line limit. Market Place Ads: US$40 each – 50 characters per line for 5 lines, each additional line US$10. • All advertising must be accompanied with payment in U.S. dollars. • Personal Ads free to IAALD members with paid membership. Membership number must accompany ad. • All ads must be camera ready and will be printed as received. Ads exceeding the set limits will be returned unedited. • IAALD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AD SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION. • IAALD does not endorse any product. Stuffing Fee: US$300 – one mailing for 2 ounces or less.

International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists L’Association Internationale des Specialistes de l’Information Agricole La Asociacion Internacional de Especialistas en Informacion Agricola

Proceedings of the IXth World Congress of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists: Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places PART I

Hosted by the Agricultural Information Association for Australasia (AGRIAA) January 23–26, 1995 • Melbourne, Australia

Edited by Antoinette Paris Powell with the assistance of Amélie E.M. Charron

Conference issue: Quarterly Bulletin of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists vol. XLI, no. 1, 1996

Printed in the United States of America by Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas Instructions to Authors The Quarterly Bulletin of the International Association of the Chicago Manual of Style 14th edition. References should Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD) accepts arti- be complete and tables should comply with the editorial style cles that are of professional interest to the broad group of represented in the Quarterly Bulletin. Two copies of all articles IAALD members and readers of the Quarterly Bulletin. must be submitted with an abstract in English of 150 words or Articles should be of regional concern and research should less. Additional abstracts in French, Spanish or German are be statistically valid and replicable with the results of broad welcome. Articles submitted should be accompanied with the applicability. Articles submitted will go through a blind re- institutional affiliation and address of each author as well as a view process with an independent reviewer and will be re- brief biography and photograph. turned to the author for corrections and modifications if nec- News in the field of bibliography and documentation of ag- essary. Manuscripts not accepted for publication will not be riculture and allied subjects is welcomed. Letters to the Editor returned to the author. Electronic submissions are welcome if will also be published in the Quarterly Bulletin. These items will fully IBM PC compatible on either 5 1/4 inch or 3 1/2 inch be accepted in English, French, German, or Spanish. News items diskette. Articles can be accepted unformatted in an ASCII can also be submitted electronically to the editor’s address. file or in a number of word processing programs. Graphic Please send all manuscripts by AIR MAIL directly to the images may also be sent electronically but the editor must be Editor: notifed prior to submission to verify that the format is accept- A.P. Powell able. Hard copy is required and should accompany the disk. 3755 Leestown Road All Quarterly Bulletin articles are published with a specific Lexington, KY 40511, USA. tabular style and follow bibliographic conventions as listed in E-mail: [email protected]

Acknowledgements

The Association would like to thank the following people French translations: M.J. Jehl, CTA; SDIC for contributing to the publication of this issue of the Quar- Spanish translations: L. Menendez, CIAT terly Bulletin of IAALD. Typesetting/Composition: The Typewright, Lexington, Kentucky Printed by: Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas Copy editing: A.P. Powell, A. Charron Mailing list management: Margot Bellamy News: A.P. Powell and authors listed Distribution: Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas

A Note about Reviewing Interested in reviewing for the Quarterly Bulletin? We are This is an excellent way to serve both the organization and particularly interested in having reviewers from developing the profession without leaving your home town. If you are countries but would welcome anyone who is willing to do- interested in more information or in signing up, please con- nate the time. You can expect to review no more than three tact the editor at the address given on the editorial page. articles a year and must be willing to abide by the deadlines I would like to thank the following people who are do- established. The goal is to give feedback to the authors or nating their time and talent to this process. They have accept the article for publication as quickly as possible to worked hard on your behalf during this past year make both the feedback to the authors and the issues timely.

Syed Salim Agha Mrs. L.B. Gregorio Mr. Michel J. Menou Dr. Tibor Koltay KIRKHS, Dept. of Library Library FRANCE Director and Information Science University of the Philippines Ms. Lillian Mesner Central Library, Goedoello International Islamic University at Los Baños Agriculture Library University of Agricultural MALAYSIA THE PHILIPPINES University of Kentucky Sciences Mr. Peter Ballantyne, Librarian Dr. Edith Hesse de Polanco USA HUNGARY ISNAR CIMMYT Scientific Ms. L.N. Mutewera Mr. H. van Harteveld THE NETHERLANDS Information Unit EDA Trust Head of Information Services Mr. Arvind K. Chudasama MEXICO SOUTH AFRICA Royal Tropical Insitute THE NETHERLANDS Scientific Information Officer Dr. Andrew M. Kaniki Ms. Rosemay Ng Kee Kwong Field and Pastures, CABI Information Studies Dept. Library & Scientific Information Mr. John E. Woolston UNITED KINGDOM University of Natal Service, Mauritius Sugar CIMMYT Scientific Information Ms. C. Mae Cutler REPUBLIC OF SOUTH Industry Research Institute Unit Canadian Agriculture Library AFRICA MAURITIUS MEXICO CANADA Ms. Eleanor Mathews Mr. L.O. Nwali Dr. Qiaoqiao Zhang Ms. Rita C. Fisher Head, Reference Dept. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa CABI Owen Science and Iowa State University University UNITED KINGDOM Engineering Library USA NIGERIA Washington State University USA Conference Overview

COMMUNICATING AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION PART 2 (in Quarterly Bulletin of IAALD, v. 41, no. 2) IN REMOTE PLACES: papers presented at the IXth World Congress, January 23–26, 1995, Melbourne, Australia Conference Dinner Address PART 1 (in Quarterly Bulletin of IAALD, v. 41, no. 1) Derek Tribe Invited Papers Keynote Address Helga Schmid / AGRIS and the Internet Pamela Q.J. André / Communicating Agricultural Information Christine Silvy / The National Institute of Agronomic Research in Remote Places (France): Survey and Prospects in the Field of Scientiﬁc and Invited Papers Technical Information (STI). Thiendou Niang / The Role of CTA in Disseminating Concurrent Session 6:Technological Innovations Agricultural Information in ACP Countries A.J. Powell and S.G. Clarke / Reload of CAB Abstracts: Issues Colin Ogbourne and Tim Ison / International Partnerships in of Quality versus Quantity the Delivery of Agricultural Information to the Developing Kohki Shio and Takemi Machida / Effective Use of New Media World. Communication System in Remote Places—Startegic Sales Pierre Dandjinou / New Technologies in Agricultural Informa- and Shipping System in Isolated Areas of Japan tion Centres and Systems in Francophone Africa: Assess- Lynn Webber and John P. Brien / Facsimile Technology Improv- ment and Prospects ing Access to Agricultural Information in Outback Australia Concurrent Session 1: Concurrent Session 7: Sustainable Information Systems Information and Cultural Remoteness Samba Aw / Agricultural Databases in the Sahel : Situation Bruce Cumming, Cengiz Erol, Vicki Mitsos / Addressing Cultural Analysis, Future Prospects within the Sustainable and and Language Remoteness in the Goulburn Valley, Australia Integrated Development Framework of the Region Olivier Sagna / The TCP/IP Networks in Subsaharan Africa Margot Bellamy / Planning for a Sustainable Information System in the I.T. Age: Tradition versus Technology Concurrent Session 8: Australian Experiences with Electronic Networks Isabelle Gachie / Producing and Disseminating Information to the Agricultural Producers of CIS Countries Ian Crellin and Jim Graham / The Australian Telecentres Program: Providing Public Access to Information Networks Concurrent Session 2: for People in Rural and Remote Regions Information Delivery in Latin America Mandy Curnow / LandcareNet—Australian Farmers’ Brush With It Elizabeth Goldberg / Information for Research in Sustainable Janice E. Oliver / Scientists and the Rural Communities Taking Agriculture—Going to the Source on Communications Technology: an Australian Case Study Edith Hesse / Latin American Agricultural Information Concurrent Session 9: Initiatives Using the Internet for Information Delivery Fernando C. Peres; Janeti L. Bombini de Moura, Angela R.P. e Peres, Sonia Correa Darocha, John Luiz Boscariol / Barbara Hutchinson / Building an Arid Lands Information Brazilian Agricultural Science Citation Index IBCCAg: Network on the Internet Preliminary Results Jean-Paul Jetté / Communicating Veterinary Information Miguel López-Perez, Leticia Rosete-Vela / Development Among Specialists Around the World on Internet Pattern for the Establishment of the National Agricultural David Stoker and Alison Cooke / Using the Internet to Co-ordi- Information System in Mexico. nate the Provision of Agricultural Information Sources in UK Concurrent Session 3: Disseminating Concurrent Session 10: Information to Extension Workers and Farmers Overcoming Distance with Technology Emmy Beraho, Basil Sheahan, Tim Reeves / Opportunities Chris Addison and Tim Cullen / Harvest from the NET: Beneﬁts and Challenges in Rural Areas: Experience from the Mujono of E-mail for Disseminating Agricultural Information in the District of Uganda with the Training and Visit Extension African Continent Model Peggy Beavers, Keith Russell, and Ted Sibia / Supporting the Information Needs of Agricultural Research Scientists Concurrent Session 4: Specialised Networks Working in Remote locations: Implications of Recent Studies Jan Bay-Peterson / Marketing Information for Geographically and Changes in Technology and Delivery Remote Places in Asia Concurrent Session 11: Pekka Haavisto and Jukka Öfversten / Agronet—a Network for Taking Information to Remote Locations Agri-Business Rosemary Blakeney and Doug Stewart / Information Highway Chris Le Gras and Howard Gardner / CALM—An Adventure in or Dirt Track? Challenges in Delivery of Electronic Informa- Diffusion of Technology tion Products to Isolate Clients Concurrent Session 5: Ann Hanger / A Partnership for the Future: Better Library Communication Methods and Rural Development Services for Rural Clients through the Collaboration of a Chris Landon-Lane / Participatory Rural Appraisal Concepts Special Library, a State Library and Some Public Libraries Applied to Agriculture Extension: a Case Study in Sumatra Jodee Kawasaki / Communication of Information to Remote Puis R. Mishra / A Multi-Media Approach to Nutritional Places Takes Training Blindness Prevention Project: A Case Study of Two VDCs in Concurrent Session 12: Gorkha District Technology Applied to Development Qiaoqiao Zhang, Xiaolan Cheng / Provision of Information to Anne Fox / Assuring Communication of Agricultural Informa- Rural Communities in China tion Through University Library Support for International Development A. Mangstl, J.M. Pohlmann and H. Friedrich / A Concept of the Literature and Factual Data Management System (LIMAS) Poster Sessions List of Registrants Contents / Table de Matières / Tabla de Materias

I Planning for a Sustainable Information System in From the Editor’s Desk / Antoinette Paris Powell 6 the I.T. Age: Tradition versus Technology / Margot Bellamy 47 Keynote Address Planiﬁcation d’un système d’information durable à l’ère des technologies de l’information (IT) : tradition opposée à I Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote technologie Places / Pamela Q.J. André 7 Planeación de un Sistema de Información que sea Communiquer l’information agricole vers les régions Sostenible en la Era de la Tecnología de la Información reculées (TI): Tradición versus Tecnología

Comunicación de la Información Agrícola en Lugares I Producing and Disseminating Information to the Agri- Remotos cultural Producers of NIS Countries / Isabelle Gachie 52 Produire et diffuser des informations auprès des produc- Invited Papers teurs agricoles des pays de la CIS La Producción y la Diseminación de la Información para I The Role of CTA in Disseminating Agricultural los Productores Agropecuarios de los Países de la Information in ACP Countries / Thiendou Niang 12 Comunidad de Estados Independientes (NIS, su acrónimo en inglés). Le rôle du CTA dans la diffusion de l’information agricole vers les pays ACP Papel del Centro Técnico para la Cooperación Agrícola y Concurrent Session 2: Rural (CTA, su acrónimo en inglés) en la Difusión de Information Delivery in Latin America Información Agrícola en los Países de Africa, el Caribe y el Pacíﬁco I Information for Research in Sustainable Agriculture—

I International Partnerships in the Delivery of Agricul- Going to the Source / Elizabeth Goldberg 58 tural Information to the Developing World / Colin L’information pour la recherche sur l’agriculture durable— Ogbourne and Tim Ison 18 aller à la source Coopération internationale pour la diffusion de l’informa- Información para la Investigación en Agricultura tion agricole vers les pays en développement Sostenible - Consultando la Fuente

Esfuerzos Colaborativos Internacionales en la Entrega de I Latin American Agricultural Information Initiatives / Información Agrícola al Mundo en Desarrollo. Edith Hesse 63

I New Technologies in Agricultural Information Centres Initiatives latino-américaines en information agricole and Systems in Francophone Africa: Assessment and Iniciativas de Información Agrícola en América Latina Prospects / Pierre Dandjinou 27 I Brazilian Agricultural Science Citation Index IBCCAg: Les nouvelles technologies de l’information dans les centres et systèmes de documentation agricole en Afrique Preliminary Results / Fernando C. Peres; Janeti L. francophone : évaluation et perspectives Bombini de Moura; Angela R.P. e Peres; Sonia Corea Nuevas Tecnologías en los Centros y Sistemas de Darocha; John Luiz Boscariol 67 Información Agrícola en Africa Francoparlante: Evalu- IBCCAg : l’Index signalétique sur l’Agriculture brésili- ación y Perspectivas enne et ses résultats préliminaires Índices des Brasil de Citacíones en Ciencias Agrarias: Concurrent Session 1: resultados preliminares Sustainable Information Systems I Development Pattern for the Establishment of the National Agricultural Information System in Mexico / I Agricultural Databases in the Sahel : Situation Analysis, Miguel López-Perez, Leticia Rosete-Vela 70 Future Prospects within the Sustainable and Integrated Development Framework of the Region / Samba Aw 36 Mise en place d’un système d’information agricole au Mexique Bases et banques de données agricoles au Sahel : analyse de la situation, perspectives de valorisation dans le cadre Modelo de Desarrollo para Establecer el Sistema Nacional du développement durable et intégré de la région de Información Agrícola en México. Bases de datos agrícolas en la región del Sahel: análisis de la situación y perspectivas futuras dentro de un marco de desarrollo integrado y sostenible de la región Concurrent Session 3: Disseminating Concurrent Session 5: Information to Extension Workers and Farmers Communication Methods and Rural Development

I Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Areas: I Participatory Rural Appraisal Concepts Applied to Experience from the Mujono District of Uganda with Agriculture Extension: a Case Study in Sumatra / the Training and Visit Extension Model / Emmy Chris Landon-Lane 100 Beraho, Basil Sheahan, Tim Reeves 79 Méthode d’évaluation participative rurale appliquée à la Opportunités et déﬁs du monde rural : expériences du vulgarisation agricole : une étude de cas à Sumatra T&V du district de Mukono d’Ouganda Conceptos de Evaluación Rural Participativa Aplicados a Oportunidades y Retos en Zonas Rurales: Experiencia del la Extensión Agrícola: Un Estudio de Caso en Sumatra Distrito Mujono de Uganda con el Modelo de Capacitación y Extensión mediante Visitas I A Multi-Media Approach to Nutritional Blindness Prevention Project: A Case Study of Two VDCs in Gorkha District / Pius R. Mishra 104 Concurrent Session 4: Specialised Networks Une approche multi-média dans un projet de prévention de la cécité d’origine nutritionnelle : une étude de cas de deux I Marketing Information for Geographically Remote Comités de Développement Villageois (CDV) dans le Places / Jan Bay-Peterson 87 district de Gorkha Marketing de l’information pour des zones géographique- Un Enfoque Multimedio para el Proyecto de Prevención de ment isolées la Ceguera por Factores Nutricionales: Un Estudio de Caso El Mercadeo de la Información para Lugares Geográﬁca- de Dos Comités de Desarrollo de Aldeas en el Distrito mente Remotos Gorkha

I Agronet - a Network for Agri-Business / Pekka I Provision of Information to Rural Communities in Haavisto and Jukka Öfversten 92 China / Qiaoqiao Zhang, Xiaolan Cheng 109 Agronet : un réseau pour le secteur agro-industriel Fournir des informations aux communautés rurales de Chine Agronet - Una Red para Empresas Agrícolas Suministro de Información a las Comunidades I CALM - An Adventure in Diffusion of Technology / Rurales en China Chris Le Gras and Howard Gardner 95 CALM : une aventure dans la diffusion de technologie CALM - Una Aventura en la Difusión de Tecnología. From the Editor’s Desk

We are pleased to offer the papers presented at the tive Committee decided to no longer include German ab- IAALD IXth World Congress held in Melbourne, Aus- stracts of the articles. This was done because most Ger- tralia January 23–26, 1995. This volume is being pro- man information professionals are fluent in English and duced for those IAALD members who could not attend we could reduce the size of the Quarterly Bulletin by the conference and for the conference attendees who had eliminating the German abstracts. For many years Pro- to choose between the various tracks. The publication of fessor Wolfrudolph Laux has done the German tranla- the proceedings was made possible by the surplus mon- tions for IAALD. IAALD thanks Dr. Laux for his years ey from the IXth World Congress. of unselfish service to both the IAALD Executive Com- The Conference theme was communicating agricul- mittee and the Quarterly Bulletin. Another change is that tural information in remote places and 39 papers were the printing and distribution have been moved to Allen presented in all conference addresses and 12 concurrent Press in Kansas City, Missouri in the USA. While we sessions. This volume contains the first 19 papers pre- were not displeased with the performance of Hobbs the sented and volume 41, no. 2 will contain the final 20 pa- Printers in the United Kingdom, we felt that consolidat- pers. There is a wide array of topics and some unique ing the printing and distribution would reduce our costs ways of delivering agricultural information. We hope and speed up the distribution of the QB. that you find this an informative and inspiring issue of Stuffed in this issue are additions and corrections to the Quarterly Bulletin. the Member Guide. Thank you to all of you who notified This volume represents the work of a number of peo- me of omissions and corrections. I will publish this in- ple from around the world. As with any event, the orga- sert as often as necessary to keep the Member Guide up nizing of the IXth World Congress was a complicated to date. Please let me know if the information is not cor- task. Stuart Hawkins and the members of AGRIAA rect so I can issue a correction. worked for three years to pull this conference together Thank you to all of you who took the time to answer and then for 6 months afterwards to organize the papers the distribution survey. This information will allow us to and get them into electronic form. Marie-Josée Jehl, assess how the new distribution service is performing. Thiendou Niang and Isolina Boto at CTA provided the One of the major reasons for this move was to improve French translation of the abstracts and helped with the the distribution of the QB worldwide. French portion of the issue. Lynn Menéndez of the CIAT The next issue of the Quarterly Bulletin of IAALD Translation Unit once again provided the Spanish Ab- will finish the IXth World Congress. It too will be a dou- stracts. The language enhancement is an important part ble issue and include the last 20 papers from the Con- of the Quarterly Bulletin and without the help of these gress. The last two issues of the year will be a typical people, we would not have it. Quarterly Bulletin with the usual features. Finally, we wish to thank the authors of the papers. Antoinette Paris Powell Their cooperation in providing the papers in a timely Editor QBIAALD fashion helped us speed up the publication process of the 3755 Leestown Rd. papers. We hope that they are pleased with the format Lexington, KY 40511 and presentation of their work. Telephone: +1-606-257-2758 This volume marks a major change for the Quarterly Fax: +1-606 323-4719 Bulletin of IAALD. At the IAALD Executive Committee E-Mail: [email protected] meeting help in Melbourne, the members of the Execu-

6 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996

Keynote Address Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places

Pamela Q. J. André RESUMEN: Este trabajo sobre la comu- the world of agriculture is in the nicación de recursos críticos de informa- midst of a radical transition as it ción en lugares remotos se centrará en moves into the information age. The la discusión de numerosas tecnologías ABSTRACT: The issue of communicat- nuevas que están disponibles para facili- emerging global economy with its ing critical information resources to re- tar la difusión de la información y el ac- emphasis on increased competition mote places will focus the discussion on ceso a ella. Los avances recientes en el the many new technologies available for and changing consumer demands desarrollo de infraestructura de teleco- information dissemination and access. will have a significant impact on all municaciones en los Estados Unidos y Recent progress in the development of levels of agricultural activities. alrededor del mundo han permitido que telecommunications infrastructures in the la información se entregue en cualquier Effective access to accurate and United States and around the world has lugar que esté conectado a una estruc- comprehensive information will be- made it possible to deliver information to tura de redes. Con recursos disponibles any location with network connectivity. come even more critical. In fact, if de este tipo, resulta decisivo que la co- With such resources available, it is criti- we consider some recent statistics, it munidad de información agrícola se pre- cal that the agricultural information compare para hacer la transición de servicios is clear that agriculture makes up a munity prepare itself to transition from de información en papel a servicios de in- significant portion of the world econ- paper-based to electronically-based in- formación por medios electrónicos. Tam- omy. (Figures provided by USDA, formation service. Policy and procedural bién serán necesarios cambios en políti- changes will be necessary in all aspects Economics Research Service.) cas y en procedimientos en todos los of the information profession from acqui- The value of agriculture in the aspectos de la profesión, desde la ad- sition through delivery. Examples from a quisición hasta la entrega de la informa- world in 1991 was approximately wide range of institutions will show how ción. El trabajo da ejemplos de una am- 1.19 trillion dollars; the value of the information community is responding plia variedad de instituciones, mostrando to this opportunity and how we, in the agriculture in North America—in- la forma en que la comunidad de infor- agricultural information community, can cluding the U.S., Canada and Mexi- mación está respondiendo a esta oportu- play a leadership role in this exciting co—was 161 billion dollars; West- nidad y la manera en que la comunidad transition. de información agrícola puede desem- ern Europe was 157 billion dollars; peñar un papel de liderazgo en esta apa- and the People’s Republic of China sionante transición. RESUMÉ: En se penchant sur la ques- was 19.1 billion dollars. These num- tion de la diffusion de ressources d’infor- bers speak to the total value of agri- mation cruciales, les discussions vont se cultural goods and services from concentrer sur les nouvelles technolo- I am very pleased to be with you production to consumption, includ- gies disponibles pour accéder à l’infor- today to begin this meeting on ing land, machinery, processing, mation et la diffuser. Grâce aux progrès récents dans le développement des in- “Communicating Agricultural In- marketing, and so forth. To view frastructures de télécommunications aux formation in Remote Places.” With agriculture from the point of view Etats-Unis, il est possible de diffuser l’in- my keynote remarks I hope to stim- of world trade shows there is a formation vers n’importe quelle destina- ulate the thinking of this interna- world value of 306 billion dollars in tion liée à un réseau. Avec de telles tional audience by emphasizing the agricultural exports. ressources disponibles, il est important que le monde de l’information agricole se commonality of the agricultural is- What does this mean to us as prépare à la transition du service d’infor- sues we share globally; by empha- agricultural information specialists? mation sur support écrit vers un service sizing that remoteness by no means It means that we support agricultur- d’information électronique. Des change- implies lack of access; and by deal activities which make up a signif- ments au niveau de la politique et des scribing in some detail the steps we procédures seront nécessaires au niveau icant portion of the global economy. de tous les aspects de la chaîne de l’in- can take together to improve the It means that our efforts should not formation, de l’acquisition à la diffusion. flow of agricultural information for be considered only in terms of the Des exemples d’un grand nombre d’insti- all who need it. number of questions answered, the tutions montrent comment le monde de Information is of critical impor- number of photocopies made, or the l’information réagit à cette opportunité, et tance in the changing world of agri- number of documents delivered. It comment nous, dans le monde de l’information, pouvons jouer un rôle de leader culture. Not only is the nature of in- means that we need to understand dans cette transition excitante. formation resources changing, but and appreciate the broader commu-

Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places 7 nity of which we are a part; and it discernible;” and “aloof or distant in And finally, the remoteness of be- means that we need to understand manner.” ing “distant in time.” No, I am not and appreciate our own contribu- I believe that the organizing com- going to give a treatise on the fourth tions to world agriculture. mittee had in mind the first defini- dimension or suggest that the fa- tion, “located far away,” when they mous Star Trek beam can take us AGRICULTURE. were planning this meeting. That forward to the future to provide We use the word almost without makes a great deal of sense given agricultural information. Rather, I thinking, but what does it mean? As that we are here in Australia, which would like to suggest that while we part of my consideration of the is geographically remote from much all exist in the late 20th century, theme “Communicating Agricultur- of the rest of the world. It is also many of us around the world are al Information in Remote Places,” I true for the Southern Pacific region still very distant in time, whether want to explore some definitions. in general. This is very different that is reflected in our tools, our Agricultural. The definition of from the countries of Europe, where technology, our vehicles, or our so- “agricultural” or agriculture is a the distances are much smaller. cial mores. Providing a 20th century loaded issue for many of us. At the However, I would like to suggest solution to an 18th century problem U.S. Department of Agriculture that some of the other definitions of may not be effective. (USDA) when we talk about agri- “remote” can have significant bear- I would like to suggest that infor- culture, members of the Forest Ser- ing on the effective delivery of agri- mation technology is the solution to vice feel excluded. Many citizens in cultural information. “Barely dis- many of our problems relating to ef- the United States, and, I suppose, in cernible or slight” implies that a fective service to all of our “re- many of your countries, think of lack of knowledge or understanding mote” customers, as well as the less farmers when you mention the word. of the availability of information re- remote. My experience in the last Most citizens of the U.S. do not sources, regardless of geographical 10 years has convinced me that the know that approximately 60 percent distance, will prohibit the effective evolving information technologies of the USDA budget relates to food. delivery and use of needed informa- are one of our best hopes for provid- Even the dictionary defines agricul- tion. Many of us know that our li- ing agricultural information where ture as the cultivation of land or braries and information centers hold it is needed, when it is needed, re- farming. Few think of food and nu- many resources of great importance gardless of geographical location or trition, marketing, biotechnology, a- to solving many of the critical is- other definitions of “remoteness.” quaculture, rural development, plant sues of the day. However, many of Recent progress in the develop- genetics research, or any of the oth- those tasked with the problem solv- ment of telecommunications in the er dozens of topics which make up ing don’t know such resources ex- United States and around the world modern agriculture. ist. Part of our goal in delivering has made it possible to deliver in- This situation identifies one of agricultural information to remote formation to any location with net- the difficulties in trying to deliver locations is to overcome such igno- work connectivity. Before you start “agricultural information,” remotely rance; to more effectively educate to consider that a negative, let me or otherwise. There are many who and inform our customers, both pre- give you some information on con- do not understand the breadth of sent and future. nectivity. For the last few years, in- agriculture and, hence, the breadth “Aloof or distant in manner” is ternational networking has come to of services we can provide. So we another form of remoteness with the mean Internet connectivity. The are in the position of both having to potential to influence our ability to worldwide Internet is a complex, define our services and then to edu- do business. Libraries and informa- dynamic structure made up of more cate our constituencies. All of our tion centers can be intimidating than 45,000 networks which con- efforts to develop comprehensive places to the uninitiated. I know nect over 3.8 million computer collections and to provide the most from personal experience that the hosts. This is an 80 percent increase efficient service will not be effec- vast, almost empty entrance hall of from 1 year ago and it is continuing tively utilized until we educate our the National Agricultural Library is to grow at an astounding rate. Over users as to what we have. The defin- not the most inviting spot for a first- 70 countries are now connected; up ition of agriculture, and agricultural time visitor. Staff attitudes, both in from 62 in January 1994. Looking libraries and information centers person and on the telephone, can at geographies, the growth of Inter- will continue to be a challenge. communicate a distance, a remote- net hosts during the third quarter of A key part of our conference ness, which does not elicit a sense 1994 is as follows: theme is remoteness; in remote pla- of confidence or well-being in a po- Latin America & Caribbean up 36% ces. The term “remote” is defined in tential customer. How can we pro- to 22,500 a variety of ways: “located far vide service when a patron is so un- away; relatively distant in space;” certain as to be unable to articulate Western Europe up 17% to 850,000 “distant in time;” “slight or barely his or her need? Eastern Europe up 19% to 32,900

8 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Middle East up 12% to 10,300 order to move the library from a tra- ic information, through the devel- Africa up 35% to 21,000 ditional paper-based service to an opment of NAL’s networking in- electronically-based service; and to frastructure. Asia, S. Pacific & Australia up 24% continue the library’s national lead- • Make AGRICOLA available on to 281,000 ership role in the production, man- Internet. agement and dissemination of agri- North America up 23% to 2.6 mil- • Enhance NAL’s access capability cultural information. lion through the establishment of an This effort quickly became With this kind of growth in a 3- electronic media center. known as the Electronic Informa- month period, we should not be • Identify and acquire electronic in- tion Initiative with the stated pur- concerned with the lack of connec- formation resources. pose of “plan and implement a sys- tivity. tematic program of managing data • Establish a library-wide electronic Other technological breakthroughs in electronic form.” We are not the information training program. enabling wireless access to Internet only institution grappling with this • Develop expertise in regard to li- as well as satellite linkages will en- transition. The libraries of the Com- censing, copyright, and patents. sure even more extensive global con- mittee on Institutional Cooperation • Initiate electronic preservation. nectivity. The growth of global net- (CIC), an organization of 13 univer- working is supported and strength- sity libraries in the American Mid- • Add staff and funds to carry out ened in part through the advocacy West, are organizing themselves as these recommendations. of the United States Government. In a virtual electronic library. Cornell Perhaps the most important out- March 1994, Vice President Gore University’s Mann Library recently come of this effort was the under- spoke to a meeting of the Interna- received the ALA/Meckler Library standing gained by the library staff tional Telecommunications Union of the Future Award for their efforts that if we are to remain a viable in Argentina. In his remarks he in creating an electronic library, and information organization, we must asked for help in creating a global many other libraries have such ef- make this transition and do it as information infrastructure to bring forts underway. quickly as possible. This understand- the communities of the world to- There are many issues related to ing has been formalized in a state- gether. This is indeed happening. such a transition. The key areas for ment of commitment, adopted by We all know that computer tech- consideration were the policies and library management, which recog- nology exists to create, maintain, and procedures relating to the acquisi- nizes that the changing world of in- share information resources. Many tion, processing, access, dissemina- formation management requires that of us have been using computers in tion, and maintenance of agricultur- we be able to handle information in our libraries for years. Now we know al information found in electronic digital form; and that it is part of our that networking technology exists to journals; original texts and repro- responsibility to provide leadership provide access and that the deploy- ductions of printed documents dis- in the world of networked agricul- ment of this technology is happen- seminated on CD-ROM; and elec- tural information. To demonstrate ing at an astounding rate. Given this tronic research databases. Once this commitment, January 1, 1995, situation, it is critical that the agri- work began it was clear that consid- was designated as the date at which cultural information community pre- eration had to be given to convert- electronic form became the preferred pare itself to utilize these technolo- ing NAL’s own publications to elec- medium for library materials. gies to provide electronically-based tronic format as well as the The implications of this commit- information service. Being very long-term preservation issues asso- ment are very broad and assume deeply involved in such a transition ciated with the electronic media. many changes within the organiza- process at the National Agricultural One of the most important issues tion. Foremost among these changes Library, I would like to share some became the identification of actions is the need to review and revise pol- of our experiences with you, as well which could be taken without addi- icy statements and operational pro- as those of other research libraries. tional resources or through realloca- cedures to enable staff to effectively As a national library, NAL is tion of existing resources. handle the new formats. The collec- charged with the responsibility to tion development policy will need As a first cut at the process, five manage information, promote stan- to reflect this commitment. Acquisi- committees were established involv- dardized format, repackage infor- tions procedures will need to reflect ing over 30 staff members. These mation for mass distribution, and this commitment. Cataloging and committees provided recommenda- electronically mediate access to in- indexing operations will need to re- tions for the changes to come. These formation, no matter where it reflect this commitment as well as include: sides. In mid-1992, NAL began a document delivery procedures and planning effort to identify the issues • Provide NAL staff and patrons with reference activities. And the list can which needed to be addressed in state-of-the-art access to electron- go on and on.

Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places 9 A second critical change is that databases as resources, or skills, or facilitating collaboration within the all staff members must have access whim allow. This brings me to the broad agricultural community. to electronic information through an outreach, dissemination, and access You may find yourself asking why internal network interfaced to the approach for our Electronic Infor- such a concept is necessary when global Internet. However, connec- mation Initiative, and that is charac- the global network gives us all the tivity will not be effective without terized as the Agricultural Network opportunity to make resources avail- trained staff. A library-wide training Information Center. able without such a structure. And program must include microcomput- The Agricultural Network Infor- that is exactly the reason! For those er operations, telecommunications rmation Center (AGNIC) is concep- of you who have used the network, packages, Internet tools and resour- tualized as a distributed discipline- you know a number of things. First, ces, electronic media standards, and oriented source of agricultural you know that there are literally proper handling of electronic me- information in electronic form to be hundreds of resources available, dia. New expertise will be needed to made available systematically over from the more than 300 library cata- deal with the complexities of licens- the expanding global information logs, to full text and numeric data- ing and copyright for electronic ma- infrastructure. Growing out of a re- bases, to information finding aids, terials as well as developing elec- view of the agricultural information and a variety of directories. You also tronic publications to replace the landscape to determine the nature of know that trying to find specific in- paper versions. The vision statement our future role in a distributed net- formation or to focus on a specific from the University of Michigan work of electronic information re- discipline is much more difficult. library captures the idea with the sources, the concept has evolved You also know that resources come following statement. “The librarian into a shared vision for our electron- and go; resource locations change; will increasingly serve the role of ic future. This vision defines a con- resource names change and there “navigator” in locating, filtering, and ceptual framework for linking the are few, if any, standardized de- customizing information found be- resources of agricultural informa- scriptions of resources. yond the walls…” tion service providers to improve The intent of AgNIC is to bring Many of these changes will im- access and disseminating while the skills that we librarians have pact our users as well. Patrons must minimizing duplication. used so effectively on paper-based have access to electronic informa- Most recently, a group of 25 par- collections to the electronic world: tion resources, so part of our role ticipants from 16 institutions, in- resource identification, resource de- will be to educate others in the agri- cluding the U.S. land-grant library scription, resource assessment, and cultural community as to the critical community, the U.S. Department of resource access. Note that I have nature of electronic resources. The Agriculture, and agricultural profes- not included resource collection. In library can provide training for elec- sional societies, the Coalition for this distributed global network, tronic access to patrons on-site, but Networked Information, plus our what is available on library shelves no library budget can support net- Canadian colleagues from Agricul- is no longer the primary criteria for work connectivity to a patron’s desk- ture Canada met in Washington to the information we are able to deliv- top. However, we can influence the more clearly define the services to er to our users. Our ability to access move toward electronic access in be provided under the AgNIC um- materials regardless of physical lo- our customer organization. Estab- brella. cation is much more critical. lishing a well-equipped media cen- The mission of the Agricultural AgNIC will enable us to provide ter at the library will ensure on-site Network Information Center is to a wide array of value added infor- access to a variety of resources, but facilitate and advance electronic ac- mation services uniquely related to what about those resources located cess to people, information, and oth- agriculture. Some of these services on the other side of the world and er agricultural resources for use by include: not yet in computer readable form? the public and private components • A distributed virtual help desk to While the original intent of the in- of agriculture, as well as the general provide on-demand service via e- itiative had been to focus on changes public. The goals include identify- mail, fax, phone, and mail. within the operations of the library, ing and facilitating access to agri- • Distributed reference assistance to it soon became clear that providing culture-related information resour- provide mediated assistance from access to agricultural information in ces; encouraging organizations to librarians and subject area special- electronic form implied broad coop- collaborate in creating and using ists. eration within the agricultural com- AgNIC while retaining responsibili- munity. ty for their own information resour- • Agricultural resources in both elec- Broad access to global agricultur- ces; leveraging the distributed na- tronic form and print form to be al information resources requires a ture of the global information identified and made available on more systematic approach than ev- infrastructure to ensure distributed the network. eryone simply mounting data and responsibility for member sites; and • Directories of electronic agricul-

10 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 tural resources to be developed concept has been deﬁned and efforts I would like to close with a quote which include standardized de- are underway to make it a reality. from Russell Acoff: scriptive and location information. But the better question is how will it “The thing to do with the future When will this all come about? In grow to support all our needs? This is not to forecast it, but to create some respects it has already begun. is a long term activity which neces- it. The objective of planning Many agricultural databases already sitates effort from all of us. should be to design a desirable exist on the network. Cornell Uni- As I stated at the beginning, the future and to design ways to versity has mounted more than 140 world of agriculture is changing rap- bring it about.” data sets on agricultural statistics idly; agricultural issues are global I say to you in the agricultural in- from USDA. Purdue University has issues; they impact all of us. And formation community: let us work made a water quality database, agricultural information is the key together to bring about our future. among others, available via the net- to global success. The fact of being PAMELA ANDRÉ is Director of the work. There are a wide variety of in remote places need no longer U.S. National Agricultural Library lo- agricultural discussion groups and mean the lack of access to global re- cated in Beltsville, MD. list serves. There is an AgNIC home sources. The Agricultural Network page which can be accessed via the Information Center concept is a glo- CONTACT ADDRESS: network. bal concept. It is something we can Pamela Q.J. André, Director There is also work in progress. all do together. It will support all of National Agricultural Library Work is underway to deﬁne an Ag- our needs when we begin to use our 10301 Baltimore Blvd. NIC alliance agreement for poten- collective abilities and our willing- Beltsville, MD tial participants. Work is underway ness to work cooperatively to make USA to determine how best to link the Phone: 301-504-5248 it happen. We have the opportunity; Fax: 301-504-7042 distributed members. Work is under- we have the talent; and we have the E-Mail: [email protected] way to identify coordinating mech- obligation to provide the leadership anisms at regional levels. to ensure that the global agricultural Perhaps the best answer to the community has the best information question of when, is that the AgNIC service in the world.

Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places 11 Invited Paper The Role of CTA in Disseminating Agricultural Information in ACP Countries

Thiendou Niang l’information. Cet article se penche aussi characteristics of their economies sur les secteurs potentiels d’activités en are low per capita incomes, high information agricole dans les pays ACP : population growth rates, rural pov- ABSTRACT: This paper reviews the de- la formulation de politiques d’information velopmental settings of the African, Car- agricole au niveau national et régional, erty and low standards of living. ibbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries and avec une emphase sur le développe- Other common features include open the challenge of agricultural information ment des ressources humaines, la col- economies, in which foreign trade as well as the role of The Technical Cen- laboration et le partenariat, et l’utilisation accounts for about one quarter of tre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation des technologies pour les réseaux. (CTA) in facilitating the availability and national GNP, and heavy depen- accessibility of information to support ag- RESUMEN: Este documento revisa los dence of one or a few export com- ricultural development in the ACP coun- ambientes de desarrollo de los países de modities. tries. It gives an account of the Centre’s Africa, el Caribe y el Pacífico (ACP) y el Also, these countries are facing a activities like studies, organizations of reto que representa la información agrí- technical meetings, production and dis- period of economic decline, politi- cola. Se analiza igualmente el papel que cal instability and the negative im- semination of publications and the sup- desempeña el Centro Técnico para la port to agricultural information services. Cooperación Agrícola y Rural (CTA) en pacts of structural adjustment pro- It also analyses the socio-cultural as- el mejoramiento de la disponibilidad y de grammes (SAPS). The major conse- pects (beliefs, languages), the techno- la accesibilidad de esa información para quences of this situation are the logical factors that affect information dis- apoyar el desarrollo agrícola en estos semination and communication as well prevailing shortage of employment países. Se hace un recuento de las ac- opportunities for the predominantly as the political and legal factors (copy- tividades que realiza el Centro: investi- rights issues) that hinder availability and gación, organización de reuniones técni- young and growing populations and accessibility of information. The paper cas, producción y difusión de publica- a decline in incomes. addresses also potential areas for sus- ciones, y actividades de apoyo a los tainable agricultural information activities There is a welcome move to im- servicios de información agrícola. El doc- prove economic cooperation be- in ACP countries: the formulation of agri- umento analiza también diversos fac- cultural information policies at the nation- tores que obstaculizan la disponibilidad tween the countries. In this perspec- al and regional level, with emphasis on de la información y el acceso a la misma, tive the European member states human resources development, collabo- incluyendo aspectos socioculturales (cre- and the ACP group of countries have ration and partnership, use of technolo- encias, idiomas), factores tecnológicos, gies for networking. decided to join their efforts. This y factores políticos y legales (aspectos de political will of partnerships for de- derechos de autor). Se trata igualmente RESUMÉ: Cet article passe en revue le las siguientes áreas potenciales en las velopment has been confirmed by cadre du développement dans les pays cuales se pueden realizar actividades de the signatories of the Lomé Conven- d’Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique información agrícola en los países ACP, tion which covers all areas of coop- (ACP), les défis de l’information agricole en forma sostenida: formulación de pol- eration for development, including ainsi que le rôle du Centre Technique de íticas de información agrícola a nivel na- agricultural cooperation, food secu- Coopération Agricole et Rurale (CTA) à cional y regional, con énfasis en el de- faciliter l’accès à l’information afin de sarrollo de los recursos humanos; colab- rity and rural development, indus- soutenir le développement agricole de oración y coparticipación; y uso de trial development, manufacturing ces pays. Il présente les activités suiv- tecnologías para la creación de redes. and processing, energy develop- antes du Centre : études, organisation ment, trade, cultural and social code rencontres techniques, production et operation and regional cooperation. diffusion de publications, et soutien aux Background services d’information agricole. Il ana- Agriculture and food security have lyse aussi les aspects socio-culturels The African, Caribbean and Pacific priority in the Lomé Convention. (croyances, langues), les facteurs tech- (ACP) Group comprises 70 coun- Within this context, the protection nologiques qui affectent la diffusion et la tries of which 47 are in Africa, 15 of the environment and the safe- communication de l’information, ainsi que les facteurs politiques et juridiques are in the Caribbean region and 8 guarding of natural resources as (droit d’auteur) qui entravent l’accès à are in the Pacific. The common well as their rational utilization,

12 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 constitutes major subject areas be- als and expertise in information and extension workers. cause of the contribution to the im- publication management, difficul- On the basis of the results of an provement of the living conditions ties in the free flow of information, assessment of agricultural informa- of the population as well as the in- primarily because of language barri- tion needs of its target group, CTA crease of the degree of self-reliance ers and the low support the govern- has developed during the third Lomé in food security. ment gave to agricultural extension Convention (1985–1990) pilot ac- To achieve these objectives it is system and programmes to dissemi- tivities to disseminate agricultural necessary to improve rural produc- nate and communicate information information: studies, technical meet- tivity, especially by transfer of tech- at grassroots level. The situation is ings, repackaging and consolidation nologies. These technologies should all the more critical because the vast of information as well as activities be domesticated and adopted by the majority of agricultural producers to support the development of the ACP countries who will have to in- are illiterate and are operating at information infrastructures. tegrate them into project and devel- subsistence level. These activities made CTA more opment programmes, research, train- keenly aware of the constraints that ing and extension activities. CTA’s Mission, Activities ACP countries face in their efforts To improve this situation, the and Programmes to disseminate information, includ- availability and accessibility of in- ing the absence of national and re- formation and its incorporation into For all these reasons, the Lomé gional information policies. These development strategies are seen more Convention has emphasized the im- constraints limit the effectiveness of and more as determinant of the suc- portance of information as a factor the Centre’s work. cess of agricultural development. in the promotion of agricultural de- In view of this, the fourth Lomé velopment. The Technical Centre Convention (1990–2000) extended The Challenge of for Agricultural and Rural Coopera- CTA’s sphere of activity by placing Agricultural Information tion (CTA), was established at Ede particular emphasis on promoting in The Netherlands in 1983. The the incorporation of information However, there are several con- mission of the Centre is to help ACP into agricultural and rural develop- straints in the availability and acces- countries achieve greater food secu- ment strategies and providing ACP sibility of information in the ACP rity by providing them with better Countries with scientific and techni- countries. The key constraint is the access to information, research, train- cal support for formulating informa- near absence of national and/or re- ing and innovations in the spheres tion programmes. During the first gional policies concerning informa- of agricultural and rural develop- phase of Lomé IV (1990–1994) tion for agricultural development or ment. The centre has set itself two CTA has helped create the condi- an explicit framework for action major specific objectives. The first tions and mechanisms necessary for with specifically defined responsi- of these is to improve the availabili- promoting information as an input bilities. In addition there is the in- ty of scientific and technical infor- in agricultural production, and pool- ability of national or regional net- mation on methods and means of ing local knowledge and experi- works to ensure genuine exchange promoting agricultural and rural de- mental research findings. of information and experiences and velopment in the ACP States; and the second is to promote the devel- lack of synchronisation between Products and Services measures taken by individual coun- opment by the ACP States of their tries, regional organisations and do- own capacities for the production, In order to fulfil its objectives nor agencies. In consequence this purchase and exchange of this kind CTA provides a range of services, situation led to inadequate avail- of information. which have been developed to meet ability of foreign currency in some the needs of individuals and institu- countries to procure scientific and Historical Evolution tions in ACP countries. CTA con- technical publications; non alloca- ducts studies on major issues of tion or inadequacy of budgetary During its start-up phase (1983– concern to the ACP countries. The provision for the acquisition or col- 1985), CTA fulfilled its mandate “Atlas on Livestock production and lection of agricultural literature and under the Second Lomé Conven- potential in the Sahel” is an impor- regular subscriptions to periodicals tion by seeking to demonstrate that tant example of CTA’s contribution and reviews. It has also led to isola- an understanding of scientific and towards conserving information rel- tion of agricultural researchers due technical information (STI) helps evant to controlling desertification to lack of support for attending sci- increase food security, generate in- and protecting the environment. entific meetings, study tours and come and preserve natural resour- CTA also convenes seminars and technical visits. ces. CTA set about identifying the other technical meetings which are Finally this situation led to a lack needs of its main target groups: important means of exchanging in- of qualified information profession- planners, researchers, trainers and formation as they facilitate contacts

The Role of CTA in Disseminating Agricultural Information in ACP Countries 13 between specialists to address prob- CABI, CIDARC, KIT and NRI All these services are available free lems in strategy policy and strategy which provide on demand specific of charge to institutions and individ- development. In sponsoring the or- bibliographic information, primary uals in the ACP-countries. ganization of the International Sym- documents and advisory services to It is apparent from this review posium on New Information Tech- users. CTA also offers service to ra- that CTA is constantly in search of nologies in Agriculture, CTA objec- dio and audiovisual activities with an approach to products and ser- tives were to foster exchange of the production and the dissemina- vices development taking into ac- experiences on general information tion of repackaged technical infor- count the customers wants and needs policy, bibliographic and factual mation on farming issues. It also as well as market changes. databases, multimedia applications supports the production of docu- and electronic networking. CTA also mentary films and videos on tropi- supports the attendance of ACP cal agriculture, extension and refor- Key Issues in nationals at conferences such as estation. Information Dissemination and Communication IAALD Congresses and has a small In addition, CTA has specific pro- programme of study visits. jects in the field of information and Socio-cultural Factors – One of In pursuit of the aim to encourage documentation. To enhance self re- the most important factors that in- the publishing of research results liance in the dissemination of agri- fluences the accessibility of scientif- and extension material and hand- cultural information, CTA devel- ic and technical information in the books, CTA has published about oped a CD-ROM programme. A ACP countries is that decision mak- 600 titles, including various studies, complete package of the programme ers and user communities perceive reports, proceedings of seminars, includes workstation (an IBM AT information and documentation ac- bibliographies and directories, both computer, a laser printer and a CD- tivities as secondary services and in English and in French. Notable drive), the supply and installation of the attention they ought to get from among the Centre’s publication list the hardware and basic training for them is limited. The consequence is are Information Exchange and Net- the use of a microcomputer; and the low status of information spe- working for Agricultural Develop- databases on CD-ROM such as cialists (librarians, documentalists ment and the Directory of Training Agricola, Agris, CAB Abstracts, and so forth) in the civil service Specialists in Agricultural Infor- KIT abstracts, and Sesame. with low salaries and inadequate mation. In 1991, CTA launched the Dis- promotion opportunities. Under The Centre publishes a bi-month- semination of Reference Books on these conditions, information ser- ly newsletter, SPORE, as a key Agriculture Project (DORA) whose vices remain fragile. Perhaps this is element of its agricultural informa- aim is to supply to each benefitting tied to information officers’ attitude tion strategy with its French, Eng- centre about 500 publications to of being the guardians of collections lish and Portuguese editions having help those involved in rural devel- books rather than of information a combined print run of about opment, find an appropriate solution disseminators. One might wonder if 40,000. Over the years, SPORE has to the socio-economic and technical this perception is not also tied to the become closely identified with CTA problems in their countries. The value the users attach to information and is now a leading publication in Centre also runs a Selective Dis- they received free of charge. the international agricultural press. semination Information (SDI) ser- Another cultural issue is that users Through its co-publication service, vice targeted to about 1000 senior under utilise information and data the Centre funds the production scientists to allow them to keep available locally in decision mak- costs, which may include paying for abreast of the latest scientific and ing, planning, monitoring, training translations of publications and pur- technical information. Its purpose is or extension activities. Because chasing technical books at preferen- to make appropriate agricultural they don’t have confidence in the tial rates for free distribution. In technologies available and to help local information centres, users pre- various ways, the Centre also sup- scientists to integrate into the world- fer to send their requests to external ports periodicals and network news- wide agricultural research commu- information sources. In some uni- letters. nity. versity libraries, the stealing and A backbone of CTA’s work has Finally, CTA runs a training pro- mutilation of books are common been the establishment of the Ques- gramme on agricultural information, problems encountered because of tion and Answer Service (QAS) with emphasis on processing infor- deficiencies in users’ education and which has endeavoured to respond mation, management of information orientation, and difficulties in ob- as comprehensibly and as quickly as services with focus on marketing as- taining enough reading material for possible to specific technical in- pects and microcomputer-based ag- the consolidation of learning. quiries. This service has on-line ac- ricultural information management. To these may be added the lan- cess to the major databases and to Future development plans are lay- guage factor. Out of 70 ACP coun- partner institutions such as BDPA, ing emphasis on training of trainers. tries there are 40 English speaking

14 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 countries, 23 French speaking coun- breaks, planting techniques, plant a significant proportion are partici- tries, 5 Portuguese speaking coun- protection, suckers and other obser- pating in Electronic Redistribution tries and 2 Spanish speaking coun- vations. This information has been and Archiving scheme (ERA). The tries. Most of the people in the first modified at a later stage in the light actual royalties payable under the group discard literature which is not of results obtained from experimen- scheme are database specific, but in English. The second group has tation and observation plots. To sup- most organisations seem to have a preference for literature in the port this technology transfer, FARC adopted a default scale. The im- French language, nevertheless they developed a scheme for a group of plementation of these regulations could exploit interesting documents 170 farmers. The Development with database producers perspec- in English while the Portuguese and Bank of Mauritius funded the im- tives would heavily increase the the Spanish speaking countries, in port and the conditioning of plants cost of running current awareness the absence of adequate material in to be distributed to farmers for pro- services for developing countries. their languages use either English or duction and commercialization in Nevertheless, there are special French. the view of improving the living provisions in the Berne Convention From a statistical analysis of bib- conditions of the rural population for Protection for Literary and Artis- liographical records received by sci- and the substitution of the local tic Works and the Paris Convention entists in Chad, Adoum Haggar, products to imported fruits. Similar such as “fair copying for research Director of the Centre National experiences have been attempted for and training purposes” that could be d’Appui à la Recherche (CNAR), roses within the diversification pro- used to reduce the burden on devel- indicated that out of 1089 records gramme for Mauritian agriculture. oping countries. It appears from received 75% are in English, 10% The CTA programme has demon- these conventions that public li- in French and the rest in other lan- strated that the CD-ROM technolo- braries are eligible to make fair guages including Chinese and Span- gy could provide poorer countries copies for their clients provided it is ish. The requests for documents by with access to a wide range of cur- not for resale and that, as a conse- researchers were influenced by the rent global bibliographic literature quence, the activities of current language of the text. and is ideal for remote locations. awareness services (photocopying Technological Aspects – Access Copyright – Another major con- of searches and items for libraries) to remote databases by means of on- cern in implementing information are not impeded. line equipment depends on the ex- programmes and activities is copy- istence of an adequate telecommu- right. The current trend of data pro- Formulating Policies nication infrastructure. Such an in- ducers imposing and enforcing copy- to Support Information frastructure scarcely exists, and right regulations is a threat to infor- Programmes even where it does, the high cost of mation programmes for developing obtaining online information makes countries and could have a negative What of the sustainability of in- it prohibitive. CD-ROM overcomes impact on its development by mak- formation programmes? In 1991, in these constraints. At an early stage, ing them even more expensive. The response to this question CTA has CTA saw this as a basic develop- current copyright position is that adopted an increasingly regional- ment issue and developed a CD- with very few exceptions, the con- ized approach to its work especially ROM programme to facilitate direct tent of all databases (whether on- through participative approach on access to relevant information sour- line, on CD or in print) is protected information needs for agricultural ces and the production of national by the same copyright restrictions research, training, planning and doc- computerized databases on agricul- that apply to printed publications. umentation. This exercise has in- ture in the ACP countries. But the actual interpretation and ap- volved users, information profes- One of the major effects of the plication of the law in the area has sionals, decision-makers and donor programme has been seen in Mauri- been fairly vague until very recent- agencies with a view to enhancing tius, where information derived ly. On 1 April 1994, Dialog gave the organisation of agricultural in- from the CD-ROM has been pack- new emphasis to copyright protec- formation and its efficient use to aged to satisfy farmers’ needs in tion by prefixing every printed ab- support agricultural development, agricultural technologies. For exam- stract with a copyright notice. It ap- especially in achieving food securi- ple, the Food and Agricultural Re- pears now that it is illegal under In- ty, conservation of natural resources search Council (FARC) prepared an ternational Copyright Law to make and generation of resources; pro- advisory leaflet for farmers on and distribute multiple copies of ab- moting the re-conquest of the re- growing of tissue-cultured plantlets stracts unless one owns the rights; gional markets for agricultural prod- of bananas. The leaflet contains in- has the specific consent of the copy- ucts; and promoting exports on the formation about cultivars, plant rights holder; or has paid appropri- international markets through an type, spacing, soil type and prepara- ate royalties. All databases on Dia- improvement in the competitive- tion, fertilization, irrigation, wind- log are protected by copyright, and ness of agricultural products.

The Role of CTA in Disseminating Agricultural Information in ACP Countries 15 There are three main reasons why The Fourth Lomé Convention bly, whose meeting is scheduled CTA is helping to develop region- requires CTA to provide technical next week in Dakar and to organise al agricultural information pro- and scientific support to ACP coun- conferences of ministers by the end grammes: tries to assist them in formulating of this year. • the limited availability of resour- their information policies and proces of all kinds means that it is in gramme. CTA is therefore playing a Conclusion the interests of the ACP countries catalytic role in promoting the for- to regionalize their approach to mulation of agricultural information During its first phase of develop- handling technical information on policies based on cooperation be- ment, CTA has implemented an agriculture by pooling existing re- tween institutions with similar re- number of important activities on sources and developing common sponsibilities at national, regional agricultural information dissemina- services on a regional basis an international levels. It is intended tion. This has helped the centre to that the ACP States themselves identify the constraints and resour- • the resources of CTA can never be should take control of the radical ces of the ACP countries to access- sufficient to satisfy agricultural in- changes needed to produce coordi- ing information and also to identify formation needs at the level of in- nated information programmes; the limitations of its action in rela- dividual ACP countries; a regional CTA’s role will be to support activi- tion to the huge demand for infor- approach may offer the most prac- ties which foster the development mation. CTA has come to the con- tical and realistic alternative and by ACP States, at national and re- clusion that sustainability can only may assist in mobilizing addition- gional levels, of their own capaci- be guaranteed through a progressive al funds ties for the production, purchase adoption of CTA’s mandate by the • the ACP-EU Council of Ministers and exchange of agricultural infor- ACP countries themselves. The for- is strongly advocating a regional mation. mulation of agricultural information approach (for CTA and for its sis- To this end, regional programmes policies at national and regional lev- ter institute CID) under Lomé 4; are centred on training in agricultur- el will help to achieve this strategic the Convention itself supports and al communication, the production goal. encourages this. Regionalization is of agricultural scientific journals, very high on the political agenda. the strengthening of agricultural ex- BIBLIOGRAPHY The regional approach is attrac- tension systems, the production and Annual report 1993. 1994. Ede, The tive from an African perspective for exchange of agricultural radio and Netherlands: CTA. four main reasons. First, the limited television programmes, activities on functional literacy and the establish- Bachraz, D.Y. 1994. Growing of Tissue- resources can be utilized more effi- Culture Plantlets of Bananas. 1994. Ré- ciently, with less duplication and ment of integrated agricultural induit, Mauritius: Food and Agricultural Re- more sharing. Second, the regions formation sub-regional systems. search Council (FARC). will need to rely less on CTA and CTA believes that these activities Broadbent, Kieran P., Aliune Thioune other external organizations; there will lead to better integrated region- and Peter Walton. 1994. Increasing Ac- should be a higher degree of self-real areas as far as the organisation cess to Scientific and Technical Informa- liance and hence better sustainabili- and access to agricultural information in Agriculture: an Evaluation of the ty. Third, there are likely to be far tion is concerned. The strengthen- CD-ROM Programme. 1994. Ede, The better prospects of gaining external ing of national institutions and the Netherlands: CTA. financial assistance, for example setting up of databases will create CTA Publications List=Catalogue des from regional European Develop- the conditions conducive to region- Publications. Ede, The Netherlands. al integrated systems whose effi- ment Fund sources and elsewhere. Fourth ACP-EEC Convention signed at External agencies will be better able ciency will be reinforced by new in- Lomé on 15 December 1989. Luxem- to serve regional needs, and will formation technologies. bourg: Official Publications of the Euro- know that they can target their ac- Co-operation with regional and in- pean Communites. tivities more precisely, if cohesive ternational institutions, systems and Integrated (An) Information Programme regional policies exist. Finally, a networks in relevant areas will be for Agricultural Development in West regional approach will provide a forged to encourage the exchange of Africa. [1994]. Economic Community of framework within which CTA can information, methodologies and the West African States—ECOWAS. [Draft promote the establishment of na- sharing of experiences. document]. tional focal points and regional CTA also believes that by putting International symposium on new infor- branch offices, which will help peo- these issues on the political agenda, mation technologies in agriculture. 1994. ple in the regions to obtain greater the situation could be improved. It Papers presented November 10–12, benefits from the limited resources is therefore aiming at the highest 1993, Bonn, Germany. Edited by A.P. Powell. Quarterly Bulletin of the Interna- that can be made available through political level. It plans to get sup- tional Association of Agricultural Informa- CTA. port from the ACP-EU Joint Assem- tion Specialists, 39 (1–2).

16 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Jackson, Alan C. “Meeting the Need for (DORA)”. The Courier, 141:102–104. Regional Levels for Eastern African Agricultural Information: CTA’s Role in Countries: Strategies and Resources. Deﬁning a Regional Policy for Southern Réunion du Comité Régional d’Eval- 1994. Pointe aux Canonniers, Mauritius, Africa: orientation Paper”. 1994. Work- uation, de Programmation et de Suivi 12–16 December. sop on Agricultural Information Needs of des Activités d’Information Agricole pour Southern Africa. Windhoek, Namibia, l’Afrique Centrale CREPS/AC. 1994. THEINDOU NIANG is the Head of the 14–18 November. Yaoundé, Cameroun, 7–8 Novembre. Information and Documentation Unit at CTA. Johnson, Jane S. et al. 1993. Directory “Selective Dissemination of Information of Training Specialists in Agricultural In- (SDI): Evaluation Forum: Summary Re- CONTACT ADDRESS: formation. Ede, The Netherlands: CTA; port”. 1994. Paper presented at Pointe Ottawa, Canada: IDRC. aux Canonniers, Mauritius, 5–9 Decem- Thiendou Niang ber. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Mba, D. Assoumou. 1994. CTA (Le) dans Agro Business Park 2 la Quatrième Convention de Lomé: Ori- Workshop on Agricultural Information NL 6708 PW Wageningen entations Stratégique 1995–2000. Ede, Needs of Southern Africa. 1994. Wind- THE NETHERLANDS The Netherlands: CTA. hoek, Namibia, 14–18 November. Phone: +31-317-467140 Fax: +31-317-460067 Niang, T. and M. J. Jehl. 1993. “Dissemi- Workshop on Formulating Policies on nation of Agricultural Reference Books Agricultural Information at National and

The Role of CTA in Disseminating Agricultural Information in ACP Countries 17 Invited Paper International Partnerships for Improving Access to Agricultural Information in the Developing World: The Role of CAB International

C.P. Ogbourne, T. Ison Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas so- tween the developed and develop- bre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo es que ing worlds; la resolución de los problemas comple- ABSTRACT: A critical message through- jos relacionados con la distribución mun- • the weak capacity of developing out Agenda 21 of the United Nations dial de información exige un enfoque co- countries to collect, transform and Conference on Environment and Devel- laborativo. La Agenda 21 hizo mucho disseminate information; opment is that solving complex problems énfasis en la urgencia de acelerar la associated with the global distribution of transferencia de información a los países • their need for trained information information demands a collaborative ap- en desarrollo. Este documento analiza specialists, and for information proach. Agenda 21 laid strong emphasis algunos de los esfuerzos colaborativos technology; and on the urgent need to accelerate infor- en que participa el CAB International mation transfer to the third world. This para apoyar la difusión de información • the shortage of financial resources paper reviews some of the partnerships científica y técnica en el sector agrícola in the Third World for purchasing in which CAB International is participat- del mundo en desarrollo. Se indican las information products and services ing in support of the dissemination of principales actividades para el fortalec- from abroad. scientific and technical information in imiento de las actividades colaborativas the agricultural sector of the developing en el campo de la información, a fin de These points are well understood world. It indicates the main thrusts for promover la respuesta mundial a las re- by IAALD members, and are now strengthening collaborative activities in comendaciones de la Agenda 21. the information domain, so as to build on being recognised by a much wider the global response to Agenda 21 rec- community.The points recur through- ommendations. out the sectoral chapters of Agenda Everyone at this congress must 21, including the one on sustainable RESUMÉ: Le message crucial de l’A- have heard or read a great deal about agriculture and rural development. genda 21 de la conférence des Nations the UN Conference on Environment A critical message throughout Unies sur l’Environnement et le dével- and Development (UNCED), the oppement, est que pour résoudre les Agenda 21 is that solving the com- problèmes complexes associés à la dis- so-called Earth Summit, held in plex problems associated with the tribution globale de l’information, il faut Brazil in June 1992. For those of us global distribution of information travailler en coopération. L’Agenda 21 here I think the event was especially met l’accent sur le besoin urgent d’ac- demands a collaborative approach. significant because of the attention This theme was taken up at an inter- célérer le transfert de l’information vers it focused, on the world stage, to in- le Tiers monde. Cet article passe en re- national consultation in April last vue certaines activités de coopération, formation as the fuel for sustainable year hosted by the International De- où CAB International participe à la diffu- development. As many of you will velopment Research Centre (IDRC) sion de l’information scientifique et tech- know, this was the theme of Chapter nique vers les secteurs agricoles des on “Environment, Information and 40 of Agenda 21, the global action Development” (McConnell & Me- pays en développement. Il indique les plan that UNCED endorsed. grandes initiatives pour renforcer les ac- lesse, 1994) with participation from tivités de coopération dans le domaine The main points in Chapter 40, several UN bodies, other interna- de l’information, basées sur les réactions about: tional agencies including CAB In- aux recommandations de l’Agenda 21. • the importance of information to ternational (CABI), and various non sound decision-making; RESUMEN: Un mensaje crítico que se governmental organizations (NGOs). aprecia a lo largo de la Agenda 21 de la • the widening information gap be- All agreed that to respond fully to

18 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Agenda 21, those organisations with country information needs; experi- CABI, as one of the players on a mandate in this area should con- ence in the design and operation of the agricultural information scene, sult widely among themselves, share agricultural information systems; has the mandate, capacity and expe- ideas and experiences, and develop training skills in information man- rience to fulfil many of these roles, complementary approaches and col- agement; expertise in project man- and we are striving hard to do so as laborative partnerships. Only then agement; or financial resources. part of our mission for the develop- will the process of disseminating in- When linked together in a frame- ing world. formation equitably to all those in work of co-operation, these skills Let me remind you that CABI is need gain the momentum it de- and resources enable a variety of an inter-governmental organisation serves. roles to be played in support of agri- and that 33 of its 36 member coun- The purpose of this paper is to cultural research and development tries (owners) are from Africa, Asia, convey this message in the agricul- in the developing world. the Pacific and the Caribbean. Clear- tural context by: reviewing some of These roles include: ly, our first obligation is to help ful- the partnerships in which CABI is • assisting in policy making and fil their needs, then those of any oth- participating in support of the dis- planning for agricultural informa- er countries where our services are semination of scientific and techni- tion systems; required. cal information in the agricultural • helping to identify the users of in- Over the last five or so years, sector of the developing world, and formation and define their needs; CABI’s ability to support economic indicating the main thrusts of our • supporting capacity building and social development through the strategy for strengthening collabo- through training of information provision of services in the infor- rative activities in the information specialists, and the users of information/publishing domain has in- domain, so as to build on the global mation; creased considerably, and this is ex- response to Agenda 21 recommen- pected to continue as we: • co-ordinating and servicing library dations. or research networks; • extend beyond the traditional boundaries of agriculture and for- • supplying, or financing the pur- estry, into the management of nat- The Main Actors and chase of, information resources; Their Roles ural resources including biodiver- • advising on, and helping with the sity, and the protection of human On the agricultural information adoption of, appropriate informa- health; tion technologies; stage, there are many players, with a • establish a firmer base of opera- • providing technical and other as- wide diversity of roles. They in- tions in developing regions, cen- sistance in the collation of infor- clude United Nations (UN) agencies tred on a growing network of re- mation at the national or regional like Food and Agriculture Organiza- gional offices; tion of the United Nations (FAO), level; and • strengthen collaborative pro- other inter-governmental organisa- • supporting the creation of spe- grammes with a wide range of tions like CABI, international insti- cialised information products and like-minded organisations world- tutes of the Consultative Group on services appropriate to developing wide; and International Agricultural Research country needs. (CGIAR), technical agencies like • attract more and more support for the Technical Centre for Agricultur- our programmes from the donor al and Rural Cooperation (CTA), re- CAB INTERNATIONAL community. gional organisations, library centres Mission Statement of highly developed countries (such CAB INTERNATIONAL Agricultural Information as the US National Agricultural Policies and Plans Library (NAL) and the Centre de is dedicated to improving Cooperation Internationale en Re- human welfare worldwide Planning for sustainable develop- cherche Agronomique pour le Dév- through the dissemination, ment, in whatever sector, should be eloppment (CIRAD), bilateral and application and generation of based on timely, reliable and usable multi-lateral development agencies, scientific knowledge in support information. This is what Agenda various NGO’s, and many more, in- of sustainable development, 21 tells us and what we all know. cluding of course the agricultural with emphasis on agriculture, Unfortunately however, in many de- institutions of the developing world. forestry, human health and the veloping countries there is too little Each player has something to con- managment of natural recognition among decision makers tribute such as specialised infor- resources, and with particular of the value of information, and in- mation resources; skills in informa- attention to the needs of adequate resources are applied to its tion technology; knowledge of, or developing countries. provision, for this to happen reli- experience in evaluating developing ably.

Partnerships for Improving Access to Agricultural Information: The Role of CAB International 19 In the agricultural sector, many of as we can to raise understanding of is to be achieved. the national or regional research the key role of information in the CABI is glad to have contributed systems of the developing world implementation of national agricul- to many of these initiatives and we lack a clear strategic framework for tural plans. plan to do more in future, by partici- the development and maintenance It is encouraging that ISNAR, pating as much as possible in work- of an effective information system. which has a mandate within the shops, undertaking consultancies, As a result, their agricultural infor- CGIAR system to help improve the and by giving advice whenever it is mation systems tend to be too poor- performance of the NARS, now lays requested, especially by our mem- ly focused and resourced to meet firm emphasis on the importance of ber countries. user needs effectively. This was one efficient information systems and of a number of important points communications to productive agri- Needs Assessments emphasised during an international cultural research. The ISNAR Small consultation held two years ago on Countries Programme for example The international consultation the information management needs had a large information component hosted by ISNAR concluded that in of national agricultural research sys- (IAALD 1993) which was put into many developing countries one of tems (NARS) which was co-spon- strong focus during a workshop the most serious constraints to the sored by ISNAR (the International held in April 1992. At that meeting development of efficient agricultur- Service for National Agricultural information specialists from inter- al information systems is poor un- Research), by CABI and CTA. national agencies and small-country derstanding of user needs. Scien- Various issues concerning infor- NARS agreed to a number of rec- tists, managers, and policy makers mation management by NARS were ommendations which were present- often have difficulty specifying ex- addressed at this meeting including ed the following week to a meeting actly what information they require; the need to develop and implement of senior policy makers and re- and information specialists may not information policies and plans in search managers. This was a rare have the skills or experience to do line with national agricultural strat- opportunity for information profes- this for them. Fortunately, several egies and priorities; the importance sionals, as a group, to persuade senior external organisations are address- of taking a broad view of informa- decision makers from developing ing this problem by helping raise tion to include relevant data of vari- countries to give information sys- the capacity of developing countries ous kinds; the fundamental role of tems the high priority they deserve. to undertake this first, crucial step in needs assessments and how they The message is highly pertinent for information system design. should be conducted; training re- small countries which mostly lack CABI has run a needs-assess- quirements for information profes- the resources to run large agricultur- ment programme since 1990, in sionals and users; the need to im- al research programmes of their partnership with a number of its de- prove access to information gener- own and have, therefore, to depend veloping member countries. At the ated at national or regional level; the on the import of knowledge from invitation of the governments con- appropriate role of information tech- abroad if they are to make good use cerned, 15 countries in Africa, Asia nology; and others. ISNAR pub- of science and technology to im- and the Caribbean have been visited lished a short report of the meeting prove agricultural production. by CABI staff who worked in part- (ISNAR, 1993) which deserves to be Various other organisations share nership with local personnel to study widely read, especially by the deci- ISNAR’s commitment to strength- the information needs by various sion makers of NARS and by the ening the role of information in the categories of user in the agriculture donor community. The report con- development of national policies and forestry sectors. The needs for tains key messages about the priori- and plans for agriculture. CTA, for specialised scientific services with- ty they should give to information example, which is doing a lot of in the areas of expertise of CABI’s management in agricultural research good work, especially in Africa. four scientific institutes were also and development, to the formulation NAL, the Inter-American Develop- examined. The mission reports were of appropriate information policies ment Bank (IADB) and the Latin issued by CABI, with the agreement and strategies, and to investment in American Association of Agricul- of the host governments concerned, appropriate information systems. tural Librarians and Information and donor agencies were then asked Regrettably, library and information Specialists (AIBDA) co-operated in to provide funding for follow-up professionals in many developing a workshop last year on a regional work programmes. [Table 1] countries have neither the status nor approach to agricultural informa- CTA also began carrying out access to decision makers to put tion networking in Latin America needs assessments in 1991, priority these messages across effectively and the Caribbean. Various other being given to African countries. themselves. We in the international initiatives could be mentioned, but These have now grown into regional agricultural information community the effort needs to be strengthened programmes involving widespread should therefore give as much help and sustained if the required impact consultation with representatives of

20 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Table 1 – CABI’s Country Assessment Missions mote training initiatives in their re- Uganda March 1990 Vietnam March 1992 gions, again in co-operation with Philippines July 1990 India March 1992 other agencies. We shall seek part- Guyana October 1991 Malawi March 1992 ners in the organisation and teach- Zambia October 1991 Nepal December 1992 ing of such courses and, where pos- Jamaica October 1991 Sri Lanka January 1993 sible, local experts will be called Belize October 1991 Myanmar January 1993 upon as trainers. The UK-based “In- Indonesia February 1992 Bangladesh February 1993 formation on Agriculture” course Thailand February 1992 will no longer be held but a programme of modular work placements or training attachments at national agencies, and experts from pacity of developing countries to CABI (and other bodies like the sub-regional, regional and interna- collect, assess and transform infor- British Library) for periods varying tional organisations. mation, as well as to assist decision from a week to several months will The CABI and CTA needs assess- makers in its use. Not surprisingly, be offered for anyone wishing to ac- ment studies led to a similar conclu- information training needs emerged quire specific information-handling sion: that most developing countries strongly from CABI’s and CTA’s skills. lack the resources, equipment and needs assessment programmes. These training initiatives, and trained staff that they need to estab- Various organisations have been ones led by other organisations, are lish and sustain reliable agricultural running training courses for agricul- clearly filling an important need but information services. CTA’s find- tural librarians and other informa- much more has to be done, over a ings are being used to guide its fu- tion specialists for quite some time. long period, to meet Agenda 21 ob- ture programmes, whereas the For example, CTA has organised a jectives in this area. The need to CABI surveys were orientated more number of courses overseas, usually raise the awareness of end users of towards specific projects for on specific library management skills the value and use of information strengthening the countries’ access such as the use of micro-computers also deserves closer attention. This to, and capacity to manage, scientif- and the marketing of information should obviously be a stronger com- ic information. Some of these pro- services, often run jointly with re- ponent of the professional educa- jects, involving training in informa- gional organisations or institutes of tion of researchers, but specialised tion management and the supply of the CGIAR. It also runs courses on courses, like the one given in 1992 printed publications, CD-ROM science writing and editing. Since in the Caribbean supported by the databases and computer hardware, 1979, CABI has run annually in the Commonwealth Science Council, have now been implemented, with UK a 2- to 3-week “Information on serve a very useful purpose and funding from various donor sour- Agriculture” course for librarians should be repeated more often. ces. Others await funding or are still and documentalists which to date being finalised. has been attended by almost 300 CABI has no further needs as- people from many countries. Partic- Improving Access to sessments planned in the short term, ipation has been funded by CTA, Global Information and to since priority attention is still being the British Council and the Com- Information Technology given to implementing recommen- monwealth Fund for Technical Co- As is well known, a persistent ob- dations from the 15 surveys already operation (CFTC), and others. stacle to the agricultural develop- conducted. Since 1991, CABI staff Despite the success of this course, ment of Third World countries is the have gained much valuable experi- we have recently adopted a new limited access they have to global ence in this kind of work, which training strategy under which our sources of scientific and technical will be made available to other training efforts will be more con- information. Except for the few well developing countries (particularly centrated overseas. CABI’s Region- supported libraries, most have little CABI member countries) in the fu- al Office for Asia in Kuala Lumpur or no foreign exchange for purchas- ture, preferably in cooperation with has already organised a regional ing journals, books and databases other external agencies, like CTA, course, in 1992 in co-operation with from abroad, and have to depend also working in this area. the University Pertanian Malaysia, on donations or exchange arrange- and is planning others, including ments, which are rarely enough to Training in Information one this year on management of in- satisfy user needs. Many developing Management formation to enhance the role of countries also lack the information women in sustainable development. technology that would enable them Another need identified in Agen- CABI’s other Regional Offices— to access and manage information da 21 is for international co-opera- for Africa (in Nairobi) and the Car- resources efficiently. These prob- tion in training to improve the ca- ibbean (Trinidad)—will also pro- lems are well recognised in Agenda

Partnerships for Improving Access to Agricultural Information: The Role of CAB International 21 21 which calls for the stronger Table 2 – Donors Funding Supply of CABI Products Under Sponsorship mechanisms of information pro- or Technical Assistance Projects cessing and exchange, and for innovative schemes for subsidising Donor Number of Sites Countries Subject Area access to information from com- ADB 34 1 (China) Agriculture mercial sources. ADB/UNDP 12 11 (Asia/Pacific) Forestry International Agricultural In- AIDAB 7 7 (Asia/Pacific) Forestry formation Systems – Agricultural CTA 31 28 (ACP) Agriculture researchers are fortunate in being DGIS 7 1 (Kenya) Agriculture served by three major bibliographic FAO 15 15 (Africa) Crop Protection databases: AGRICOLA, AGRIS ODA 11 11 (Africa/Asia/LA) Forestry and CAB Abstracts. The last two World Bank 5 1 (Ghana) Agriculture cover extensively the literature relevant to developing countries. Un- like the databases of NAL and FAO, (DGIS) which supports information oped worlds and have begun includ- CAB Abstracts does not benefit dissemination under its Special Pro- ing CD-ROM systems and a range from any subsidy from government gramme for Biotechnology and De- of databases in their development sources. Its price therefore reflects velopment Co-operation. projects. the real costs of preparing the data Nowadays, however sponsors To date, CABI’s products have to high quality standards. Although and donors are more willing to fi- been supplied under sponsorship or this price has been kept below that nance the supply of electronic infor- technical assistance projects funded of comparable databases in other mation retrieval systems and re- by CTA and six other donors (Table disciplines, nonetheless we recog- sources to developing countries 2). These include the Asian Devel- nise that for most developing coun- than pay for subscriptions to printed opment Bank (ADB), Australian In- tries the purchase of CAB Abstracts journals. The high storage capacity, ternational Development Assistance and its various products is simply durability and independence of Bureau (AIDAB), FAO, UK Over- beyond their reach. This is despite telecommunications that charac- seas Development Administration the fact that institutions or individu- terise CD-ROM technology make it (ODA) and the World Bank. To als in the 36 member countries of ideal for use in the developing date, 122 institutions have benefit- CABI are entitled to a price dis- world, and CD-ROM retrieval sys- ed, in many countries of Africa, count, as one of the benefits of tems are now being installed in South America, the Caribbean, Asia membership. many countries, under projects fi- and the Pacific. Usually the donor To help overcome this problem nanced by various donors. funds have covered the full cost of CABI has developed a strategy of CTA has taken a strong lead in supplying the hardware (PC, CD- working in partnership with other this with its CD-ROM sponsorship ROM drive and printer), user train- international organisations and the programme (Dusink, 1994). After ing, the databases and updates for development assistance community becoming convinced of the virtues the lifetime of the project (usually to make its information resources of this technology by a study con- three years), and a quota of pre-paid and information management ex- ducted with CABI, IDRC and oth- document delivery coupons which pertise more widely available to ers in 1986, CTA launched a pilot can be used to acquire copies of se- those countries in need but which project to provide 12 agricultural in- lected articles through CABI’s Doc- have little or no capacity to pay. formation centres in ACP countries ument Delivery Service. Sponsorship – One way of doing with CD-ROM equipment, databas- In some cases, CABI has taken this is to make specific information es and user training. This was suc- the lead in securing the funds for products available under favourable cessful and by the end of 1993 CTA these projects, basing its proposals terms to other institutions with a had sponsored the installation of on demands recorded during coun- mandate to distribute information to CD-ROM workstations and data- try needs assessments or received the countries most in need. Since bases (those of CABI, AGRIS, NAL directly from potential beneficiary the early 1980’s, this has been the and other producers) at 31 sites in organisations. In other cases, CABI principal basis of CABI’s co-opera- 28 countries under a programme has supplied products and services tion with institutes of the CGIAR, executed by the Royal Tropical directly in response to requests re- several of which have sponsored the Institute (KIT). Now a variety of ceived from donor agencies, or the distribution of printed outputs of development assistance agencies initiative has been taken by the po- CAB Abstracts to thousands of their recognise the contribution that CD- tential beneficiaries themselves. collaborating institutions in the de- ROM technology can make to A notable example of a country veloping world. Other partners we bridging the information gap be- deciding to upgrade its agricultur- have include the Dutch Government tween the developing and devel- al information system by introduc-

22 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 ing CD-ROM technology is China, which has undoubtedly had a signif- CD-ROM sponsorship programmes. whose government insists on evi- icant impact on the availability of Research Networks – Although dence of a literature search going global information to the agricultur- information support to the agricul- back at least 10 years before any al sector of an enormous country. It tural sector of developing countries research project can be approved. will be formally evaluated in 1995. is often given in the context of CD- To provide the necessary informa- CABI’s CD-ROM sponsorship ROM or more broadly based library tion retrieval facilities, the Chinese programme has been running for projects, information dissemination Academy of Agricultural Sciences four years now and we have recent- also forms an important element of (CAAS) began in 1992 strengthen- ly begun to evaluate its impact, ﬁrst co-operative research. This is well ing the Scientech Documentation priority being given to Africa. A recognised by the institutes of the and Information Centre (SDIC) in questionnaire has been distributed CGIAR but at the present time, they Beijing and establishing CD-ROM (in English and French) to all spon- are constrained in their ability to run workstations in 34 major agricultur- sored sites throughout the continent external information programmes al research and training institutions and an African library consultant by cutbacks in donor funding. De- throughout the country. Funds were has visited selected centres in Ken- spite this, CABI is still co-operating provided by the Chinese Govern- ya, Zimbabwe and Ghana to inter- with two CGIAR institutes by sup- ment supported with a technical as- view information managers and plying abstracts journals under spon- sistance grant from the Asian De- users. The evaluation report is ex- sorship, and other institutes contin- velopment Bank. Each site was pected to be completed in March ue to subscribe to CAB Abstracts supplied with the necessary hard- and will help guide the further data in electronic form enabling ware, and with the CAB Abstracts development of CABI’s CD-ROM them to offer SDI and on-line search database (CABCD from Volume 1), sponsorship programme. services to research partners direct- supplemented at eight centres with ly. A good example is the informa- the AGRIS database. SDIC also re- This study comes in the wake of tion service on semi-arid tropical quested subscriptions to a full set of a thorough evaluation exercise of crops offered by ICRISAT which is CABI abstract journals. CTA’s sponsorship programme based on CABI, AGRIS and supple- which was completed by a team of These activities were managed mentary data sources. In addition, consultants in 1994 (Broadbent et CABI and various institutes are co- under a 3-year project executed al, 1994). The report and recom- jointly by CABI and SDIC (Zhang, operating increasingly in the free or mendations are now being taken cheap distribution of books to de- 1994). Included was a three-week into account by CTA in planning the training course in information man- veloping countries. Under special future direction of its programme. agreements new books authored by agement, which was held in Beijing Database selection, feedback from in October 1992 with several CABI institute staff or associates and pub- users, co-ordination with other do- lished by CABI are made available staff contributing as trainers. Dur- nors, user training and local net- ing the following year, SDIC select- for free or cheap distribution to se- working are among the issues being lected NARS addresses. ed 10 Chinese information special- considered. To maximise the impact Despite funding constraints, aware- ists for three months’ training on information availability to the ness of the role the CGIAR should overseas, at CABI, ZADI in Ger- Third World, CABI will be seeking play in strengthening the research many or FAO in Rome. closer coordination with CTA and capacity of the NARS by supporting This is a substantial programme the various other bodies supporting information programmes has grown considerably over the last few years. One NARS leader (from In- China-ADB Sponsored Information Project dia) has publicly proclaimed recent- • Provision of PC and CD-ROM equipment ly that this is the kind of help from • Provision of CABCD plus updates for 3 years to 34 key research CG centres that the NARS most establishments in China need. The information policies and strategies of the CG system are cur- • Provision of AGRIS on CD-ROM to 8 sites rently under review. As a contribu- • Provision of a complete set of CABI’s printed abstract journals to tion to this, CABI and FAO-AGRIS SDIC were invited to address a meeting • A comprehensive 3-week training course in Information Management last March of the CGIAR Technical and Technology held in Beijing Advisory Committee and centre • Three months overseas training for 10 key personnel directors. I hope that opportunities for co-operation in CG information • Monitoring and evaluation throughout the project period programmes by CABI, AGRIS and others, will in due course emerge.

Partnerships for Improving Access to Agricultural Information: The Role of CAB International 23 One fairly immediate opportunity for Asia in Malaysia, since 1991. have been installed in over 60 for- could be in an integrated livestock The whole FORSPA programme estry research centres, all of which information service which is being was evaluated in 1994 and judged to will have received broadly based planned by the new International have been successful in strengthen- training in information management. Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), ing the forestry research capacity of Although most of the beneficiaries recently created by the merger of countries in the region. A new phase so far have been in Asia, we expect the International Livestock Research of operations is therefore about to other countries to gain from similar Centre for Africa and the Interna- begin, with other donors (AIDAB, donor-funded programmes in the tional Laboratory for Research in ODA) now joining ADB and FAO future. Some of the CIFOR-selected Animal Diseases. ILRI’s intention in contributing to the expenditure sites will be in Africa (also Latin is that this service will be founded budget. About 15% of the funds are America) but a further momentum on a partnership involving other earmarked for information and pub- may come from a FORSPA-type CGIAR centres, CABI, FAO-AG- lishing activities which will be sup- initiative which is being planned by RIS, CIRAD, regional organisations plemented in the second phase with FAO and others, and which will and other key sources of livestock more TREECD sites, updates for all include a substantial information information. ILRI will play a cen- 22 sites, greater emphasis on infor- component. tral coordinating role, managing mation training, and on the collation Current Awareness, Question linkages between the various play- of national information resources. & Answer and Document Deliv- ers involved, including the NARS of CABI will again manage this part of ery Services – Another model of developing countries which will be the project, in partnership with international co-operation benefits the main beneficiaries (Sinha, 1994). FAO, the donors and the national developing country researchers di- The other new CGIAR institu- forestry centres of the region. tion, the Centre for International rectly by providing them with tai- The information component of lor-made SDI, Question & Answer, Forestry Research (CIFOR) in In- FORSPA has been supplemented by donesia, is already developing a and Document Delivery Services. another project financed by AIDAB Again CTA took a significant lead substantial information programme. which started in 1993. This has For example, with a grant from in 1988 by launching a pilot SDI enabled CABI to provide another 11 project for researchers. This has ODA a CD-ROM sponsorship pro- forestry institutes in China and South gramme is being implemented, in- grown into a substantial programme East Asia with access to CD-ROM now served jointly by CABI (taking volving the installation of CD- technology and global forestry re- ROM technology and the TREECD responsibility for Southern Africa, search data through the TREECD. Caribbean and Pacific countries) database in up to 20 forestry re- User training was again given at our search centres world-wide, backed and Centre de Coopération Interna- Asian Regional Office. An evalua- tionale en Recherche Agronomique up by user training. Supplementing tion of this project is in progress. this, a document delivery service is pour le Développement (CIRAD) being made available by CABI and Over the last few years, CABI’s (East, West and Central Africa). the Oxford Forestry Institute which collaboration under FORSPA, with CTA also provides users in ACP has one of the world’s largest col- CIFOR, ODA and AIDAB, has had countries with a Question & Answer lections of forestry literature. CABI a significant impact on information Service which aims to provide an and CIFOR are now planning the availability to forestry research cen- appropriate and timely response to a training programme which will be tres, particularly in Asia. By the end wide range of enquiries on agricul- held at CIFOR in April. of 1995, TREECD workstations will tural topics. CTA itself, or contrac- In Asia and the Pacific, CIFOR’s information programme in support FORSPA – Information Component of forestry research complements Managed by CABI’s Regional Office for Asia the Forestry Research Support Pro- Funded by the Asian Development Bank gramme for the Asia-Pacific (FOR- SPA) which is supported financially • Provision of CD-ROM equipment to 12 sites by Asian Development Bank • Supply of TREECD with quarterly updates (ADB), United Nations Develop- ment Programme (UNDP) and • Distribution of Subscriptions to Forestry Abstracts (25 centres) FAO, and managed from FAO’s Re- • Training of information specialists from the 12 TREECD sites gional Office in Bangkok. Under a • Provision of document delivery based on pre-paid vouchers Technical Assistance Agreement • Production and distribution of a quarterly newsletter with the ADB, CABI has been managing an information network for • Publication of monographs and reviews on regional topics FORSPA from our Regional Office

24 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 tors such as CABI, CIRAD and holding a workshop on biodiversity KIT, search databases and other information which should help fo- Crop Protection sources for the information needed, cus international attention on this Compendium and copies or originals of relevant important topic. Development Consortium documents are often provided to the Information Products Designed enquirer. to Meet Developing Country Members to Date — In a similar way, the INFOTER- Needs – With support from external RA system, which is a decentralised agencies, especially from the do- • CAB International network of information centres man- nor community, CD-ROM databas- • SDC Switzerland aged from United Nations Environ- es have contributed significantly • ODA UK mental Programme (UNEP) in Nai- towards filling the information vac- • CIDA Canada robi, responds to enquiries on envi- uum in the developing world. How- • Ciba Geigy Switzerland ronmental topics from a wide ever, this kind of information re- • Zeneca UK variety of sources. Data are supplied source cannot directly assist the either from UNEP itself, from other decision-making process without the • UNDP UN bodies, or other international intervention of trained intermedi- • IDRC Canada organisations. The latter include aries able not only to select but also • Sumitomo, Japan CABI which is designated a special to digest and evaluate the informa- sectoral source of information on tion in relation to national goals and agriculture and the environment. priorities. Unfortunately, this capa- isations. Agenda 21 calls specifically for the bility is either weak or lacking in Work has now started on a Com- strengthening of the INFOTERRA most parts of the developing world, pendium for South-East Asia (as the system and for stronger networking as acknowledged in Agenda 21. forerunner to global coverage) which and co-ordination with other actors Addressing this particular issue, a will contain information on a thou- in the environmental information significant initiative began recently sand or more species important to field. Given the close interaction be- to harness the power of information the region (including arthropod pests, tween the environment and agricul- technology to develop an Electronic fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, ture, this should become another Compendium for Crop Protection weeds and invertebrate pests) and significant way for developing coun- (Scott & Schotman, 1993). Consist- about two hundred crop species. tries to access global information. ing of text, maps, illustrations, taxo- Illustrated datasheets are being pre- UNEP also seems likely to be- nomic keys, diagnostic systems and pared on contract by selected spe- come the UN agency responsible for other features in a user-friendly for- cialists drawn from research institu- managing a clearing house of infor- mat, for use on a PC, this will pro- tions in various countries and will mation on biodiversity, as required vide information in a form applica- be supplemented, where appropri- under the Biodiversity Convention ble to a wide variety of practical ate, with information held by estab- (another outcome of UNCED). Con- problems in crop protection, with lished sources. For example, the sidering the importance of plant ge- emphasis on integrated pest man- PROSEA Foundation which has netic resources to plant breeding pro- agement. The compendium concept compiled a series of books on Plant grammes, and the need to conserve emerged from an international work- Resources for South-East Asia, soon natural enemies of pests for use in shop on crop protection information to be published on CD-ROM with environmentally friendly and sustain- organised by CABI, CTA and FAO support from PUDOC (Netherlands), able methods of crop protection, the in 1989. A subsequent meeting of will be an important source of services offered by this clearing house crop protection experts from around datasheets on crops. should prove valuable to the agricul- the world, gave it strong support, Constructing this product will be tural sector of developing countries. and a demonstration version of a a huge task requiring substantial de- CABI was privileged to participate Compendium was therefore pro- velopment capital (around $1.5 mil- in a workshop held by UNEP in Au- duced on diskette with grant aid lion), almost half of which has gust 1994 to advise on the operation from the Australian Centre for In- already been secured through a con- of such a clearing house and we ternational Agricultural Research sortium of donors. These include bi- have offered to contribute actively (ACIAR). This demonstration disk- lateral and multilateral aid agencies, to its implementation, in partnership ette was used in a survey which con- agrochemical companies, and na- with the various other parties that firmed the keen interest of a wide tional agricultural organisations. are sure to become involved. In range of potential users including When the finished product is June 1996 in London, associated extension officers, the agrochemical available, in about two years our with CABI’s Review Conference of industry, quarantine officers, research plan is to make it available at a low Member Governments, we plan to scientists, lecturers, policy makers price for developing countries, and cooperate with other key players in and regional plant protection organ- sponsorship options will be offered

Partnerships for Improving Access to Agricultural Information: The Role of CAB International 25 to third parties. CABI has undertaking country programmes, so a donor research in small countries. Quarterly en to keep the product up to date partner is invariably required. For- Bulletin of the International Association without further external support. tunately many donors now recog- of Agricultural Information Specialists, 38(2/3):65–159. This will be facilitated by a feature nise the value of investing in in- of the Compendium which will al- formation systems for developing Broadbent, K. et al, 1994. Increasing ac- low users to send in their notes countries and are giving us the sup- cess to scientific and technical informa- which we will sift for inclusion in port we require; that received from tion in agriculture. An evaluation of the updates. The user community will the UK,Australia and Canada (CABI CD-ROM programme for the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooper- therefore be involved in the mainte- member countries) has been partic- ation (CTA). nance of this product, reflecting ularly significant. Since CABI aims their actual experience of crop pro- to give priority to its member coun- Dusink, A. 1994. “CTA’s CD-ROM protection. tries, improved access to develop- gramme for sustainable development”. ment assistance can justifiably be Quarterly Bulletin of the International As- The compendium concept can of sociation of Agricultural Information Spe- course be applied to disciplines oth- regarded as one of the benefits of cialists, 39(1/2):82–84. er than crop protection. A demon- membership. stration version of a compendium of All the activities described in this International Service for National Agri- tropical tree species was produced paper, and the many others not men- cultural Research, 1993. Information man- tioned, conform to the goals laid out agement needs in national agricultural last year in co-operation with OFI research systems. ISNAR Briefing Paper funded by ODA. We are now using in Agenda 21 and help CABI meet No.6, The Hague, Netherlands, ISNAR. this to gain feedback from potential its mission. Each activity has de- users before seeking partners in the pended one way or another on part- McConnell, P. and Melesse eds. 1994. production of compendia on specif- nerships between organisations pur- Information and Agenda 21. Report of an suing common goals. Further steps Informal Consultation on Environment, ic forestry topics. Development and Information, IDRC, to improve access to agricultural in- Ottawa, 11–12 April 1994. Ottawa, Can- formation in the developing world ada: International Development Research Conclusions will depend heavily on how existing Centre. For developing countries, every relationships flourish, and on the new alliances that become estab- Scott, P.R. and C.Y.L. Schotman, 1993. partnership project should be firmly The concept of an electronic compendi- based on at least three vital ingredi- lished. As concluded by the IDRC um and its application to crop protection. ents: a need, preferably a want, for meeting on Environment, Informa- Quarterly Bulletin of the International As- the services to be supplied; a source tion and Development, all organi- sociation of Agricultural Information Spe- of expertise, information resources sations with something to contrib- cialists, 39(1/2):166–173. ute should make their capabilities, and other relevant inputs; and a Sinha, P.K. 1994. Partnership for subject source of financial support. Of the resources and experience widely specific global information services. Pa- three, the first is often the most im- known and be alert to opportunities per presented to InterCenter Workshop portant, otherwise time and money for integrating their activities with on Information, held at ISNAR, The can be wasted doing work that is not those of others, in pursuit of Agenda Hague, June 13–17, 1994. 21 goals. I hope that as far as CABI required. Over the last five or so Zhang, Q. Q., 1994. “Information transfer years, CABI has given high priority is concerned that objective has been into the agricultural sphere in China: the to establishing needs, to helping to achieved today. Asian development Bank project”.Quar- develop and working within the na- As I have tried to show, CABI is terly Bulletin of the International Associ- tional policies and plans of the re- already working with a wide range ation of Agricultural Information Special- ists, 39(1/2):194–201. cipient countries, to designing and of partners to help developing coun- managing information projects to tries access and manage agricultural C.P. OGBOURNE is the Deputy Direc- meet the needs efficiently, con- information resources. We have a tor-General, Information Services at tributing to developing country pro- lot to offer but need to strengthen CAB International and TIM ISON is the grammes of other organisations, our existing partnerships and devel- Projects Officer at CAB International. and developing information prod- op others in the fulfilment of Agen- CONTACT ADDRESS: ucts targeted especially at develop- da 21 action plans and the pursuit of ing country needs. our development goals. The ulti- Tim Ison For projects developed by CABI mate beneficiaries will be the devel- Development Projects Unit oping countries that we all aim to CAB International itself we rely increasingly on other Wallingford, Exon OX10 8DE organisations for the inputs that we serve. UNITED KINGDOM ourselves cannot provide. One of Telephone: +44-1491-832111 REFERENCES the most important is financial sup- Fax: +44-1491-833508 E-Mail: [email protected] port. CABI does not have the re- Ballentyne, Peter ed. 1993. Management sources needed to fund our develop- of scientific information for agricultural

26 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Invited Paper Les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information dans les Centres et Systemes de Documentation Agricole en Afrique Francophone: Evaluation et Perspectives

P. Dandjinou vas sobre el procesamiento y suministro rique est la part prépondérante que de información agrícola en Africa franco- le secteur agricole prend dans l’ac- parlante, se realizó una encuesta sobre tivité économique. En effet, elle oc- ABSTRACT: One of the primary preoc- el uso de los computadores en los cen- cupations in the Francophone Africian tros de información agrícola y se analiza- cupe 70 à 75% de la population ac- countries today is the repercussion of the ron los proyectos en curso y sus logros. tive, fournit 60 % des revenus new information technologies on the pro- d’exportation et demeure un élé- files of the information professionals, and their capabilities in meeting the users’ L’Afrique francophone est comment fondamental de la production needs. This was done through surveys posée d’une vingtaine de pays situés vivrière. Mais cette agriculture est carried out on the use of computers in dans la partie subsaharienne du con- loin d’être compétitive puisque, de agricultural information centres as well tinent et partageant une commu- 4% des exportations mondiales as the analysis of ongoing projects and nauté linguistique. Cette commu- dans les années 50, elle est tombée achievements, to assess the overall situation and outline prospects in the pro- nauté linguistique, liée à l’utilisa- aujourd’hui à 2 %. Les raisons en cessing and provision of agricultural in- tion du français comme langue sont multiples : incertitudes liées au formation in francophone Africa. officielle à côté d’une multitude climat ; pluviométrie capricieuse ; d’autres langues nationales remonte démographie galopante ; pauvreté RESUMÉ: Aujourd’hui, l’Afrique fran- à l’héritage colonial que laissèrent des sols ; effets pervers des pesti- cophone est principalement préoccupée les anciennes puissances colonisa- cides ; utilisation de techniques cul- par la répercussion des nouvelles technologies sur la pratique des profession- trices que furent la France et la Bel- turales non appropriées etc. nels de l’information, et leur capacité à gique. Malgré cette caractéristique Un autre facteur déterminant dans satisfaire les besoins des utilisateurs. propre, l’Afrique francophone par- la modeste performance de l’agri- Des enquêtes ont été faites sur l’utilisa- tage beaucoup d’autres traits com- culture africaine est la carence et la tion des ordinateurs dans les centres de muns avec les autres Etats du Conti- documentation agricole, ainsi que sur non circulation de l’information per- des évaluations de projets, pour analyser nent dont les 500 millions d’habi- tinente et efficiente, permettant de la situation générale et esquisser les per- tants connaissent l’un des taux de minimiser les effets des phéno- spectives de diffusion de l’information croissance démographiques les plus mènes adverses. Le séminaire Win- agricole en Afrique francophone. élévés du monde (3,1 %). De plus, rock sur les stratégies pour le futur avec un produit national brut de 470 de l’Afrique organisé à Baltimore RESUMEN: Una de las principales pre- US$ (1990), l’Afrique, et princi- ocupaciones de los países africanos (USA) en 1991, aboutissait à juste francoparlantes hoy en día es la reper- palement, l’Afrique subsaharienne titre à la conclusion selon laquelle : cusión que puedan tener las nuevas tec- constitue l’une des régions les plus “si l’Afrique doit envisager une so- nologías de información en los perfiles pauvres du monde puisque plus de ciété plus développée d’ici à 25 ans, de los profesionales de la información y la moitié des pays en développe- les gouvernements se doivent d’être en su capacidad para satisfacer las ment s’y trouvent. necesidades de los usuarios. Para evalu- persuadés de celà [et de la néces- ar la situación general y trazar perspecti- Une autre caractéristique de l’Af- sité] de la diffusion de l’information

Les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information dans Afrique Francophone: Evaluation et Perspectives 27 sur les capacités d’approvisionne- MEF ou CD-ROM), les scanners, et 3000, les centres de documentation ment locales et les marchés ex- des modems pour la communication agricole dans les pays africains térieurs”. électronique. C’est dire que toute francophones utilisent un ou plu- L’information agricole est recher- une panoplie de nouvelles technolo- sieurs microordinateurs. On note chée par un public varié allant des gies sont désormais en place au sein une disparité tant au niveau du nom- producteurs agricoles aux cher- des unités de documentation agri- bre d’unités disponibles par centre cheurs et décideurs politiques, en cole qui pour la plupart n’ont plus qu’au niveau des marques d’ordina- passant par les agents de vulgarisa- grand chose à envier à des unités de teurs. tion ainsi que les spécialistes de la documentation similaires dans les Dans une étude en 1992 auprès planification agricole et rurale. Cette pays développés. des structures de documentation information est produite dans les Après plus d’une dizaine d’an- agricole de 6 pays d’Afrique subsa- différents pays et à l’extérieur, et nées d’utilisation de la micro-in- harienne (dont 5 francophones et un devrait subir une demande accrue formatique pour le traitement de anglophone), on pouvait relever les dans les années à venir. En effet, l’information agricole en Afrique pourcentages ci-après quant à la selon les précisions de la FAO, les francophone, et dans le contexte éc- proportion de centres disposant au pays en développement devraient onomique actuel marqué par la ré- moins d’un micro-ordinateur : pouvoir augmenter leur productivité duction progressive des projets ini- Mali 7,4 % agricole d’une moyenne de 3,8 % à tiés par l’assistance extérieure, et la Sénégal 45 % 4,1 % d’ici à l’an 2000 grâce à l’u- raréfaction des moyens financiers, il tilisation des connaissances scien- nous a paru nécessaire d’évaluer le Niger 42 % tifiques et techniques disponibles. rôle et la portée des nouvelles tech- Burkina 11 % En Afrique francophone, l’infor- nologies dans la diffusion de Cameroun 80 % mation agricole et notamment la l’information agricole. De plus, les Dans une enquête ciblée auprès documentation écrite est produite et repercussions des nouvelles tech- de 25 institutions informatisées de traitée dans des centres nationaux nologies sur les pratiques des pro- 14 pays africains francophones en de recherche agronomique (CNRA), fessionnels de l’information agri- Juin 1993, le parc se présentait dans des bibliothèques universitaires cole, souvent initiés sur le tas à ces ainsi: et nationales, dans des bibliothè- technologies, méritaient d’être ana- ques et centres de documentation lysées. Micro-ordinateurs compatible PC/PS2 27 spécialisés dépendant des mini- Enfin, la consultation de nom- stères en charge de l’Agriculture, du breux rapports nationaux présen- Micro-ordinateurs Macintosh 2 développement rural, de la forest- tés par les participants aux sémi- Imprimantes matricielles 15 erie, des ressources animales et naires de formation de l’EIB et du Imprimantes laser 6 même de la recherche scientifique. CTA et les données recueillies au Imprimantes à jet d’encre 1 Ces différentes structures sont pour cours d’activités de consultation Onduleurs 16 la plupart des resurgeances d’anci- permettent d’esquisser les perspec- ennes institutions coloniales de re- tives d’une meilleure diffusion de Lecteurs de CD-ROM 4 cherche ou de documentation agro- l’information agricole en Afrique 90 % des micro-ordinateurs sont nomique. francophone grâce à l’utilisation des compatibles IBM PC/PS2 et 14 Avec la généralisation de l’utili- efficiente des nouvelles technolo- marques différentes ont été reper- sation de l’outil informatique en gies. toriées. Ces marques sont rarement Afrique, on assiste à une banalisa- représentés dans les pays, avec l’ex- tion de l’ordinateur au sein des Les Nouvelles Technologies eption notable de la gamme IBM structures de traitement de l’infor- et Leur Utilisation en (60 % du marché, Zenith Data-Bull mation agricole. Ainsi, le taux d’in- Afrique Francophone (20 %) et Macintosh (10 à 20 %) qui formatisation des centres de docu- réalise actuellement des percées. Il mentation agricole est passé d’envi- Nous proposons une brève ty- convient de relever que la grande ron 17 % en 1988 à près de 57% en pologie de ces nouvelles tehnolo- majorité des équipements informa- 1993 sous l’action conjuguée des gies, les Les mécanismes de leur tiques ont été acquis grace à l’assi- bailleurs de fonds internationaux, implantation dans les structures do- tance étrangère. des institutions de coopération mul- cumentaires et l’évaluation qu’on S’agissant des logiciels de gestion tilatérale et bilatérale et plus rare- peut en faire. documentaire, on note une prépon- ment des initiatives locales. dérance du micro CDS-ISIS de l’U- A côté des micro-ordinateurs, on La Micro-informatique – Mis à NESCO dans plus des 3/4 des sites, retrouve désormais d’autres équipe- part le réseau sahélien de documen- suivi de Texto, diffusé par la société ments tels que les lecteurs de dis- tation du CILSS à Bamako (Mali), française Chemdata. De façon marques compacts à mémoire fixe (DC- équipé d’un mini-ordinateur HP ginale, on rencontre quelques sites

28 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 ayant développé un logiciel maison Le Compact Disque à Mémoire La coopération française, et prin- à partir du SGBD DDase +. Fixe (CD-ROM) – Introduit en Af- cipalement le CIRAD de Montpelli- Le succès de CDS/ISIS est dû à rique francophone dès les années er a assuré la diffusion gratuite de plusieurs facteurs : il est offert gra- 1990, le compact disque à mémoire SESAME, le seul référentiel franco- cieusement par l’UNESCO et a fixe a connu un succès qui est large- phone sur l’agronomie tropicale. La bénéficié depuis les années 1990 de ment à la mesure des nombreux BIEF, programme décentralisé de programmes de formation et de per- avantages qu’il procure. Du fait de l’ACCT a été instrumentale quant à fectionnement supportés par l’U- l’indépendance qu’il procure vis-à- l’installation des lecteurs de CD- NESCO, l’ACCT-EIB, le CTA et la vis des liaisons téléphoniques par ROM dans les bibliothèques natio- GTZ. De plus, plusieurs pays dis- ailleurs quasi défectueuses dans la nales des pays participants dès 1990. posent actuellement d’une masse plupart des pays, et compte tenu de Au côté des bibliothèques universi- critique de professionnels ayant une l’appui important que les bailleurs taires, on note la présence des Cen- expérience pratique du logiciel au de fonds lui ont donné, ce support tres SYFED de l’AUPELF-UREF point d’envisager des sessions de optique était appelé à s’imposer en qui offrent une gamme variée de formation au niveau national et sou- Afrique. bases de données sur CD-ROM à la vent dans le cadre d’associations Le récent rapport statistique sur consultation. Un programme d’aide d’utilisateurs (au Niger par exem- l’inventaire des sites de CD-ROM à l’accès aux documents primaires ple) ou de réseaux nationaux de dans les pays en développement et est inclus dans les prestations des documentation agricole (Le Sénégal dans les pays d’Europe de l’Est Centres SYFED. en est un cas). L’action de la FAO réalisé par Gilles Deschatelets et L’une des questions à se poser au- n’est pas à négliger, d’autant que Maryse Legault de l’Université de jourd’hui est celle du financement ses systèmes d’information AGRIS Montréal prouve à suffisance que le ultérieure des initiatives citées ci- et CARIS ont été développés autour CD-ROM a été adopté en Afrique et dessus lorsque l’appui des bailleurs du même logiciel et ont induit l’in- singulièrement dans les unités de de fonds aura cessé. Déjà, le rapport formatisation et la mise à niveau documentation agricole. Deschâtelet fait ressortir que sur permanente des centres participants Ainsi, sur 639 sites recensés, la 240 répondants en Afrique, seuls 49 à ces systèmes. distribution est la suivante : sites disposent d’un budget d’acqui- TEXTO pour sa part est commer- Afrique 240 (37,6 %) sition de titres de CD-ROM. cialisé au prix moyen de 20.000 FF Asie 14 (23,0 %) S’agissant de l’utilisation du CD- et a connu une relative percée dès ROM en Afrique, le rapport indique Amérique latine 203 (31,8 %) 1985 avec l’appui de la coopération les activités ci-après : Océanie 6 (1,0 %) française et par l’entremise des sys- Formation 46,2 % tèmes d’information tels que IBIS- Europe de l’Est 42 (6,6 %) Démonstration 46,2 % CUS et plus récemment le PAR- Au palmarès des 10 titres les plus Recherche d’information DOC (Programme d’Appui Docu- consultés sur le continent africain, factuelle 58,5 % mentaire de l’AIPLF). on retrouve 5 bases de données agri- Recherche d’information A ce jour, l’utilisation des micro- coles : Agris, CAB Abstracts, Sésa- numérique 24,4 % ordinateurs dans les structures de me, Tropag & rural et Agricola. Vérification bibliographique 71 % documentation agricole d’Afrique L’action de certaines institutions Catalogue 20,2 % francophone a principalement per- du Nord et de certains organismes mis de : de financement a été décisive dans Compilation de bibliographies 31,2 % • développer des bases de données l’essor du CD-ROM en Afrique Consultation de documents bibliographiques (95 à 98 % des francophone : Le Centre technique en texte intégral 31,3 % cas); de coopération agricole et rurale Autres 4 % • développer des bases de données (CTA), émanation de la convention factuelles (principalement des re- ACP/CEE de Lomé avec son pro- Notre expérience de la plupart des pertoires et annuaires); gramme d’installation de CD-ROM sites en Afrique francophone nous qui couvrait déjà 25 centres ACP de amène à nuancer ces statistiques • transférer des données vers les 1989 à 1991 et qui a porté son con- d’autant que, pour certains centres, sources extérieures : exemple des cours financier à différents sémi- l’utilisation ne dépasse pas encore Input Agris/Caris; naires et ateliers sur le CD-ROM, le stade de la simple démonstration. • rechercher l’information agricole ainsi qu’aux projets d’évaluation Il apparait qu’après 4 à 5 années à partir des bases de données lo- des sites. Avec ce programme, les d’utilisation du CDROM en Afrique cales bases de données agricoles les plus francophone, le moment soit arrivé • produire des catalogues biblio- importantes du monde ont été mises de définir de nouveaux modes de graphiques ainsi que des bulletins à la portée des centres de documen- gestion de ce service afin qu’il prof- bibliographiques ou de liaison. tation participants . ite réellement au monde agricole.

Les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information dans Afrique Francophone: Evaluation et Perspectives 29 Enfin, en dehors de SESAME au- plante effectivement que dans de son réseau SYFED avec des ré- quel participent certains centres de quelques rares pays africains fran- seaux internationaux (INTERNET), documentation africains (ISRA au cophones. via le réseau national français de Sénégal par exemple) et d’AGRIS Le Rio (Réseau Intertropical d’or- télécommunications de la Recherche de la FAO qui bénéficient des entrée dinateurs) de l’ORSTOM – Il s’agit (RENATER) ou le RIO. C’est dans des centres nationaux participant à d’un réseau de Communication élec- cette perspective qu’est né le projet cette base de données coopérative, tronique reliant un millier d’utilisa- REFER (Réseau Electronique Fran- il conviendrait que les centres de teurs dans une douzaine de pays cophone pour l’Enseignement Su- production et de diffusion de l’in- dont 10 pays d’Afrique francopho- périeur et la Recherche). Un proto- formation agricole en Afrique fran- ne. Rio associe des organismes de type de ce projet est en cours de cophone deviennent également des recherche scientifique ou d’aide au réalisation dans le secteur agro- éditeurs de CD-ROM où des don- développement tels que le CIRAD nomique et vétérinaire. nées spécifiques au monde agricole de Montpellier, l’ISRA (Dakar), le Le Projet CABECA de Padis – africain soient stockées. CORAF (collectif pour la recherche Communication in Africa) utilise agronomique francophone) et con- des technologies de télécommuni- La Télématique en Afrique Fran- stitue un moyen privilégié d’accès à cation bon marché pour assurer la cophone – La situation désastreuse la recherche et à l’information agri- liaison électronique des pays afri- de la plupart des réseaux de télé- cole francophones. cains. Basé sur le protocole FI- communication africains est connue. Parce qu’il est basé sur le proto- DONET, d’obédience angolo-sax- A cela s’ajoutent les surcoûts occa- cole TCP/IP d’Internet, RIO met les onne, le projet CABECA vise la sionnés par des équipements vétu- services de ce méta serveur mondial constitution en Afrique même d’une stes et des systèmes de télécommu- à la portée de ses utilisateurs. Le masse critique d’opérateurs spécial- nication le plus souvent hérités de réseau de l’ORSTOM utilise les isés dans les liaisons électroniques. l’époque coloniale qui n’avait pas techniques de télécommunication A ce jour, une trentaine de pays prévu l’interconnection au niveau en différé et des méthodes de com- africains bénéficient du projet dont régional. Ainsi, une communication pression de données pour assurer un une infime proportion en Afrique téléphonique de Dakar (Sénégal) à service fiable et payant . francophone. Lusaka (Zambie) par exemple, se On notera que les 10 pays d’Af- L’intérêt du CABECA est qu’il doit d’être acheminée via Banjul rique francophone ayant accès au vise la constitution au niveau natio- (Gambie) et Londres (R.U.). Rio sont ceux disposant de centres nal d’un pool d’utilisateurs, autour Des améliorations manifestes sont de recherche de l’ORSTOM et que d’un point focal national relié au ser- toutefois en cours au niveau de peu de structures nationales se sont veur basé à Addis-Abeba. Ce pool différentes régions africaines. Des équipées pour profiter des services d’utilisation devraient à terme assu- projets initiés par l’Union Postale du réseaux de l’ORSTOM. rer la pérennité du système en parta- africaine tels que RASCOM (par Les Centres et Points SYFED de geant les coûts. Les services actu- exemple) sont porteurs d’espoir et l’AUPELF-UREF – Les Centres SY- ellement offerts par le projet sont ne décollent pas encore faute de FED (10 au total dont 8 en Afrique) surtout la messagerie électronique. moyens. et les points SYFED (une centaine Au total, la télématique en Afri- Dans le domaine de la téléma- en Afrique) utilisent les réseaux de que progresse grâce à des initiatives tique des initiatives sont prises au- transmission de données par paque- isolées et souvent extérieures au jourd’hui par des opérateurs ex- ts (de type x 25) installés dans les continent. Bien que peu de centres térieurs à l’Afrique qui tendent à pays africains francophones pour nationaux de documentation agri- reduire la marginalisation dont le favoriser l’accès à l’information sci- cole soient directement connectés à continent est l’objet dans cette nou- entifique et technique francophone. ces réseaux électroniques, ils peu- velle ère des autoroutes de l’infor- Dotés de terminaux Vidéotex ou vent y accéder soit par des points mation. Ces initiatives, souvent ba- d’un micro-ordinateur associé à un focaux, soit par des centres ser- sées sur l’utilisation de technologies lecteur de carte à mémoire, les cen- veurs. En Afrique francophone, l’a- simples et à coûts modérés sont tres et points SYFED sont princi- cès à l’information agricole via les principalement le fait d’organismes palement installés dans les Univer- liaisons électroniques semble de- français ou francophones tels que sités et Centres de recherche qui voir se développer avec les projets l’ORSTOM et l’AUPELF-UREF. bénéficient de crédits d’utilisation RIO et REFER. Le faible niveau Le CRDI, en finançant le projet (prise en charge par l’AUPELF/ d’implication des nationaux dans CABECA initié par le PADIS basé à UREF des coûts de traffic avec des ces projets pourrait constituer à Addis Abeba en Ethiopie contribue serveurs prédéfinis) et d’accès aux terme des freins à leur essor. au décloisonnement progressif des documents primaires. pays africains. On peut juste regret- L’AUPEL-UREF s’achemine ac- Conclusions sur les Nouvelles ter qu’à ce jour, ce projet ne s’im- tuellement vers une interconnexion Technologies dans les Centres et

30 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Systèmes de Documentation – Les mé en documentation agricole. La besoin est exprimé par le person- nouvelles technologies sont bien raison en est qu’il n’existe pas au nel intermédiaire (aide documen- présentes dans les centres et sys- niveau francophone de formation talistes, techniciens) et de façon tèmes de documentation agricole spécifique en documentation agri- marginale par des agronomes et des pays d’Afrique francophone. cole soit dans les écoles soit dans techniciens d’agriculture ; Elles le sont sous forme de fichiers les universités. • gestion des centres de documenta- développés localement sur micro- La répartition du personnel en tion, en particulier le marketing ordinateurs, de banques et bases de terme de niveau est également élo- des services d’information agri- données disponibles sur CD-ROM quente. Ainsi, au Cameroun par ex- cole. C’est surtout le personnel de ou accessibles via des serveurs po- emple, en 1992, les 67 personnes en catégorie supérieure qui exprime tentiels. A y regarder de près, on poste dans 10 structures de docu- ce besoin. pourrait penser à un “déluge” d’in- mentation agricole étaient compo- formation agricole, tant les capac- sées de : On notera que ces besoins sont souvent pris en compte dans les ités d’accès ont été décuplées ces Niveau Doctorat ou Maitrise 4 dernières années. programmes de formation de cer- Niveau Intermédiaire (Bac + 3) 10 Toutefois, au regard de la piètre taines institutions telles que l’AC- Niveau Baccalaureat ou inférieur 53 performance de l’agriculture afri- CT/EIB, la FAO, le CTA. Ce dernier caine depuis les indépendances Au Sénégal, l’enquête menée en avait demarré en 1990 un audacieux (1960) et en considérant les modal- 1990 par le RESAGRIS (Réseau de programme général de formation en ités de production et de diffusion de documentation agricole du Sénégal) information agricole (PROGEFIA). l’information agricole, on peut se relève 47 professionnels de l’infor- demander si ce déluge d’informa- mation agricole dont 15 de niveau Les Professionnels et Leur Envi- tion n’a pas été un des éléments aide-documentaliste, 24 de niveau ronnement – Parce qu’ils ont des déterminants. En d’autres termes, 1er cycle de l’Ecole des Bibliothè- statuts insuffisamment définis, et l’information agricole fournie a-t- caires et Archivistes et Documental- qu’ils occupent rarement des postes elle correspondu aux besoins réels ? istes de Dakar et 8 de niveau 2e cy- de responsabilité, les professionnels A-t-on oppéré les tris et synthèses cle de cette même école. connaissent généralement une mau- nécessaires ? Pour répondre à ces Au Togo, la stratification est en- vaise appréciation de leurs services questions, nous nous proposons de core plus marquée. Sur 34 profes- ainsi que de leurs capacités. La réal- considérer deux facteurs clés des sionels on compte 11 de niveau ité est qu’ils s’enferment le plus sou- systèmes nationaux d’information BEPC, 19 de niveau BAC, 3 de vent dans les tâches techniques de agricole tels qu’ils ont fonctionné niveau Bac + 3 ans et 1 niveau Bac leur métiers et sont peu orientés depuis trente ans en Afrique franco- + 5 ans. vers la satisfaction des demandes phone: les professionnels de l’infor- Compte tenu de leur profil multi- des usagers. Un article publié dans mation agricole (documentalistes, forme, les professionnels de l’in- le bulletin du Centre universitaire de bibliothécaires, et vulgarisateurs) formation agricole bénéficient rare- Dschang au Cameroun (UCD Re- d’une part, et les structures de pro- ment d’un statut clairement défini. sources, Vol. 1, No. 1, March 1989) duction de l’information agricole Ils n’occupent pratiquemment pas est assez symptomatique de cette sit- d’autre part. de postes de responsabilité et expri- uation. A la question régulièrement ment constamment des besoins im- posée par les usagers de l’Université portants de formation et de perfec- agricole, à savoir “Qu’est-ce-qu’ils Les Professionnels de tionnement. font même à la Bibliothèque?”, l’un l’Information Agricole des professionnels de la bibliothè- Profil – Le personnel en charge Besoins de Formation et de Per- que centrale n’a trouvé mieux que de l’information agricole se com- fectionnement – Les besoins les de repliquer par un article au titre pose globalement de bibliothécaires plus souvent exprimés ont trait à évocateur!” Derrière les rideaux de et documentalistes ayant reçu une trois disciplines : la bibliothèque. Il y décrit minu- formation dans une école de biblio- • l’informatique documentaire : ce tieusement toutes les phases (et théconomie, et de techniciens et in- besoin est exacerbé par l’informa- peines!) du catalogage et conclue génieurs spécialisés dans une disci- tisation continue des structures et que “nul n’entre derrière le comp- pline agronomique et formés sur le aussi par le fait que cette matière toir de la bibliothèque s’il n’est tas aux techniques documentaires. n’a souvent pas été (ou si peu !) géomètre”! Dans la plupart des pays, la pro- enseignée dans les écoles de for- Les professionnels de l’informa- portion de professionnels de l’information. Toutes les trois catégories tion en Afrique francophone vivent mation agricole est la plus élevée, de professionnels sollicitent cette en général une frustration permanen- certes, mais on assiste à un manque formation ; te et sont toujours en attente d’une cruel de personnel suffisament for- • les techniques documentaires: ce meilleure opportunité de postes.

Les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information dans Afrique Francophone: Evaluation et Perspectives 31 L’Information Agricole des collectivités locales et n’hési- perception du role du centre de doc- et ses Structure de Pro- tent pas à “pénétrer dans la brous- umentation au sein de l’institution duction: de l’Inadequation se”. Elles sont basés pour la plu- mère. a l’Inefficacite part à l’extérieur et sont organisées En définitive, que ce soit les cen- pour accéder à l’information à par- tres de documentation agricole ou Inadéquation de l’information tir de sources extérieures. Certains les réseaux nationaux, le mode de Agricole – L’information agricole d’entre elles se sont engagées dans fonctionnement de ces structures proposée par les professionnels en des projets favorisant le dévelop- apparait trop techniciste et quelque Afrique francophone a foncière- pement à la base. peu nombriliste. Peu de contacts ment trait à la documentation écrite. Au total, l’information agricole, sont développés avec les chercheurs Cette documentation est pénible- telle qu’elle se présente aujourd’hui et leurs propres réseaux de rement produite dans les systèmes na- ne peut jouer son rôle de catalyseur cherche et peu d’efforts sont faits en tionaux de recherche agronomique. du développement en Afrique fran- direction des usagers finaux qui Elle provient de l’extérieur pour une cophone. Mais en fait, l’inefficaci- demeurent à mille lieux de ces grande partie (90 %). Les quelques ence ainsi relevée de l’information structures. Il faut reconnaître qu’au rares études réalisées par des na- proposée est également à relier à delà de cette inéfficacité structu- tionaux ont une circulation très d’autres phénomènes : le manque de relle, c’est tout le système national restreinte. Les modes de diffusion politique agricole clairement définie qui reste à évaluer, en termes de de cette information sont à travers et l’inadéquation des structures de politique agricole clairement défi- les services questions/réponses, la gestion de l’information. nie, de besoins en information agri- production de bibliographies et de cole bien ciblés, et de mécanismes bulletins d’acquisitions, les photo- Causes structurelles de l’ineffi- de collecte et de diffusion de l’in- copies et/ou la communication du cacité – Les centres de documenta- formation bien dimensionnés. Le document primaire. tion du secteur agricole et rural rôle des nouvelles tehnologies de- Les destinataires supposés de représentent en moyenne 30 % du vra agalement être mieux défini cette information sont variés : secteur documentaire national. La dans cette perspective. • Les chercheurs: peu de pays leur plupart de ces structures sont situés accordent l’importance qu’ils mé- dans les centres urbains. Les collec- Pour une Meilleure ritent, les budgets de la recherche tions documentaires sont logées Diffusion de l’Information étant reduits à une portion congrue dans des espaces exigus et le man- Agricole en Afrique (les dépenses de recherche-déve- que de budgets ne permet pas des Francophone: Le Role des loppement en pourcentage du PNB acquisitions permanentes. Nourvelles Technologies sont de 0,36 % en Afrique, pour L’introduction des nouvelles tech- 1,18 en Asie, 1,79 en Europe et nologies (micro-ordinateurs princi- Quelle Information Agricole en 2,33 en Amérique du Nord). Le ré- palement) dans les années 80 et Afrique en l’An 2000? – Les nou- sultat en est une sous-utilisation de l’impulsion données par des organ- velles technologies offrent des outils l’information agricole. ismes extérieurs ont amené le dé- pour l’amélioration de la gestion de • Les vulgarisateurs: ils sont en con- veloppement de réseaux nationaux l’information agricole en Afrique. tact direct des usagers finaux que de documentation agricole. On en Le risque, ainsi que nous l’avons vu sont les paysans, mais sont en compte une dizaine aujourd’hui en plus haut, est que ces nouvelles décalage permanent entre les tech- Afrique francophone dont les activ- technologies ouvrent la voie à des niques nouvelles conseillées et les ités, principalement basées en zones quantités trop grandes et indigéra- savoirs traditionnels. Il se pose urbaines, tournent autour de la mise bles d’information. Et comme l’es- également à eux le problème de la en oeuvre d’outils communs tels time Ballantyne (1992), “Les petits langue de communication (le fran- que les catalogues et repertoires na- pays ont besoin de systèmes qui leur çais pour la plupart) et celui d’une tionaux, les bases de données co- fournissent une information spéci- information agricole rarement syn- opératives et l’organisation de sémi- fique, voire même condensée, qui thétisée et préalablement digérée. naires de formation. ne surchargera pas leur capacité in- Si les réseaux nationaux con- ternet.” (Ballantyne, 1992). Le di- • Les pays: leurs avis comptent peu. stituent un creuset d’organisation mensionnement des mécanismes de Ils sont analphabètes (ne lisent pas des professionnels, leur apport dans collecte et de diffusion de l’infor- le français) pour la grande ma- la diffusion effective de l’informa- mation dans le cadre d’une politique jorité et comptent davantage sur tion agricole reste à démontrer. agricole définie devra prendre cette les techniques traditionnelles le- Dans certains cas, les activités du réalité en compte. De même, il de- guées par les ancêtres. réseau peuvent prendre le pas sur vra épouser les contours de l’infor- • Les ONG: Elles prennent de plus celles du service du participant, mation agricole specifique à l’Afri- en plus le relais de l’Etat auprès accentuant sur le coup la mauvaise que en l’an 2000.

32 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 L’information agricole en Afri- Les Micro-ordinateurs – De plus fusion des bulletins d’information, que en l’an 2000 sera marquée par en plus populaires, les micro-ordi- des catalogues bibliographiques et les facteurs suivants (Dandjinou P., nateurs ont déjà permis de constru- surtout de plaquettes de promotion. 1992) : ire des bases de données agricoles, Certes, les ressources et surtout • un décloisonnement exigé par une de réaliser des bibliographies et la disponibilité requises pour maî- demande en information plus com- bulletins et d’opérer des échanges triser cette technologie peuvent plexe et plus spécialisée ; d’information sous forme de dis- quelquefois être au delà des capac- • le développement de nouveaux quettes souples. La généralisation ités des professionnels, mais l’exis- thèmes tels que l’environnement de l’utilisation locales et les zones tance d’une structure de publiction et l’écologie ; rurales favorisent l’échange de don- assistée peut améliorer et accroître nées entre structures nationales et la collaboration entre chercheurs et • l’apparition de nouveaux usagers, locales, pour peu que les modalités documentaliste agricoles. L’intérêt due à l’éclatement des structures en soient clairement définies. Des de la publication assistée par ordi- documentaires traditonnelles suite micro-ordinateurs dans les cam- nateur dans les structures de re- au désengagement progressif de pagnes et au sein des groupements cherche agricole avait déjà été mis l’Etat ; villageois ne pourront que rappro- en exergue en 1989 par un rapport • l’usage intensif des nouvelles tech- cher les paysans des ressources du BOSTID (Board on Science and nologies, notamment le multi-mé- d’information en amont. Parallèle- Technology for International Devel- dia entrainera la décentralisation ment, les ressources d’information opment, de l’U.S. National Re- des activités vers les zones re- locales basées sur les savoirs pay- search Council). L’expérience ré- culées. sans pourront être mieux accessi- ussie de l’ISRA (Institut Sénégalais • une forte participation à de multi- bles et mieux exploitées. de la Recherche Agronomique) mé- ples résaux sectoriels d’informa- Le CD-ROM – Particulièrement rite d’être soulignée car elle permet tion exigée d’une part par le souci adapté à l’environnement africain, à l’institut de diffuser tous les dix et la logique de l’intégration éco- le compact disque ouvre de grandes jours des bulletins d’information nomique africaine et d’autre part perspectives puisqu’il met des mil- statistiques sur la pluviomètrie, le par la croissance exponentielle des lions de références bibliographiques sols et les conditions générales de sources et ressources d’informa- à la portée des chercheurs. Le stock- l’activité agricole, après que ces tion au niveau mondial. age sur dique optique des docu- données aient été recueillies par les Comment faire pour que l’utili- ments en texte intégral sera parti- stations régionales. sation des nouvelles technologies cuièrement approprié dans des pays Les Liaisons Électroniques – améliore effectivement la circula- où l’accès au document primaire est L’importance des télécommunica- tion de l’information agricole ainsi handicapé par divers facteurs : bud- tions pour le développement afri- définie et par ricochets une meil- gets d’acquisition en nette regres- cain n’est plus à démontrer. D’après leure perception du rôle des profession ; difficultés d’accès aux devises Fitzgerald. P. (1989), “des moyens sionnels ? Telle est la problématique étrangères ; delais d’acheminement de communication efficients ont un actuelle en Afrique francophone. élevés et risque de pertes fréquents. effet catalyseur sur le développe- Les bailleurs de fonds ne s’y sont ment économique et les pays qui Quelles Nouvelles Technologies pas trompés, qui investissent mas- n’ont pas de bons systèmes de com- pour Quelles Utilisations? – Les sivement dans le développement du munications sont nettement désa- nouvelles technologies sont aujour- CD-ROM en Afrique. Il conviendra vantagés. Avec le rôle accrû que d’hui présentes en Afrique sous de procéder à un “reconditionne- jouent les réseaux d’ordinateurs dans différentes formes. Elles ont été ment” de la grande masse d’informa- l’économie mondiale, les télécom- introduites dans les structures de tion rendue disponible afin qu’elle munications prennent une nouvelle documentation agricole par le biais corresponde effectivement aux be- importance. Cette assertion est véri- de projets et de financements ex- soins locaux. De plus, avec le CD- fiée en Afrique plus qu’ailleurs.” térieurs. La baisse constante des ROM, c’est à terme la diffusion en Et Georges Henault (1989) de coûts d’acquisition ne peut qu’en- retour des informations produites en renchérir : “Le rôle des télécommu- traîner une informatisation accrue Afrique même qui est mise en per- nications dans les pays du tiers en Afrique francophone, nonobstant spective. monde peut s’avérer proportion- la dévaluation du francs CFA en La Publication Assistée par Ordi- nellement plus important (en com- 1992 et la diminution du pouvoir nateur (P.A.O.) – Cette technologie paraison avec les pays développés), d’achat. Certaines de ces technolo- allie les avantages de l’ordinateur dans son impact sur le développe- gies nous paissent devoir jouer un aux capacités de photocomposition, ment.” role particulier dans l’amélioration de graphisme et d’édition. Elle fa- Il faut espérer que les initiatives de la diffusion de l’information voriserait la réalisation et la bonne de liaisons électroniques en Afri- agricole. présentation ainsi que la grande dif- que, francophone trouvent un appui

Les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information dans Afrique Francophone: Evaluation et Perspectives 33 local. Ceci passera par la sensibili- l’objet d’une attention particulière. participation aux salons et manifes- sation des pouvoirs publics à travers La réalisation de nouveaux pro- tations professionnels d’une part, et des activités de promotion. Ainsi, duits, l’invention d’autres modes de la “veille technologique” assurée des projets d’envergure, supportés diffusion ainsi que la commerciali- par l’information permanente sur par des budgets nationaux et dont sation des services seront de mise. les nouvelles technologies via les l’objectif principal serait de décloi- L’on devrait assister à la nais- revues spécialisées d’autre part. sonner le secteur rural verraient le sance d’une autre catégorie de pro- jour. L’on devra également résoudre fessionnels: ce seront des documen- Conclusion le lancinant problème du coût pro- talistes communicateurs, ou encore hibitif des télécommunications en des documentalistes facilitateurs (ou Au total, les nouvelles technolo- Afrique francophone, d’autant que médiateurs). S’agissant du monde gies sont présentes dans les Centres par ailleurs, en Afrique australe par de la recherche, les documentalistes et systèmes de documentation agri- exemple, l’essor actuel des liaisons devront s’y intégrer en s’engageant cole de l’Afrique francophone. Elles électroniques au sein de la SADC si possible dans les projets de re- y ont déjà permis la gestion quotidi- (South African Development Com- cherche, ainsi que le recommande enne de bases de données biblio- munity) est largement dû à la mod- Peter Ballantyne. En effet, leur for- graphiques, la constitution de ré- icité des coûts. mation leur permettra(it) de localis- seaux nationaux de documentation Les potentialités des nouvelles er et d’acquérir l’information, plutôt agricole, ainsi que les échanges de technologies étant ainsi invento- que de la traiter et de l’archiver.” données avec des institutions des riées, on devra s’intéresser aux mé- (Ballentyne, 1992) pays développés. Des masses im- diateurs de l’information agricole L’Adaptabilité et Appropriation portantes d’information sont ren- en Afrique francophone. des Nouvelles Technologies – Il im- dues ainsi disponibles, mais de- portera que les professionnels fas- meurent encore inaccessibles pour La Nécessaire Évolution du Méti- sent preve d’une grande capacité la grande majorité des usagers po- er de Professionnel de l’Informa- d’adaptation aux nouvelles techno- tentiels. Afin d’y parvenir, il con- tion Agricole – Le métier de pro- logies. Il s’agit de prendre consci- viendra d’inscrire les activités de fessionnel de l’information est fon- ence de l’impact de technologies sur gestion et de diffusion de l’informa- cièrement marqué par l’introduction leur métier et de s’y faire, au risque tion agricole dans une politique de des nouvelles technologies en Afri- d’être évincés. Kharim Cissé (et al, développement agricole bien dé- que. Afin de susciter, les profession- 1992) le disent si bien dans leur finie. Cette politique devra prendre nels devraient désormais s’inscrire communication à la table ronde des en compte les besoins réellement dans une logique privilégiant : bibliothécaires et documentalistes exprimés par les usagers finaux, la • l’acceptation d’une mutation psy- agricoles des pays d’Afrique fran- nécessité d’un éclatement des struc- chologique et professionelle ; cophones organisée par l’IAALD à tures de collecte et de difusion de Bordeaux. En effet, estiment-ils, l’information et enfin, la disponibil- • l’adaptabilité aux nouvelles tech- “les technologies de l’information ité de professionnels de type nou- nologies ; placent les professionnels devant le veau. Ces professionnels devront • l’appropriation des nouvelles tech- choix suivant : se les approprier être acquis aux nouvelles technolo- nologies. pour développer voire étendre leur gies et plus ouverts au monde de la Les Mutations Psychologiques et champ d’action, rehausser leur im- recherche agricole et aux usagers Professionnelles – Les profession- age et survivre, ou assister en sim- nouveaux que sont les opérateurs nels devront se convaincre que leur ples spectateurs à l’utilisation de ces économiques et les paysans. métier change de jour en jour et que technologies par d’autres avec le les schémas classiques appris dans risque de les voir s’approprier leur RÉFÉRENCES les Ecoles de formation n’offrent spécialité, de donner l’image d’une AAAS. 1991. Science in Africa : Setting pas la panacée. profession incapable d’évoluer et Research priorities. A Symposium Orga- Tout comme les autres métiers de donc à terme de disparaître.”(Cissé nized by the AAS Sub-saharan Africa l’information, celui des documen- and Gay, 1992) Program, Chicago, Illinois February 1992. talistes, bibliothécaires et archivi- S’approprier les nouvelles tech- Washington, DC: AAAS.. stes ne peut qu’évoluer et se com- nologies passera en amont par la re- Aina L. O. 1990. “Informing African Farm- plexifier. Avec l’apparition de nou- fonte des contenus de la formation ers: Some Obstacles to Information Flow.” veaux usages, et donc de nouveaux initiale dispensée dans les établisse- Information Development, 6(4):201–203. besoins, les cibles doivent être re- ments de formation ; en aval, le pro- définis. Sans négliger le monde de fessionnel devra subir un perfec- Aina L. O. 1991. “Provision of Agricultural la recherche gronomique, il apparaît tionnement permanent et une expo- Information to Farmers and Extension Officers : A Catalyst in Increased Agricul- que les opérateurs économiques ain- sition ininterrompue aux nouvelles tural Production in Africa.” Quarterly Bul- si que les paysans devront faire technologies. Ceci se fera par la letin of IAALD, 36(1–2):20–0-23.

34 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 AUPELF-UREF. 1993. Le Réseau élec- Proceedings of a seminar organized by caires et Documentalistes d’Afrique Fran- tronique d’échanges francophones “Le the CTA and UNESCO. Paris, France, cophone, Janvier 1992, Bordeaux. Quar- boulevard télématique en francophonie” 19–21 Octobre 1992. Wageningen: CTA. terly Bulletin of IAALD, 38(4):235–261. (Paris), Genie Documentaire (DO), - Pag. mult.- Dandjinou P. 1992. “Perspectives afri- IARC, AAAS, PADIS. 1991. Directory of caines de développement du secteur de Telecommunication Services in Africa: Ballantyne P. 1992. Comment gérer le l’information agricole.” Exposé introduc- 1991 Ottawa: IDRC. flux des Informations Scientifiques des- tif à la Table Ronde des Bibliothécaires tinées à la recherche agronomique des et Documentalistes des pays d’Afrique Levey L. A. 1991. Computer and CD- petits pays. Extrait du projet intitulé “la Francophones—IAALD, Bordeauxx 20– ROM Capability in Sub-Saharan African gestion de l’information scientifique dans 24 janvier. University and Research Librairies. les systèmes de recherche agronomique Washington, DC: AAAS. des petits” du CTA/ISNAR. Dandjinou P. 1993. Elaboration d’un Guide d’acquisition informatique et d’un Ochs M. 1991. “New Technologies for Bibang R.and A. Vugayabagabo. 1991. mémento guide informatique. Rapport Document Delivery and the Barriers to Etude des besoins en information agri- d’activités présenté au Comité de Suivi Their Use in the Developing Countries. cole dans les pays d’Afrique centrale. de la Table Ronde des Bibliothécaires et Quarterly Bulletin of IAALD, 36(1–2): Rapport d’une mission de consultation Documentalistes agricoles des pays 118–121. menée auprès des pays d’Afrique Cen- d’Afrique francophone, Rabat, Juillet. trale. Wageningen: CTA. PADIS. 1991. Report on Padis’ Project Dandjinou P. 1992. Agricultural Informa- on Computer Based Networking in Afri- Board on Sciences and Technology for tion Networking in Africa: A Background ca. Addis Ababa: PADIS. International Development. Science and Study on West and Central Africa. Addis Technology Information Services and Ababa: ILCA. Raseroka H. K. 1989. “Bibliothèque et Systems in Africa: Report of a Workshop développement rural : des salles de lec- held in Nairobi, April 19–22, 1993. - Deschatelets G. and M. Legault. 1994. ture de village au Botswana”. Communi- Washington, DC: National Academy Inventaire des CD-ROM dans les pays cation présente à la Conférence Gé- Press. en développement et les pays d’Europe nérale de l’IFLCA, Paris. de l’Est: Rapport statistique. Montréal: Broadbent K. P. 1990. “Information Université de Montréal. Winrock International Institute for Agri- Needs for Rural Development.” Informa- cultural Development. 1991. African De- tion Development, 6(1):49–54. Fitzgerald P. 1989. Good Communcia- velopment: Lessons from Asia: Proceed- tions Pay in West Africa, pp. 544–545, ings of a Seminar on Strategies for the Cissé K. et al. 1992. Rapport de partici- 1989 (traduit par l’auteur). Future of Africa, Baltimore, Mayland, pation: Sénégal Table Ronde des Biblio- June 5 to 7. thécaires et Documentalistes Agricoles Frantao S. 1994. “L’utilisation de CDS/ des pays d’Afrique francophone; Bor- ISIS dans les réseaux d’information: les deaux, du 20 au 24 Janvier 1992. perspectives pour l’Afrique.” Paper pre- PIERRE DANDJINOU is with the Dé- sented at the International Symposium partment de lan Banque de Données, CTA. 1991. Atelier sur les réseaux de on New Information technologies in Agri- CICIBA. documentation agricole en Afrique: Rap- culture : paper presented, November port de synthèse : Bujumbura, 1–4 Févri- 10–12, 1993, Bonn, Germany. Quarterly er 1993. Bulletin of the IAALD, 39(1–2):85–87. CONTACT ADDRESS:

CTA. 1991. CD-ROM for international Henault, G.M. 1984. Télécommunica- Pierre Dandjinou development: Proceedings of a work- tions et Gestion des PMO Africains in CICIBA shop in Geneva, 16–18 December 1991. Afrique contemporaine, 151:172–177. B.P. 770 Wageningen: CTA. Libreville “Transfert de l’information dans une éco- GABON CTA. 1992. CD-ROM for development: nomie mondiale.” 1992. Rapport som- Phone: +241-736-347 coordination of international assistance. maire de la Table Ronde des Bibliothé- Fax: +241-739-717

Les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information dans Afrique Francophone: Evaluation et Perspectives 35 Concurrent Session 1 Communication — Les Bases et Les Banques de Données Agricoles au Sahel:

Analyse de la Situation, Perspectives del Valorisation dans le Cadre du Développement durabel et Intégré de la Sous-région

d’un système durable et intégré de la Introduction Samba Aw sous-région. Il faudrait alors favoriser : une coopération concertée avec les Context Sahélien – Le Sahel est la ABSTRACT: A study shows that in the partenaires au développement, la mise partie septentrionale de l’Afrique de Sahel region which is the poorest region en place et l’utilisation de réseaux et d’un in Africa, agricultural data bases and système d’information agricole intégré l’Ouest. Il est considéré comme une databanks are often created without pre- ouest-africain, avec des centres d’excel- zone distincte à cause de ses prob- liminary analysis, and sometimes without lence nationaux gérant des systèmes de lèmes particuliers identifiés en 1975 responding to clearly defined and ex- diffusion et de collecte, l’utilisation de qui ont pour nom : sécheresse, pressed needs. The study reveals that standards communs, la consolidation désertification, déficit agro-alimen- 80% of these databases are under-util- des réseaux de télécommunication et la ised or difficult to get access to; and that formation d’une expertise. taire. the agricultural CD-ROM databases Neuf pays regroupés dans le Co- available in the region are not often con- RESUMEN: Un estudio indicó que en la mité Inter-Etats de Lutte contre la sulted. These databases however should región del Sahel la región más pobre de Sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS) be able to play an important role in the Africa las bases de datos y los bancos créé en 1973 constituent aujour- development of a sustainable and inte- de datos agrícolas se crean a menudo grated system in the region. The follow- sin haber realizado un análisis preliminar d’hui le Sahel. Ces pays sont : le ing should be favoured: cooperation with y, por tanto, éstos a veces no responden Burkina Faso, le Cap-vert, la Gam- other development partners, installation a unas necesidades claramente defini- bie, la Guinée-Bissau, le Mali, la and utilisation of networks and an inte- das y expresadas. El estudio no sólo in- Mauritanie, le Niger, le Sénégal et grated agricultural information system for dicó que el 80% de estas bases de datos le Tchad. West Africa with national focal points to se subutilizan o son difíciles de accesar, manage the dissemination and collecting sino también que es poca la consulta Ces neufs pays comptent 45 mil- systems, use of common standards, que se hace a las bases de datos agríco- lions d’habitants et couvrent une su- consolidation of telecommunication net- las en CD-ROM disponibles en la región. perficie totale de 5,4 millions de works and expertise development. Sin embargo, estas bases de datos po- Km2, dont 14 millions d’hectares drían desempeñar un papel importante RESUMÉ: Une étude a révélé qu’au Sa- en el desarrollo de un sistema sostenible emblavés, produisant plusieurs mil- hel qui est la région la plus pauvre e integrado en el Sahel. Se debe prestar lions de tonnes de céréales (aliment d’Afrique, les bases et banques de don- atención a los siguientes aspectos: par- de base au Sahel) par an. nées agricoles sont créées souvent sans ticipación en actividades colaborativas Le Sahel est considéré comme étude préalable, et quelquefois sans con otros co-partícipes del proceso de une des sous-régions les plus pau- répondre à un besoin réellement cerné desarrollo; instalación y utilización de re- et exprimé. L’étude révèle que 80% de des, y creación de un sistema de infor- vres du monde. Le P.N.B. y varie de ces bases de données sont sous-util- mación agrícola integrado para Africa 100 à 500 $ US selon les Etats. isées ou difficiles d’accès, et que les Occidental, con centros nacionales para Dans le cadre d’une réflexion pro- bases internationales agricoles sur CD- administrar los sistemas de difusión y spective qui a été menée par le club ROM, disponibles dans la région, sont recolección de información; uso de nor- du Sahel et le CILSS, on a conclu peu consultées. Pourtant celles-ci de- mas comunes; consolidación de redes vraient pouvoir jouer un rôle important de telecomunicación; y formación de ex- que le processus de développement dans le développement pertos. du Sahel est devenu plus difficile.

36 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 En effet, la majeure partie des de réseaux” comme Internet, la mandations deux procédures ont été grandes tendances défavorables Technologie du disque compact à mises en oeuvre: constatées, en 1975 n’ont pas été des bases et banques de données ex- Deux enquêtes exploiratoires : La renversées. D’autres déséquilibres térieures. L’étude des besoins en in- première a été menée entre Février nouveaux se sont ajoutés à ceux qui formation agricole en Afrique de et Avril 1994.Elle a permis de lo- ont été identifiés. Aussi, le Sahel se l’Ouest, menée en 1992 par le Cen- caliser dans tous les pays du Sahel caractérise-t-il aujourd’hui par : un tre Technique de Coopération Agri- les institutions publiques, parapu- climat relativement hostile, une cole et Rurale avec la collaboration bliques, privées et de coopération géographie difficile, une insuffi- de la Communauté Economique des susceptibles de posséder et de gérer sance et un manque de valorisation Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest mon- des bases et des banques de don- des ressources naturelles, une ex- tre dans ses conclusions que : nées. Deux types de questionnaires plosion démographique, le surpâ- • L’acquisition et la diffusion de (un qui permet l’analyse les sys- turage et le déboisement inadéquat, l’Ist agricole sont cruciales pour tèmes nationaux de télécommunica- une sous-utilisation de la technolo- une plus grande efficacité de la tion et un sur les bases et les ban- gie, une urbanisation excessive, un recherche agronomique. Les fai- ques de données)ont été produits, endettement massif, une crise des bles performances de la recherche testés sur un échantillon et admin- systèmes de valeurs, une dépen- sont dûes en partie à un flux in- istrés par des Equipes d’enquêteurs dance alimentaire, une inadéquation adéquat d’informations appropri- auprès des différentes institutions entre la croissance économique et la ées et à un acccès difficile à cer- ciblées. croissance de la population qui est tains résultats; Lors de la collecte des données de + 2,5% par an. • La création de liaisons solides et (Mai-Juin-Juillet 1994) l’approche Les Economies globales des pays étroites entre la recherche et le intégrée, interview/questionnaire a sahéliens vont au rythme de leur développement à travers des sys- été utilisée. secteur agricole. l’écrasante ma- tèmes d’information-vulgarisation La plupart des questions étaient jorité de la population est rurale et est nécessaire; fermées et servaient à recueillir des plus de 80 % de la population active • Un besoin important d’accès rapi- données sur : est employée par l’agriculture (Pro- de à l’information pertinente se • Les bases et les banques de don- ductions végétales et animales au fait sentir pour les décideurs et nées : identification (nom localisa- sens large). Dans le contexte actuel pour la formation; tion, date de création, domaines de dépendance générale et surtout couverts, taille), matériel utilisé d’endettement, l’importance de l’a- • Les unités documentaires et les pour la gestion, condition de main- griculture ressort d’avantage, si on bibliothèques ont des besoins tenance et de protection, niveau et analyse la structure des importa- énormes pour être performantes: formation du gestionnaire, mode tions, dont elle compte pour plus de besoins d’information, de cadres de diffusion, problèmes, contrain- 57 % de la valeur. C’est dire donc, d’échange appropriés, d’outils mé- tes et perspectives, taux de bruit et que le développement de cette agri- thodologiques, d’expertise, de made silence, point de vue des utilisa- culture est un défi important à tériel et de technologies de stock- teurs; relever dans la perspective d’une re- age et de diffusion; lance économique durable. • Une masse importante d’informa- • Les télécommunications natio- tion agricole a été produite.Il ex- nales : identification (nom, loca- Les Besoins en Information Scien- iste un besoin réel de rassembler lisation, date de création, statut, tifiques et Techniques Agricoles ces gisements d’informations et de historique) organisation, moy- au Sahel – L’information scientifi- les rendre facilement accessibles à ens (humains, financiers, logis- que et technique est ici un élèment travers des bases et banques de tiques), activités télématiques important pour le fonctionnement données; (transmission de données par des sous-secteurs cibles que sont: la La présente étude sur les bases et paquets), coopération. recherche agronomique, la vulgari- les banques de données agricoles au Rassemblement et Exploitation sation, la planification, la formation Sahel peut être inscrite dans le de la documentation existante : Pen- agricole et la prise de décisions. processus d’organisation de l’IST dant que la collecte s’effectuait sur Pour la maîtrise de cette informa- agricole en Afrique de l’Ouest en- le terrain, un travail d’investigation tion, on a de plus en plus tendance à tamé par le CTA avec la collabora- et de rassemblement d’un corpus de utiliser comme partout dans le mon- tion de quelques partenaires comme la documentation existante (rap- de, l’outil informatique, avec la le CRDI et la CEDEAO. ports, ouvrages, articles de périodi- création de bases et de banques de ques, notes techniques, mémoires) a données agricoles, l’accès par des La Méthodologie de l’Etude – été mené. réseaux de télécommunication, des Pour mener cette étude diagnostic Les données relatives au secteur réseaux électroniques, des “réseaux au Sahel débouchant sur des recom- agricole ont été extraites et analy-

Communication — Les Bases et Les Banques de Données Agricoles au Sahel 37 sées pour dresser un état des lieux et Burkina Faso, Tchad, Guinée-bis- l’AUPEF-UREF, des centres ser- dégager des recommandations qui sau), les réseaux de Télécommuni- veurs de la BIEF, des centres de nous semblaient les plus pertinentes. cation permettent un accès aux don- l’ORSTOM, de l’ICRISAT, de l’U- Les concepts majeurs ont été nées extérieures. SAID, de quelques institutions na- préalablement définis pour guider Quelques rares bases et banques tionales de recherche agronomiques, l’enquête et l’analyse des agrégats sont acquises à l’extérieur sur des des unités documentaires de Min- recueillis. C’est ainsi que dans cette supports disquettes (Ex. La banque istères de l’Agriculture. étude, nous entendons par base, un sur les arbres et arbustes à usage Ces CD-ROM ont souvent été ac- fichier contenant des données bibli- multiple ou Multipurpose tree and quis dans le cadre de l’appartenance ographiques et par banque un fichier Shurb database qu’on retrouve à à des réseaux documentaires ou par contenant des données factuelles. l’Institut du Sahel (RESADOC) et le projet CD-ROM du Centre Tech- dans les centres- serveurs du sous- nique de Coopération Agricole et Analyse de la Situation des réseau INFODOC-Salwa : INRAN, Rural (CTA). Les CD-ROM que Bases et des Banques de Isra-DRPF,IER, CNRST; La base nous avons pu recenser sont : Sesa- Données Agricoles au Sahel sur les programmes et projets de me, Agris, Caris, Agris fishries, recherche en cours du SIS-SPAAR Tropical and Rural, Cab Abstracts, Il ressort de la synthèse des et la base IDRIS du CRDI diffusées Agricola, Cabpest, Resodi, biologi- analyses par pays les constats suiv- sur disquettes installées déjà au cal and agricultural index, World ants : Centre régional de coordination du weather disc, Electro biblio, Ciarl, RESADOC). Asfa (Aquatic science and Fishry Situation: analyse quantitative et Les bases et banques agricoles Abstract), Cial BBS, Sud, Protec- institutionnelle – La plus anci- sont présentes dans les institutions tion des plantes, CDThèque Fran- enne base de données agricole au suivantes : Ministères de l’Agricul- cophonie, Dai CD-ROM, Unesco. Sahel date de 1971 . C’est celle de ture, de l’environnement ou du dé- L’enquête n’a pas révélé l’exis- l’OMVS. Elle était exploitée sur un veloppement rural (dans tous les tence encore au Sahel de vidéodis- gros ordinateur. Il a fallut attendre les pays du Sahel), systèmes nationaux ques (disque où sont enregistrés par années 1980, pour voir avec la vul- de recherche agronomique et agro- un procédé analogique des images garization du micro-ordinateur, un alimentaire (Ex. ITA au Sénégal, et du son lisibles par un procédé op- début timide de création dans plu- IER au Mali, Institut du Sahel, tique) et de CDI (compact disc in- sieurs institutions.Depuis 1990, ces INIDA au Cap-Vert, CNRADA en teractif qui est un produit dérivé du bases ont commencé réellement à Mauritanie, Instituts et facultés de CD-ROM permettant de stocker des proliférer, avec l’utilisation tout az- formation agricole (ex-Faculté d’A- données multimédias lisibles à par- imut dans tous les secteurs de l’outil gronomie du Niger), Organisations tir d’un lecteur spécifique couplé à informatique et la mise en place de non-gouvernementales (CCA-ONG un poste de télévision). réseaux de transmission de données au Mali, IPD-AOS au Burkina La conclusion qu’on peut tirer de par paquets dans la sous-région. Faso), directions nationales de cette analyse quantitative et institu- Ponctuellement, les bases bibli- météorologie, d’agriculture, d’éle- tionnelle, c’est qu’on aurait pu avoir ographiques qui posent aussi un vage, des eaux et forêts, de protec- beaucoup plus de bases et de ban- problème d’accès aux documents tion des végétaux (dans la quasi-to- ques si on tient compte du nombre primaires, sont plus nombreux que talité des pays du Sahel), offices de d’institutions potentiellement con- les banques.Depuis 1992, la ten- développement (OPAM, OMBEVI cernées.En effet, dans 445 institu- dance est renversée. Ce sont surtout au Mali), bureaux nationaux ou ré- tions concernées au Sahel par des des banques de données factuelles gionaux de coopération et d’organi- questions agricoles, nous n’avons qui sont créées. sations internationales (Ex : FAO, identifié que 181 bases et banques Les bases existantes ne sont pas USAID, CRDI, CRAT, de données agricoles (cf. tableau suffisament importantes ; les 80 % CODESRIA, ORSTOM), Organisa- statistiques en annexe). Ce qui est n’atteignent pas 1000 références. tions sous-régionales de recherche- infime, quant on sait qu’une institu- Aucun indicateur ne montre la pra- développement (Ex : AGRHYMET, tion peut en posséder plusieurs. tique du télédéchargement dans une CILSS, OMVS, ORANA). La base de données du RESA- seule institution (down loading) Pour Certaines institutions possèdent DOC (21 000 références au 30 juil- renforcer le nombre de références des bases et des banques de données let 1994)qui pourrait être considérée des bases de données. La raison internationales ou d’organismes de comme la plus grosse du Sahel n’a principale évoquée pour expliquer Coopération sous forme de CD- pas plus de 7 000 références agri- cela est le problème de compatibil- ROM consultables sur place. C’est coles sur le Sahel. A titre compara- ité. Pourtant, certaines institutions le cas du centre régional de coordi- tif, la base de données du CIRAD possèdent le CD/ROM et dans cer- nation du RESADOC (Institut du possédait au 1er août 1990 : 49 000 tains pays (Sénégal, Mali, Niger, Sahel), des centres SYFED de références agricoles.

38 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Toutes les institutions de recher- autres bases et banques de données Panasonic Printer, Imprimante star, che agronomique ont chacune au se trouvent dans des micro-ordina- Brother M-4018, Goupil DX 2000, moins une base de données. Cette teurs. Fujitsu Dx 2100, Citizen 120 DX, donnée est à apprécier positive- Les micro-ordinateurs: Les IBM Wang. Dans la gamme on retrouve ment, quand on sait que partout, la (PS/2,PC, PC/XT, AT 286, 386, 386 surtout des imprimantes à tête mo- recherche est un grand consomma- SX) constituent les 70 % du parc. bile (à aiguilles), à jet d’encre et à teur d’informations scientifiques et Les autres sont composés de : laser. On ne nous a pas signalé la techniques. Goupil G4 et G5,Gateway 2000, présence d’une seule imprimante Nous avons observé que même si DTK, Bull, Macintosh SE, Epson, par transfert thermique ou d’une im- la tendance est à la création de plus Zenith, micro AST Pover premini- primante QMS. en plus de banques de données um, RTK 2, PC brother, IN2 Sie- Les onduleurs: La marque Merlin factuelles, la démarche reste timide. mens, olivetti M 250, HP Vectra gérin sort du lot. Elle représente le Des possibilités de renforcement QS/20, AST bravo, wang, Ogivar, 85 % du parc. Les autres marques des bases existent, avec l’utilisation Dell 486/P, Infogold, Samsung S d’onduleurs employées sont les sui- de plus en plus fréquente du courri- 800, compudad, Toshiba T 3200. vantes : Umunelec, ogivar, Ameri- er électronique (Ex. on le trouve au Signalons la présence dans le lot de can power conversion, UPS, On- CSE/Sénégal, au PRISAS/institut deux RISC System 6000 (850 MO dyne, watt power, Multipac, Sen- du Sahel qui possède une banque et 7 Giga de disque dur). Ces micro- don, Agde model SP 600, Data prof socio-économique), la présence du ordinateurs très puissants de la fa- Urs, Gamma, Victron, ITN elec- réseau RIO de l’ORSTOM et du mille des IBM sont utilisés au Séné- tronic, Hemerson, Best, Senvon, réseau international des réseaux : gal, au Centre de recherche océ- Saisho. Du point de vue de la capac- l’Internet. anographique Dakar Thiaroye de ité les plus répandus varient entre Le contenu de la plupart des l’Isra et au centre national de docu- 300 et 500 KVA. bases est en français, même dans les mentation scientifique et technique Retenons aussi que le 35 % des deux pays lusophones, Cap-Vert et pour la gestion du réseau RNIST en postes utilisés pour gérer ici des Guinée-Bissau . Les bases Gambi- cours d’opérationalisation. bases et des banques de données ne ennes (8) sont en Anglais. On trou- La majorité de ces ordinateurs sont pas pourvus d’onduleurs. ve quelques données textuelles en ont au moins 20 Mo de disque dur. Autres types de matériel: A part anglais, portugais et Arabe (Mauri- Les 80 % varient entre 40 Mo et 150 les micro-ordinateurs, les impri- tanie). C’est dire que même s’il ex- Mo de disque dur et au moins 1 Mo mantes, les onduleurs, le matériel iste, le problème linguistique ne se de mémoire centrale. Les proces- suivant est utilisé, même si c’est à pose pas ici avec acuité. seurs les plus répandus sont les une échelle très réduite : tables à 80286,80386, 80486. Pour des rai- numériser, scanner, moniteur axion, Situation des Moyens Logistiques, sons de coût, donc parce qu’elle lecteur de disque optique, streamer, Méthodologiques et Humains : n’est pas chère, la carte VGA mono- modem pour courrier électronique. Pour la création, la gestion et la dif- chrome est la plus prisée. Ces technologies ne sont donc pas fusion des bases et des banques de Les ordinateurs avec lecteurs de 5 très répandues. On les trouve dans données, on utilise du matériel in- 1/4 pouces sont les plus nombreux. dix institutions. formatique (ordinateurs, périphéri- Mais, la tendance est à l’acquisition Malgré l’existence de plusieurs ques et autres), des logiciels, des de machines pourvues de lecteurs CD-ROM, L’enquête n’en a recensé systèmes d’exploitation et langages de 3 1/2 ou de doubles lecteurs (5 que 20 pièces dans le secteur agri- de programmation, des réseaux de 1/4 et 3 1/2 pouces). Jusqu’à la fin cole de la sous-région. télécommunication, des outils mé- des années 90 le système mono- Le coût du matériel est un facteur thodologiques (format, bordereaux poste sera le plus utilisé. Dans cer- limitant dans l’accroissement, la de saisie, manuel d’opérations ou tains pays (au Sénégal en particuli- protection et la valorisation des règles d’écriture, liste de descrip- er) on assiste de plus en plus à la bases et banques. Le matériel infor- teurs ou thésaurus pour l’indexa- création de réseaux locaux avec des matique coûte cher dans la sous-ré- tion), des gestionnaires ou adminis- systèmes multipostes (un serveur gion, surtout avec l’introduction trateurs de bases et banques de plus trois à cinq stations). tout azimut de la TVAet la dévalua- données Les imprimantes: les plus cou- tion du franc CFA survenue au mois Le Matériel Informatique –A rantes sont les EPSON (LQ 1050, de Janvier 1994. La tendance n’est part la base de données régionale du 1070, 1170, Fx 1050, 1060, Lx800). pas à la baisse, même si, dans RESADOC (Institut du Sahel) gé- Ils constituent Les 55 % du stock quelques rares pays on avait à un rée dans un mini-ordinateur HP 3 actuel. Les HP laser jet (II,III,IV) et moment donné constaté une baisse 000/37 de 703 MB de disque dur, deskjet les 20 %. Les 25 % restant des droits d’importation (Ex. en avec utilisation du logiciel minisis sont composés de : Nec P7, Minute Mauritanie où les taxes étaient en développé par le CRDI, toutes les Man, Pointjet XL, ALPS, Okidata, 1990 passées de 44 à 28 %) et

Communication — Les Bases et Les Banques de Données Agricoles au Sahel 39 même si certains projets, ONG et la gestion des bases et banques de licence ORSTOM est développé organisations partenaires ont la pos- données agricoles. depuis 1989 par une équipe pluri- sibilité d’importer en hors taxe. Les Logiciels, les Systèmes d’Ex- disciplinaire et est utilisé par le Les Réseaux de Télécommuni- ploitation et les Outils Méthodolo- réseau des banques de données des cations – Leur importance dans le giques – Les logiciels: Deux logi- prix des produits agricoles mis en cadre de cette étude n’est pas à dé- ciels sont généralement utilisés. Il place dans les neuf pays du Sahel monter. Retenons seulement qu’elle s’agit d’abord de micro CDS/ISIS. par le projet DIAPER(Diagnostic se mesure par les possibilités qu’ils Mis au point par l’UNESCO, il est Permanent II) du CILSS. Les autres peuvent offrir pour la diffusion des distribué gratuitement dans le Sahel logiciels qu’on trouve sont : Minisis données, donc pour les échanges par le Centre régional de coordina- (au Centre régional de coordination rapides et pour la consolidation des tion RESADOC, la BIEF et quel- du RESADOC/Institut du Sahel), bases et banques avec la possibilité ques particuliers. La version 2.3 est Lotus 1.2.3., 4ème dimension (au d’accès aux informations capital- assez répandue. La version réseau Mali), Filing assistant (dans les 4 isées dans d’autres pays. commence à être introduite. Le collectifs d’ONG du réseau SIS- Ces réseaux existent dans tous les Logiciel CDS/ISIS couvre les 50 % ONG: SPONG/Burkina Faso, CCA- pays. Ils sont de plus en plus des bases de données bibliographi- ONG/Mali, GAP/Niger, CONGAD/ développés, parceque le monde en- ques. Il vient en premier rang pour Sénégal), Wordperfect 5.1., Rain- trera au début du 21 siècle dans “la l’ensemble des bases et banques de man,IDA (Image Display Analysis), société de l’information”. données agricoles et il est suivi par Agman, Omega, SPSS, Quatro TSP, Avec les programmes d’ajuste- DBASE (III,IV, III +) qui selon le Quatropro, Cardbox, Paradox 35, ment structurel, la tendance est à les journal “l’ordinateur africain” est le Edibase (CEFOD au Tchad), systat. privatiser. Cette nouvelle situation plus répandu en Afrique. Dans cer- Dans 70 % des cas, les logiciels sont aura probablement une incidence sur tains pays (Sénégal, Niger, Burkina acquis ici par don. les prix et les gammes de services Faso), on a mis en place des clubs Le problème d’échange de don- qu’ils vont offrir et certainement sur d’utilisateurs de CDS/ISIS pour fa- nées étant très lié à la compatibilité la modernisation des moyens logis- voriser les échanges d’expériences entre les logiciels, on a suivi ces tiques. L’étude montre qu’ils sont .Le succès de micro CDS/ISIS et de dernières années, avec beaucoup relativement assez performants DBASE s’explique selon le d’attention au RESADOC, la mise dans six pays. Ils Y possèdent des sondage effectué, par leur convivi- au point par le service IST du réseaux de transmission de données alité et par le fait qu’on les trouve CIRAD d’un programme d’inter- par paquets ou réseaux de commu- suffisamment portables. face entre CDS-ISIS et texto et les tation de paquets (SENPAC au Sé- La deuxième raison est qu’ils travaux effectués de par le monde négal créé en 1988, Nigerpac au sont utilisables par n’importe qui et entre DBASE et CDS-ISIS, entre Niger créé en 1989, Chadpac au que CDS-ISIS est gratuit. Edibase utilisé par le centre Sahel Tchad, Rede Guine Telecom en En troisième rang vient TEXTO, de l’Université Laval (Canada) et Guinée-Bissau, Fasopac au Burkina mis au point par CHEMDATA et in- CDS-ISIS et les possibilités d’im- Faso créé en 1990, Malipac au Mali troduit dans la sous-région par la portation et d’exportation de fichi- créé en 1994). Dans ces six pays, il coopération française. Ce logiciel ers entre Minisis et CDS-ISIS. existe des stations terriennes avec est utilisé par 20 % des bases de On a remarqué que, dans la gestion des centres de transit. Ces réseaux données agricoles. des bases et banques, on emploie de transmission de données par Le Logiciel ORACLE commence quelquefois des utilitaires comme paquets sont reliés au NTI de Paris a être apprécié (le CNDST au Sé- NORTON et PCTOOLS et des sys- et au NTI de Lisbonne pour la négal l’utilise dans le cadre du tèmes tel que windows sous DOS. Guinée-Bissau. Ils travaillent avec RNIST) parce qu’il offre selon l’ar- Mais ce n’est pas systématique. TRANSPAC (France) et TELEPAC gument le plus répandu, l’avantage Nous soulignons la présence de ces (Portugal). Ils emploient les pro- de pouvoir permettre de construire outils parce qu’ils apportent une tocoles X25, X28. Ces structures une base et son habillage sur micro aide précieuse dans le compactage de télécommunication offrent des qu’on peut rendre opérationnelle sur de fichiers, le transfert de micro à services Minitel permettant une con- un système multiposte sans modifi- micro, les sauvegardes sur plusieurs nexion aux bases et banques de cation. disquettes autrement que par données accessibles en mode vidéo- HYDROM et CLIMAT, logiciels BACKUP, les récupérations de tex. La Sonatel (au Sénégal) vient développés par le Centre Agrhymet fichiers effacés ou abimés et surtout de mettre en place un kiosque dans ont été choisis pour piloter les ban- l’édition de produits. ce cadre. ques de données agrométéorologi- Les systèmes d’exploitation, les L’Etude a permis d’observer qu’on ques. outils méthodologiques: La quasi a pas tendance à exploiter les ré- Le logiciel EMA dont la version totalité des bases et banques de don- seaux de télécommunication dans 2 est éditée par la société IXEL sous nées agricoles identifiées tournent

40 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 avec le système d’exploitation MS- nombreux composé de : journaliste, et promulguer des textes (lois, DOS. 0S2 et UNIX(exploité au juriste, Environnementaliste, Fore- décrets, arrêtés, circulaires et déci- CNDST pour le réseau RNIST du stier, Hydraulicien, Historien, Vété- sions) pour organiser un volet de Sénégal) sont très rares. rinaire, Technicien d’élevage, agro- l’IST, force est de constater qu’il Pour les bases de données il est économiste, Agronome. n’existe dans aucun des pays une reconnu la nécessité d’employer des Le niveau de formation générale politique cohérente et globale de outiles méthodologiques (borde- qui est assez correct, ne sera pas un l’IST. Rares sont ceux qui ont des reaux de saisie, manuels d’opéra- handicap sérieux pour les perspec- plans directeurs informatiques mal- tion ou règles d’écriture et listes de tives de diffusion. En effet, les 3/4 gré que certains pays ont posé des descripteurs ou thésaurus. Ils jouent des gestionnaires ont au moins le jalons et mis en place des struc- un rôle important dans les échanges. baccalauréat et les 50 % ont fait des tures pour gérer la question infor- On a remarqué que les métho- études universitaires (entre le 1er et matique d’une manière générale et dologies AGRIS et RESADOC ont le 3ème cycles). la question des bases et banques fait autorité dans la gestion des Le seul facteur limitant et qui de données d’une manière spéci- bases et banques de données de la n’est pas des moindres pour les per- fique. sous-région. Deux autres méthodo- spectives de développement et de • Les initiatives nationales commen- logies, PADIS et BABINAT sont positionnement sur le marché mon- cent à être prises. On peut citer en- aussi quelque fois choisies. La re- dial de l’information, est l’insuf- tre autre : La création en 1987 au cherche d’une compatibilité entre fisance d’une formation de base en Sénégal d’une délégation à l’in- ces méthodologies est très avancée. informatique pour la majorité (Mi- formatique, en tant que départe- Le Thesaurus Agrovoc et la liste cro-informatique pure, program- ment ministériel et démembre- d’autorité RESADOC sont souvent mation, analyse). En effet, les 95 % ment d’un Ministère de la mod- employés pour l’indexation dans 45 des administrateurs et gestionnaires ernisation de l’Etat et les projets % de cas des bases agricoles. La n’ont pas bénéficié d’une formation qu’elle a initiés : le projet Gatway majorité des institution ont créé en informatique pure et/ou d’une conçu avec la Banque Mondiale leurs propres outils et très souvent formation scientifique. Par consé- lié au Technopole de Dakar et am- on y travail avec une indexation li- quent, ils éprouvent d’énormes diffi- bitionnant de créer un espace de bre. C’est là un facteur limitant pour cultés pour comprendre les logiciels communication, le RNIST (réseau le développement des échanges. Ce et une bonne partie d’entre eux a be- national d’IST), le SITTDEC (ba- problème ne nous semble cependant soin de formation plus poussée pour ses de données commerciales, éco- pas insurmontable. piloter efficacement des systèmes. nomiques et financières réparties Les Moyens Humains ou les Pourtant, il ne manque pas de sur des serveurs multiples mis en Gestionnaires/Administrateurs des structures de formation en infor- oeuvre dans le cadre des activités Bases et Banques de Données – matique dans la sous-région. On du “groupe des 15” ou G15), “le Dans tous les cas étudiés, il y a au peut citer le CESAG à Dakar, les réseau national” appuyé par le moins une personne formée, char- IUT et quelques instituts privés ( projet RINAF initié par l’UNES- gée de gérer la base ou la banque de Ex. Tata informatique, au Mali, IPG CO; La création en 1990 de la données. Pour les bases ce sont au Sénégal, l’ISS en Mauritanie, DELGI (Délégation générale à surtout des spécialistes de l’Infor- l’Ecole supérieure d’informatique l’nformatique) au Burkina faso mation (Documentalistes, bibliothé- et l’Université de Ouagadougou au chargée de l’application de la caires) qui sont soit formés sur le tas Burkina faso. politique informatique de l’Etat soit par des stages et séminaires définie par un conseil supérieur de techniques organisés par le RE- Politiques Institutionnelles, Na- l’informatique; En 1990, nous SADOC, le CTA, l’Ecole Interna- tionales et Régionales (Démarches avions défini dans le cadre du tionale de Bordeaux de l’Acct, le et Approches) – Les démarches et processus de dynamisation du Ministère Français de la coopéra- les approches adoptées sont des in- RESADOC, une stratégie de déve- tion (Stages-IBISCUS) et la BIEF dicateurs très importants dans cette loppement de bases et de banques pour ne citer que ceux la. étude. L’analyse permet de cerner de données nationales. Si le plan ici les contexts (projets et autres) On trouve ensuite des informa- de redressement et de relance du dans lesquels sont créés et gérées ticiens (ingénieurs-systèmes, pro- CILSS n’avait pas gelé le projet, les bases et les banques de données grammeurs, analystes), des statisti- depuis 1992 un réseau intercon- agricoles ciens et des biométriciens chargés necté sahélien (RESANET) bran- Nous avons fait les constats suiv- surtout des banques de données sta- ché sur RIO et partant sur Inter- ants: tistiques (banques de données agri- net aurait été opérationnelle. coles, agro-météorologiques, et de • Même si quelques pays ont pensé prix agricoles sur les marchés). On tracer des cadres d’échanges sous C’est dans cette même dynami- a recensé en fin, un groupe moins forme de réseaux nationaux d’IST que que s’est inscrite la participa-

Communication — Les Bases et Les Banques de Données Agricoles au Sahel 41 tion régulière de RESADOC à SE- riques (dont les caractéristiques prin- cole, système d’alerte précoce, don- SAME et un projet de production cipales sont la chaleur et l’abon- nées pluviométriques depuis 1930. d’un CD/ROM Sahel avec le CI- dance de poussière) et la présence Cette exhaustivité des domaines RAD, le centre Sahel de l’Univer- de beaucoup de sociétés privées couverts montre déjà la richesse des sité (Laval) et le club du Sahel/ spécialisées en maintenance (Ex. bases et banques existantes et la OCDE. Ce CD/ROM devait com- Tata informatique au Mali, RTI au possibilité de sortir du cadre clas- prendre 80.000 références biblio- Sénégal) militent en faveur d’une sique qui limite le domaine agricole graphiques résultant d’une compila- systématisation d’une maintenance à quatre sous-secteurs et de favoris- tion des bases des différents parte- préventive régulière. Le manque de er une spécialisation plus accrue. naires et du produit du télédéchar- moyens financiers et quelquefois L’étude des besoins des utili- gement de grandes bases internatio- l’absence dans le pays de structures sateurs des bases et banques de nales (cf.tableau en annexe), un cat- aptes à faire cette maintenance ex- données indique la nécessité d’en alogue collectif comprenant 10.320 pliquent cette situation. créer prioritairement, dans les do- titres de périodiques. Ce CD/ROM maines suivants : recherche agrono- doit renfermer aussi: une base de Domaines Couverts – Les quatre mique, ressources naturelles, socio- connaissance ou données factuelles sous-secteurs de l’agriculture sont économie, agroforesterie, agromé- sur le Sahel touchant essentielle- représentés de la manière suivante : téorologie, élevage et médecine ment : la géographie physique, la production végétale (Agronomie) vétérinaire, pêche, environnement, climatologie, l’ethnologie, la démo- 40 %, Elevage : 20 %, Foresterie : législation agricole, formation agri- graphie, les écosystèmes et les peu- 15 %, Pêche : 10 % et domaines cole, vulgarisation agricole, sys- plements végétaux et des données connexes (hydraulique, Environne- tème de production et technologie statistiques sur les recherches agri- ment, Alimentation, commerce et agraire, projets agricoles, désertifi- coles en cours récupérées auprès du industrie agro-alimentaires) 15 %. cation, hydraulique, sécurité ali- SPAAR, de l’USAID, de la FAO et Les domaines les plus significatifs mentaire, échanges commerciaux, de l’OMS. couverts par les bases et banques de agro-pastoralisme. D’autres projets intéressants se- données sont : Recherche agrono- ront cités au Initiative et Coopéra- mique, hydrologie, législation agri- Diffusion-valorisation – La diffu- tion avec la Communauté Interna- cole, production animale, produc- sion et la valorisation des informational. tion halieutique, population agricole, tions sont en principe les objectifs Après avoir fait ces constats, es- environnement, agroforesterie, fo- recherchés quand on crée une base sayons de cerner quelques informa- resterie, équipement rural, aména- ou une banque de données. Ce sont tions recueillies par les enquêtes sur gement des terroirs, planification des éléments importants pour me- les démarches et approches utilisées. agricole, barrage hydro-agricole, ir- surer l’efficacité de ces instruments L’enquête révèle que: Les 80 % rigation agricole, protection des vé- de travail. On pense de plus en plus des bases et banques de données gé-taux, élevage et médecine vétéri- que la fonction de diffusion est n’ont pas fait l’objet d’une étude de naire, ressources naturelles, télé- étroitement liée aux actions de mar- faisabilité et l’élaboration de cahiers détection, technologie agricole keting. de charge n’a pas été systématique vulgarisation agricole, socio-éco- L’enquête aussi bien auprès des pour l’acquisition du matériel pour nomie agricole, sécurité alimen- gestionnaires que des utilisateurs la gestion. Il n’est donc pas éton- taire, céréales. des bases et banques de données nant que des problèmes de tous or- Quelques caractéristiques impor- agricoles à revélé que çà et là dres surgissent; tantes méritent aussi d’être citées. quelques initiatives, quoiqu’encore Sauf quelque exceptions (trois On trouve en effet des bases et ban- timides, de marketing sont menées. cas identifiés), les institutions n’ont ques de données avec: des statis- On a remarqué notamment les ac- pas pensé à sécuriser les bases et les tiques, textes législatifs, dépouille- tions suivantes : diffusion de pla- banques en souscrivant à des po- ment de périodiques, cartes de pro- quettes et dépliants, insertions pub- lices d’assurance; ductions herbacées et ligneux, des licitaires dans des revues, présenta- La maintenance se fait, mais le SIG (systèmes d’information géo- tion lors de journées portes ouvertes, plus souvent en cas de panne. 15 % graphique), tableaux de bord, ISDS conférences, séminaires, expositi- des postes de travail seulement font ou publications en série, élevage de ons, démonstration dans des foires- l’objet d’une maintenance préven- chevaux de course, cartes d’identité expositions, information- tive. Dans ce lot, les 3/4 se font par de pays, fiches de projets agricoles, sensibilisation à travers des émis- un technicien-maison et le reste par fiches d’ONG agricoles, Fiches de sions radiophoniques, diffusion de une société informatique à partir technologies agro-alimentaires, thè- lettres circulaires et d’affiches. d’un contrat trimestriel, semestriel ses et mémoires, programmes et L’accès aux bases et banques se ou annuel préétabli. Pourtant les projets de recherche en cours, cher- fait ici essentiellement par interro- conditions climatiques et atmosphé- cheurs, institutions de formation agri- gation directe ou à travers une diffu-

42 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 sion de données en participant à un primés. (cf Domaines Couverts). institutions, des solutions sont déjà CD-ROM produit par des parte- Il faut nuancer un peu cette con- préconisées pour lever les contrain- naires au développemet (Ex. SESA- clusion quand on sait que les con- tes par la recherche de moyens, ME qui contient des données du tenues des bases et des banques sont l’optimisation des investissements, RESADOC et de l’ISRA Sénégal). diffusés aussi à travers des produits la mise en place de dispositifs de re- Cette diffuion par CD/ROM n’est qui atteignent un public (ou utili- cyclage et de formation perma- pas encore répandue. Il n’y a pas en- sateurs) plus large. Parmi ces pro- nente, l’instalation de réseaux lo- core un seul CD/ROM produit spé- duits élaborés à partir des infor- caux, la mise sur centres-serveurs cialement sur une base ou une mations tirées des bases et des des bases et banques de données. banque de la sous-région. L’accès banques nous avons noté des : annu- par centre serveur n’est pas aussi ré- aires climatologiques, Data Sheet, Initiatives et Coopération avec pandu. bulletins d’informations météoro- la Communauté Internationale – La diffusion se fait quelque fois logiques, bulletins agrométéorolo- Quelques initiatives intéressantes et par une décentralisation et un échan- giques, fews bulletins, rapports, car- porteurs tendant à créer un courant ge de fichiers sur disquettes à tra- tes, tableaux statistiques, bulletins de coopération avec la communauté vers des réseaux documentaires SAP, annuaires d’ONG, bulletins internationale et partant une dé- (RESADOC, PADIS, Recit et bibliographiques, index, catalogues, marche plus concertée dans la créa- SITTDEG (du G15), Agris, OMRS, DSI, bilans céréaliers, listes de mé- tion et la valorisation des bases et info-doc SALVA, RESAGRIS, moires, répertoires de technologies des banques de données méritent CARIS, IBISCUS, SIS-ONG, SIS- appropriées, bibliographies analy- d’être soulignées dans cette étude, SPAAR, REDAB, réseau CIDES, tiques. comme potentiel à considérer posi- Réseau de documentation Fran- Il y a également les commu- tivement. cophone, réseau de la BIEF, CCD- niqués de radios et télévisions des Le système régionale des banques R3S) et des réseaux d’échange de systèmes d’information sur les prix de données du centre Agrhymet données (Réseau OMM/Organisa- des produits agricoles et des institu- (Cilss): IL rassemble des information Météorologique Mondiale, tions météorologiques nationales. tions sur la météorologie, l’hydrolo- Réseau d’éducation environnemen- La population des utilisateurs est gie, la protection des végétaux, les tale de la croix rouge danoise, composée surtout de: chercheurs, ressources pastorales, l’agronomie ISONET, RIO de l’ORSTOM, In- décideurs, enseignants, étudiants et et des références spatiales. Le sys- ternet, CGnet (du CGIAR), RINAF, élèves, planificateurs, techniciens tème d’information géographique FIDONET (USAID) et quelque fois du développement, opérateurs éco- (SIG) de ce même centre permet à travers des systèmes spéciaux nomiques, bailleurs de fonds et une restitution cartographique de (SAP ou système d’alerte précoce, partenaires au développement, spé- données sous-jacentes, avec pos- SIG ou système d’information géo- cialistes de l’information et de la sibilité de mise à disposition d’in- graphique, SIM ou Système d’infor- communication, agents de bureaux formations sur la biomase par unité mation des marchés). d’études et consultants. administrative, la cartographie des L’appréciation de la diffusion a rendements attendus pour les cul- donné les résultats suivants : très Problèmes et Contraintes – Les tures vivrières, la localisation des bonne : 5 %, bonne : 30 %, assez principaux problèmes et contraintes mares ainsi que l’évaluation de leur bonne : 50 %, pas bonne du tout : 15 rencontrés sont d’ordre financier niveau de remplissage et le déficit %. Ce qui veut dire qu’on pourrait pour le renouvellement, la protec- céréalier par entité administrative. mieux faire. tion, l’assurance, la maintenance et Pour véhiculer ces informations, Les statistiques d’utilisation les le développement des moyens logis- Agrhymet s’emploie à mettre en plus récentes montrent que sur une tiques, la minimisation des risques place un réseau de transmission population de 15.000 utilisateurs po- liés aux virus, à la bombe logique et de données utilisant les Satellites tentiels locaux, l’ensemble des bases au piratage. Ensuite, viennent des d’INMARSAT, avec équipement de et banques enrégistrent une utilisa- problèmes de formation pour pour chaque pays du Sahel d’une antenne tion moyenne de 412 interrogations une maîtrise des logiciels et des parabolique. par mois soit 4944 interrogations nouvelles technologies de pointe, de Le programme diagnostic Perma- par an. On a même pas pu encore at- compatibilité pour les échanges, de nent (Diaper) du Cilss: Il est basé teindre 1 interrogation par an par collecte de données suffisantes et sur un système de collecte, de utilisateur. Il y a donc, un effort à quelque fois fiables, de maîtrise des stockage sur banques de données et faire pour mieux attirer la clientèle besoins des utilisateurs, d’obsoles- de diffusion à travers les pays du potentielle, parce que l’offre est de cence, d’homogénéisation, de con- Sahel de statistiques sur les céré- loin supérieure à la demande (3 fois vivialité dans le cadre d’un échange ales, l’élevage et sur d’autres do- plus). Pourtant cette offre ne satis- à travers des réseaux et de diffusion. maines agricoles. fait pas la moitié des besoins ex- Dans les perspectives de certaines L’AID Famine Early Warming Sy-

Communication — Les Bases et Les Banques de Données Agricoles au Sahel 43 stem: Il est financé par l’USAID/ Faso, Niger). Il offre un service de sur le plan régional et à s’ouvrir au Fews project. Il publie dans le Fews courrier avec possibilité d’accès aux trafic mondial de données. bulletin une analyse de données documents, un forum électronique, Notons ici l’existence d’un projet provenant de plusieurs banques de un annuaire des utilisateurs et un complémentaire au projet RINAF quelques pays du Sahel (Mali, Mau- service télétel; dénommé RASCOM. C’est un pro- ritanie, Burkina Faso, Niger, Tchad). Greennet: est une ONG membre jet inter-africain de réseau continen- Ces données ont trait à : la popula- de l’alliance for global communi- tal qui repose sur des liaisons par tion et l’agriculture, la météorolo- cation. Elle permet de diffuser et Satellite géostationnaire. gie, les cours d’eau, au système de communiquer électroniquement. Les observatoires et les réseaux d’information des prix des marchés L’environnement fait partie de ses électroniques n’en sont en Afrique agricoles, aux données satellitaires domaines couverts . C’est un réseau et au Sahel qu’à leurs premiers pas. (indices de végétation sur les sur- FIDONET. Certains de ses 280 cor- On leur prédit un essor considérable perficies, les rendemants des cul- respondants, sont localisés en Gam- dans les années à venir. En effet, le tures obtenus par liaison téléma- bie et au Sénégal; courrier électronique intéresse déjà tique auprès de la NASA). REFER: est le réseau électron- le monde de la recherche et ses per- Le réseau d’information sur les ique francophone pour l’éducation formances excitent les appétits des ressources du sol et de la terre et la recherche créé et piloté par multinationales et des grandes opé- (STRING): Ce projet de l’Observa- l’AUPEF-UREF. Il s’appuie sur des rateurs économiques. Autrement dit, toire du Sahara et du Sahel (OSS) a points et centres SYFED. 170 points il ne laisse donc pas indifférents les démarré en 1992 et a pour objectif Syfed dans 12 pays et autour de 10 marchands d’informatique. Il nous de renforcer la communication entre centres serveurs régionaux (dont un semble donc nécessaire d’organiser les hommes politiques, les cadres au Sénégal) permettent la consulta- et de suivre l’évolution de cette responsables du développement et tion de 50 bases et banques de don- nouvelle technologie pour en tirer les scientifiques. Il met en place et nées en langue française et un un avantage certain. diffuse dans les pays du Sahel et échange d’information par la mes- ailleurs trois bases de données: Une sagerie. REFER possède un centre base cartographique, une base bibli- Conclusions et de reroutage qui ouvre l’accès à des Recommandations ographique et une base institution- serveurs et aux autoroutes de l’in- nelle. Le pilotage du projet se fait à formation à travers Internet. Le ser- Les conclusions que nous rete- partir de l’ISRIC (International Soil vice IST du CIRAD développe sur nons et les recommandations s’in- Reference and information center, le même sillage un projet de “sous- scrivent dans la logique de défini- Wageningen, Pays-bas). système”, le REFER-AV qui est une tion d’une stratégie pour un déve- Le plan d’action INSAH-SPAAR: approche sectorielle agronomique loppement intégré et durable de la Dans ce plan, un système d’infor- et vétérinaire de ce réseau. sous-région. mation (SIS-SPAAR) sur les projets d’autres réseaux: non moins im- et programmes de recherche agrono- portants peuvent être signalés. Il Conclusions – La première conclu- mique en cours est à construire. Le s’agit de Padisnet qui couvre 34 sion à tirer de cette étude est qu’il y système met en place un mécanisme pays, Arsonet dont fait partie le a des acquis d’un point de vue quan- de collecte d’INPUT auprès des Sénégal, Wednet dont sont parties titatif et qualitatif. En effet, 181 SNRAnationales, de l’Institut du Sa- prenantes le Sénégal et le Burkina bases et banques de données agri- hel et de diffusion d’une banque de Faso, Ngonet auquel participe le coles opérationnelles existent dans données essentiellement destinées Sénégal. la sous-région et la majorité offre aux bailleurs de fonds. Le maître Le Projet RINAF: (Réseau d’é- une information pertinente parce d’oeuvre est la Banque Mondiale. change d’information entre institu- que indispensable pour le dévelop- Les réseaux de “recherche-édu- tions en Afrique). C’est un projet de pement de l’agriculture. cation” en Afrique: Ces réseaux réseaux informatiques interconnec- Il faut cependant reconnaître que relient des établissements Univer- tés en Afrique initié par l’UNESCO par rapport à la demande potentielle sitaires, des centres de recherche, des et mené par le CNUCE à Pise (Ital- cette offre est très minime. Les organisations non-gouvernementa- ie). Le projet qui a demarré en 1991 moyens logistiques, financiers et les. Les plus significatifs dans la est déjà entrain de se construire. humains existants sont insuffisants sous-région sont : Une partie du matériel commence à et quelque fois ne sont pas bien op- RIO: réseau TCP/IP et UUCP mis être installé. La réunion de lance- timisés. Plusieurs domaines qui de- en place par l’ORSTOM, il est de- ment a eu lieu en février 1992 au vaient être prioritaires ne sont pas venu un “Réseau intertropical d’or- Sénégal. L’ambition du Projet RI- couverts. Les actions de diffusion et dinateurs”. Il comprend actuelle- NAF c’est d’appuyer un développe- de valorisation ne sont pas assez ment 27 sites dont 16 dans 4 pays ment d’entités nationales ou réseaux agressives. Il y a beaucoup de prob- du Sahel (Sénégal, Mali, Burkina nationaux, les aider à se connecter lèmes liés surtout à la maintenance,

44 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 à la sécurisation des données et aux pistes de réflexion complémentaires naires dans un système d’informa- échanges, le transfert de l’informa- et préparer la tenue d’une conférence tion agricole intégré Ouest africain tion ne s’accompagne pas souvent au cours de laquelle seront orga- ouvert aux partenaires et apte à : d’un cadre contractuel prévoyant la nisés plusieurs forums thématiques. traduire les jalons posés et initia- possibilité de compter sur un flux de Ces deux rencontres pourraient tives déjà prises en acquis, mettre connaissances à venir. regrouper des spécialites de l’infor- en place un mécanisme pour har- Quelques initiatives porteurs ont mation, des utilisateurs, des infor- moniser et uniformiser les méth- été prises. Certaines sont en cours maticiens. Pour la conférence, en odes, produire des outils et stan- d’opérationnalisation tant sur le plan plus, des décideurs, des partenaires dards communs pour favoriser les nationale, régionale, qu’africain. On au développement, des bailleurs de échanges, articuler les réseaux, pourrait sur ce chapitre souligner fonds et des opérateurs de télécom- éviter les duplications et optimiser essentiellement les jalons posés pour munication devraient y prendre part. les moyens; la production de CD-ROM et par la Certaines institutions pourraient • aux voies et moyens pour le dé- mise en place de projets, de pro- prendre en charge cette recomman- veloppement des réseaux de télé- grammes et de réseaux informati- dation. Parmi elles : le Cilss, le club communication, de la diffusion, ques de bases et de banques de don- du Sahel, la CEDEAO, des parte- du marketing, de la valorisation nées agricoles dans la sous-région. naires au développement comme le des informations, de la formation Force est en outre de souligner CTA, le CRDI, l’ACCT, la Banque et du perfectionnement d’une ex- l’absence aussi bien sur le plan na- Mondiale et de grands opérateurs pertise et des utilisateurs des bases tional que sous-régional de poli- économiques. et banques de données. tiques globales et cohérentes sur Une attention particulière devra l’information scientifique et tech- lors de la définition de la stratégie BIBLIOGRAPHIE nique de manière générale et de concertée être apportée, si on se 1. Mclean, Diana. 1992. Etude compara- bases et banques de données agri- place dans une logique et dans une tive de l’inventaire des méthodologies de coles de façon sectorielle. En l’e- perspective de développement inté- recherches agricoles à l’attention de la spèce, il n’y a pas de cadre cata- gré et autocentré du Sahel et de CEDEAO. Dakar: CRDI. lytique pouvant et de mécanismes l’Afrique de l’Ouest à: de régulation pour permettre une 2. Pujolle, Guy. 1992. Télécommunica- • La définition du rôle, des objectifs tions et réseaux. Paris: Ed. Eyrolls. concertation régulière, une démar- et des domaines prioriaires des che fédératrice, une organisation et bases et banques de données qu’on 3. Levine, John R. 1994. Baroudi, carol un fonctionnement intégré et val- peut percevoir comme moyens de Internet pour les nuls. Paris: Sybex, orisant. stockage, de diffusion et d’échan- 1994. ge d’information devant aider à : 4. Gardavin, Georges. 1993. Maîtriser Recommandations – Il est avant l’élaboration de politiques, la prise les bases de données : modèles et lan- tout nécessaire, de créer un cadre de de décision, la planification, le guages. Paris: Ed. Eyrolls. concertation, pour ensuite, à partir suvi-évaluation, la recherche, la de l’analyse statique de la situation formation, la vulgarisation, le dé- 5. Giovannetti, J.F. 1990. Mise en place que nous venons de faire, dégager veloppement à la base; d’un système international intégré d’information sur le Sahel. Paris: OCDE-club une stratégie dynamique à court • Un maillage physique des parte- du Sahel. terme, pour emmener les Etats, la sous-région et les partenaires au Annex 1 – Répartition statistiques des bases et banques de donnée développement à définir et à adhérer agricoles au Sahel à une charte commune, en attendant dans le moyen terme, de passer à Total Bases, Bases de Banques Total Bases Banques, l’élaboration de politiques régiona- Pays Données de Données et Banques CD/ROM CD-ROM les et nationales articulées d’information scientifique et technique. Burkina-Faso 9 5 14 8 22 Pour se faire, deux actions nous Cap-Vert 3 2 5 3 8 semblent pour le moment priori- Gambie 6 2 8 2 10 taires : la répertorisation systéma- Guinée-Bissau 4 2 6 2 8 tique des bases et des banques de Mali 29 25 54 16 70 données, des structures de forma- Mauritanie 8 4 11 2 13 tion , des maisons de maintenance Niger 13 3 16 17 33 et des vendeurs de matériel infor- Sénégal 30 26 56 15 71 matique au Sahel et la tenue d’un Tchad 7 4 11 8 19 atelier pour analyser, valider et en- Total Général 109 72 181 73 254 richir la présente étude, dégager des

Communication — Les Bases et Les Banques de Données Agricoles au Sahel 45 Annex 2 – Répartition par base de données et par pays Annex 3 – Répartition par base de données avec mot-clé = sahel BASE Burki Capve Gambi Guibi Mali Mauri Niger Seneg Tchad Total AGRICOLA 461 AGRICOLA 468 109 264 29 325 102 296 942 262 2797 AGRIS 764 AGRIS 662 186 202 59 659 260 597 1603 288 4516 CAB 1081 CAB 1242 141 667 100 995 266 800 2328 440 6979 GEOBASE 362 PASCAL 477 406 241 69 602 278 606 1297 192 4168 GEOREF 366 GEOBASE 175 60 64 21 236 80 367 377 90 1470 PASCAL 521 GEOREF 211 578 59 35 417 634 910 842 509 4195 MEDLINE 83 MEDLINE 358 30 514 191 381 85 220 1584 253 3616 DELPHES 61 DELPHES 307 43 52 64 320 292 611 907 205 2801 URBAMET 64 URBAMET 279 8 21 22 297 209 258 508 191 1793 FRANCIS 609 FRANCIS 968 63 109 90 1327 440 1173 1821 665 6656 IBISCUS 597 IBISCUS 1702 228 182 198 1419 663 1772 2464 641 9269 HORIZON 206 HORIZON 977 39 49 7 383 102 715 1621 682 4575 CIDARC 682 CIDARC 1020 47 75 49 1007 176 591 1604 667 5236 Total global: 5857 Total 8846 1938 2499 934 8368 3587 8916 17898 5085 58071 Les chiffres indiqués correspondent aux nombres de références bibliographiques Total global: 58071 avant élimination des doubles.

6. “RIO, un réseau inter-tropical d’ordina- Mali, Mauritanie, Niger, Sénégal. Wa- de communication électronique en Af- teurs pour la recherche en coopération.” geningen: CTA. rique en : Technologie de l’information. ORSTOM Actualités, 34:15–22. Culture et Société, nouvelle série, 61: 11. Préparer l’avenir du Sahel au sein de 27–36. 7. La technologie du disque compact au l’Afrique de l’Ouest: compte rendu des service de la coopération agricole rurale. discussions du groupe de réﬂexion du 15. “Le Sénégal : réseaux et bases de 1991. Wageningen: CTA, 1991.- 31P. club du Sahel, Berlin (Allemagne) 19–22 données.” 1992. l’Ordinateur Africain, avril 1993.- Paris: club du Sahel-OCDE. 7(mars):15–25. 8. Organisation des Nations Unies pour MR. SAMBA AW is an organizational l’Alimentation et l’Agriculture la situation 12. Echanges d’informations, échanges and information consultant. He is the mondiale de l’alimentation et de l’agri- régionaux et sécurité alimentaire : propo- former coordinator of RESADOC. culture. 1993. Rome: FAO. sitions d’un système d’échanges d’informations pour le sous-espace Ouest. CONTACT ADDRESS: 9. Revitalizing Agricultural Research in 1991. Paris: club du sahel-OCDE. the Sahel : A Proposed Framework. Samba Aw 1993. Washington, DC: World Bank. 13. Laura, Abba et al. 1992. Principes Villa 6070 SICAP Liberte 6 pour l’établissement d’une interconnec- B.P. 10402 10. Samba Aw and Oumar Ba. 1992. tion entre les réseaux informatiques des Dakar Liberte, Dakar Etude des besoins en informations agri- pays africains. [s.n., s.l.]. SENEGAL coles en Afrique de l’Ouest: Burkina Phone: +221-27-35-21 Faso, Cap-vert, Gambie, Guinée Bissau, 14. Pascal, Renard. 1993. “Les réseaux FAX: +221-25-55-69

46 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Concurrent Session 1 Planning for a Sustainable Information System in the Electronic Age: Tradition Versus Technology

dent à celles de beaucoup de pays an- de las necesidades nacionales (fun- Margot Bellamy glophones africains, mais qui pourrait ciones, usuarios y limitaciones) y el esta- être appliqué plus largement à d’autres do de desarrollo de la política y el sis- ABSTRACT: This paper draws on the lit- pays. Il définit les objectifs de ce sys- tema de tecnología de información (TI) a erature and on the experience of CAB tème, d’abord en termes de besoins na- nivel nacional, y luego en un contexto International and others of assessing tionaux (fonctions, utilisateurs et con- más amplio a nivel regional y de la red. needs and advising on appropriate sys- traintes), et le stade de développement El plan desarrolla un escenario de cinco tems in a wide range of developing coun- de la politique et des systèmes de tech- años que permite cambios tanto en las tries, to provide a draft plan for a sustain- nologie d’information nationale, avant de necesidades de información como en la able agricultural information system for le placer dans un contexte régional et tecnología, pero que incorpora elemen- a hypothetical country whose circum- mondial grâce aux réseaux électron- tos esenciales de la estructura y los re- stances match those found in many An- iques. Il développe un scénario étalé sur cursos originales. La meta final es un sis- glophone African countries, but which 5 ans, ouvert à des changements au tema guiado por la demanda y no por la may be more widely applicable. It defines niveau des besoins et de la technologie, tecnología. La discusión abarca aspec- the aims of the system, first in terms of mais qui incorpore des éléments essen- tos como: el papel y la función de la bib- national needs (functions, users and tiels des ressources et de la structure lioteca en la era de la TI; la difusión de la constraints), and the state of develop- originales. Le but final est d’avoir un sys- información versus su almacenamiento y ment of national information technology tème basé sur la demande et non pas conservación; el papel cambiante del in- (IT) policies and systems, and then in the sur la technologie. L’analyse inclut les termediario de la información en la satis- wider regional and network context. It de- points suivants : le rôle et la fonction de facción de las necesidades de los cli- velops a five-year scenario which allows la bibliothèque dans l’ère des technolo- entes y en la adaptación de nuevas for changes in both needs and technol- gies de l’information, la portée de l’infor- tecnologías; la determinación de aquel- ogy, but which incorporates essential mation par opposition à l’archivage et la los elementos de las nuevas tecnologías elements of the original structure and re- conservation, le rôle changeant de l’in- que se requieren para cumplir con las sources, the ultimate goal being a sys- termédiaire dans la satisfaction des be- funciones identificadas; los nuevos ca- tem which is demand-driven, not tech- soins du client et l’adaptation à de nou- nales de comunicación; la compatibili- nology-led. The discussion encompass- velles technologies, les éléments de la dad dentro de los países y entre ellos; y es such issues as: the role and function nouvelle technologie nécessaires aux la efectividad en función de los costos. of the library in the IT age; outreach vs. fonctions identifiées, les nouvelles voies storage and preservation; the changing de communication, la compatibilité au role of the information intermediary in niveau national et international, et le rap- An audience of information spe- meeting client needs and adapting to port qualité-prix. new technology; which elements of the cialists needs no convincing of the value of information, nor of the new technology are needed to fulfil the RESUMEN: Se presenta el bosquejo de identified functions; new communication un plan para un sistema de información need to devote adequate resources channels; compatibility within and be- agrícola que sea sostenible para un país to its provision. However, the elec- tween countries; and cost-effectiveness. hipotético, cuyas circunstancias se ase- tronic age brings with it a new set of mejan a las de muchos países africanos dilemmas in terms of choosing be- RESUMÉ: Cet article se base sur la lit- angloparlantes pero que pueden apli- tween, or the best combinations of, térature existante et l’expérience de carse de manera más amplia. Para dis- plusieurs institutions dont le CAB Inter- eñar el plan, se basó en la literatura y la alternative methods of information national, qui ont réalisé des évaluations experiencia que tienen el CAB Interna- transfer, and deciding on the best de besoins, et donné des conseil sur des tional y otras instituciones en la evalu- ‘package’ to meet all the various systèmes appropriés à de nombreux ación de necesidades de información y needs identified for a national or re- pays en développement. Il propose un en la prestación de asesoría sobre sis- gional system. plan pour un système d’information agri- temas apropiados en un amplio rango de cole durable destiné à un pays hypothé- países en desarrollo. Los objetivos del A greater commitment of politi- tique, dont les circonstances correspon- sistema se definen, primero en términos cians and policy makers to the im-

Planning for a Sustainable Information System in the Electronic Age: Tradition Versus Technology 47 portance of a strong information The Past and the Status Quo tion provision and management; base to support national and region- and training information profes- al agricultural research systems is The information scene in some sionals, both in situ and at CABI. evident from the deliberations of parts of Africa has undergone many None of this experience gives any many meetings and seminars in re- ups and downs in the past 30 of us from the outside the right to cent years (ISNAR, 1993; CTA, years—from viable national sys- make decisions or impose systems. 1994). However, it falls to the infor- tems in the 1960s and 1970s, with I believe that while some resources mation managers and their staff to good libraries and collections, and may be needed from outside, the de- translate this commitment into real- working regional networks, down to cisions have to be made, and suc- ity in the form of a system that destruction by war, breakdown of cesses and failures sustained, by the works, that is sustainable, and which political and economic alliances, national and regional systems them- answers needs. neglect and lack of funding in the selves. We can and should share our The system(s) adopted depend on face of other priorities, lack of com- skills, experience and ideas; all of us a wide range of criteria: the wishes mitment at the top, and lack of in- are grappling with the rapid march of the decision makers themselves; fluence in the information commu- of progress, and have to take similar the structure and state of evolution nity to make things change, and up decisions to our colleagues in less of the research system; the state of again as some national research sys- well-endowed institutions in Africa. the existing information and tele- tems began to put information on We can also get out of date very communication infrastructure; the the policy and funding agenda, the quickly, which is why any scenario resource base; the range of services International Centres in the region for more than five years ahead has required; the size of the constituen- provided example and encourage- elements of crystal ball gazing in it! cy—-national and regional. It also ment, with outside organizations I was made sharply aware of this depends on the vision, knowledge such as The Technical Centre for when I rediscovered a paper given to and perception of the information Agricultural and Rural Co-opera- a CGIAR meeting in the Hague just professional. tion (CTA) acting as catalysts. Now, five years ago, in which I tried to This paper does not seek to pro- in the mid-1990s, there are real develop an illustrative short, medi- vide the perfect plan. Its aim is to signs of dynamic change: countries um and long term scenario for how draw on recent experience of assist- and regions have identified their we might assist an African country ing in the planning process, or of needs, the research and information setting out to rebuild its information observing it at work, principally in communities are realizing the bene- system from a very low point. At that CABI member countries in Africa, fits of synergism and coming to- stage we were all still mostly wed- and on some pointers from the ex- gether to decide on the future. ded to the concept of the library with perience of others and the literature, Some encouraging examples ex- books and journals on the shelves, to comment on what might be ap- ist of new systems already working: CD-ROM was just taking off in Af- propriate scenarios for the future in Ghana has an impressive new agri- rica, full-text and multi-media CD- some of the typical situations en- cultural information network; with ROMs were still on the drawing countered in that continent. assistance from CTA, the regions board, and none of us had taken even This last decade of the 20th cen- have carried out national and re- tentative steps along the superhigh- tury could witness the ‘information gional assessments of needs, and way. Even quite recent consultants’ revolution’ finally taking place in many of us from outside and within reports, especially if you trace them Africa, as new alliances are formed, the continent have been involved in back over a five-year period for the new communication technology be- advising on appropriate ways of de- same country, illustrate how rapid the comes a way of life, and more liber- veloping and managing information changes affecting decisions about al political regimes permit real free- projects and programmes. CABI’s information systems have been, and dom of information transfer through own experience includes working how difficult it is to decide among a wide range of media. Imagine the with both Ghana and Tanzania at the the options. Just consider how much hypothetical luxury of a million dol- planning stage, and helping to im- has happened in the information in- lar a year budget for your informa- plement the Ghana NARP; working dustry in those five years, and where tion system, and the challenge of with local teams to survey the infor- we might be in five years’ time. having it up and running and sus- mation needs of Malawi, Zambia How do we make the right choices tainable by the year 2000. With and Uganda as part of its own coun- and arrive at the right balance? boldness, vision and good manage- try survey programme; working with ment, this is not out of reach if some KARI on its strategy as the national Brainstorming the Future of the promised investment materi- focal point of agricultural informa- alizes, and if international collabo- tion in Kenya; taking part in many If we were to engage in the fash- ration within the continent really seminars and workshops seeking ionable game of ‘brainstorming’ takes off. solutions to problems of informa- about our future ideal information

48 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 system, what adjectives would we other institutions in the region, and cent years, and Country X might re- apply? We might choose such virtually no use is made of interna- gret its choices if it had gone too far words as “flexible”, “imaginative”, tional systems. along the traditional road. Luckily, “realistic”, “sustainable”, “respon- Five years ago, the prevailing in the interim, the successful intro- sive to change”, “cost-effective”, opinion in the country and consul- duction of CD-ROM technology, “demand-driven”, “self-financing”, tants’ advice would probably have distributed by organizations like “technology-driven”. These could concentrated resources on renovat- CTA, or through funding from en- apply in almost any planning exer- ing or creating new physical infra- lightened donors, has made the cise. We might then come down to structure (buildings and furniture) , breakthrough from the traditional to earth a bit, and think about the real providing back runs of serials, en- the modern approach, as well as world—what would we need to suring the main secondary sources giving a bit of breathing space for make it work? Concepts like ‘com- were in place, the purchase or dona- reconsideration of the options. mitment’, ‘funds/budget’, ‘people’, tion of books, and (probably) provi- ‘institutions’, ‘equipment’, ‘tech- sion of a computer. Most of the re- What lies Ahead? nology’, ‘collaboration’, ‘services’, sources would have gone into one ‘users’, ‘networks’, ‘regional focus’, central information centre, which Developments in the information and ‘international perspective’ then would probably also have been des- scene worldwide, and within Africa come into play. ignated as an AGRIS input centre, itself, have changed the perspective Our ideal system undoubtedly but intermittent staffing may have and the options considerably, al- needs to take account of all of these; had a detrimental effect on delivery. though inevitably there are still it also needs to examine where it There would have been little or no pockets of resistance to change. The is coming from, where it hopes to collaboration between information changes outside will obviously have go, the constraints it is likely to centres within the country, and poor a profound effect on what happens have to operate under, and the pace knowledge of what was available in in Africa, but even more critical will at which change can be implement- each. No systematic efforts to cap- be how the current upsurge of (at ed. A description of a hypothetical ture national or local data or indige- least verbal) support for information situation—Country X—cannibal- nous knowledge were in evidence. in the wider agricultural and politi- ized from many experiences, may On-line access was never an option cal community is translated into ac- help to illustrate the choices and because of poor telecommunication and, more importantly, absolute give us clues as to how to spend that tions, and little use was being made commitment of resources, to devel- mythical million dollars. of “free” services, such as those oping and sustaining appropriate from International Livestock Center systems and services. The informa- Existing Scenario for Africa (ILCA), CTA, INFO- tion component of the Ghana NARP in Country X TERRA. The major agricultural da- is one of the most generously fund- tabases were just becoming avail- ed anywhere on the continent, and Imagine a country with agricul- able on CD-ROM, so probably a the programme has been able to in- ture as the mainstay of its economy CD-ROM drive and discs might corporate many of the best elements and major export earner. Its inher- have been included in consultants’ of the traditional and the modern, ited research system is run down recommendations and any resulting including completion of the central due to lack of resources. The physi- project. Training of staff, mainly information centre, introduction of cal infrastructure (buildings, and so through prolonged absence over- CD-ROMs all over the country, forth) visibly needs refurbishment seas, was also a priority. This ‘shop- training in-country and outside, sen- and modernization. Skilled man- ping list’ could easily have gobbled sitizing of the research community, power is scarce throughout the sys- up the million dollars, without any compilation of a national archival tem. Scientists lack motivation, part- thought for the longer term, or, database, and rationalization of and ly because of the extreme difficulty more importantly, for what users re- cooperation in the use of library col- of deciding between priorities when ally wanted, or what services were lections throughout the country. The resources are very scarce. This may needed. Remoteness in all senses of questions which need to be asked then result in lack of access to infor- the word was the hallmark of the now are: what next? will it be sus- mation to support their research. system and the people trying to tainable? who pays? There are few information special- work within it. The plethora of valuable country ists; those in post lack motivation Such a short-term view and this needs studies and regional reports because their working constraints kind of scenario has, of necessity and initiatives carried out with CTA prevent them from delivering any and because of greater awareness of support all over the continent in the services, and there are better work- needs, and the potential offered by past two years, (such as Bunyob and ing conditions in other institutions. developments in technology, be- Ngwiru, 1994; Wangati and Ng Kee There is little or no contact with come increasingly dissipated in re- Kwong, 1993), and the reports of

Planning for a Sustainable Information System in the Electronic Age: Tradition Versus Technology 49 workshops sponsored by CTA, Spe- or neighbouring country system, bers the East African Literature Ser- cial Program for African Agricultur- may depend on pooling of funds vice will testify. A compromise is al Research (SPAAR), International from many sources, or lobbying of needed which satisfies the demands Service for National Agricultural the appropriate Ministry to get of the old and the new and makes Research (ISNAR) and others, as things moving. Tanzania seems to the best use of the resources avail- well as our own observations, pro- be moving on this, and some south- able. vide many pointers and encourag- ern African countries are able to get All the signs are that the em- ing signs for future activity, not access through South Africa. phasis generally has already shift- least of which are the continuity and Training is another area where ed in favour of the new, but with wealth of experience of personnel in collaboration on a regional or inter- some unique African features and many of the national and regional disciplinary basis makes sense. High special needs. In a continent where information centres, and the capaci- level facilities for information train- the oral tradition is especially strong, ty of many of them to assist the less ing may be considered by some to ways need to be found to collect and well-endowed. be relatively scarce in Anglophone disseminate indigenous knowledge. I have no doubt that the capacity, Africa, but there is much greater More needs to be done to pool val- resources and will, exist already or scope for collaboration, between in- uable information across language could be made available within stitutions, within regions and across barriers, especially to bridge the Africa to meet many of the require- disciplines, with input and assis- Francophone - Anglophone - Luso- ments of modern but appropriate tance from outside agencies where phone gap; the technology is rapidly systems at national and regional necessary. The joint training courses becoming available to make this levels. CD-ROM technology and run by ILCA/International Centre possible, for example through inter- skill in its use is an accepted and for Research in Agroforestry (IC- faces and guide screens on CD- valued component of the informa- RAF), the facilities available in ROMS, and through multi-lingual tion and research scene. A logical Ethiopia, Botswana, and South Af- thesauri. further stage, well beyond the draw- rica, the expertise of Eastern and Political change, too, is playing ing board in some places, is to de- Southern African Management In- its part; democratization brings with velop the capacity to put national stitute (ESAMI), Pan-African it a more liberal view of information databases on CD-ROM, and net- Development Information System dissemination. It also enables, as we work, under appropriate licensing (PADIS) and others, could all be are already witnessing in Eastern arrangements, these and other data- harnessed more effectively than at and Southern Africa, much closer bases around the country or region. present, and they are more likely collaboration and sharing of re- CD-ROM technology itself has ad- than institutions outside Africa to be sources, a trend which will acceler- vanced beyond the purely biblio- able to gauge and meet needs with ate with the full entry of South graphic to the fulltext and multime- appropriate courses and materials Africa into the activities of the re- dia versions, and into the Electronic (Musana, 1994). gion (Fouché, 1994). Reference Library (ERL), thus making available more and more non- traditional options for information The Forces for Change Conclusion transfer, to a much wider range of Another aspect of the ‘traditional The overriding trend is toward a users, without the need for more versus modern’ dilemma is the diffi- less rigid approach, less emphasis buildings. cult decisions which may have to be on infrastructure (except telecom- made about how far to take conser- munications) and more on wise use Collaboration Holds vation and preservation of valuable and allocation of resources, full ex- the Key and possibly unique archival library ploitation of the possibilities offered resources, and how to balance this by new technology, more emphasis Sharing of resources, technology against more urgent needs for cur- on users and services, and on selec- and expertise needs to cross the rent information and new technolo- tion, retention and training of infor- boundaries between agriculture and gy. Kenya faces this particular prob- mation personnel, and, above all, other sectors and disciplines to real- lem, as it seeks to develop the more cooperation and collaboration, ize the full potential for collabora- ‘right’ system to support current re- nationally, regionally and internation. Full use of the information su- search around the country through tionally. Many of us in the interna- perhighway—the Internet—depends the National Focal Point, but to tional community (not least CABI) on the capacity of the national com- conserve and preserve the unique are increasingly taking our activity munication network to carry and East African collections at Muguga, closer to the action and will have a transmit it. Commitment of funds which are themselves the result of much stronger regional approach in on a national level to make this pos- past regional and international col- our programmes. We shall also be in sible, or integration into a regional laboration, as anyone who remem- a better position to benefit from

50 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 local knowledge and expertise, and REFERENCES Wangati, F.J. and R. Ng Kee Kwong. to understand and meet needs. If by 1993. Agricultural Information Needs of the year 2000 the availability and Musana, A. 1994. “Developing informa- Countries of East Africa: Regional Over- tion professionals for the new Africa.” view. Wageningen, NL: CTA. allocation of resources can match FID News Bulletin 44:(4/5):71–77. the encouraging verbal commit- MARGOT BELLAMY is currently Head ments voiced in recent years, then Fouché, B. 1994. “Connecting the South- of Training and Development at CAB the whole African information com- ern African sub-continent to global infor- International. She previously served munity will be in a position to make mation services—a status report.” ICSTI as Head of the Division of Natural Forum, 19:10–12. Resources, Forestry, and Economics less constrained and better consid- at CABI. ered decisions, and be able to take CTA. 1994. Report on Mauritius Meeting, full advantage of state-of-the art April 1994. CONTACT ADDRESS: technology for its own use. Howev- Margot Bellamy er, that million dollars still needs to ISNAR. 1993. Information Management Needs in National Agricultural Research Head of Training be wisely spent! Systems. ISNAR Brieﬁng Paper no. 6. CAB International Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE Bunyolo, A. M. and M.E. Ngwira. 1994. UNITED KINGDOM Agricultural Information Needs of Coun- Phone: +44-1491-832111 tries of Southern Africa: Regional Over- Fax: +44-1491-83308 view. Wageningen, NL: CTA and SAC- E-Mail: [email protected] CAR.

Planning for a Sustainable Information System in the Electronic Age: Tradition Versus Technology 51 Concurrent Session 1 Producing and Disseminating Information to the Agricultural Producers of NIS Countries

Isabelle Gachie tact direct avec le diffuseur d’information. changes. This system still faces iso- L’expérience acquise aussi bien dans les lation from various points of view: ABSTRACT: BDPA-SCETAGRI, a French pays d’Europe centrale que d’Europe oc- cidentale va nous permettre de proposer • linguistically speaking: A few peo- consulting company, and its Russian part- ple can speak a foreign language ner, carried out a survey to the private la mise en place de nouveaux services and collective agricultural producers with- d’information/formation agricole qui (particularly English) but all of the in 3 Russian regions. It was found that soient accessibles et utiles aux produc- NIS countries speak Russian, even producing and disseminating extension teurs agricoles russes et ukrainiens. the Central Asian Republics. This documents is needed, because there is a RESUMEN: La BDPA-SCETAGRI, una fact becomes a problem when they shortage of this type of document in the empresa francesa de consultorías, y su want to use international infor- various CIS republics. To overcome this contraparte ruso aplicaron una encuesta mation. problem, two technical booklets for agri- a los productores agropecuarios priva- cultural producers were published and dos y colectivos de tres regiones rusas. • technologically speaking: through- disseminated through local workshops. Se encontró que hace falta producir y di- out the NIS countries, the main An agricultural newsletter in Ukraine at fundir documentos de extensión porque communication media is the mail; the Oblast (provincial) level was also pub- hay una escasez de este tipo de docu- lished. The survey stressed that the post despite problems of delay, the ma- mentos en las diversas repúblicas de la jority of people receive informa- mail runs irregularly, that half of the pri- CIS. Para superar este problema, se vate farmers have a phone and that travel publicaron dos folletos técnicos para los tion by mail. The other media do between the work place and the nearest productores agropecuarios, las cuales not work very efficiently; the tele- urban center is not easy. This survey also se repartieron en talleres locales. Tam- com network is out-of-date and showed that the producers prefer both bién se publicó un boletín informativo so- printed media and direct contacts with not everyone has their own phone bre temas agrícolas en Ucrania a nivel line. To get information by phone the information provider. The experience, de provincia. La encuesta resaltó que el both in Central Europe and in Western servicio de correo funciona irregular- or by fax is difficult and takes Europe, indicates the need to set up new mente, que la mitad de los agricultores time; and the electronic network information/training services that would privados tienen teléfono y que el de- has still a restricted distribution. be accessible and useful to the Russian splazamiento entre el lugar de trabajo y • geographically speaking: this prob- and Ukrainian agricultural producers. el centro urbano más cercano es difícil. Esta encuesta indicó también que los lem is mainly evident in the coun- RESUMÉ: Le BDPA-SCETAGRI, bureau productores prefieren los medios impre- tryside and in the new States. In the d’études français, et son partenaire russe sos y los contactos directos con el former USSR, all the Republics RECON, ont mené une enquête auprès proveedor de la información. Las experi- had strong links with the “centre”. des producteurs agricoles privés et col- encias, tanto en Europa Central como en But now, the new borders limit all lectifs de 3 régions russes. Ils ont conclu Europa occidental, indican que es nece- à la nécessité de produire et de diffuser sario establecer nuevos servicios de in- kinds of exchange, including in- des documents de vulgarisation qui font formación y de capacitación que sean formation. These States face big actuellement défaut dans les diverses accesibles y útiles para los productores problems in obtaining documents. républiques de la CEI. Pour répondre à agropecuarios rusos y ucranios. ce besoin, deux brochures techniques The countryside is also remote destinés aux producteurs agricoles, ont from the main sources and dis- été publiées et diffusées dans le cadre Isolation in the Particular tances from the farms to the city d’ateliers locaux. Un journal agricole au Case of NIS are sometimes considerable (and niveau d’un oblast (province) d’Ukraine a few people have their own car). aussi été publié. L’enquête a mis en évi- 1 dence que les services postaux fonction- The NIS countries remained • culturally speaking: to improve nent de manière irrégulière, que la moitié closed to the Western world for sev- the access to professional infor- des agriculteurs privés disposent du télé- eral years. For the last 4–5 years, mation, NIS managers initially phone, et que les déplacements entre le these countries have been imple- planned a big, centralized, com- lieu de travail et le centre urbain le plus menting political and economic re- puterised system, so complicated proche ne sont pas aisés. Cette enquête a aussi montré que les producteurs pré- forms. The agricultural information that it has remained at the plan- fèrent à la fois le support écrit et un con- system is also involved in these ning stage. They are not used to

52 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 following a pragmatic approach tural producers in all the different The Information and Research that would start with small scale Republics received exactly the same Institutes continue to produce bibli- improvements. Another problem data irrespective of the particular ographical bulletins; their approach comes from the gap between sci- climatic and ecological conditions is still highly centralised: the infor- entists and producers; the informa- they faced. Any questions were sent mation is processed in Moscow and tion is often prepared by special- through administrative channels to then distributed at the Oblast (pro- ists for specialists and no effort is Moscow and processed there; an an- vincal) level. made to adapt results. swer was retuned in due course. The The Training Institutes: the teach- • politically speaking: the people high level of centralisation inherent ers have practically no access to from all the NIS countries suffer to “Dissemination of Progress”, the new economic approaches and they from a lack of objective informa- official term covering the informa- receive very few foreign books and tion and they have some difficul- tion dissemination and extension articles. However, it seems they are ties developing a critical point of processes, has always posed prob- trying to listen to the producers’ view. These countries do not only lems. problems and work more closely face isolation problems; they have with the farms. inherited other problems from the Current Situation Several newspapers have appeared former system, as described below. over the last few years. In the agri- The State system no longer works; cultural field, most of them favour Agricultural Information it has been unable to adapt to the political aspects, but they are never- Characteristics new production conditions and, theless trying to develop commer- moreover, was never designed to cial and economic information. The Until recently, the agricultural deal with private farmers. The In- situation in other NIS countries is information system was run in a formation and Research Institutes worse because the new borders lim- centralized manner by the APK ad- have recently made efforts to im- it exchanges. These conclusions ministration (APK: Agro-Industry prove the quality of their informa- have been drawn from a survey car- Complex) under the joint responsi- tion but conditions are difficult. All ried out in 3 Oblasts. The main re- bility of the Ministry of Agriculture these institutes face severe financial sults of the survey are given below. and the Academy of Agricultural problems; they would like to sell Sciences. Information was only pro- their products but users have no duced and disseminated in the form wish to purchase them. Initially, it Survey Analysis of instructions. There was no advi- was thought that the collective sory service and no choice given to farms could not pay; a more de- Target Groups – We carried out the journals or books received. The tailed investigation has revealed a survey of information needs in 3 instructions, and the various publi- they would accept to pay for a qual- Oblasts (Moscow, Riazan and Kras- cations were prepared by scientists ity product that provided relevant nodar) with approximately 80 par- or academicians working in re- and rapidly applicable information. ticipants. Target groups were as search institutes, often remove from Hence, they have discovered one of follows: private farmers, collective reality in the field. the basic market laws for them- farm managers, regional agricultur- Research and information insti- selves! Administrative bodies, how- al administration officials, Agricul- tutes collected documents and pro- ever, have difficulty in assimilating tural Training Institutes: managers, duced bibliographies with abstracts, common sense observations and teachers and agricultural students. managed databases (addresses, bib- continue to make decisions without Rather than send out the question- liographical references, seed vari- any regard for user consequences. naire, we discussed the questions eties, patents, suppliers, …) and The following institutions still with the particularly motivated peo- sent them to various libraries and play a role in disseminating agricul- ple who had been recommended administration. The regional and lo- tural information: hoping to collect original and inter- cal administration disseminated the The Academy of Agricultural Sci- esting ideas. information to the collective farms. ences continues to produce several The people interviewed were all State publishing houses published specialised journals. Research re- well educated. Most of these people and distributed the results of results do not take into account field receive mail. Their access to other search. Agropromizdat was the big- conditions. The journals we ana- communication media depends on gest of these publishing houses and lysed were theoretical in tone, crop their professional group: only 48% has been re-named Kolos. yields are often unrealistically high; of private farmers have a telephone It should be pointed out that all a middle collective farm would be installed in their houses and private the information was produced and unable to ensure such yields due to and collective farms have no fax published in Moscow. The system lack of inputs and local agronomic machine and are not connected to was extremely centralised: agricul- conditions. any electronic network.

Producing and Disseminating Information to the Agricultural Producers of NIS Countries 53 Figure 1 – Percentage of person who received information by information resources

100,00% Newspapers• 90,00%

80,00% Booklets 70,00% 60,00% 0 TV 50,00%

40,00% Radio 30,00%

20,00% [II1I Training 10,00%

0,00% Private Farmers Collective Farms Administration Institutes Students

Characteristics of • Radio and television: Agood source nars disseminate information that the Current Information – of information, but data obtained is not easy to understand or apply. As may be seen from Figure 1, each in this way are not always easy to • Local administration: Their data group has access to various infor- understand and to apply. are neither easy to understand nor mation sources/resources, essential- • Technicians advises: Collective to apply. ly printed documents. Training sem- producers and the administration • Electronic network: Only adminis- inars are the less used media. rely on technicians but although trations and the Research Insti- Characteristics of the data they disseminate are easy tutes have access to them. Each Information Resource – to understand they are not easy to apply. • User satisfaction: Figures 2–5 show These characteristics are given in a difference between technical in- • Fairs and exhibitions: They are a decreasing order of importance: formation and the two other types good source of information, but • Personal contacts: An excellent (commercial and economic). Glo- the data is not easy to apply. way of getting information, data bally, the people are partially satis- transmitted in this form are easy to • Research Institutes: A good source fied with the received information. understand and to apply. but unfortunately they disseminate • Newspapers and personal librar- information that is difficult to un- Problems – ies: A good source of information; derstand and difficult to apply. • User’s needs unfulfilled: People however data obtained in this way • Training: a source that is becom- made various comments about the are currently difficult to apply. ing less and less accessible; semi- information they can obtain. It is

Figure 2 – Level of satisfaction Figure 3 – Level of satisfaction Figure 4 – Level of satisfaction about technical information about economical information about commercial information

4% Entirely 4% Entirely Not No answer 8% Entirely No answer 4% satisfied 24%i No answer 4% satisfied satisfied 8%x 8% satisfied 31%i 18%

Partially Partially satisfied satisfied Partially 49% 47% satisfied 66%

23% 18% Not satisﬁed Not satisﬁed

54 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Figure 5 – Desirable forms of printed information

100,00%

75,00% • Newspapers 50,00% [l]] Booklets

~ Books

25,00%

0,00% Private Farmers Collective Farms Administration Institutes Students

“not concrete”, “too theoretical Characteristics of groups do not require information and academic”, “divorced from the Desired Information – from abroad. It is national or local the users’ reality”, “not applica- data that they prefer. ble”… • Contents: Private farmers want to receive technical information that To sum up, main needs are as fol- • Quality and availability of infor- is oriented to small-scale units, lows: new technologies for crop mation: People find it difficult to crops and particularly conserva- production (grain, potato and veg- get good quality information. Fre- tion of agricultural products. They etables); technology and equipment quent comments concerning infor- want information on management for storing and post-harvest pro- mation are that it is: “not reliable”, and organisation of small-scale cessing; economic organisation and “difficult to select” and a negative farms abroad. It is the practical in- particularly reorganisation of agri- comment concerning Administra- formation that they want. Collec- cultural enterprises; and information is also made: “Administration tive producers are interested in the tion on agricultural product distrib- blocks initiatives and technological aspects. They need ution channels (prices, suppliers…). information.” economic information on financ- • Preferred forms: Both collective • Presentation of information: In- ing, restructuring and concerning and private producers have a pref- formation should be presented in a cost estimates. They also stress the erence for direct contacts and tech- straightforward manner, it must fact that information must be nical booklets (see Figures 5 and “brief and simple.” adapted to local needs. These 6). The majority of the people

Figure 6 – Desirable forms of not printed information

100,00%

80,00% • Direct contacts 60,00% D Training El Radio 40,00% IIIll TV,Video

~ Electronic 20,00% network

0,00% Private Farmers Collective Farms Administration Institutes Students

Producing and Disseminating Information to the Agricultural Producers of NIS Countries 55 interviewed would accept pay for cause it is essential to show new out and advice was given on how information products and services printed products with practical and adapt the published subjects to the on condition they were really use- local contents and attractive layout. seasons and agricultural work and ful. to check all the information given • Realisation in Russia: We decided by the articles authors. A budget to produce two extension booklets Recommendations was drawn up and calculated the on potato for agricultural produc- average price of one issue. After ers (collective and private farms). Private farmers suffer most from launching the first issue, they got The first deals with planting and lack of information, have urgent 250 subscriptions (the subscrip- the second with storage. With our needs in this respect but are not able tions are managed by a private dis- Russian partner, we defined the to obtain and select what they want. tributor that also disseminates oth- general contents and the main Special attention should be given to er newspapers by mail). The sec- chapters. We delivered European their information requirements and ond issue was published and the booklets on the same subjects in to methods for disseminating the third is ongoing. At present, I have order to have a model. The Russian relevant information. Information no additional information about consultants collected and wrote should fulfill practical, local and the financial situation. This experi- the different chapters in Russian technological needs while also in- ence shows that it is possible to and we checked the contents (after cluding economic and commercial create new information products translation). We helped them with elements. It is currently not realistic meeting market requirements. Con- layout and provided photos (main- to hope that producers will soon ditions for success include a moti- ly from France). Five hundred have access to electronic networks. vated team who knows the users copies of the first booklet were At the local level, cheaper and sim- and their needs and a good net- printed and disseminated through pler means of presenting informa- work of resource people. workshops. So far we have not had tion should be used. proper feedback but the first im- Booklets describing a particular pressions of the readers are very For the Future… method or crop with illustrations good. We are preparing the second that are both clear and informative booklet and studying the profita- We recommend the following are the most realistic solution to the bility of publishing this kind of pro- methodology for setting up efficient problem. The booklets should be fessional product (potential mar- information services and products: given directly to the user by a spe- ket, tarification). We are also find- as much as possible should be cialist who can comment on the in- ing local distributors in order to achieved at the local level; a work- formation in the booklets and give reach the users directly. ing methodology should be experi- advice on adapting the information mented step by step with motivated to the user’s particular situation • Realisation in Ukraine: After the partners; and tangible pilot actions (seminars, workshops and short- audit of the administration infor- should be carried out (such as pro- term training courses would rein- mation centre, three people of the duction of booklets, newsletters and force the efficiency of this practice). team decided to launch a profes- so forth). Any new producer-oriented in- sional newspaper for the agricul- Efficient information services formational network must take into tural producers of the Oblast. They must be based on the supply of both consideration the existing networks decided to leave the administrative advice and information products. of the regional administrative and body and joined one of their for- They serve as an interface between training institutions and work with mer colleagues who had created a agricultural producers and the vari- them wherever is possible. Existing private consulting company (with ous informational sources. In order facilities may be used as a source of TA-CIS2 financing). With our as- to be an efficient interface, they information and specialists; howev- sistance, they started by defining must: er, the methods for disseminating of their targets and the general con- • have a clear idea of the needs and information among producers should tents. The main idea was to sell realities of potential users, be transformed. enough issues to balance their budget. According to the market- • collect relevant information and, if necessary, Our Achievements ing approach, they have to create a good product with interesting news • adapt contents or produce adapted Following these conclusions, we and attractive presentation in order documents. Merely storing docu- decided to focus on the direct pro- to find readers and encourage read- ments is sufficient; currently, in duction and dissemination of pro- er loyalty. They started to collect Russia, the required information is fessional booklets or newspapers. information and articles through not found in existing books or The setting-up of information ser- their own network. Help was giv- journals. A particular effort has to vices will be carried out later been in the heading, the general lay- be made to create new printed me-

56 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 dia and disseminate them through menistan, Kyrghiztan, Tadjikistan. CONTACT ADDRESS: workshops. Producing other media 2. TA-CIS stands for Technical Assis- Isabelle Gachie is also a priority but requires in- tance in the NIS countries; it is the main BDPA-SCETAGRI creased human and financial means, European Union program in this region. 27 rue Louis Vicat 75738 Paris • interact with users, follow up their ISABELLE GACHIE is with BDPA- Cedex 15 requests and so forth. SCETAGRI, a private consulting firm, FRANCE working worldwide in the field of rural Telephone: +33-1-46-38-34-75 development and environment. The NOTES Fax: +33-1-46-44-75-44 Information Centre manages several E-Mail: [email protected] 1. The NIS countries cover the former documentary networks, publishes USSR: Russian Federation, Ukraine, Be- technical bulletins and carry out audit larus, Moldavia, Georgia, Armenia, Azer- and analysis for the setting up of baïdjan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turk- information services.

Producing and Disseminating Information to the Agricultural Producers of NIS Countries 57 Concurrent Session 2 Information for Research on Sustainable Agriculture in Tropical America: A Collective Challenge

aux conditions locales en zone néo-tropi- res. No se recolecta ni se analiza sis- Elizabeth Doupé Goldberg cale. Cette information est générée par temáticamente; su distribución es limita- des ONG, des agences de développe- da o desconocida; está escrita en es- ABSTRACT: As natural resource man- ment ou des organisations de produc- pañol y portugués; y muchas veces no agement research becomes more inter- teurs, et est souvent conservée dans les va más allá de los límites institucionales. disciplinary there is a need to tap more collections privées des chercheurs. Elle El acceso a esta información es esencial diverse information sources. Much of the n’est pas collectée ou analysée systé- para la investigación en el manejo de los research and development output is matiquement ; sa distribution est limitée recursos, en actividades de desarrollo y found primarily in non-conventional or ou inconnue, en espagnol ou en portu- actividades educativas, y en la elabo- grey literature which provides valuable gais, et souvent au seulement au sein de ración de políticas. El análisis de las information on natural resource manage- l’institution. L’accès à cette information bases de datos internacionales muestra ment relevant to local conditions in the est essentielle pour la recherche sur la que la cobertura de esta información es neotropics. This information is generated gestion des ressources, les activités de inadecuada. Además, estas bases de by non-governmental organizations, de- développement et de formation, et la datos no están fácilmente disponibles velopment agencies and farmer organi- prise de décision. L’analyse des bases para los investigadores regionales, los zations and is often held in researchers de données internationale révèle que extensionistas, los productores, las for- private collections. It is not systematical- cette information n’est pas suffisamment muladores de políticas y el personal de ly collected or analyzed, of limited or un- couverte, et que ces bases de données información. Hay barreras idiomáticas, fi- known distribution, in Spanish and Por- ne sont pas aisément accessibles pour nancieras y de capacitación que limitan tuguese, and often does not go beyond les chercheurs, vulgarisateurs, décideurs, o prohiben el acceso. Este documento institutional boundaries. Access to this et spécialistes de l’information de la ré- presenta un proyecto que reta a los information is essential for resource man- gion. Il y a des contraintes linguistiques, proveedores, a los productores y a los agement research, development and ed- financières et professionnelles, qui limi- intermediarios de la información, en seis ucational activities, and policymaking. An- tent ou empêchent l’accès. Cet article países latinoamericanos, para que tra- alysis of international databases shows présente un projet qui défit les four- bajen juntos para garantizar la recupera- inadequate coverage of this information. nisseurs, producteurs et intermédiaires ción de y el acceso a fuentes clave de in- Furthermore, these databases are not de l’information de six pays d’Amérique formación mediante un rango de canales readily available to regional researchers, latine, de travailler en partenariat afin de de comunicación. extensionists, producers, policymakers, récupérer les sources principales et y ac- and information personnel. There are lan- céder par voies de communication. guage, financial, and training barriers that limit or prohibit access. This paper pre- RESUMEN: A medida que la investi- Background sents a project that challenges informa- gación en el manejo de los recursos nat- There is an urgent need to in- tion providers, producers, and intermedi- urales se vuelve más interdisciplinaria, aries in six Latin American countries to es necesarios aprovechar fuentes más crease food production while con- work in partnership to ensure recovery of diversas de información. Gran parte de serving natural resources, especially and access to key sources through a los resultados de investigación y desar- in the agroecological zones of well range of communication channels. rollo se encuentra principalmente en la watered hillsides, forest margins, literatura no convencional o “gris”. Esta and lowland, acid-soil savannas in RESUMÉ: Comme la gestion des res- literatura proporciona información vali- sources naturelles est de plus en plus in- osa sobre el manejo de los recursos nat- tropical America. In total, this rep- terdisciplinaire, il faut faire appel à des urales relevante a las condiciones lo- resents an area of more than 141 sources d’information plus variées. La cales en el neotrópico. Esta información million immediately accessible hec- plupart des résultats de la recherche et es generada por las organizaciones no tares where more than 80 million du développement se trouve principale- gubernamentales, las agencias de de- people live. The shift from strict- ment dans la littérature grise qui fournit sarrollo y las organizaciones de agricul- de l’information intéressante sur la ges- tores y, a menudo, se conserva en las ly commodity oriented, high agro- tion des ressources naturelles adaptées colecciones privadas de los investigado- chemical input agriculture to lower

58 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 input and sustainable agriculture im- ysis of international bibliographic Proposed Solutions plies a shift to information-inten- databases indicates that there is inad- sive agriculture. But there are gaps equate coverage of this information. An ecoregional research initiative in the documented knowledge on Finally, there is lack of communi- that covers such global problems as components of sustainable agricul- cation between institutions and ex- water, soil and nutrient use efficien- tural systems, farmer decision-mak- isting networks that are collecting cy, soil loss, biodiversity, reduction ing processes, and land use policies information on related topics. This of agriculturally-derived pollution both at the farm level and at more results in duplication of effort and of the environment, and climate aggregate levels such as community incompatibility of information pro- change needs a new approach for or watershed. Researchers, exten- cessing. The challenge is to link and the recovery of critical supporting sionists, policymakers, and produc- harmonize these fragmented research information. This paper proposes a ers need information on these com- support efforts. collaborative multi-institutional effort to identify, recover, and dis- ponents in order to develop appro- Because research on sustainable seminate relevant information. The priate technologies and policy agriculture and land management is model already exists in the research guidelines for more productive and interdisciplinary and widely dis- consortia that are in formation. Par- sustainable land use. In particular, persed among many organizations, ticipants, priorities, and needs have there is a need for more information it exceeds the scope of any single been identified. Information spe- on measurements and indicators of institution to provide comprehen- cialists in these same institutions sustainability; economic and envi- sive information support. In re- have a comparative advantage to ronmental costs of agriculture in- source management research, con- join forces to provide the required cluding the effect on biodiversity; sortia and ecoregional initiatives are research information support. recuperation of degraded soils; being formed as a mechanism to plant-soil interactions; cropping and more effectively plan and carry out Goal and Objectives – The overall production system prototypes; inte- complex research agendas common goal of the proposed initiative is to grated pest management; socioeco- to many institutions. contribute to the generation of tech- nomic policies; and indigenous The Consultative Group on In- nologies that increase sustainable knowledge, among other subjects. ternational Agricultural Research agricultural production in fragile As natural resource management (CGIAR) is in the process of re- agroecosystems of tropical Ameri- research becomes increasingly in- structuring its research activities ca. More specifically, the purpose is terdisciplinary, there is a need to tap into systemwide and ecoregional to improve the quality and efficien- more diverse information sources. programs. The International Center cy of research and decision-making But access to this information is for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) has in resource management through subject to many limitations. Valu- recently been designated by the improved access to local literature able information relevant to local CGIAR as a convening center for on conservation and sustainable ag- conditions is generated by non-gov- ecoregional research for tropical ricultural use of forest margins, hill- ernmental organizations, develop- Latin America. As such, CIAT will sides, and acid-soil savannas of the ment agencies, governmental insti- play a lead role in seeking partner- neo-tropics. tutions, and farmer organizations. ships with national, regional, and The primary objectives of such Typical of grey literature, it is scat- international policy, research, and an initiative are: tered in diverse institutions. It is producer institutions to plan and • To link researchers and other infor- not systematically collected or ana- carry out research that leads to bet- mation producers with information lyzed and is not widely distrib- ter understanding of climate, soils, specialists in the effort to identify uted—often not going beyond insti- water and biological interactions for and document resource manage- tutional boundaries. Still more in- the agroecology, as a whole. ment literature of the tropics. formation remains closely held in Many other ecoregional initia- • To strengthen national institution- researchers’ private collections. tives are being organized both at the al capacity for managing locally Some organizations in the region CGIAR system level as well as at produced information. conducting research or development regional and global levels to man- • To promote rational access to and work in resource management main- age the natural resource manage- sharing of resources through the tain documentation centers or data- ment agenda. CIAT is involved in at dissemination of information prod- bases with important local informa- least three others which have an im- ucts. tion, such as theses, annual reports, pact on tropical Latin America. and technical bulletins. Several non- These are the Managing Acid Soils Principal Activities – The activi- governmental organizations have (MAS) Initiative, Soil Water and ties of the proposed initiative focus built up substantial collections of ob- Nutrient Management (SWNM) Re- on four areas: development of a net- servational data relevant to specific search Initiative, and Alternatives to work of participants; training of the regions or problems. However, anal- Slash and Burn. information intermediaries and end-

Information for Research on Sustainable Agriculture in Tropical America:A Collective Challenge 59 users in information management; Table 1 – Sample Priority Topics for Targeted Ecosystems database development; and dissemination of database products and ex- 1. Prototype combinations of system components including soil conservation change of information. practices, leguminous species for soil improvement, multi-purpose forage germplasm, agroforestry components in relation to representative production Network Development – A prin- systems cipal output of the initiative would be a network made up of research- 2. Effects of soil conservation practices on the dynamics of nutrient cycling, biomass production, soil organic matter formation, plant growth and pro- ers or development specialists who duction produce and use the information, information intermediaries who docu- 3. Soil water use ment its content, and information 4. Control of soil erosion providers who package and dissem- 5. Soil quality indicators inate the final product. This would 6. Maintenance of organic matter and soil fertility in integrated production involve a series of activities such as systems the identification of and contact with key participants and develop- 7. Sustainable food production for local consumption ment of mailing lists; development 8. Impact of agriculture (pesticides and deforestation) on soils and water of a detailed search strategy based 9. Economic and social costs of soil degradation on priority topics for each ecosys- 10. Farmers’ decision-making about land use and technology choice tem as identified by potential beneficiaries (Table 1); surveys of exist- 11. Development of markets for new products and their effect on resource conservation ing literature sources to identify gaps and targeted documents (Table 12. Ecosystem characterization (socio-economic parameters, soil classification, 2); and development of mechanisms climate, landscape, biodiversity assessment and land use) for electronic exchange of information and documents. electronic networking, and promotion producers to input their docu- Training – The success of such a tion and development of informa- ments directly. network depends in large part on tion products. Emphasis would be trained information personnel—a Database Development – The ob- second important output of the ini- placed on compatibility with inter- jective of developing a network and tiative. The training package would national standards and existing doc- training information personnel is to cover principles of information man- umentation methodologies. An ex- build a database to ensure efficient agement including indexing and ab- pert system can be designed to access to the source documents—a stracting, organization of a database, assist researchers or other informa- third output of the initiative. This involves acquisition of the source Table 2 – Types of Documents to be Collected documents, indexing and abstract- ing for local databases using a 1. Statistics on land area, yield, annual production of food crops, population, common, standardized methodolo- crop prices gy, exporting information for con- 2. Biophysical and socioeconomic indicators solidation in regional and international databases, and maintenance 3. Theses and dissertations of a centralized, back-up collection 4. Research results or findings of all documents included in the 5. Survey results database to guarantee efficient and 6. Data from experiments effective document delivery. Elec- tronic networks such as Internet 7. Data on nutrient content and yield for food crops would be used for rapid exchange of 8. Maps of soil, vegetation, crop distribution, etc. bibliographic records, communica- 9. Reports and studies tion, and transmission of full-text 10. Proceedings of meetings document images where the local infrastructure permits. 11. Farmer participatory evaluation studies 12. Economic assessments, including evaluation and impact studies Dissemination of Information – The final output and the primary 13. Policy documents and instruments benefit to network participants is the 14. Indigenous environmental indicators dissemination of information. Infor- 15. Extension bulletins mation gathered would be distributed in current awareness bulletins,

60 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 on diskette, on compact disc, and infrastructure including collections • Harmonization: compatibility of through network information ser- of relevant literature. technical standards is a prerequi- vers. It would also be republished To achieve the above goals, over- site for connectivity and collective in international sources such as come the current limitations, and action, especially database pro- the AGRIS and CARIS databases, take advantage of new opportuni- duction and electronic information among others. There would be pho- ties, the information consortium exchange; tocopy or electronic delivery ser- must apply the following principles: • Participation: equal partnerships vice for documents in the collec- • Efficiency: improved access to the will stimulate commitment to col- tion. There would be directories of literature to be achieved through laborative programs. specialists and bulletin boards for task allocation based on institu- The consortium approach will stimulating exchange between re- tional comparative advantage; searchers. Participants would have challenge information providers and access, not only to their own institu- • Connectivity: enhanced electronic intermediaries to work in close part- tional information, but to that of all networking to ensure greater effi- nership with researchers, planners the others. The benefits of participa- ciency and effectiveness of infor- and development specialists, as well tion would be tangible enough to mation exchange; as with other related networks, to sustain the initiative and ensure an incoming flow of documents need- Figure 1 – Breakdown of Project Activities ed to maintain the service and the databases in the future. Program Goal To contribute to Increased sustainable agricultural Figure 1 gives a breakdown of production in fragile agroecosystems of tropical America. project outputs and activities. Purpose To Improve the quality and efficiency of research and decision-making In resource Implementing Mechanism management through improved access to local literature on conservation and sustainable agricultural use of forest margins, hillsides, and acid-soil savannas of the neotropics. To implement the initiative, a consortium would be formed. Mul- Network ti-institutional and interdisciplinary Information in nature, the consortium would Establish nodes Produce current unite diverse institutions including Contact infonnation awareness bulletins producers Produce database national agricultural research sys- Develop mailing lists updates on diskette tems, international research institu- Develop search Publish database on strategy compact disc tions, and information providers Survey for gaps Publish directory of around a common agenda (Figure Establish mechanism specialists for electronic Distribute database 2). Many of these institutions are al- information exchange products ready working together to jointly Provide document plan priorities for ecoregional re- delivery search. An information clearinghouse is recognized as an essential compo- Figure 2 – Potential Consortium Participants nent of ecoregional research consortia to ensure that mechanisms are in place to link the efforts of re- CIAT searchers, policymakers, and farm- National CIMMYT ers working on shared problems. institutions CIP The nucleus would be made up of Universities ICRAF NGO's information representatives from the IFPRI Cooperatives same institutions involved in the re- CATIE IICA search and development consortia. The information consortium or clearinghouse would be user-based, demand-driven, and built on needs and priorities already defined by research. Node institutions would be AGRIS/CARIS selected based on the concentration CAB I of relevant research or development AGRICOLA activity and existing information

Information for Research on Sustainable Agriculture in Tropical America:A Collective Challenge 61 ensure the recovery of the most im- Information Providers – Informa- complete the multi-lateral informa- portant information on sustainable tion providers and publishers, such tion flow. agricultural production and land as AGRIS/CARIS of the Food and An initiative built on the princi- management. Agriculture Organization (FAO), ples of efficiency, complementarity, the National Agricultural Library compatibility, and equal partner- Consortium Participants (NAL), and CAB International pro- ships has a good chance of succeed- and Comparative duce databases in support of agri- ing. So does one where the informa- Advantage cultural research. AGRIS has a man- tion producers and end-users, as date for publishing the regional well as the providers, are key play- National Agricultural Research grey literature produced by FAO ers in the partnership from the very Systems – National agricultural re- member countries in the AGRIS and beginning. search systems include national re- CARIS cooperative databases. In search and policy institutes, univer- addition, its multi-lingual documen- BIBLIOGRAPHY tation methodology, software ap- sities, NGOs, producer associations, Centro Internacional de Agricultura Trop- and farmer cooperatives. These na- plications to aid input, and broad ical (CIAT). 1993. Management of Acid tional institutes are the prime pro- distribution networks in developing Soils in Latin America—An Interdiscipli- ducers of valuable grey literature. as well as developed countries give nary and Multi-institutional Collaborative They would have a comparative ad- FAO a comparative technical ad- Undertaking. Cali, Colombia: CIAT. vantage. vantage to network with their own Centro Internacional de Agricultura Trop- researchers and development spe- ical (CIAT). 1994. Strengthening Ecore- cialists as well as with information gional Research for Agricultural Devel- producers in their respective coun- Conclusion opment in Tropical Latin America: a tries, to identify the best sources of Preliminary Proposal. Cali, Colombia: The ultimate success of research CIAT. documentation, and ensure access and development efforts to improve to the information. National owner- sustainable agricultural production Consultative Group on International Agri- ship is important to the success of in tropical America will rely heavily cultural Research (CGIAR). Technical the initiative. on multi-institutional cooperation Advisory Committee. 1993. The Ecore- gional Approach to Research in the International Research Institu- and sharing of valuable and unique CGIAR. TAC Secretariat. Rome: FAO. tions – International research insti- information resources. Such coop- tutions working in Latin America, eration will result in increased ac- Consultative Group on International Agri- cultural Research (CGIAR). Technical such as CIAT, the International Cen- cess at less cost. This will contribute to improved quality and efficiency Advisory Committee. 1994. Review of ter for Maize and Wheat Improve- Proposals for Systemwide and Ecore- ment (CIMMYT), the International of research, education, and deci- gional Initiatives. TAC Secretariat. Rome: Potato Center (CIP), the Interna- sion-making. In addition, research FAO. tional Centre for Research in Agro- results will become more visible and exert more impact. International Board for Soil Research forestry (ICRAF), the International and Management (IBSRAM). 1994. Soil, Food Policy Research Institute (IF- The initiative will also increase Water, and Nutrient Management Re- PRI), the Instituto Interamericano connectivity and improve collabo- search—A New Agenda; Position Paper. de Cooperación para la Agricultura ration among national institutions, Bangkok: IBSRAM. (IICA) and the Centro Agronómico NGOs, and producer organizations. Tropical de Investigación y En- This, in turn, will lead to better cov- International Centre for Research in erage of local literature, less dupli- Agroforestry (ICRAF). 1994. Alternatives señanza (CATIE), among others, to Slash and Burn. Nairobi: ICRAF. develop and diffuse knowledge on cation of effort, and strengthened resource management technologies local capacity to maintain and use ELIZABETH GOLDBERG is Head of in agroecosystems of tropical Amer- the databases in the future. the Information Unit at CIAT. ica. They also provide an institu- Finally, the initiative will in- CONTACT ADDRESS: tional common ground where na- crease the flow of information to tional programs can come together. researchers in universities and tech- Elizabeth Doupé Goldberg International centers have a com- nical agencies outside the region Centro Internacional de parative advantage in project co- interested in technologies that im- Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) ordination, information technology prove food production and conserve Apartado Aéreo 6713 Cali, COLOMBIA and infrastructure, and extensive the natural resource base. It will Telephone: +572-445-0249 networks of national and regional also bring complementary interna- FAX: +572-445-0273 research systems. tional information into the region to E-Mail: [email protected]

62 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Concurrent Session 2 Latin American Regional Initiatives in Agricultural Information

Edith Hesse ment (IDB), de l’IICA, de CAB Interna- These however, may change as tional et de la Fondation Kellogg. discussions progress further.

ABSTRACT: In 1972, the Latin American RESUMEN: La Asociación Interameri- Association of Agricultural Librarians and cana de Bibliotecarios, Documentalistas Antecedents Information Specialists (AIBDA), with y Especialistas en Información Agrícola support from the Inter-American Institute (AIBDA) estableció AGRINTER el Sis- Beginning in the 1950s the Latin for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA), es- tema Regional para la Información Agrí- American agricultural information cola para América Latina y el del Caribe tablished AGRINTER, the Regional Sys- professionals have accumulated a tem for Agricultural Information for Latin en 1972, con el apoyo del Instituto Inter- America and the Caribbean; and in 1975 americano para la Cooperación Agrícola rich and rewarding experience in AGRINTER was linked to AGRIS, under (IICA). En 1975, AGRINTER se unió a working together in regional infor- intergovernmental agreements with AGRIS mediante convenios interguber- mation activities. With financial sup- FAO. In 1986, IICA ended its support to namentales con la FAO. En 1986 el IICA port from the Inter-American Insti- retiró el apoyo que daba a AGRINTER y AGRINTER and reduced its support to tute for Cooperation on Agriculture AIBDA, unfortunately before many na- redujo el apoyo a la Asociación, pero de- tional programs had consolidated their safortunadamente antes de que muchos (IICA), the Bibliografia Agricola information structures. Some were not programas nacionales hubieran consoli- Latinoamericana was produced and able to continue their own national agri- dado sus estructuras de información. published from 1966 to 1975 by the cultural information systems. The paper Muchos de estos programas no pudieron Latin American Association of Ag- continuar con sus propios sistemas na- reports on several current agricultural in- ricultural Librarians, Documentalists formation initiatives in Latin America cionales de información agrícola. El doc- such as those initiated by AIBDA, the umento informa sobre varias iniciativas and Information Specialists (AIB- US-National Agricultural Library (NAL), de información agrícola que se desar- DA). To strengthen regional cooper- the Inter-American Development Bank rollen actualmente en América Latina, ation IICA promoted the establish- (IDB), IICA, CAB International and the como las iniciadas por la AIBDA, la ment of a formal Regional Agricul- Kellogg Foundation. Biblioteca Agrícola Nacional de los Esta- dos Unidos (NAL, su acrónimo en in- tural Information System for Latin glés), el Banco Interamericano de De- America and the Caribbean called RESUMÉ: En 1972, l’Association des sarrollo (BID), el IICA, el CAB Interna- AGRINTER. In 1972 formal agree- bibliothécaires et des spécialistes de l’in- tional y la Fundación Kellogg. ment was reached with 21 countries formation agricole de l’Amérique latine (AIBDA), a créé avec le soutien de l’Insti- in the region to send input to a re- tut inter-américain de coopération en gional agricultural database to be agriculture (IICA), AGRINTER, le sys- Organizers of this Congress maintained and processed by IICA’s tème régional de l’information agricole have invited me to address the is- in-house information and documen- pour l’Amérique latine et les Caraïbes ; et sues of regional agricultural infor- tation center, CIDIA. To introduce en 1975, AGRINTER a fusionné avec AGRIS, sous les accords inter-gouverne- mation systems in Latin America. the necessary regional bibliographi- mentaux avec la FAO. En 1986, IICA a For all of us in the region who work cal norms and train librarians and arrêté son soutien à AGRINTER et réduit as agricultural information special- documentalists, IICA began an ex- son soutien à AIBDA, malheureusement ists, it is clear that the situation as it tensive training program in coop- avant que de nombreux programmes na- currently stands, is unsatisfactory; eration with AIBDA and financed tionaux aient consolidés leurs structures d’information. Certains pays n’ont pas pu several initiatives are now underway by International Development Re- continuer leur propre système national to find appropriate solutions. The search Centre (IDRC) and IICA. In d’information agricole. Cet article fait le best way how to organize a viable addition the program provided tech- compte rendu de plusieurs initiatives en agricultural information system is nical assistance, performed diag- Amérique latine, telles que celles de still under discussion and what I am nostic studies, and assisted in pro- l’AIBDA, de la Bibliothèque Nationale de l’Agriculture des Etats-Unis (NAL), de la reporting here is the current status ject formulation. In 1975, agree- Banque inter-américaine de développe- of activities and some outcomes. ment was reached with FAO that

Latin American Regional Initiatives in Agricultural Information 63 CIDIA become the regional coordi- ing which was organized jointly by capacities and national information nating center for Latin American in- the National Agricultural Library systems (contrary to the goal of put to FAO’s worldwide AGRIS (NAL), the Inter-American Devel- “self-reliance”); by being selective, network using the AGRINTER net- opment Bank (IDB) and AIBDA it would emphasize some literature work and database. and held in Washington, D.C. in while condemning everything else In 1982, based on financial con- January 1994. The results of the to greater obscurity; by replacing siderations, IICA began a gradual one-week intensive group discus- AGRIS methodology with CABI transfer of responsibility for the sions, technology demonstrations methodology in its training pro- AGRINTER network and its prod- and presentations have recently been grams, it would sow confusion ucts to the countries. Unfortunately set down in draft form as the Re- among those many library and doc- the transfer had to begin at a time gional Plan for the Establishment of umentation systems that are based when many national programs had an Inter-American Agricultural In- on AGRIS bibliographic descrip- not yet developed sufficiently formation Network (Draft 1994). tions, classification and AGROVOC strong information infrastructures The plan underlines the need to res- indexing; it would depend on short- to continue their own national agri- cue positive experiences from the term donor financing and, therefore, cultural information systems. In past and to design a creative, solid put at risk the long-term availability 1986 IICA suspended its support to and sustainable information infra- of its products at prices affordable AGRINTER and supported at a restructure for the agricultural sector in developing countries. duced scale AIBDA and it spelled in the region. Regional networking To compile and process the Latin disaster for the regional effort. With is seen to be viable only to the ex- American agricultural information the disappearance of IICA and di- tent that national agricultural infor- is a task of such a size that the minished presence of AIBDA, there mation systems are strong and at- Workshop participants believed it was no central coordinating mecha- tuned to the needs of local agricul- could be handled only through well nism to carry out collaborative ac- tural communities and shareholders. organized national cooperative sys- tivities and training events. The Based on this plan, AIBDA with tems. The processing of a relatively countries with more advanced na- support from IICA, has developed a small quantity of Latin American tional coordinating centres began to proposal for a regional agricultural literature by a not-for-profit but still send input directly to AGRIS. The information system, and intends to sales-oriented information provider less developed centers ceased par- present it to various donors. like CABI would confuse the issue ticipation in AGRIS or participated and certain decision-makers. The at a much reduced rate. CABI Proposal – At the tenth meet- recommendation of the Latin Amer- Today, there are several more ing of AIBDA in Santiago de Chile ican information specialists, there- specialized initiatives, limited by in November 1993, the former Di- fore, was that the money requested subject or by geographic scope but rector General of CAB Internation- from IDB would be better spent to these are no substitute for the broad- al, Doug Laing, presented a propos- speed up work related to the multi- based cooperation originally con- al to set up a Regional CABI Office lingual aspects of the Unified Agri- ceived by IICA and AIBDA. Unfor- which would start processing Latin cultural Thesaurus, a joint project tunately the more specialized initia- American agricultural literature and among NAL, FAO, and CABI. Ac- tives often compete for available promote distribution of CABI prod- cording to personal communica- resources, both financial and hu- ucts. In his proposal, he also offered tions received from CABI, most of man. This paper deals only with the to produce a CD-ROM covering the these concerns have been reflected broader initiatives that are intended Latin American literature so far inin a new version of the proposal for the entire region and the full dexed in CAB ABSTRACTS and to which is currently under review by gamut of the agricultural sciences. start training activities. IDB for potential funding support. Latin American information spe- Recent Initiatives cialists discussed the proposal in Kellogg Foundation – The Kellogg for Information Work detail at the above-mentioned Inter- Foundation, which intends to launch in the Region American Planning Workshop for a new rural development initiative Information Transfer and Network- aimed at higher-education institu- Inter-American Planning Work- ing and were not convinced that tions in Latin America and The shop for Information Transfer they should support CABI’s request Caribbean, sees information as an and Networking – The urgent need for a grant from the Inter-American important component of this initia- to coordinate and strengthen agri- Development Bank (IDB). They felt tive.1 Given the Foundation’s suc- cultural information activities was that if CABI were to start process- cessful involvement in the Latin- discussed in detail at the Inter- ing Latin American literature: it American Health Information Sys- American Planning Workshop for would keep the copyright; it would tem coordinated by Pan-American Information Transfer and Network- reduce incentives to build national Health Organization (PAHO) and

64 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Biblioteca Regional de Medicina base and use its already widely that it should not be expected to (BIREME), representatives of the available methodology. construct bibliographic data for na- Foundation have expressed interest Nowadays regional information tional publications. A viable region- in supporting and promoting the management and networking in the al agricultural information system reactivation of a functional agri- health sector seems to be flourish- will need strong institutional sup- cultural information system in Latin ing, and information services, in- port, long-term funding and strong America. They have indicated par- cluding the Latin American Health leadership if it is to succeed in fos- ticular interest for projects to en- CD-ROM (LILACS), are becoming tering the construction of strong na- hance national agricultural informa- available at remote hospitals in rural tional agricultural systems. tion infrastructures, and such pro- areas. Similar efforts in the agricul- Information specialists suggest jects should have a strong service tural sector have stagnated during that IICA should re-initiate its coor- component with creative built-in the last decade. Health information dinator role and should form strate- solutions for reaching users in rural professionals who were consulted gic alliances with regional and inter- communities. pointed to the continuous coordina- national institutions such as FAO, To get discussions started on a tor role that the regional health United Nations Educational, Sci- broader basis, the Foundation asked information center BIREME has entific, and Cultural Organization AIBDA to identify 18 agricultural played in strengthening national (UNESCO), CIMMYT, Centro In- information specialists from higher- health information systems, particu- ternacional de la Papa (CIP), Centro education institutions in Latin Amer- larly during times of rapid techno- Internacional de Agricultura Tropi- ica and invited them to the tenth logical advance. BIREME has been cal (CIAT) and Centro Agronómico meeting of AIBDA. As a second able to play this role because of se- Tropical de Investigación y Enseñan- step, the Foundation arranged a cure and long-term funding from za (CATIE), as well as with NAL. working meeting in Sao Paulo, Bra- PAHO and the government of Bra- To most, it is obvious that a zil, in which professionals from zil, as well as the support it received Latin-American database is needed BIREME, AIBDA, FAO, NAL, and from the Kellogg Foundation and and that it should be made available Centro Internacional de Majorami- Canada’s IDRC. also to users in remote rural areas ento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT) As the third step, and to discuss (following the model of the health analyzed the similarities and differ- the need for a regional coordinating sector). Such a database should be ences between the existing agricul- center, the Foundation sponsored a produced by enhancing national in- ture and health information systems. working session at IICA, the only puts to the worldwide AGRIS data- Some obvious differences were not- institution in the region with a broad base and then extracting both the ed, namely that information in the mandate in agriculture and with of- material published in the region as health sector is usually much more fices in each country. In this working well as the material concerning the universally applicable, and that the session, three external consultants region that is published elsewhere. users are doctors and health profes- together with three IICA informa- National systems would have to be sionals, whereas in the agricultural tion specialists prepared guidelines strengthened to ensure the compila- sector the information is more site- for information work at IICA. These tion of all information produced in specific and the users are much more have been included in IICA’s Medi- their countries. These national sys- diverse (agronomists in the private um Term Plan which has been ap- tems would also have to ensure the and public sector, producers, exten- proved by agricultural ministers of availability of the national, regional sionists and so forth). In addition, its 33 member countries in Septem- and global (AGRIS) databases for much of the health sector literature is ber 1994 (Arias et al. 1994). national users. included in medical journals, where- Given that the AGRIS method- as much of the agricultural literature Results of ology is already widely used in the is reported in a broad range of Ongoing Initiatives region, and that even the strongest non-conventional documents. In the national system in the Americas, health sector there was no pre-exist- Most information specialists agree namely that of the USA, actively ing global information system with that a viable regional agricultural participates in AGRIS, there seems a mandate to record the convention- information system must be highly to be no doubt that AGRIS offers al and non-conventional documents decentralized putting the respon- the most viable framework for the from the countries of Latin America sibilities into the hands of the na- system. In addition, given that many and therefore, BIREME was set up tional cooperating centers within other information initiatives are al- to do this for the first time. Whereas each country. There is also agree- ready using the UNESCO-based in the agricultural sector the world- ment that a regional coordination CDS/ISIS software for their respec- wide AGRIS database already exist- center is needed and that it should tive databases, it is this software ed and consequently it seemed ra- act as a facilitator and convener, that should be used and promoted in tional to build on this existing data- perhaps as a center for training, but current database building efforts.

Latin American Regional Initiatives in Agricultural Information 65 Conclusions Castronovo, A. 1987. Evaluation of Five en la region bajo la perspectiva de la Agricultural Information Mini-Projects in Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe de in- This paper was prepared several Latin America. Ottawa: IDRC. formacion en Ciencias de la Salud. Sao weeks before the Congress, and it is Paulo, Brasil: BIREME/OPS. based largely on discussions that CGIAR. 1989. Report of the CGIAR Doc- umentation and Information Services Woolston, J.E. 1985. “Regional Integra- took place in 1994. More recently, Meeting. Hyderabad, India: ICRISAT. tion of Information Activities: Donor’s Mr. Finn Damtoft has taken over as Viewpoint.” Revista AIBDA, 6(1):21–28. Director of Information, Documen- FAO Evaluation Service. 1991. “Agricul- tation and Training at IICA. In the tural Information in Developing Coun- Woolston, J.E. 1990. Scientific and Tech- course of our exchanges during the tries.” Library Trends, 38(3):578–634. nical Information in the CG International Agricultural Research System. Washing- first weeks of 1995, he has asked me ton, DC.: CGIAR Secretariat, World to record IICA’s renewed interest in Haravu, L.J. 1994. “Library Networking and Resource Sharing in the NARS and Bank. information. Clearly it is now to be Possible Role of the IARCs.” Quarterly hoped that IICA will again take up Bulletin of IAALD, 39(3):253–259. Woolston, J.E. 1993. Talleres sobre ges- the leadership role in strengthening tion de investigación agricola. Módulo sobre Servicios de Información. FAO Re- Hesse, Edith and Janeti L. Bombini de regional cooperation. search and Development Centre. Re- Moura. 1994. “Proposal to Re-establish search Technology Development Divi- a Latin American Regional Program for NOTES sion. Rome: FAO. Agricultural Information.” Paper presented at the Inter-American Planning Work- 1. A preliminary version of “UNIR: Una EDITH HESSE is Head of the Scientific shop for Agricultural Information Transfer propuesta para el desarrollo” has been Information Unit, CIMMYT, Mexico. circulated for discussion. and Networking at the Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, D.C. Author’s Note: The author acknowl- and the National Agricultural Library, REFERENCES edges the comments and suggestions Beltsville, Maryland, 24–28 Jan 1994. received from Finn Damtoft, Director of Akhtar, Shahid. 1989. Las redes lati- Information, Documentation and Train- Draft. 1994. Regional Plan for the Estab- noamericanas de informacion. Observa- ing, IICA, Costa Rica; Suzana Sperry, lishment of an Inter-American Agricultur- ciones sobre su desarrollo, manejo y uti- President of AIBDA, Brazil; Ghislaine al Information Network. Washington, lización. Informe Seminario-Taller. La Poitevien, Executive Secretary of AIBDA, D.C.: Inter-American Development Bank, Habana, Cuba, Octubre 1988. Ottawa: Costa Rica; Ana Maria Arias, Head, In- Washington, D.C.; Beltsville, MD: Na- IDRC, Ottawa formation and Documentation Division, tional Agricultural Library. IICA, Costa Rica; and Sonia Elso, Coor- Agha, Syed Salim. 1991. The Responsi- dinator, Documentation & Information bility and the Response: Sustaining In- Plucknett, D.L., N.J. Smith and S. Ozge- Program, Instituto de Investigaciones formation Systems in Developing Coun- diz .1990. Networking in International Agropecuarias, Chile. tries. Ottawa: IDRC. Agricultural Research. Ithaca, NY: Cor- nell University Press. CONTACT ADDRESS: Arias, Ana Maria et al. 1994. Lineamien- tos para la accion del IICA en el campo Poitevien, Ghislaine. 1992. “AIBDA: A Edith Hesse de la informacion. Informe del grupo de valuable Endeavour in Agricultural Li- CIMMYT Scientific Information Unit trabajo. San José, Costa Rica: IICA. braries and Information Services for Apartado Postal No. 6-641 Latin America and the Caribbean.” Inter- 06600 Mexico D.F. Ballantyne. P. and B. Mook. 1993. Infor- national Journal of Information & Library MEXICO mation Management Needs in National Research, 4(2):139–152. Telephone: +52-5-726-9091 Agricultural Research Systems. ISNAR Fax: +52-5-726-7558 Briefing Paper 6. The Hague, The Neth- Ribeiro Zaher, Abel Celia y Packer. 1992. E-Mail: [email protected] erlands: ISNAR, The Hague. El desarrollo de la informacion en salud

66 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Concurrent Session 2 Brazilian Agricultural Science Citation Index—IBCCAg: Preliminary Results

Fernando C. Peres, periódicas en ciencias agrarias del Bra- evaluation of the scientific produc- sil. Esta complementación es necesario tion of researchers and institutions. Janeti L. Bombini de Moura, devido a las características de localiza- Angela R.P. e Peres, Sonia ción presentadas por las ciencias agra- In Brazil, several institutions are Correa da Rocha, and Jose rias, principalmente en relación a su compiling the scientific production Luiz Boscariol aplicabilidad. Hasta el momento fueron of authors and of institutions. How- incluidos en la base 76.330 registros/ ever, there is no systematic compi- referencias, 1985–1992. Estos títulos ABSTRACT: The project objective is to lation of citations although the pos- develop an index of citations in agricul- fueron considerados los vehículos más tural science (IBCCAg) similar to Sci- importantes para los especialistas en sible impact of this type of index ence Citation Index (SCI) published by genética del Brasil. Genética fue la would be great especially for the the Institute of Scientific Information. The primera área escogida para iniciar la pre- Agricultural Sciences. Agricultural IBCCAg will be complementary to SCI. sente compilación, dentro de las cien- Sciences, differently from other sci- cias agrarias. The additonal database is necessary ences, are singular in terms of geo- due to the locational characteristics of the agricultural sciences especially in its graphical location, especially in the applied part. To present a total of 76,330 Introduction applied areas. Their singularity is entries/references are compiled for twelve and Problem Situation due to the diversity of soil and cli- Brazilian periodicals published from When J. Blickenstaff and M. J. mate conditions that characterize 1985 to 1992. These titles were found to agricultural production. Even in debe among the most important source of Moravcsik (1982) submitted the ar- publications for genetics specialists in ticle “Scientific Output in the Third veloped countries, agricultural sci- Brazil. Genetics was chosen as the first World” for publication in Intercien- entific journals tend to be under- agricultural science area to be compiled. cia, a Venezuelan journal, publica- represented in scientific compila- RESUMÉ: L’objectif de ce projet vise à tion was denied on grounds that the tions (Beilock and Polopolus, 1988). développer un index de citations en sci- Institute for Scientific Information Regional journals of the USA that ences agronomiques (IBCCAg), sem- (ISI) output was not large enough to publishe research results in Agricul- blable à l’Index de Citations scientifiques represent Latin America scientific tural Economics, for example, are (SCI) publié par l’Institut d’Information not compiled in the Social Sciences scientifique. L’IBCCAg sera complémen- production. The article was pub- taire à SCI. Cette base de données sup- lished by Scientometrics and the au- Citation Index (SSCI). Since they plémentaire est nécessaire, suite aux thors admitted that not only Latin report mainly regional results their caractéristiques géographiques des sci- America but underdeveloped coun- impact is restricted and they are not ences agronomiques, en particulier des cited enough in other journals. sciences appliquées. A présent, 76.330 tries’ scientific production in gener- références/entrées ont été compilées al are not sufficiently represented in If a journal does not have enough provenant de douze périodiques brési- the ISI database. The authors “have articles frequently cited in other pe- liens publiés entre 1985 et 1992. Ces therefore been suggesting for some riodicals it will not satisfy the crite- titres se sont avérés être parmi les plus time to various appropriate people ria that warrants its inclusion in the importantes sources de publications pour les généticiens au Brésil. in the developing countries that ISI indexes. Therefore, Agricultural these countries, singly or in groups, Sciences journals from less devel- RESUMEN: En el presente trabajo se initiate their own computerized com- oped countries will, in general, not presentan los resultados preliminares de un proyecto que tiene por objetivo el de- pilation of journals, authors, publica- satisfy the conditions to be included sarrollo de un sistema dé indices de citations and perhaps even citations.” in those indexes. In fact, until 1992 ciónes en ciencias agrarias (IBCCAg) (Blickenstaff & Moravcsik, 1982, p. ISI’s Science Citation Index (SCI) semejante al Science Citation Index 135). They suggest that those com- and Social Science Citation Index (SCI) publicado por Institute of Scientific pilations will be of international val- (SSCI) compiled publications of Information. El IBCCAg tenderá carac- terísticas complementares al SCI, permi- ue but will also be valuable for na- from three journals from Brazil in all tiendo la incorporación de publicaciones tional scientific policy making and in areas of knowledge. This definitly

Brazilian Agricultural Science Citation Index—IBCCAg: Preliminary Results 67 does not do justice to the scientific it is based on peer evaluation. flow of citations to the paper. The production of the country. Through citation analyses one flow may begin again if some kind In certain areas of knowledge, can assess the usefulness of a paper of rehabilitation occurs. Negative such as the basic sciences, publica- (Garfield, 1979). This evaluation citations allow, therefore, for cor- tion of scientific papers by brazilian can be complementary in the pro- rection of uncareful refereeing. scientists in international journals is cess of allocating resources by pub- Self-citations are also pointed out common and desirable. In other ar- lic institutions. It can be used in as limiting the power of citation in- eas, like in the agricultural sciences, evaluating the work that is done by dexing to assess quality, impact, or papers barely present enough funda- researchers or institutions. In devel- usefulness of a paper. They may be mentals to suggest publication in oped countries or even in Brazil, excluded in building the indexes if foreign journals. A few papers will and for certain areas of knowledge one thinks self-citations bias the re- warrant publication in international where a higher percentage of papers sults. In fact, exclusion of self-cita- journals but most deserve only local are published in international jour- tions has been found not to change attention and should be published in nals, the number of citations re- the results of citations indexes in as- periodicals with local scope. ceived by a researcher is commonly sessing a paper’s impact (Beilock, shown in the researcher’s vita. The Polopolus and Correal, 1986; Bei- lock and Polopolus, 1988). Objective number of citations received by a researcher has been shown to be As indicated by Velho (1989), The objective of the study is to highly correlated with the quality of decorative citations—these added report the development of an Index the work of the author. As any other to papers to show the author’s fa- of Citation in Agricultural Sciences quality assessment method, on the miliarity with the field—would also for Brazil (IBCCAg) similar to Sci- other hand, citation index has its lower the value of citation indexes. ence Citation Index. The IBCCAg weakness and should be used in This should be no problem if refer- have similar characteristics to SCI conjunction with other procedures. ees for the journals do a good job in but will increase its base through weighing the amount of citations the incorporation of Brazilian scien- Limitations of the IBCCAg and the scope of the paper. In gener- tific periodicals. It will be useful in al, referees for scientific journals two ways: as research and biblio- Among the limitations of cita- are asked to determine how appro- graphic review tool and as an instru- tions indexes as a quality of re- priate are the citations of a paper. ment able to introduce objective el- search assessment tool is the fact ISI’s SCI and SSCI indicate only ements to the assessment of the that only scientific periodicals are first authors production. There is a impact of scientific papers. used in compiling the indexes. Pa- considerable amount of research In reviewing the literature, the pers published in books, in maga- being done to determine whether use of citation indexes are of great zines, or any other periodicals, may considering only first authors will value. Starting with a basic pub- have great impact in improving peo- change the rankings of individuals. lished paper one can follow the au- ple’s life and not be shown in cita- In order to be consistent with SCI thors or papers that criticized or fol- tion indexes. It follows that citation and SSCI, IBCCAg will report re- lowed its line of thought. A tree can indexes should be used only in eval- sults only by first authors. The num- then be built, showing the papers/ uating the impact of a scientific pa- ber of citations received by a paper authors that worked in a given line. per in other works developed by can be evaluated in any of these in- Citation Indexes can also play a members of the academic world. dexes and, therefore, co-authors ci- relevant role in the evaluation of re- The impossibility of separation tations can be counted. search quality. Financial resources of the positive from the negative ci- Using citation indexes as an aux- used by agricultural scientific re- tations is another limitation associ- iliary criteria to evaluate the impact search are part of a limited amount of ated with using citation indexes as of a paper (and of authors and insti- resources that public and private in- research’s quality evaluation tool. tutions, by consequence) has limita- stitutions allocate to the development Journals have editorial referees that tions but they do not invalidate its of science. Society wants to maxi- evaluate the quality of the submitted use. On the other hand, citation in- mize returns on these resources. It is papers. On the other hand, the ideal dexes may be an important tool in necessary that society can assess the verdict about a paper takes place literature review that warrants its usefulness of the work that is utiliz- only after publication, when the usefulness. ing its resources. Citation Indexes entire academic community that allow an objective way to measure works with that specific subject Methodology the impact of a research. As suggest- knows about it. The indication by ed by Garfield (1979) citation analy- any author about the weakness of Although the duration of this pro- ses are proper instruments to evalu- the paper, not noticed by journal ject is not determined, we will pro- ate the quality of a research because referees will, in general, stop the ceed on detailing actions taken to

68 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 implement its first years. Three basic years (1985–1989) citations will be Garfield E. 1987. “The citation index as a steps are being developed with some published. A yearly publication for search tool.” Social Science Citation In- overlapping among them: the first, IBCCAg will follow thereafter. dex, 30–59. Philadelphia, PA: ISI. deals with selecting the journals that Gilbert, G.N. 1978. “Measuring the growth would be compiled for the citation of science: a review of indicators of sci- index (Appendix 1); the second, Preliminary Results entific growth.” Scientometrics, 1(1):9–34. deals with writing and debugging Twelve Brazilian journals were Institute for Scientific Information. 1994. the necessary software; and the third compiled for the period 1985–1992 Science Citation Index. Philadelphia, PA: deals with compiling the data and with over 75,000 references collect- ISI. publication of the citation index. ed. Genetics was chosen as the first Moravcsik, M.J. 1987. “In the beholder’s Two basic criteria were followed area of agricultural sciences to be eye: a possible reinterpretation of vel- in selecting the journals to be com- compiled into the IBCCAg. Starting hos’s results on Brasilian agricultural re- piled: first, the group of journals with periodicals registered in the search.” Scientometrics, 11(1/2):53–57. that have a body of referees were Brazilian Institute of Science and Peres, A.R.P., F.C. Peres, and D.W. selected from the list published by Technology Information (IBICT— Adams. 1990. “Uso de citacoes na avali- the Brazilian Institute of Science Instituto Brasileiro de Informacao acao da pesquisa em economia rural de- senvolvida pela ESALQ-USP.” Semi- and Technology Information— em Ciencia e Tecnologia), members nário Sobre Problemas e Perspectivas IBICT—(Instituto Brasileiro de In- of the Brazilian Society of Genetics da Agricultura, 6:193–205. formacao em Ciencia e Tecnologia); and professors of the Department of second, directors of professional Genetics of The College of Agricul- Velho, L. 1986. “The meaning of citation in the context of cientifically peripheral scientific societies in such areas as ture (ESALQ) of University of Sao country.” Scientometrics, 9(1/2):71–89. genetics, soil science, entomology, Paulo were interviewed and asked animal science, veterinary, and eco- to indicat the journals they use to Velho, L. 1987. “The author and the beholder: how paradigm commitments can nomic and rural sociology were publish in or consult more frequent- influence the interpretation of research consulted. The final selection of the ly. From the list those periodicals results.” Scientometrics, 11(1/2):59–70. periodicals depend on the compila- that were listed as part of ISI index- tion results. Journals “closed” into es were eliminated and twelve jour- APPENDIX 1 certain institutions, and that are not nals were used for compilation (Ap- cited in papers published by other pendix 1). Brazilian Journals Already Compiled periodicals, will not be part of the for IBCCAg— IBCCAg. This procedure follows Ciência e Cultura The Institute of Scientific Informa- REFERENCES Horticultura Brasileira Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira tion’s selection criteria. Adams, D.W. 1985. Assessing the Use- Revista Brasileira de Biologia Presently periodicals will be eval- fulness of Publications by Agricultural Revista Brasileira de Botânica uated according to the number of ci- Economists through Citations. DAERS Occasional Paper. Columbus, Ohio: Revista Brasileira de Fisiologia Vegetal tations received by their papers in Ohio State University. Revista Brasileira de Genética other journals. This will bring a dy- Revista de Microbiologia namic characteristic to IBCCAg. Beilock, R.P. and L.C. Polopolus. 1988. STAB Açúcar, Álcool, Subprodutos Although the criteria is similar to the “Ranking of agricultural economics de- partaments: influence of regional jour- Revista da Sociedade Brasileira adopted by the ISI, the degree of nals, joint autoshirp, and self-citations.” de Zootecnia cross-citation required by IBCCAg American Journal of Agricultural Eco- Fitopatologia Brasileira will be much lower than the required nomics, 70(2):403–409. by either SCI or SSCI. One must Beilock, R.P., L.C. Polopolus, and M. keep in mind that the IBCCAg deals The authors are located at the Escola Correal. 1986. “Ranking of agricultural Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de with Agricultural Sciences that are economics departments by citations.” Queiroz”-ESALQ, Universidade de much more sensitive to local condi- American Journal of Agricultural Eco- Sao Paulo—USP, Piracicaba, SP, tions than general science indexes. nomics, 68(3):595–605. Brasil.

Periodicals not available at Cam- Blickenstaff, J. and M.J. Moravcsik. CONTACT ADDRESS: pus Libraries are being secured 1982. “Scientific output in the third Janeti L. Bombini de Moura world.” Scientometrics, 4(2):135–169. through interlibrary loan. Initially, Universidad de Sao Paolo eight years of publications (1985– Davis, P. and G. Papanek. 1984. “Facul- Campus Luiz de Queira 1992) were compiled for twelve ti- ty ratings of major economics departa- Div. Biblioteca e Documentacao tles. It is estimated that 210 titles ments by citations.” American Economic Caixa Postal 9 will be compiled when IBCCAg Review, 74:22–230. Piracicaba SP CEP 13418-900 BRAZIL covers all areas of agricultural sci- Garfield, E. 1979. “Is citation analysis a Telephone: +55-194-22-5913 ences. Similar to ISI indexes, a first legitimate evaluation tool?” Scientomet- Fax: +55-194-33–2014 book with the consolidated first five rics, 1(4):359–375. E-Mail: [email protected]

Brazilian Agricultural Science Citation Index—IBCCAg: Preliminary Results 69 Concurrent Session 2 Propuesta de un Modelo de Desarrollo para el Sistema Nacional de Informacion Agricola en Mexico

d’autres organisations internationales au conceptos más importantes a consi- Miguel A. López-Pérez, profit de l’économie nationale. Leticia Rosete-Vela derar en un proyecto sobre el plane- RESUMEN: A pesar de los avances de amiento de un Sistema Nacional de ABSTRACT: Despite progress in both los sectores público y privado, México Información Agrícola. Esto es sólo the public and private sectors, a National aún no ha desarrollado un Sistema Na- un primer intento, que deberá mejo- Agricultural Information System for Mexi- cional de Información Agrícola. Los ac- rarse, para lo cual requerirá de la co has not yet been developed. Current tuales centros de información agrícola participación entusiasta de los bibli- agricultural information centers in Mexi- de México funcionan de manera inde- co function independently and informally pendiente e informal, sin una organi- otecarios y especialistas en informa- without a formal organization for coordi- zación formal que coordine los servicios ción agrícola para poder lograr un nating services and activities for its y las actividades para sus usuarios. En proyecto formal y definitivo que pue- users. As such, the present document at- el presente documento se intenta identi- da ser presentado ante las autorida- tempts to identify the key factors in de- ficar los factores clave para el desarrollo des de la Secretaría de Agricultura y veloping a National Agricultural Informa- de un Sistema Nacional de Información tion System, analyzing general theories Agrícola; se analizan teorías generales y Recursos Hidráulicos de México, so- and proposing a model for implementa- se propone un modelo para su respecti- bre todo en estos momentos en que tion. A national system would coordinate va implementación. El Sistema Nacional se vuelve una necesidad imperante the organization and processing of agri- coordinaría la organización y el proce- el trabajar de manera cooperativa y cultural information and would facilitate samiento de la información agrícola, y organizada, debido a la fuerte crisis studies by researchers, professors, stu- facilitaría la realización de estudios por dents, extension centers, and decision parte de los investigadores, los profe- económica por la que atraviesa el makers. It would also allow Mexico to sores, los estudiantes, los centros de ex- país desde el pasado mes de diciem- work more efficiently with its trading part- tensión y los funcionarios encargados de bre como consecuencia de la deval- ners and with other international agricul- la toma de decisiones. Un sistema así uación de nuestra moneda. tural organizations, all for the benefit of diseñado permitiría que México trabajara the national economy. más eficientemente con sus socios com- La estructura desarrollada se pue- erciales y con otras organizaciones agrí- de describir de la siguiente manera: RESUMÉ: Malgré les progrès réalisés colas internacionales, en beneficio de la la primera fase es un panorama gen- dans les secteurs publics et privés, il n’y economía nacional. a pas encore de système national d’in- eral de México, que incluye el sec- formation agricole au Mexique. Les cen- tor agrícola nacional, la infraes- tres d’information agricole actuels fonc- Existen muchos documentos so- tructura académica en ciencias a- tionnent de façon autonome et infor- bre la planeación y diseño de sis- grícolas, una breve descripción de melle, sans mécanismes de coordination las colecciones biblio-hemerográfi- des services et des activités au profit des temas nacionales de información, utilisateurs. Le présent document s’at- sin embargo todos responden a dicas más importantes. En una segun- tache à identifier les facteurs clés pour le ferentes políticas económicas y so- da fase se describe la cooperación développement d’un système national ciales, dependiendo del país de que interinstitucional que desde hace al- d’information, et se fondant sur les se trate; por lo tanto el presente tra- gunos años se practica entre las di- théories, propose un modèle de mise en versas unidades de información a- oeuvre de ce système. Un système na- bajo está fundamentado en los mode- tional assurerait la coordination de l’or- los de CEPAL, UNESCO, documen- grícola. Posteriormente y utilizando ganisation et du traitement de l’informa- tos regionales sobre información el análisis de sistemas como metod- tion, et faciliterait les études des cher- agrícola y ciencias de la salud, ade- ología para establecer un Sistema cheurs, des professeurs et étudiants, más de ser el producto de la experi- Nacional de Información Agrícola, des services de vulgarisation et des dé- cideurs. Ce système permettrait égale- encia de más de diez años de traba- se plantean la justificación y obje- ment au Mexique, de mieux collaborer jar en este sector, por ello sólo se tivos para el desarrollo del mismo. avec ses partenaires commerciaux et pretende mostrar los elementos y A continuación se formula la pro-

70 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 puesta y describen los principales campo a través del Programa Naci- solicitó a través de la Secretaría de elementos que deberá contener, con onal de Solidaridad (PRONASOL) Agricultura y Ganadería el apoyo de el proposito de llevarse a la práctica y del Programa de Apoyos Directos la Fundación Rockefeller y entre y nos permita estar en posibilidad al Campo (PROCAMPO), lo cual ambas entidades establecen la Ofici- de interactuar con otros sistemas na- trajo como consecuencia que en na de Estudios Especiales. cionales e internacionales de infor- promedio 3.4 millones de campe- En la década de los 50s, el gob- mación en diversas regiones ge- sinos obtuvieran subsidios para ca- ierno federal ofreció un impulso sin ográficas y que esto redunde en ben- nalizarlos a la producción de granos precedentes a la agricultura, contan- eficio de nuestros usuarios. básicos (maíz, frijol, arroz, trigo, do con un número considerable de ajonjolí, cártamo, soya, sorgo, ceba- profesionistas. En 1961 surge el In- da y semilla de algodón). Con ello stituto Nacional de Investigaciones El Panoroma Nacional se apoyó ampliamente a los grupos Agrícolas (INIA), como la entidad de Mexico campesinos que menos tienen. responsable de desarrollar las inves- El Sector Agrícola Nacional – Mé- Recientemente hemos vuelto a tigaciones para el campo mexicano. xico tiene una extensión territorial vivir un problema similar al de los Otras acciones trascendentales de 1,958,201 Km2, equivalente a años 80s, debido a que en las últi- fueron el establecimiento en 1958 195,820,000 hectareas, de las cuales mas semanas de 1994, nuestra mon- del Instituto Nacional de Investiga- son utilizadas para la actividad agrí- eda nuevamente se devaluó. Esta ciones Forestales (INIF) y en 1962 cola un promedio de 24,661,300 situación nos conduce a trabajar de la formación del Instituto Nacional has., en cultivos; 74,499,000 has., manera cooperativa, ya que es la de Investigaciones Pecuarias (INIP). para pastizales; y 5,166,300 has. en única forma de continuar adelante. Posteriormente en 1985, estas tres superficie de riego (AGRO-SINTE- entidades por decreto presidencial SIS, 1991). Cuenta además con una La Educación e InvestigaciónAgrí- se fusionan en el Instituto Nacional población aproximada de 90 mil- cola–El 22 de febrero de 1854 se inde Investigaciones Forestales y A- lones de habitantes, de los cuales el stituye la primera escuela de agricul- gropecuarias (INIFAP), dependien- 33.6% es considerada como pobla- tura en México, debido a una necesi- te de la Secretaría de Agricultura y ción agrícola (AGRO-SINTESIS, dad histórica del país. Posteriormen- Recursos Hidráulicos (SARH). Con 1991) y donde el 80% de las famil- te en 1923 éste cambia su nombre esta estructura el INIFAP estableció ias rurales son minifundistas, que adoptando el de Escuela Nacional de treinta y dos Centros de Investiga- practican una agricultura tradicion- Agricultura (ENA). En 1978 debido ciones Forestales y Agropecuarias. al1, donde esta actividad se clasifica a diversos cambios significativos en En 1992 el INIFAP tiene una nue- desde el punto de vista económico el contexto educativo nacional, la va reestructuración, se divide en como una agricultura de subsisten- ENA se transforma en la Universi- una vocalía ejecutiva y tres divi- cia (Garcia, 1990). dad Autónoma Chapingo (UACh), siones de investigación básica (agrí- En comparación con otros sec- institución que desde hace varias cola, forestal y pecuaria), en ocho tores económicamente productivos décadas es el Alma Matter de los Centros de Investigación Regional la agrícultura mexicana es relativa- agrónomos mexicanos, así como la y cinco Centros Nacionales de In- mente pequeña, ya que tan solo entidad que en los años 70s tenía las vestigación Disciplinaria. aporta el 8% del Producto Interno colecciones biblio-hemerográficas En la producción de literatura Bruto (PIB), sin embargo constituye más importantes de América Latina. técnico/científica del área agrícola una de las áreas estratégicas para el Actualmente la infraestructura a- nacional participan además de las desarrollo nacional. cadémica del sistema educativo en instituciones anteriormente mencio- Durante la década de los 80s el ciencias agrícolas de México, se in- nadas otras entidades federales, es- sector agrícola nacional al igual que tegra por 173 escuelas vocacionales, tatales, privadas e internacionales, el resto de los sectores productivos 111 escuelas y universidades agrí- ello nos ha colocado en un impor- del país, se vió tremendamente gol- colas, 31 escuelas de medicina vet- tante lugar dentro del contexto lati- peado por los efectos de la recesión erinaria y zootecnia y 88 programas noamericano. económica. Esta situación comenzó de posgrado ofrecidos por un con- Varios cientos de tomadores de a cambiar ligeramente a partir de los junto de 25 instituciones de edu- decisiones así como público en años 90s cuando el gobierno federal cación superior (POLANCO, 1992). general (funcionarios, empresarios, renegoció la deuda externa, logran- Lo anterior comprende el sistema profesionistas, extensionistas, inves- do estabilizar la economía princi- educativo en ciencias agrícolas más tigadores, profesores, alumnos, a- palmente en lo referente a los proce- grande de América Latina. gricultores, campesinos y ejidatar- sos inflacionarios y política de Por otra parte la investigación ios) requieren de esta información y paridad del peso mexicano frente al agrícola se inicia en 1907, con la la mayoría de las veces, no es posi- dolar americano. creación de la Estación Agrícola ble localizarla debido a la falta de Durante el sexenio 1988–1994, se Central de la Secretaría de Fomen- un organismo rector que facilite y ofrecieron apoyos significativos al to. En 1943, el gobierno méxicano, permita el acceso a la misma.

Propuesta de un Modelo de Desarrollo para el Sistema Nacional de Información Agrícola en México 71 El Sector de la Generadores, Productores y Con- bido al decremento de sueldos así Informacion Agricola sumidores de Información Agrí- como a la falta de oportunidades de cola – En el sector de la informa- desarrollo en esta institución. Generalidades – En México la a- ción agrícola en México, estos tres En 1990 el Banco Mundial real- gricultura es la actividad que en elementos constituyen un ciclo que izó para el INIFAP una consultoría mayor escala se practica y consti- no puede omitirse. En el primero de para otorgar un crédito destinado tuye después de los recursos no-ren- los casos, se entiende por gener- exprofeso para investigación, tec- ovables, una actividad de caracter adores de información a las per- nología e información, con el cual prioritario para el gobierno federal, sonas e instituciones que preparan y se logró la actualización de diversas sin embargo los sistemas de infor- desarrollan trabajos de investiga- suscripciones a publicaciones per- mación existentes atraviesan por ción, reportes, tesis, programas es- iódicas y bases de datos en discos una serie de problemas, situación tadísticos, etc., ello como resultado compactos (CD-ROM). Este apoyo que a lo largo de más de dos dé- del esfuerzo intelectual. Por otra se terminará al finalizar el crédito. cadas se ha tornado complejo y sin parte se consideran productores de La ubicación física de las colec- una aparente solución. información a las entidades del sec- ciones es: el centro de documenta- Uno de los principales factores es tor gubernamental y privado que ción agrícola se localiza en Celaya, la ausencia de un organismo rector hacen posible que un documento o Guanajuato, los centros de docu- que cuente con los recursos eco- serie de trabajos se publiquen y mentación pecuario y forestal se nómicos, materiales técnicos y hu- distribuyan para que los usuarios ubican en Coyoacán y Palo Alto, en manos; así como la infraestructura obtengan nuevos conocimientos; lo la ciudad de México. Los servicios apropiada, dentro de un marco legal que permitirá que nuevamente se que ofrecen son: consulta, préstamo que le permita asumir el compro- vuelva a generar información, cer- interno, externo e interbibliotecario, miso formal de compilar, analizar, rándose este círculo. En nuestro consulta y acceso a bases de datos procesar, almacenar, diseminar y país los participantes en este proce- en CD-ROM. Adicionalmente el transferir toda la información que so lo conforman las instituciones INIFAP es el Centro Nacional Coor- anualmente se genera en este impor- mencionadas en el inciso 1.2. dinador del Sistema Internacional tante sector. para las Ciencias y la Tecnología Esto ha traido como consecuen- Colecciones Agrícolas Mexicanas Agrícolas (AGRIS). cia que la información técnico/cien- – A continuación se describen bre- Universidad Autónoma Chapingo tífica generada en las ciencias y la vemente las colecciones agrícolas (UACh): Las bibliotecas de la UACh, tecnología agrícola se encuentre mexicanas más importantes en re- se localizan en Chapingo, Estado de dispersa, sin control, ni registro que lación con el número de volúmenes, México y apoyan las actividades de permita su recuperación, consulta y ubicación y servicios y que son con- la Universidad. Prácticamente se transferencia. sideradas dentro del gremio bib- puede decir que en el Estado de Pocos han sido los esfuerzos real- liotecario nacional como las más México, se localizan las tres colec- izados para conformar e integrar un relevantes por su acervo histórico. ciones más importantes; cuenta con organismo rector ad hoc, que permi- INIFAP: Los centros de docu- trece bibliotecas departamentales y ta solucionar lo que conlleva la mentación cuando dependían indi- una central, posee gran cantidad de carencia del mismo. Las causas son vidualmente de los institutos de in- bibliotecarios profesionales. Actual- diversas destacando: vestigación, contaban con presu- mente la biblioteca central se en- • Falta de concientización de parte puestos y tenían suscripciones a cuentra automatizando algunas de de los funcionarios de alto nivel en revistas y compra de libros en forma sus actividades. Los principales ser- relación a la importancia de con- regular; después de los años 80s, vicios que proporciona son: consul- stituir un sistema de información comenzó en el país una situación ta, préstamo interno, externo e inter- que permita que la misma se en- generalizada de reducciones pre- bibliotecario, búsquedas en bases de cuentre organizada, registrada y supuestales en el gobierno federal y datos en CD-ROM; cuenta además accesible para que pueda ser con- por espacio de diez años, todas las con un número considerable de sultada por los usuarios. adquisiciones se cancelaron. suscripciones vigentes. • Falta de recursos financieros y hu- Al surgir el INIFAP, los centros Colegio de Posgraduados (CP): manos así como la ausencia de una de documentación y las bibliotecas El Centro de Información y Docu- planeación estratégica y políticas de los centros experimentales conti- mentación, se localiza en Montecil- de acción desarrolladas para los nuaban con carencias y limitaciones lo, Estado de México y constituyen servicios de información del sec- en lo referente a su crecimiento. El otro importante acervo biblio-he- tor agrícola. número de bibliotecarios profesion- merográfico, tiene diversas suscrip- • Falta de oportunidades y apoyo de ales se redujo en forma considerable ciones vigentes a publicaciones pe- las instituciones hacia los bibliote- y comenzó a existir gran rotación de riódicas y CD-ROMs, ofrece sevi- carios y especialistas en informa- éste por personal profesional y no- cios de consulta, préstamo interno, ción agrícola. profesional de otras áreas; ello de- externo e interbibliotecario, acceso

72 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 a bases de datos en CD-ROM. Esta En resumen estas son las colec- apoyo a las bibliotecas agropecuar- biblioteca básicamente constituye ciones documentales más represen- ias de cada institución. un gran apoyo a la investigación, la tativas del sector agrícola mexicano educación superior y de posgrado. y la mayor parte se localizan en la ANBAGRO como Agente Catali- Centro Internacional de Mejo- Zona Metropolitana de la Ciudad de zador – ANBAGRO se ha caracteri- ramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIM- México, por lo tanto un alto índice zado por trabajar formalmente con MYT): La biblioteca se localiza en de los bibliotecarios técnicos y pro- instituciones como el Consejo Naci- el Batán, Estado de México y en fesionales, se encuentran ubicados onal de Ciencia y Tecnología (CON- conjunto con las bibliotecas anteri- en el centro del país. Tomando en ACYT), AGRIS/CARIS, CIMMYT ores constituyen la infraestructura cuenta ésto, es necesario formar una y UACh, con el primer Comité Di- en información agrícola más repre- red entre estas instituciones y traba- rectivo de la Asociación se es- sentativa de esa región. Esta posee jar a través de convenios interinsti- tablecieron convenios para realizar bibliotecarios profesionales y no- tucionales, que hoy constituyen la los insumos para el Catálogo Colec- profesionales. Tiene diversas sus- única fórmula para optimizar y tivo de Publicaciones Seriadas de la cripciones a revistas y CD-ROMs. compartir los recursos y servicios República Mexicana, después con Ofrece servicios de: consulta, prés- (ver Anexo 1). insumos para el AGRIS. tamo interno, externo e interbib- Se han organizado diversos cur- liotecario, consulta a bases de datos La Cooperacion sos y talleres de capacitación para el en línea y CD-ROM; así como el Interinstitucional personal bibliotecario. Se ha traba- servicio de envío de documentos, jado arduamente para preparar la además es centro regional de in- Antecedentes – Los primeros in- Lista de Publicaciones Adquiridas sumos AGRIS. tentos de cooperación interinstitu- por Compra en Bibliotecas del Sec- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria cional iniciaron con las reuniones tor Agrícola Mexicano, y la Lista de y Zootecnia de la Universidad Na- de los responsables de las bibliote- Encabezamientos de Materia para cional Autónoma de México (FMVZ- cas agrícolas a finales de los años Bibliotecas Agropecuarias, estas pu- UNAM): La biblioteca, se localiza 70s, hasta que en 1984 se conformó blicaciones son el resultado de la en el campus universitario de la legalmente la Asociación Nacional colaboración interinstitucional y han ciudad de México, tiene bibliotecar- de Bibliotecarios Agropecuarios, reportado gran apoyo a los bibliote- ios profesionales y no-profesion- A.C. (ANBAGRO), así surgen los carios. ales. Regularmente adquiere obras primeros compromisos de coop- Por otro lado cabe mencionar que monográficas y tiene suscripciones eración bibliotecaria interinstituci- ha sido muy importante la entusias- a un número considerable de revis- onal, de igual forma se ofrecen los ta colaboración de los agremiados tas y CD-ROMs. Ofrece diversos primeros cursos de AGRIS/CARIS ya que en ocasiones no ha habido servicios: préstamo interno, externo y se participa en el desarrollo de necesidad de efectuar documentos o e interbibliotecario, consulta, acce- catálogos colectivos y edición de convenios formales para desarrollar so a bases de datos en CD-ROM. publicaciones. los trabajos, sino que ha sido con- Cuenta con bibliotecas foraneas en Uno de los objetivos principales fiando en la “buena fe” y los “acuer- diversas partes de la República Me- de ANBAGRO es reunir al mayor dos verbales” de los socios, así las xicana. Adicionalmente ha desarrol- número de agremiados en todo el actividades asignadas a las institu- lado el Banco de Información en país, con el propósito de realizar ciones han sido desarrolladas satis- Veterinaria (BIVE) y es el Centro conjuntamente reuniones, trabajos factoriamente. Este mecanísmo si- Nacional Coordinador del Sistema de investigación, cursos, talleres de gue funcionando correctamente has- Internacional de Investigaciones A- capacitación, ponencias, publicaci- ta la fecha, por lo anterior podemos gronómicas en Curso (CARIS). ones entre otras; así como pro- señalar que ANBAGRO es un Agente Instituto de Biología y Jardín Bo- moverla tanto a nivel nacional como Catalizador y ente principal del de- tánico de la UNAM: Estas bibliote- internacional. Los participantes de sarrollo bibliotecario agrícola na- cas se localizan en ciudad Universi- aquellas reuniones eran bibliotecar- cional de los últimos años. taria, ambas cuentan con suscripcio- ios de: la UACh, CP, INIA, INIF, nes a publicaciones periódicas, bases INIP, CIMMYT, Comisión Naci- CIMMYT como Institución de de datos en CD-ROM y de forma onal de Fruticultura (CONAFRUT), Apoyo – El CIMMYT ha desem- regular adquieren libros. Tienen bi- la Biblioteca de Economía Agrícola peñado un papel importante como bliotecarios profesionales y no-pro- de la SARH, la Facultad de Medici- soporte a las bibliotecas agrícolas, fesionales; además han desarrollado na Veterinaria y Zootecnia y el Insti- desde 1985 ha proporcionado diver- diversas colecciones en el interior tuto de Biología de la UNAM, des- sos apoyos como son: impresión de del país. Proporcionan diversos ser- de entonces ANBAGRO es el pilar publicaciones, cursos y reuniones vicios: préstamo interno, externo e más importante del sector bibliote- para bibliotecarios profesionales y interbibliotecario, consulta, acceso cario agrícola, por que a través de no-profesionales, pláticas de conci- a bases de datos en CD-ROM. ésta se ha logrado conseguir mayor entización para directivos, siempre

Propuesta de un Modelo de Desarrollo para el Sistema Nacional de Información Agrícola en México 73 con el propósito de impulsar a las • Estructura compartir conjuntamente las re- bibliotecas y bibliotecarios en favor • Funciones sponsabilidades y beneficios de los servicios de información • Entornos • Desarrollar la calendarización de agrícola. Recientemente el evento • Recursos existentes las actividades que se deberán re- académico más importante que ha • Utilización alizar, con el propósito de obtener organizado con el INIFAP y ANBA- • Objetivos nuevos los resultados en las fechas es- GRO, fue el Taller de Información • Planificación a largo plazo tablecidas Agrícola en octubre de 1993, que • Posibilidades de automatización logró reunir aproximadamente a 50 Justificación del SNIA – Tomando participantes del interior de la Re- De acuerdo con ésto se plantea un como base todo lo descrito en este pública Mexicana. modelo de caracter experimental, documento, consideramos que la que considera los elementos antes situación de las bibliotecas, centros citados con la finalidad de aprove- de documentación e información, El Analisis de Sistemas char la coyuntura nacional y la in- y su Aplicacion al Modelo requieren de la existencia de un or- fraestructura de cooperación biblio- ganismo coordinador denominado: Importancia (Elementos Princi- tecaria interinstitucional que actual- Sistema Nacional de Información pales) – El análisis de sistemas es mente existe en la región central del Agrícola2 (SNIA), que permita la una metodología científica que for- país y posteriormente ampliar la integración para trabajar coordi- ma parte de la planeación y diseño cobertura. nadamente. de proyectos. Existen diversos tipos La justificación para desarrollar de sistemas y por sus características Necesidad de Establecer el SNIA, esta fundamentada en la internas se clasifican en: unitarios, un SNIA filosofía de Trabajar Cooperativa- plurales, simples, complejos, estáti- Objetivos – Para el adecuado fun- mente para Compartir Recursos y cos, evolutivos, abiertos y cerrados; cionamiento del SNIA se ha consid- es el resultado del esfuerzo conjunto su objetivo principal es el estudio de erado que los objetivos del mismo de un grupo de biblitecarios y espe- la totalidad del sistema, crecimien- se deberán formular de manera cialistas en información que hemos to, diferenciación, orden jerárquico, concreta, esto permitirá que los par- venido desarrollando en equipo des- dominio, control, interrelación, me- ticipantes en el Sistema identifiquen de hace varios años dentro de AN- cánica, evolución y finalidad (CUR- los mismos y así garantizar que las BAGRO, con el firme propósito de RAS, 1988). En los procesos del actividades se desarrollen y las me- mejorar, integrar y promover ampli- análisis de sistemas se deben con- tas se cumplan. Los objetivos con- amente los servicios que ofrecemos siderar las siguientes etapas: cretos son: a nuestros usuarios. • Descripción: Presentación de hi- • Desarrollar el SNIA, partiendo de Los bibliotecarios agrupados en pótesis la infraestructura de información ANBAGRO consideramos que el • Verificación: Sometiendo a prueba que actualmente se dispone establecimiento del SNIA nos per- las hipótesis, control de conceptos, • Desarrollar mecanismos de coop- mitirá controlar, promover, difundir observación de comportamientos, eración interinstitucional entre las y transferir adecuada y oportuna- realización de experimentos diversas unidades de información mente la información que anual- • Interpretación: Formulación de agrícolas del país que permitan mente cientos de mexicanos pro- conceptos, conclusiones, normas y proveer servicios y productos de ducen; asimismo estaremos en po- reglas calidad a los usuarios sibilidad de interactuar con otros sistemas nacionales e internaciona- • Desarrollar ligas de acción entre En la evaluación se pueden iden- les de información. tificar el análisis estructural, fun- las instituciones que tienen una in- cional y relacional. En el primero se fraestructura técnica, humana y Propuesta de un encuentran cada uno de los elemen- documental y que deseen partici- Modelo para el SNIA tos unitarios del sistema y sus par cooperativamente con otras in- propias características y la estruc- stituciones nacionales para inte- Conceptos – A continuación se de- tura total del conjunto. En el segun- grar una red scriben los conceptos básicos anal- do se estudian la operatividad de los • Desarrollar diversos canales de co- izados en este documento y se enun- componentes y en el tercero los fac- municación formal con el propósi- cian como son interpretados. tores de relación interna y externa to de asegurar e implementar el in- • Modelo: Constituye la representa- con el medio. En el análisis de un tercambio e interconexión de los ción gráfica así como la descrip- sistema documental o bibliográfico servicios de información entre los ción detallada del entorno que se es importante considerar los sigu- diversos participantes en el SNIA desea planificar. ientes factores: • Desarrollar lineamientos generales • Sistema: Conjunto de diversas ac- • Tipo de sistema de cooperación entre las diversas ciones y políticas interinstituci- • Definición de objetivos instituciones con el propósito de onales que permiten integrar y

74 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 distribuir cooperativamente comes recomendable que la institución visita y entrevista directa. promisos y beneficios con el pro- coordinadora disponga de los sigu- Es recomendable en caso de que pósito de utilizar al máximo los re- ientes componentes: las unidades de información se en- cursos disponibles de cada uno de • Tener suficientes recursos huma- cuentren fuera de la ciudad de Méx- los participantes. nos, técnicos y profesionales ico, realizar el censo vía fax o en • Red: Integración de todas las uni- • Recibir anualmente un presupues- caso necesario hacer llamadas tele- dades de información3 que tienen to sólido para mantener actual- fónicas o utilizar los servicios de características en común y al inte- izadas constantemente sus colec- mensajería especializada así como grarse en un sistema adquieren ciones el correo electrónico. Estas serán las formas más viables para obtener el compromisos interinstitucionales • Disponer de un acervo documental inventario de los recursos de infor- de caracter formal. básico mación del sector agrícola nacional. • SNIA: Conjunto de alternativas, • Tener instalaciones que permitan políticas y acciones de coopera- Las unidades de información que atender al mayor número de usuar- deseen participar deberán contar ción interinstitucional para pro- ios mover la creación y desarrollo de con requerimientos mínimos indis- • Utilizar ampliamente las innova- pensables para funcionar en red: un organismo que permita contro- ciones tecnológicas que permitan lar e integrar la producción bibli- Tener un bibliotecario profesion- el acceso a la información que se ales o un especialista en informa- ográfica nacional a través de las genera en otras regiones diversas unidades de información. ción con estudios de licenciatura, • Mantener estrecha comunicación maestría o grado de doctor o que Formulación de una Política de con diversas instituciones nacio- tengan una experiencia mínima de Información Agrícola – En México nales e internacionales cinco años en este sector trabajando no existe una política de información • Depender de alguna institución del en bibliotecas, con experiencia en el agrícola que coordine las activida- gobierno federal manejo de software y 90% de inglés des de las unidades de información • Tener un sólido y reconocido pres- • Suscripciones vigentes a publica- de las instituciones gubernamenta- tigio nacional e internacional ciones (acervo base) les, privadas y no-gubernamentales • Fotocopiadora Identificación de las Unidades de como en otros países. Sin embargo • Modem es conveniente que los bibliotecarios Información – El primer paso con- • Fax y especialistas en información agrí- sistirá en ubicar las unidades de in- cola, desarrollemos una propuesta formación agrícola, para ello es • Computadora que pueda ser presentada a las au- necesario identificar las diversas • Impresora toridades de la SARH, de tal forma fuentes de consulta existentes en el Evaluación de los Recursos y que permita garantizar el establec- país como directorios gubernamen- Servicios de las Unidades de Infor- imiento y permanencia del SNIA. tales, directorios de productores a- mación – La finalidad de evaluar Para una adecuada formulación grícolas, ganaderos, directorios de los recursos y servicios de informa- es necesario analizar en primer tér- asociaciones en diferentes ramas o ción en las unidades es identificar mino los siguientes aspectos: ed- sectores de la agricultura, directo- aquellas instituciones o empresas ucativo, económico, político, ad- rios de universidades, facultades y que están en posibilidad de prestar ministrativo y profesional, con el escuelas de agronomía y de esta un servicio al pertencer a una red de propósito de garantizar la factibili- manera formarse una visión que información. Los puntos claves a dad de discutirse y aprobarse por el permita saber cuales, cuantas son y considerar para la evaluación son Poder Legislativo. La formulación donde se localizan. los recursos humanos principalmen- de esta política deberá comprender: Análisis de las Unidades de In- te, posteriormente los recursos doc- • Desarrollo de recursos y servicios formación – Despues de ubicar físi- umentales y servicios con que cuen- de información camente las unidades de informa- tan; ya que si no tienen el personal ción, se procederá a realizar un suficiente para ofrecer un servicio a • Acceso y difusión efectiva de la censo sobre los recursos financi- información nivel de cooperación dificilmente eros, materiales, humanos y docu- podrán integrarse a la red. • Promoción sobre el uso adecuado mentales con que cuenta cada insti- Por otra parte si los recursos doc- de la información tución; para ello se requerirá aplicar umentales no se encuentran actual- • Desarrollo y coordinación de la in- un cuestionario breve y conciso, con izados, tampoco podrán participar, formación la finalidad que sea contestado sin los servicios estarán dados en fun- • Capacitación de los usuarios dificultad por los responsables de ción de lo anteriormente citado. las unidades de información. Se de- Requerimientos de la Institución berá tener cuidado para identificar Implementación de Convenios de Coordinadora – Para garantizar el donde se podrá aplicar el mismo y Colaboración Interinstitucional – adecuado funcionamiento de la red donde se necesitará realizar una El convenio interinstitucional se

Propuesta de un Modelo de Desarrollo para el Sistema Nacional de Información Agrícola en México 75 concibe como un mecanismo de co- lecomunicaciones para realizar la • Servicios de reprografía (fotocopi- operación mediante la firma de transferencia de información. Es ne- as y microformatos) acuerdos institucionales entre las cesario que todo se maneje por es- • Preparación de listados de nuevas unidades cooperantes para la consti- crito en documentos, cartas, oficios, publicaciones tución del SNIA, el cual deberá es- memoranda, programas o manuales. • Acceso a bases de datos naciona- tar dentro de un marco legal. Actividades – A continuación se les e internacionales Esta responsabilidad recaerá en la citan algunas de las actividades más • Recuperación y envío de docu- institución gubernamental con may- relevantes que estarán a cargo de la mentos institución coordinadora y las uni- or personalidad jurídica y tenga lid- • Diseminación selectiva de infor- dades cooperantes de la red. erazgo entre los participantes. mación • Reunir la mayor cantidad de mate- Los acuerdos podrán tener una • Asesoría técnica para intermediar- rial bibliográfico agrícola validez máxima de cinco años y se ios y usuarios finales: • Adquirir los materiales bibliográ- pueden renovar si las unidades co- —Desarrollo de bases de datos ficos requeridos sobre el área agrí- operantes lo consideren pertinente. (con Micro CDS/ISIS) cola Un punto importante a incluir ade- —Capacitación para el manejo de • Organizar y procesar toda la infor- más de la organización es el funcio- fuentes de información namiento y obtención de fondos, mación sobre el sector agrícola —Desarrollo de servicios de infor- para ello es conveniente tener iden- recibida en cada unidad cooper- mación tificadas a las instituciones que gen- ante para facilitar su ubicación —Desarrollo y manejo de unida- eralmente otorgan financiamiento. • Desarrollar una metodología de des de información trabajo que permita normalizar las Creación de la Red – La creación funciones y servicios de las uni- —Transferencia de información de la red del SNIA conllevará el uso dades cooperantes del sistema Subproductos finales: A contin- de una estructura de cooperación in- • Proveer la información agrícola uación se mencionan algunos ejem- terinstitucional, además de utilizar que requieran las unidades cooper- plos de los subproductos que se la infraestructura tecnológica que antes pueden obtener de estos servicios: hasta la fecha se conocen, así como • Promover los programas de capac- • Diseminación de servicios de in- aquellas que en el futuro se desar- itación y perfeccionamiento en formación a los nodos rollen y se den a conocer. servicios de los recursos humanos • Edición de catálogos colectivos Existen diversos tipos de redes, (en el país y el extranjero) • Edición de CD-ROMs entre las que destacan las sigu- • Proporcionar asesoría técnica a los • Intercambio de bases de datos ientes: coordinada simple o de es- nuevos centros cooperantes. Eval- trella, no-coordinada o en malla, uación y reorganización de los ya Usuarios – Es la parte fundamen- conglomerada o compuesta y dis- existentes tal y a quien se dirige todo el esfuerzo de construir una red, lo usuarios tribuida. Al analizar detalladamente • Elaborar programas de capacitaci- son principalmente los campesinos, cada una de ellas, consideramos que ón para usuarios en el manejo de agricultores, estudiantes, profesores, de acuerdo al enfoque que se le dará las diversas fuentes de informa- extensionistas, investigadores, em- a las actividades que se pretenden ción agrícola desarrollar, la más adecuada es la presarios, tomadores de decisiones • Desarrollar los manuales necesa- red distribuida, porque este tipo de quienes podrán satisfacer sus re- rios para la estandarización de red permite que exista la conexión querimientos de información dentro equipo, formatos de intercambio y de todos los elementos, siempre a de sus respectivas áreas de trabajo. transmisión de información de to- través del camino más corto y sin do el sistema Fases de aplicación – Después de pasar necesariamente por ningún haber efectuado las actividades pre- nodo central o cordinador (VOUTS- • Proporcionar la fotoreproducción a los usuarios de la red vias a la creación de la red, se de- SAS, 1989). berá iniciar con la primera fase de • Crear y actualizar las bases de Normatividad – Deberán existir prueba entre las unidades de infor- datos que se implementan en el lineamientos y políticas claramente mación, con la finalidad de verificar sistema establecidas para el organismo rec- la operatividad y funcionalidad con tor o coordinador de la red que per- • Desarrollar los instrumentos de objeto de aplicar las medidas cor- mita estandarizar las actividades y evaluación de la red rectivas y pasar a la segunda fase, mecanismos de intercambio de cada Servicios – Existe una gama in- misma que deberá asumir nuevas una de las partes del sistema y van mensa de servicios de información actividades, responsabilidades, nue- desde las instituciones participantes, que deberán proporcionarse sin em- vos integrantes nacionales y en una unidades de información, especialis- bargo la siguiente lista contempla tercera fase la red trabajará a toda su tas y usuarios; además tendrán que aquellos que son prioritarios: capacidad. Esto le permitirá interac- considerarse la tecnología y las te- • Alerta tuar con otros sistemas nacionales e

76 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 internacionales. El tiempo de apli- cargo de todos los involucrados en sobre la Implicaciones del Tratado de Li- cación de las dos primeras fases po- las actividades de información agrí- bre Comercio entre México, Estados drá ser de un año respectivamente y cola para lograr un sólido avance Unidos y Canadá en el Sector Agrope- cuario; Montecillo, Méx., México; Otoño. la tercera de un período de dos a tres que redunde en beneficio de los años, susceptible de modificarse de usuarios y a su vez en el panorama CEPAL/CLADES. 1982. INFOPLAN: Sis- acuerdo a las necesidades de las económico nacional. tema de información para la planifi- cación económica y social. Santiago, unidades cooperantes. Chile: CEPAL/CLADES. NOTES 1. La agricultura tradicional la practica el CEPAL/CLADES. 1989. INFOLAC: vein- Conclusiones campesino que puede caracterizarse te interrogantes y una estrategia para y Recomendacions como pequeño agricultor asentado en 1988–1990. Santiago, Chile: CEPAL/ explotaciones, sea como propietario, ar- CLADES. rendatario, aparcero, colono, cupante La reciente crisis económica pre- CEPAL/CLADES; UNESCO/PGI. 1985. precario, comunero o ejidatario y que sentada en México y que ahora es Informe de la Reunión de Expertos so- cuenta con características económicas bre Diseño de un Sistema Regional de más severa que las anteriores, nos sociales y culturales específicas, entre Información sobre Actividades de Infor- da la pauta para actuar y tomar ya las que destacan: ejecuta actividades mación; Santiago, Chile; 10–14 Jun agrícoles con doble función productora/ una desición definitiva e iniciar el 1985. Santiago, Chile: CEPAL/CLADES, consumidora; utiliza intensivamente la proyecto Sistema Nacional de Infor- UNESCO/PGI. mación Agrícola, el cual reportará mano de obra familiar y limitado uso de capital; y produce principalmente para mayores beneficios si todas las in- CEPAL/CLADES; UNESCO/PGI. 1986. autoconsumo, con rangos variables ori- Lineamientos de un programa regional stituciones involucradas: guberna- entados hacia el mercado. para el fortalecimiento de la cooperación mentales y privadas deciden comen- 2. El término agrícola debe entenderse entre redes y sistemas nacionales de in- zar una línea de acción y poner en en el más amplio sentido de la palabra; formación para el desarrollo en América práctica algunos de los conceptos y comprende todas las áreas que abarca Latina y el Caribe. Santiago, Chile: elementos de la planeación de pro- como son: ciencia y producción vegetal, CEPAL/CLADES, UNESCO/PGI. yectos que ya se han citado como biotecnología, ciencias del suelo, fores- CEPAL/CLADES; UNESCO/PGI. 1987. tales, agrícolas y acuáticas, entomo- metodología básica para el desarro- INFOLAC: Informe final. EnReunión so- logía, fertilización, medicina veterinaria, bre los Lineamientos y Puesta en Mar- llo de un documento final incor- ingeniería agrícola, alimentación y nutri- cha de un Programa Regional para el porando también las experiencias ción, economía agrícola, sociología y de- Fortalecimiento de la Cooperación entre particulares de los participantes y sarrollo rural, contaminación y medico Redes y Sistemas Nacionales de Infor- presentar algo concreto a las autori- ambiente, technología postcosecha, ad- mación para el Desarrollo en América ministración agrícola, legislación agríco- dades competentes. Latina y el Caribe. Santiago, Chile, 3–7 la, información y documentación, en- Nov 1986. Esto creará mayor conciencia a señanza y extensión agrarias. las instituciones en el manejo de in- Cordoba Gonzales, S. 1993. “Cambios 3. El término unidades de información in- curriculares en la formación del especial- formación que deberá darse de man- cluye: bibliotecas, centros de de docu- ista de la información.” Reunión Inter- era planificada y coordinada. Un mentación, centros de información. americana de Bibliotecarios y Documen- componente fundamental para que talistas Agrícolas; 10, Santiago, Chile; esto inicie satisfactoriamente es la REFERENCIAS 22–26 Nov 1993. cooperación interinstitucional, me- APC Sistemas Avanzados. 1973. Análi- Curras, E. 1988. La información en sus diante acuerdos formales de trabajo. sis de sistemas (CPM/PERT). México, nuevos aspectos: Ciencias de la Infor- Es claro que en Méxio existe una D.F.: APC. Sistemas Avanzados. mación. Madrid, España: Paraninfo. amplia cooperación bibliotecaria in- AGRO-SINTESIS. 1991. “Estadísticas: Fernandez, A. 1976. Estudio y proyecto terinstitucional y que cuentan con Tenemos demasiada gente en el campo de creación del Sistema Nacional de In- formación en Ciencias Agropecuarias de una infraestructura en el sector de la seguirá yéndose a Canadá y EUA?, Análisis de las tres economías y de los la República de Argentina. Buenos Aires, información agrícola y esta represen- tres sectores agropecuarios.” Revista Argentina: Universidad de Buenos Aires. tada por los agremiados a ANBA- Agrosíntesis, 22(5:)18–24. Facultad de Agronomía. GRO lo que da la pauta de tomar una AMEAS. 1989. Plan de Desarrollo Agrí- Harris, S.C. 1985. La integración de las desición inmediata para elabor un do- cola Superior en México. México, D.F.: funciones de la información y la comuni- cumento formal que permita verter AMEAS, SEP. SESIC-DGICSA. cación y el mercadeo de los productos la ideas y conocimientos necesarios resultantes caso CIAT. En Congreso Arboleda Sepulveda, O. 1976. Acceso a para desarrollar el Sistema Nacional Mundial de la IAALD; 7, Ottawa, Ont., la información agrícola: Un programa de Canadá; 2–6 Jun. de Información Agrícola valiéndose acción para México. San José, Costa de la metodología del análisis de Rica: IICA. Centro Interamericano de INEGI. 1994. Anuario estadístico de los sistemas que es el fundamental de la Documentación e Información Agrícola. Estados Unidos Mexicanos 1993. Agus- calientes, Ags., México: Instituto Na- planeación de proyectos. Bertalanffy, Von L. 1968. Teoría general cional de Estadística Geografía e Infor- Es necesario crear las condi- de sistemas. México, D.F.: FCE. mática. ciones y ambiente necesario para Calva, J.L. 1991. El TLC y sus efectos en Jordan F. et al. 1989.La economía cam- desarrollar el Sistema que estará a la agricultura mexicana. En Seminario pesina en la reactivación y el desarrollo

Propuesta de un Modelo de Desarrollo para el Sistema Nacional de Información Agrícola en México 77 ANEXO 1

• Centro de Documentación Agrícola (Guanajuato) • Centro de Documentación Forestal (D.F.) • Centro de Documentación Pecuaria (D.F.) • Biblioteca de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (D.F.) • Biblioteca del Instituto de Biología (D.F.) • Biblioteca del Jardin Botánico (D.F.) • Biblioteca del CIMMYT (Edo. de México) • Biblioteca de la UACH (Edo. de México) • Biblioteca del Colegio de Posgraduados (Edo. de Mexico México)

agropecuario. Serie Documentos de Pro- Polanco, Jamie A. 1992. Fortalecimiento ANEXO 2 – RED DISTRIBUIDA gramas, no. 10. Coronado, Costa Rica: de las universidades y escuelas agríco- IICA. Programa III, Organización y Ad- las [mimeo]. ministración para el Desarrollo Rural. Polanco, Jamie B. 1991. The agricultural Mayer, J.K. 1992. Plan regional para el technology innovation process in Mexi- desarrollo de la infraestructura de un sis- co: An analysis of INIFAP. Ph.D. diss, tema interamericano de información a- Cornell University. grícola: Una fórmula para el trabajo en redes y la transferencia de información. Robert D. 1991. El Acuerdo de Libre [Draft.] Comercio entre Canadá y Estados Uni- dos. en Seminario sobre la Implica- Mayolo de Montaño, P. 1993. Servicios ciones del Tratado de Libre Comercio informativos rurales: Base fundamental entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá para el desarrollo sustentable en Améri- en el Sector Agropecuario, Montecillo, ca Latina y el Caribe. En Reunión Inter- Méx., México, Otoño, 1991. americana de Bibliotecarios y Documen- talistas Agrícolas, 10, Santiago, Chile; Voutssas, J. et al. 1989. Estudio sobre 22–26 Nov 1993. las estrategias planteadas a nivel nacional acerca de las redes de bibliotecas Montviloff, V. 1990. Políticas nacionales y su posible desarrollo. México, D.F.: de información: Manual sobre la formu- UNAM. Dirección General de Bibliote- MIGUEL A. LÓPEZ-PÉREZ is employed lación, aprobación, aplicación y fun- cas, ANUIES. by Centro de Información y Docu- cionamiento de una política nacional mentación Nuclear (ININ) and Lic. sobre la información. Paris, Francia: Saltan, G. 1986. “Another look at auto- Leticia Roseta-Vela is with McKinsey UNESCO. matic text-retrieval systems.” Communi- and Company in Mexico. cation of the ACM, 29(7):648–659. Morales Campos, E. comp. 1990. Semi- CONTACT ADDRESS: nario sobre Políticas Nacionales de In- Sanderson, S.E. 1990. La transforma- formación para la Investigación y el De- ción de la agricultura mexicana: Estruc- Mtro. Miguel A. López-Pérez sarrollo; 1, México, D.F.; 24–25 Ago tura internacional y política del cambio Centro de Información y Documentación 1987. Memorias, no. 7. México, D.F.: rural. México, D.F.: Alianza, Consejo Na- Nuclear UNAM. Centro Universitario de Investi- cional para la Cultura y las Artes. (Los Apdo. Postal 18-1027 gaciones Bibliotecológicas. Noventa) México, D.F. Ortega, R.A. 1969. Qué es la investi- Sequeira Ortiz, Z. 1993. “Hacia un mod- MEXICO gación de operaciones? México, D.F.: elo de sistemas y servicios de informa- UNAM. Facultad de Ingeniería. ción. Revista AIBDA, 14(1):67–79.

78 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996

Concurrent Session 3 Opportunities and Challenges for Extension in Rural Areas:

Experience from the Mukono District (Uganda) with the Training and Visit Extension Model

d’une étude réalisée dans le district de modelo de Capacitación y Visita (C&V). Emmy Beraho, Basil Mukono en 1994. L’hypothèse de base Se señalan los retos que una entidad de Sheahan, and Tim Reeves est qu’il faut des techniques de commu- extensión debe enfrentar en el proceso nication appropriées pour faire passer de cambio rural, se identifican las opor- ABSTRACT: This paper discusses as- des messages significatifs en monde rur- tunidades disponibles para acelerar ese pects of rural extension from the per- al. Le document met en exergue les proceso de cambio, y se presenta un spective of experience gained in working forces et les faiblesses du modèle For- modelo que se podría adoptar para with rural communities in Uganda be- mation et Visite (T&V), indique les défis mejorar la difusión de servicios en zonas tween 1989 and 1992, insight into the des agences de vulgarisation face à un rurales. En el modelo, el Ministerio de operation of landcare groups in Australia monde rural en pleine mutation, et sug- Agricultura se apoya en una organi- in 1993, as well as observations and a gère un modèle qui pourrait être adapté zación no gubernamental (ONG) local survey recently carried out in the Muko- pour améliorer les services fournis au que esté vinculada a los grupos de no district during 1994. An argument is monde rural. Ce modèle est basé sur l’- agricultores. El sistema de extensión presented that more than an appropriate expérience du ministère de l’Agriculture consiste en tres subsistemas princi- communication technique (extension de l’Ouganda qui utilise une organisation pales: el de los agricultores, el de las model) is needed for meaningful utilisa- non-gouvernementale (ONG) locale liée ONGs y el del Ministerio de Agricultura. tion of extension messages in rural ar- aux groupes de producteurs. Le système Los subsistemas están vinculados de tal eas. The paper highlights strengths and de vulgarisation est constitué de trois forma que cada uno aporta según sus weaknesses in the current extension sous-systèmes : le sous système des capacidades en pro del mejoramiento de system based on the Training and Visit producteurs ruraux, des ONG et du Min- la comunicación y el uso de la informa- (T&V) model, points out challenges an istère de l’Agriculture. Ce système est ción agrícola en las áreas rurales. Es ev- extension agency has to face in rural structuré de sorte que chaque acteurs ne idente la necesidad de desarrollar y fort- change, identifies opportunities available réalise que des actions pour lesquelles il alecer las instituciones en comunidades to enhance change, and presents a mod- a un avantage sur les autres acteurs rurales, a fin de éstas adquieran una ca- el that could be adopted to improve ser- pour renforcer la communication et l’utili- pacidad local que les permita mantener vice delivery to rural areas. This model is sation de l’information agricole en milieu el desarrollo y romper el síndrome de de- based on the Ministry of Agriculture utilis- rural. Enfin, le document met en évi- pendencia. ing a local non-governmental organisa- dence la nécessité de renforcer les insti- tion (NGO) linked to farmers groups. The tutions à la base afin de développer une extension system is comprised of three capacité locale susceptible de soutenir main subsystems: farmers’ subsystem, durablement le développement. Uganda is located in East Cen- NGO subsystem and Ministry of Agricul- ture subsystem, linked in such a way that tral Africa, neighboured by Sudan RESUMEN: Este documento trata as- on the north, Zaire on the west, each subsystem does what it can do best pectos de la extensión rural, desde la in enhancing communication and utilisa- perspectiva de experiencias de trabajo Rwanda and Tanzania on the south tion of agricultural information in rural con comunidades rurales en Uganda en- and Kenya on the east. It has a pop- places. A need for developing and tre 1989 y 1992, apreciaciones del fun- ulation of about 17.6 million (1990 strengthening grassroot institutions, in cionamiento de grupos conservacionis- order to develop a local capacity to sus- census). Agriculture is the mainstay tas en Australia en 1993, y observa- of Uganda’s economy; it contributes tain development and break the depen- ciones y una encuesta realizadas en dency syndrome is highlighted. 1994 en el Distrito Mukono. Se presenta abut 65% of Uganda’s Gross Do- el argumento de que se necesita más de mestic Product and absorbs about RESUMÉ: Cet article analyse les expéri- una técnica de comunicación (modelo de 70% of the national labour force. ences de vulgarisation agricole des com- extensión) apropiada para que el uso de Most farmers practise mixed farm- munautés rurales d’Ouganda entre 1989 los mensajes de extensión en zonas ru- ing. Mukono district, located in the et 1992, avant de donner un aperçu des rales sea significativa. El trabajo destaca opérations des groupes Landcare en las fortalezas y las debilidades del actual central region, is one of the 38 dis- Australie en 1993, ainsi que les résultats sistema de extensión, con base en el tricts of Uganda.

Opportunities and Challenges for Extension in Rural Areas 79 There have been three stages in Daniel Benor, it was first tried in mobilisation of farmers has been the development of agricultural ex- Turkey in the 1960’s, adopted as a impressive. This is reflected in the tension services in Uganda to date. national extension system in India rate of group formation. So far, 543 The first was a regulatory system in the 1970’s and also tried in a groups have been formed in the where the extension agents helped number of other Asian countries at Mukono District alone (men’s 78; chiefs to enforce by-laws relating about the same time. Kenya was the women’s 152; youth 66; mixed to agriculture (advisory and police first African country to try T&V, 244). This has been achieved within role). Next came an agricultural ed- and a number of other African coun- 8 months of introduction of the ucation approach where extension tries have tried it since (Bindlish AEP. The average size of a group is agents prescribed necessary prac- and Evenson 1993). It was first 25 people. It is interesting to note tices to farmers on an ad hoc basis, adopted in some parts of Uganda in the high involvement of women. through four parallel extension ser- 1992. It is an extension system The promotion of use of availa- vices; agriculture (crops), animal widely promoted by the World Bank. ble resources and local knowledge husbandry, fisheries and tsetse con- According to Benor and Harrison has been of interest. The survey trol. The present day unified exten- (1977), the principles on which the found that cultural methods of ag- sion service is based on the Training T&V model is based are: ricultural production comprise key and Visit (T&V) model of exten- • a unified extension service empha- extension messages. For example sion, where the front-line worker is sising a single line of command cultural methods of controlling no- expected to advise the farmer on all from the government agency re- torious banana weevil are promoted major farm management practices. sponsible for agriculture to the in preference to conventional chem- This approach looks at a farm as a field-level extension worker; ical treatment, hence saving a lot of system, as practised by the subsis- • extension personnel who devote money in addition to being environ- tence farmer who grows some crops all their time to extension work, mentally friendly; cultural methods and keeps a few animals. Unified with no other job assignments; of grain storage are emphasised; extension helps those farmers wish- and cow shelters for zero-grazed an- ing to diversify their activities for • a systematic time bound program imals are constructed using locally the sake of balancing their diet, of training and visits for both ex- available materials. tension agents and farmers; and/or undertaking small scale in- Attitudinal changes on the side of come generating activities. This en- • concentration of extension efforts extension agents with respect to the ables the farmer to gain the infor- on agricultural extension rather fact that they now have a better un- mation needed from one person, a than spreading the effort over a derstanding of their clients, and that ‘one stop shop’. wide range of other activities; they acknowledge that they do learn • extension agents who begin with from farmers was observed. For ex- Methodology an activity that leads to an immedi- ample most extension agents cited ate impact to establish credibility; the above cultural techniques as ex- A study was carried out in the • use of contact farmer strategy; amples of what they have learnt Mukono district of Uganda to inves- • emphasis on use of locally avail- from farmers. Regular and sched- tigate the strengths and weaknesses able resources; uled training of extension staff is of the T&V model in practise. Ex- now practised, thus keeping exten- • recommendations made according tension staff working with the Agri- sion agents abreast with new devel- to the ability of the farmer; cultural Extension Project (AEP) in opments as well as refreshing their the district were surveyed. One hun- • emphasis on extension–research knowledge. Through networking of dred farmers in the project area and linkage; the departments that used to run 26 from a non-project area were in- • an in-built process to adjust to parallel extension services, but terviewed. Participant observation changing circumstances. serving the same farmer, optimisa- and secondary data were additional tion of resource use has been im- valuable sources of information. An Overview of T&V in proved. As a result of these im- Uganda—Including Results provements, immediate benefits T&V Model of Extension— from the Survey were registered both among farmers a Definition and extension staff. Achievements in Uganda – T&V Weaknesses in Uganda – T&V T&V is an extension model whose has so far been successful in achiev- has been reported to have had a pos- main objectives are to improve the ing some of its objectives in Ugan- itive impact in some parts of the delivery of extension services, the da. Farmer-extension contact (with world particularly in India (Roberts, quality of extension messages and respect to the number of farmers 1989). Evaluations done and obser- the management of extension ser- now reporting regular visits by ex- vations made in a variety of areas vices in rural areas. Initiated by tension agents) has increased. The both during and after the implemen-

80 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 tation of T&V, report that it has not provision of farming information Table 2 – Problems Identified by had a significant impact in con- and ignores other essentials neces- Farmers as Limiting Their Progress tributing to rural development. sary to enable farmers to utilise the Problem Frequency Table 1, synthesised from Antholt information. These essentials in- Lack of inputs 65 (1994) and Seilenga (1993), throws clude: availability of credit, markets Pests and diseases 27 light on this issue. for selling farm products and pro- Poor soils 16 The question worth asking at this duction inputs. Lack of these essen- Scarcity of land 17 stage is whether T&V’s achieve- tials limit rural development be- Marketing problem 14 ments are based on a sound premise cause, for the agricultural informa- Labour shortages 3 that will underpin the community’s tion to be usable, their availability is Water shortage and drought 18 capacity to sustain the achievements essential. Without them the ‘pile’ of Inadequate extension services 6 and the associated activities, or will information a farmer receives from Transport 14 these achievements ‘evaporate’ as extension agents may contribute to soon as the official project time, and his anxiety, disillusionment and ap- therefore externally propelled devel- athy, in addition to eroding the cred- da. For example an extension mes- opment, expires? To understand this ibility the extension agents could sage that aims at controlling tick it is worth identifying weaknesses have already established with the borne diseases through an improved inherent within the T&V system. farmer. This situation can already be tick management program, may put emphasis on proper spraying with Narrow focus: T&V focuses on observed in the T&V area of Ugan- the right acaricide. Unless the farmer can afford the acaricide, that Table 1 – Country and Provincial Impact of T&V piece of information will be unus- Country Comment able by that farmer. It is this narrow Pakistan — No impact, focused too much on process and little on approach, of overly concentrating increasing the relevance of technology messages and on provision of farming informa- different methods of transferring them. tion, with total disregard of other Indonesia — No impact in non-rice, dry-land, mult-sytem crops. requisites for utilising the information that makes the T&V system un- India Andra Pradesh — No effect in rain fed well-endowed areas able to sustain farmers morale. It Haryan (under T&V) and Punjab (without T&V) — No difference also makes it less participatory be- observed in their relative growth of wheat and agricultural cause it comes with a predetermined gross domestic product. problem (lack of sufficient farming West Bengal, Bihar, Karala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu — No causal information) and a predetermined connection between incremental productivity and incremen- solution (provision of the informa- tal investment in the T&V system tion). No effort is directed at diag- Thailand — Moved to a “participatory farmer planning” approach after nosing farming problems in totality trying T&V for 5 years. Rice yields increased by 1 to 1.7% with the farmers, and then jointly de- per year in the 10 years since introduction of T&V. Crop veloping a possible solution. Farm- diversification and cropping intensity also increased. But ers participate in identifying their these changes could not be reliably linked to investment in the system. farming information needs only; but this is not sufficient, as it limits the Terai of Nepal — After 10 years had no impact on wheat yields. scope of participation. Table 2 lists Bangladesh — No effect on changing “orientation of extension to clients”, a the problems identified by farmers major objective for introducing it. as limiting their progress. Malaysia — In 1984, decided T&V was not a workable model and T&V focusing purely on provi- changed to a market-driven commercial approach linked to sion of farm management informa- groups. tion, when a large number of farmers report that they are limited by a Kenya — Rated poor, no sustained impact on farmers and increase in production minimal range of other problems, shows that farmers do not genuinely participate Zambia — Rated poor, achieved little relative to its objectives. in identification of their farming Cameroon — Rated poor, managerial and organisational difficulties led to needs. It also questions the usability complete lack of interest by farmers. of the farming information when a host of constraints to implementing Niger — Rated poor , expensive to run and had a high farmer desertion the information are barely addressed. adapted from Antholt (1994) and Seilenga (1993) In effect T&V helps in making farmers aware of the farming infor-

Opportunities and Challenges for Extension in Rural Areas 81 mation (awareness stage in the adop- tick control example above, the aca- agencies face budgetary constraints tion process) but does not go far ricide, and the information about its and may not be able to directly meet enough to assist in the entire adop- use and the reason for using it are material needs of farmers, but basic tion process. important. The information about production requirements of resource Management problem: T&V puts its usage when the farmer cannot poor farmers could be mobilised emphasis on improving the man- obtain it is unusable. Availability of from within themselves through mo- agement of extension activities at the acaricide without information bilisation and organisation of rural the field level. The entire extension about its usage, and reasons for us- communities by forming and streng- management structure, in which ing it may be equally useless. thening of grassroot institutions. field extension staff operate, is vir- Among resource poor farmers, These then become the basis for tually left unchanged. As a result, operating at a subsistence level, mobilising local savings which can the supervision of field extension farming information may be the first be used to loan each other, and agents improve, but nothing is done limiting production factor because sometimes the savings matched by to mitigate the irrationally bureau- at such a level, improvement can be external supporters. The grassroot cratic, prescriptive, patronising and obtained by using better manage- institutions can also be an effective top-down management approach ment practices. But soon, for other way of linking rural communities practised by managers of govern- practices to be applied, availability to external formal institutions like ment extension agencies, whose in- of another or other factor(s) of pro- banks. Braverman and Guasch efficiencies are eventually reflected duction will be vital. This is the in- (1989); Gabianu, Lycette and White at the field level, and blamed on the terface where information and other (1989) USAID (1983) cited in Holt field extension agents. factors start influencing each other. and Ribe (1991), respectively ob- Lack of local farmers’ institu- T&V emphasises provision of served that resource poor farmers tions: no emphasis is put on devel- farming information only. Exten- have a low default rate, are capable oping grassroot institutions, which sion agents are expected to inform of saving, and can utilise unsub- in turn would be a basis for estab- the farmers where credit and other sidised credit. Organisation of farm- lishing a self-help capacity neces- inputs can be obtained. But because ers into groups or associations on a sary to sustain the achievements and the majority of extension clients are basis of mobilising savings from development activities (groups are resource poor, largely illiterate, un- them or undertaking joint activities used merely as extension contact organised, operate at a subsistence where a group has a comparative entities). For development to be level and are widely dispersed spa- advantage over an individual in ac- meaningful and sustainable it must tially, (to whom Roling, (1988) re- complishment is therefore required. come essentially from the people ferred to as low access farmers), it These organised groups apart from that are a subject of change. Exter- would be unreasonable to just in- having the capacity to mobilise sav- nal support is only necessary as a form them of where the other fac- ings amongst their members, can be catalyst to facilitate the develop- tors of production could be ob- strong local institutions that have an ment process. In other words, devel- tained, given that formal institutions enhanced capacity to bargain with opment cannot be donated from an that provide such services are profit external institutions like banks and external ‘big brother’ it is essential- orientated, and therefore not attract- input suppliers. ly an internal process by the local ed to this particular sector of clients. Again, because external institu- people themselves. This is why it is This makes the formal institutions tions are usually profit motivated, crucial that a strategy to involve unsuitable to serve this sector of the they are not suitable to undertake people, through genuine participa- rural community meaningfully in its this organisational task. An exten- tion, should be on top of a develop- present organisation. It is because of sion agency handling this organ- ment agenda of an intervening body this reality that extension should not isational task can be justified by in order to break the dependence only concentrate on enhancing one the fact that agricultural extension syndrome—a pathology that is a factor, with a hope that other agen- agents are generally more widely hindrance to sustainable rural devel- cies will come in and take care of distributed in rural areas than work- opment. the rest. An integrated approach that ers of other departments, and are in Need for Extension to Provide ensures the availability of all the es- constant direct contact with farm- Essential Production Factors –A sential production factors is there- ers. Development of these grassroot number of essential production fac- fore necessary. institutions is also a strategy to en- tors (as mentioned above) are need- Extension should take the re- hance equitable utilisation of exten- ed in an agricultural production sponsibility to co-ordinate the pro- sion messages by rural farmers. process and these factors are inter- vision of extension services as well Therefore the narrow focus of T&V dependent. Absence of any of them as enhancing the opportunity of the together with the principle of begin- may render the others unusable or farmers to access basic production ning with an activity that will cause lead to their inefficient use. In the resources. It is true that extension immediate positive impact, may lead

82 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 to early excitement and to disillu- of the extension message. Similar tension programs, organising farm- sionment later, not only to farmers views can be found in a variety of ers, and linking them to the govern- but to extension staff as well; thus literature: Mosher (1966) observed ment agency responsible for provi- being eventually counterproductive. that for agriculture to get moving, sion of the services. Such a body is The limiting factors mentioned there are certain essentials that must likely to be more accountable to the above, though they cannot be put in be available: markets, transporta- end users of the service (the farm- the order in which they limit pro- tion, technology, supplies and pro- ers) as well as to the policy makers gress as the extent and combination duction incentives for farmers and (the government). Co-operation and with which they limit farmers ad- accelerators like education, credit, commitment from the government vancement in agriculture is situa- group action by farmers, improving is essential for this kind of arrange- tion specific, can be illustrated in a and expanding agricultural land and ment. Under the current arrange- model below. national planning. Similar views are ment the government formulates ag- Take a hypothetical example of a held by Roling (1988) he refers to ricultural policies, implements them multistage reaction them as a mix of essentials. Van den and also evaluates them! This ques- Ban and Hawkins (1990) observed tions the capacity for self-correc- A+B(AB1(AB2(AB3 ((( that agricultural extension is essen- tion. It could be more productive for F1 F2 F3 tial but should be combined with the government to contract the de- where A & B are inputs, AB1 and proper farmers’ problem census, livery of extension services to an- AB2 are intermediate products and credit, markets for products and sup- other body and concentrate on stra- AB3 the end product. F1, F2, F3, plies. Campbell (1992) was of the tegic planning for rural agricultural are factors necessary to facilitate the view that, for developing sustaina- development and also monitoring rate of formation of AB1, AB2, ble systems, certain conditions must and evaluation of the contracted ser- AB3, respectively, hence the rate at be met to realise meaningful change. vices to ensure that the contracted which inputs A & B are utilised to He states these as commitment, body does the right job and give ac- form end product AB3. Without in- resources, knowledge and change curate feedback. puts A & B there will be no product process. Government suitability in direct- at all. If factor F1 is provided, but ly implementing rural development F2 and F3 are lacking the effect will Challenges Facing Extension – related activities like extension is be an accumulation of intermediate Based on the weaknesses identified increasingly being questioned in product AB1, but the rate of forma- in the T & V system and the previ- the literature. For example Nayman tion of AB3 (which is our target) ous extension systems, it is clear (1988 cited in Antholt, 1994) found can only slightly improve at best. If that a number of challenges facing that “…the pattern of internal com- F3 is provided without F1 and F2, it extension, which must be redressed munication in the Department of will not be utilised. If all factors are so that clients are served equitably, Agriculture in Pakistan is asymmet- provided, the rate of formation of and a local capacity to sustain de- ric (gearing to control rather than to AB3 is maximised. So, the rate at velopment activities is established. create an understanding) and top to which AB3 is formed will depend They include: bottom”. on the availability of the facilitating Need to restructure the organisa- Uphoff (1984) stated that “…With- factors. tion of Uganda’s extension agency: in third world bureaucracies, there This could be likened to exten- In order to be more relevant and re- are many very capable people, high- sion. In the process of changing a sponsive to rural farmers needs, ly motivated and serious, yet who society, there are necessary inputs; there is a need to restructure the or- operate within an administrative factors that facilitate the utilisation ganisation of the Ugandan exten- system that is disappointing in the of the inputs such as knowledge and sion agency to ensure that, among results it achieves…such organisa- availability of markets; intermediate other characteristics, it is appropri- tion amounts too often to less than stages in the change process like ate, flexible, effective, efficient and the sum of its parts.” He goes on to awareness; and finally change which free from excessive bureaucracy. say that this results not so much is the goal that is adoption of the in- The current organisation is exces- from personal faults or defects as novation. So, like the above reaction sively bureaucratic, lacks the neces- from the structural situation in which which depends on fulfilment of nec- sary flexibility necessary to respond people find themselves. Fisher and essary conditions, so does the change to rural problems, is patronising and Manwan, (1988); Drysdale and process in society. A range of fac- essentially ‘top-down’. This makes Shute, (1989). cited in Antholt, tors are necessary for success, for it unsuited for the responsibility of (1994), with reference to Indonesia, example knowledge may facilitate implementing extension programs respectively stated that ‘because of the change process up to the aware- in rural areas. A body, in between the limitations inherent in a central- ness stage and production inputs government and farmers, could be ly controlled and managed exten- complete the process up to adoption more efficient in implementing ex- sion service, extension was unable

Opportunities and Challenges for Extension in Rural Areas 83 to deal effectively with the site- enough (see T&V weaknesses) no cilitate the emergence and develop- specific needs of farmers’ problems development can take place any- ment of the groups. The Australian and opportunities’, and that the top where (urban or rural) at any level landcare groups provide a good ex- down flow of information, which (micro or macro) without support ample; human resource develop- stems from national planning ob- institutions. This is recognised wide- ment is part of their program. Farm- jectives, did not necessarily reflect ly. For example the Pan African ers and their leaders are equipped the objectives of farmers’. Morris, Congress conference that was held with leadership, management and (1988) and Antholt (1991), cited in in Kampala (Uganda) in April 1994 necessary group dynamics skills en- Antholt, (1994), observed that “giv- recognised this in the theme “organ- abling them to overcome problems en the seasonality of work loads, the ise don’t agonise”. Simply enumer- that emerge in the process of group heterogeneity of agro-ecological sys- ating problems or attempting to development. To achieve this, facili- tems, changing market conditions, solve them in unorganised commu- tators are attached to groups, to help and the difficulties of travel, exten- nity with ill developed institutions develop them into viable and self- sion services must be decentralised may be a palliative measure at best. sustaining institutions. They are also and made more flexible”. Lack of sufficient social organisa- reinforced by extension profession- Roling (1988) advised that there tion could be the single largest con- als who continually do research and is a need to change the targeting of tributor to development stagnation provide them with necessary litera- existing agricultural information sys- in developing countries and rural ar- ture and a theoretical basis for the tems and service institutions, in or- eas in particular. The World Bank functioning of their groups. der to generate claims of services sociologist Cernia (1982) cited in Need to enhance research–exten- from below. He suggested a tripar- Uphoff (1984), reporting his con- sion linkages. In Uganda there has tite extension structure, where an- versation with an economist who not been sufficient research activity other body charged with the respon- conducted a study of the agricultur- to meet extension needs. Though sibility of organising farmers and al sector of two developing coun- this is not a limiting problem at the enhancing their ability to claim ser- tries, shares this view when he suc- moment because there has been a vices from the extension agency be- cinctly stated: substantial information backlog to comes the intermediate body. He told me that in order to in- get extension going. It is likely that Need for grassroot organisations: crease resource mobilisation, the it will be a limiting factor soon. The Development of a social infrastruc- two governments have used al- focus of research is also biased to- ture in the form of local institutions most all the conventional eco- wards biological issues (such as get- like farmer groups, is probably the nomic remedies: they have at- ting high yielding, disease resistant single most important legacy exten- tempted to raise various agricul- varieties.), and little is done to come tural levies; they have expanded sion can have in rural areas; it is an up with tools that will increase the commercial banking and investment for further and sustain- labour productivity. Research in this credit network; they have sub- able development, and essential if area is badly needed in developing sidised certain inputs (e.g. fer- countries, in order to increase la- genuine participation by farmers is tilisers) so as to encourage their bour productivity, and relieve farm- to be realised. As Freire (1976) ob- usage; they have invested in ers of unnecessary hard labour. Ex- served, a person that is neither in di- road infrastructure; and so on. tension’s role here is appropriate alogue nor participating, accommo- But inspite of all these efforts, communication of research needs to dates to conditions imposed upon the agricultural economy has re- him and thereby acquires an acriti- mained sluggish and obstinately researchers and trial of the research cal frame of mind. The importance refuses to develop at a steady products to verify their appropriate- of this societal organisation not rate. The only thing the govern- ness to the local situation. withstanding, it is the most neglect- ments have not paid attention to, ed activity in rural development. my colleague commented sadly, Opportunities for Possibly because it is the most diffi- was institution building in rural Extension in Uganda cult stage in the development pro- areas. They did not at all per- cess and requires a lot of time and ceive the urgency of providing Uganda has relatively well trained patience, but is nonetheless possi- the peasants with more adequate but under-utilised staff for all levels ble. A development process is not social institutional structures for of an extension organisation and expected to be an easy exercise, as increased economic effective- sufficient support institutions of the problems faced are equally not ness, so that the farmers them- higher learning to sustain national easy. Avoiding this reality not only selves could achieve a self-sus- staff development needs. Govern- postpones the problem, but allows it taining and durable growth. ment recognises agriculture as the to grow and possibly to become Development of these institutions mainstay of its economy, therefore more intractable. The importance of will require use of professional group agriculture enjoys better funding organisation can not be emphasised dynamics skills, to support and fa- within the limits of fiscal realities.

84 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Staff are enthusiastic about work as the government, since the latter contracted NGO to ensure that the long as the incentive structure meets controls resources and makes laws end users of the service are well their commitment and output. Ugan- that determine the suitability of the served according to expectation da has a relatively favourable cli- former’s working environment. and that resources are well util- mate and a comparative advantage ised. over her neighbours in agricultural The Extension Triad: An Alterna- • Retains the Headquarters staff and productivity and production. tive Approach to Direct Govern- a few district level staff to liaise Farmers are enthusiastic about ment Involvement in Extension – with the NGO and the farmers. participating in rural development This considers the agricultural man- • Funds the NGO and external sup- activities as indicated by the rate at agement system as being composed port for agricultural development which farmers formed groups in of three subsystems: The govern- activities should be channelled AEP area mentioned earlier. So, ment subsystem; the NGO subsys- through the NGO even if the gov- mobilising farmers into groups and tem (which is an intermediate body ernment negotiates it. associations is not likely to be an linking the government subsystem Features and role of the NGO up-hill task since they already value and farmers subsystem) and the subsystem includes: them. Since commitment is an im- farmers’ group subsystem. These portant input in the change process, systems together form an ‘extension • Implements field activities. this is a valuable opportunity for ex- triad’. depending on how they are • Links with researchers. tension. made to interact, the outcome is ex- • Accountable to the government Many donor agencies now recog- pected to have a synergistic effect. and the farmers. nise the role NGOs play in rural de- Each subsystem does what it can do • Inherits the field staff to take ad- velopment, and their potential to best to achieve the synergy. The vantage of their experience and complement government efforts in view of establishing an autonomous skills. the process of rural development is intermediate body in the extension • Utilises the good attributes of increasingly getting recognition. For system is shared by many authors T&V. example co-operation with a non for example Roling, (1988); Up- governmental body in developing hoff, (1984) and (OECD, 1988). • Monitors and evaluates its pro- countries, which is involved in pro- Objectives of This Approach – grams for its internal management jects for assisting the poor and This approach is not a radical change needs and those of stake holders strengthen their self-help capacity, in extension system, from the gov- (farmers, government and so forth). is used as a criteria by the German ernment implemented extension ser- • Local institution development government to fund its NGOs un- vices to an intermediate body, in should be a priority. dertaking development activities in this case an NGO. It is just a change • It should be an autonomous body developing countries (OECD, 1993). of approach to make the govern- free of government bureaucracy ment more efficient in executing its interference Need for an Alternative Extension responsibility of provision of ser- • Must be an indigenous organisa- Management Approach – From the vices to rural areas. The basic aim is tion. discussion so far, it can be inferred to ensure that the agency that inter- • Through its national secretariat, that government bureaucracies of acts directly with the farmers has, should try to raise funds locally developing countries are unsuitable inter alia, the following futures: and/or externally to augment gov- for directly implementing develop- flexibility, effectiveness, efficiency, ernment funds. ment activities in rural areas. Lack freedom from government bureau- of flexibility in their operation, a cracy, and the assurance of genuine • Should also network with other top-down communication approach, participation of farmers. NGOs in the area like the church to maximise use of resources avail- inefficient use of available and Role and features of the govern- able for rural development and en- scarce resources renders them un- ment subsystem includes: suitable candidates for implement- sure that their activities are co-or- • Formulates strategic agricultural dinated. ing rural development activities like development policies together with Farmers’ group subsystem works extension. Therefore there is a need the other subsystems. to demystify the irrational view that closely with NGO and provides in- only government bodies can deliver • Should not directly implement ex- formation to government and NGO services in rural areas, even where tension activities, but contracts a during routine evaluations of the alternative agencies that have been local NGO to implement them and performance of the NGO. tested in the field and proven to be provides it with general operating Advantages of an NGO approach superior to governments are avail- guidelines. include are that: the bureaucracy able. These agencies however need • Conducts routine and vigorous within the Ministry of Agriculture is the support and commitment from monitoring and evaluation of the by-passed; more efficient and effec-

Opportunities and Challenges for Extension in Rural Areas 85 tive use of resources since they are process—communication of agri- Holt. S. L and H. Ribe. 1991 Developing now deployed from headquarters to cultural information to farmers, and Financial Institutions for the Poor and the field. Time wasting is reduced lose sight of the end—sustainable Reducing Barriers to Access for Women. World Bank Discussion Papers No. 117. and existing staff are maximally rural development. To attain sus- Washington, D.C.: World Bank. utilised. Funds budgeted annually tainable rural development, it will for agriculture, and from donors be necessary for extension agencies Mosher A.T. 1966. Getting Agriculture now go directly to where they are to engage in a deliberate develop- Moving: Essentials for Development and Modernisation. New York: Agricultural needed and serve people in whose ment and strengthening of grassroot Development Council. name they are acquired. Farmers institutions and make genuine local find it easier to ask for services from participation of farmers in develop- Roberts. N. 1989. Agricultural Extension NGO than from the government ment activities both a means and a in Africa: A World Bank Symposium. Edited by Nigel Roberts. Washington, since they are nearer them and more goal of sustainable development. D.C.: International Bank for Reconstruc- flexible. For example Ritchie.D Development and strengthening of tion and Development. (1994) noted that “many farmers indigenous NGOs should be en- never will take advantage of gov- couraged. OECD. 1993. Non-governmental Organ- isations and Governments: Stakeholders ernment extension services, but REFERENCES for Development. Edited by I. Smiller and may be served by expanding NGO H. Helmich. Paris: OECD. extension systems”. There is a de- Antholt, C.H. 1994. “Getting Ready for OECD. 1988. Voluntary Aid For Develop- crease in senior managers’ interfer- the Twenty-First Century.” Technical ment: The Role of Non-governmental Or- ence with field staff. Extension cov- Change and Institutional Modernisation ganisations. Paris: OECD. erage area can be wider. NGO’s in Agriculture. World Bank Technical Pa- have a history of reaching remote per No. 217. Asia Technical Department Roling, N.G. 1988. Extension Science: Series. Washington, D.C: World Bank. areas. Government workers tend to Information Systems in Agricultural De- concentrate in cities and towns hence velopment. Cambridge, England: Cam- Benor. D and J.Q. Harrison. 1977. Agri- bridge University Press. urbanising extension. cultural Extension: the Training and Visit System. Washington, D.C: World Bank. Seilenga, R 1993. Experience with the Training and Visit System of Extension. Conclusion Bindlish. V and R. Evenson. 1993. Eval- Washington, D.C.: World Bank. uation of the Performance of T&V Exten- sion in Kenya. World Bank Technical Pa- Uphoff. N. 1984. Rural Development The T&V approach to extension per No. 208. Africa Technical Department Strategy: The Central Role of Local Or- is an improvement to the previous Series. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. ganisations and Changing Supply Side extension system in Uganda. The Bureaucracy in Studies on Agrarian Re- T&V focus on provision of farming Campbell, C.A. 1992. “Landcare in Aus- form and Rural Poverty. Rome: F.A.O. information is essential but not ade- tralia: Taking the Long View in Tough Times.” National Landcare Facilitator Fi- Van Den Ban. A.W and H.S. Hawkins. quate to attain sustainable rural de- nal Report. Canberra: s.n. 1990. Agricultural Extension. Essex, velopment. Strategies to enable England: Longman. farmers to make use of the informa- Fender G, R. Slade and A. Sundaram. tion are required. There is a need to 1988. “T&V Extension Impact in North- EMMY BERAHO, BASIL SHEAHAN, and TIM REEVES are with the Depart- restructure the organisation of an ern India.” Training and Visit Extension In Practice. Agricultural Administration Unit ment of Agronomy and Farming Sys- extension agency to ensure that the Occasional Paper 8. Edited by J. Howell tems, University of Adelaide, Rose- body responsible for implementing J. London: Overseas Development. worthy Campus. extension field activities is: effective, efficient, autonomous and free Freire, P. 1976. “Education as the Prac- CONTACT ADDRESS: from government bureaucracy. The tice of Freedom.” London: Writers and readers Publishing co-operative, Lon- Emmy Beraho government bureaucracy should re- don.` Department of Agronomy and Farming tain the supervisory role and general Systems strategic planning, and contract the Gershom F and R. Slade. 1984 Aspects University of Adelaide—Roseworthy execution of day-to-day field exten- of the Training and Visit System of Agri- Campus Roseworthy SA 5371 sion services to an autonomous in- cultural Extension in India: A Compara- tive Analysis. World Bank Staff Working AUSTRALIA termediate body. Extension should Papers No. 656. Washington, D.C.: E-Mail: eeberaho not be overly concerned with the World Bank. @roseworthy.adelaide.edu.au

86 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Concurrent Session 4 Equity for the Information Poor: Marketing Information for Asian Farmers in Remote Areas

pour les agences gouvernementales que local de mercadeo. La solución es de- Jan Bay-Petersen pour les producteurs ruraux qui s’ap- scentralizar la difusión de la información puient essentiellement sur les médias y establecer centros locales de informa- ABSTRACT: Marketing for small-scale comme source d’information sur les mar- ción sobre mercadeo, que estén vincula- farms in Asia is discussed as an example chés. Cette information provient d’une dos con el centro nacional. La difusión of how difficult it is to provide regular, source centralisée et donne des mo- desde los centros locales se realiza, a timely and relevant information to geo- yennes nationales et les prix sur une ou menudo, mediante métodos de bajo cos- graphically remote users. Most countries deux grandes villes. Or, les besoins des to, por ejemplo, carteleras en las aldeas. in Asia attempt to provide some kind of producteurs ruraux portent sur les condi- El documento trata los programas ac- marketing information service to help tions locales du marché. La solution est tuales de este tipo en varios países farmers decide what to produce, where de décentraliser la diffusion de l’informa- asiáticos, incluyendo Indonesia, Taiwán and when to sell, and what price to ex- tion par la création de centres locaux y Japón. pect. Some of these are expensive elec- d’information sur les marchés, reliés au tronic information systems. Recent stud- centre national. Ces centres locaux peu- ies show that these are useful to central vent souvent assurer la diffusion à un “…My food is what I grow in government agencies rather than farm- bas prix en utilisant les tableaux d’af- my own fields, ers, who rely mainly on mass media as a fichage dans les villages. Ce document source of marketing information. This analyse des programmes de ce type en My water is from the well I information comes from a centralized cours dans les pays asiatiques, y com- dug myself. source, and represents national aver- pris en Indonésie, en Taïwan et au The Emperor is far away, ages, and prices in one or two large Japon. and no concern of mine.” cities. What farmers in remote areas —Traditional (Work-song need is information about the local mar- RESUMEN: El mercadeo en pequeñas of Chinese farmers) keting situation. The solution is to decen- fincas en Asia se presenta como un tralize information dissemination and set ejemplo de lo difícil que resulta propor- The term “remote” implies dis- up local marketing information centers, cionar información relevante, de manera linked with the national center. Dissemi- tance from centers of population regular y oportuna, a los usuarios de lu- and production where wealth is gen- nation from the local centers is often by gares geográficamente remotos. La may- low-cost methods such as display boards oría de los países asiáticos intenta ofre- erated. Human settlements cluster in villages. The paper discusses current cer algún tipo de servicio de información where there is economic advantage programs of this kind in several Asian sobre mercadeo que ayude a los agricul- and where land is fertile. In a few countries including Indonesia, Taiwan, tores a decidir qué deben producir, and Japan. countries, the size of land holdings dónde y cuándo deben vender, y qué may be large enough to outweigh precio pueden esperar. Algunos de estos RESUMÉ: Ce document montre les diffi- servicios son sistemas costosos de infor- the disadvantage of distance, but cultés de fournir des services d’informa- mación electrónica. Estudios recientes this is not typical. In most cases, tions réguliers, à temps et appropriés à indican, sin embargo, que este tipo de farmers in remote areas are resource des petits producteurs des zones géo- sistema es más útil para las entidades poor with low incomes. graphiquement isolées d’Asie. La plupart del gobierno central que para los agricul- The robust independence of the des pays d’Asie tente de fournir des ser- tores, quienes dependen principalmente vices d’information pour soutenir les pro- de los medios de comunicación masiva poem above is not possible if farm- ducteurs dans leurs décisions relatives como fuente de información sobre mer- ers want to earn money from their au choix des produits, des lieux et péri- cadeo. Esta información viene de una farms. To do that, they have to pro- odes de production, et au prix à attendre fuente centralizada y representa los duce a surplus and enter the market de ces produits. Certains de ces services promedios nacionales y los precios en place. Farmers in remote areas are assurés au moyen d’outils électroniques una o dos ciudades grandes. Lo que ne- coûtent chers. Des études récentes mon- cesitan los agricultores en zonas remo- under a particular disadvantage in trent que ces services sont plus utiles tas es información acerca de la situación marketing. The economic constraint

Equity for the Information Poor: Marketing Information for Asian Farmers in Remote Areas 87 imposed by distance is most marked information, and the problems of around 2.4 acres (1 hectare) in Japan, in less industrialized countries with communicating it to farmers in re- Korea and Taiwan). As a result, the a poorly developed infrastructure. mote areas, in seven countries in agricultural surpluses produced for The difficulty of transporting agri- Southeast and East Asia: Indonesia, market are being grown in small cultural produce, which by its na- Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, quantities on numerous small, scat- ture tends to be heavy and bulky, is Taiwan and Thailand. Of this sam- tered farms. This runs counter to a major problem when the market ple, all have free market economies. efficient marketing, which by its place is distant and roads are poor. Some have a highly developed in- nature implies a large sales volume In the absence of a modern transport dustrial economies with a good in- of standardized products. Typically, and distribution system, farm infrastructure, while others are less marketing chains in Asia are long comes in less industrialized coun- industrialized. However, they all and there is a wide gap between the tries tend to fall as the distance from share similar marketing problems, prices received by farmers and the large cities increases. and all are finding it difficult to pro- prices being paid by consumers. Among low-income farmers in vide farmers with a good marketing Marketing problems are especial- Asia, there is a demand for infor- information service. ly severe with vegetables and fruits. mation but not a market for it. Pro- Marketing information for farm- Although these tend to be high-val- viding an information service may ers in remote areas has the same ue crops, they are harvested season- generate income for the farmers, but general problems as other types of ally and have a short storage life. It not for the agency which supplies agricultural information, plus some is common for periodic surpluses to it. Information services for low-in- special problems of its own. It is occur, with a consequent fall in come farmers are largely funded by even more location specific than prices. This pattern of repeated sur- national governments, supplement- technical information. Farmers need pluses and unstable prices is seen ed by some international agencies. to know, not the average price over throughout Asia, both in wealthy in- Whether the information source is the whole nation, but an indication dustrialized countries and in less in- national or international, there is a of the prices to expect in the actual dustrialized ones. When we discuss marked disparity between it and the marketing outlets to which they agricultural information in remote farmers it services, in terms of have access. Marketing information areas, we should perhaps consider wealth and status. The source of in- also has to be timely, and soon be- what this information is for. Is it to formation serves as a center of deci- comes obsolete. There is a deadline raise production levels? Is it to raise sion making about what informa- to its usefulness that does not usual- farm incomes? Where there are tion to disseminate. Farmers do not ly apply to technical information. marketing problems, and these exist make a financial contribution, and almost everywhere, the two aims so are seldom consulted in these de- Marketing: may be incompatible. cisions. Low-income farmers in re- Some General Points mote areas have little choice or con- Marketing Information trol over the agricultural informa- If we look at the information tion they receive. which farmers are receiving from Marketing information has a ma- In absolute terms, they are not extension departments and other jor effect on whether a farmer’s pro- poor in information: they have a rich sources, most of it is technical in- duction is profitable or not. First of supply of it from their own tradition- formation aimed at increased pro- all, farmers have to know about al culture. However, as long as their duction. However, in most Asian market demand if they are to re- society functions as a closed system countries, and in fact throughout the spond efficiently to market forces. using only local information, people world, increased production is the The main reliable source of infor- in remote areas are at a disadvantage main concern only at a subsistence mation is the market itself, as prices in dealing with the outside world. level. Once farmers start producing reflect changes in supply and de- They do not share in any wealth a surplus for the market, it is mar- mand. Marketing information not generated by the national economy, keting which is the major problem. only helps farmers make profitable they do not take part in economic Many programs in Asia and else- decisions in the short term on when development. They are also weak in where aimed at increasing agricul- and where to market produce, and defending what resources they have tural production have failed after a what price to expect; it also has from powerful outside interests. It is few years, because although farmers another vital function, of helping logging companies and export firms did increase their output, they were farmers decide what to produce. who take the profit from the timber unable to sell what they produced. Since there may be a time delay of in remote areas, rather than the Farmers in Asia find agricultural months or years between investing farmers on whose traditional lands marketing particularly difficult. Pro- in a crop and getting a profit, farm- the trees once grew. duction is diversified and land holders who understand market trends This paper discusses marketing ings are generally small (on average and market opportunities have a

88 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 better chance of succeeding than should keep in mind that agricultur- is provided by other farmers (Choi those who do not. al price data are based on thousands 1993). The dealers who buy produce or millions of transactions, many of In all seven countries, the nation- have a vested interest in keeping them on a small scale, that are tak- al marketing information service farm gate prices low and minimizing ing place every day all over the uses national media to bring mar- their risks. Generally they have much country. Collecting an adequate price keting information to farmers. Lists better access to market information sample and making sure that these of prices for vegetables, eggs and so than the small-scale farmers they are representative enough to be use- forth are published daily or weekly buy from. It is common for farmers ful is not an easy task. Marketing inin national newspapers. Most coun- to end up bearing the greater part of formation is perhaps rather different tries also provide national radio pro- the risk, while the dealers end up from technical information in agri- grams with information about cur- with the greater part of the profits. culture, in that it is never expected rent prices in selected markets. Bul- to be 100% accurate. letin boards are another common Some Marketing Informa- In each country, the head office of way of disseminating price information Systems in Asia the marketing information service is tion, and are required by law in linked to numerous reporting sta- some countries. The bulletin board In all seven of these Asian coun- tions in the provinces which report is set up in the market place and up- tries, the government operates a regularly on the local prices of a dated daily or weekly. It may take national government service. It is range of commodities. The head of- the form of a blackboard, a notice usually run by the Ministry of Agri- fice collects the data, processes it board with printed price lists, or in culture or its equivalent, sometimes and stores it. It is then passed on to industrialized countries may be a by several Ministries (for example government ministries, to become computerized display screen. in Thailand, it is jointly operated by part of the basic statistical data the Ministry of Agriculture and Co- about the nation’s food supply and Effectiveness of Marketing Infor- operatives and the Ministry of Com- agriculture generally. Everyone un- mation Services – A.B. Friedlink, merce). There are often additional derstands that statistical data is nec- in summarizing a conference on in- independent services for particular essary for policy making. However, formation, applied a useful distinc- interest groups. As well as the gov- this is not meant to be the only function between the effectiveness of an ernment service, Japan has an infor- tion of a marketing information ser- information system, “doing the right mation service operated by ZEN- vice. In all seven countries it quite thing”, and efficiency, “doing the NOH, the national farmers’ coop- explicitly has another function, of thing right”. The marketing infor- erative organization. Malaysia, a helping farmers in their marketing mation systems of these seven Asian major agricultural exporter, is the decisions. In practice, the amount of countries are all “doing the thing only one of the seven not to have a information flowing to farmers from right”, in that they are making effi- single government service covering the center is limited. Furthermore, cient use of available facilities and all major crops. Instead, each major much of the marketing information personnel to ensure that their data is export crop has its own price infor- which is disseminated goes unused, as complete and accurate as possi- mation service, run by the special because it is not in a usable form. ble. They are “doing the right thing” government agency that is also re- only if farmers’ needs are not taken sponsible for extension and techni- Dissemination of Marketing In- into account. At a recent interna- cal research for that crop. Informa- formation – Although computers tional workshop on marketing in- tion about vegetables and other do- are used in all seven countries for formation services for farmers in mestic food items in Malaysia is the collecting processing data, they are the Asian and Pacific region1, it was work of FAMA, the Federal Gov- not much used in disseminating it to concluded that farmers in less in- ernment Marketing Authority. All farmers. Even in highly industrial- dustrialized countries of the region these marketing information ser- ized countries like Japan, very few are receiving minimal benefit from vices are centralized, with a head farmers use computers in farm man- national marketing information ser- office in the capital city staffed by agement, and almost none use com- vices. highly trained agricultural econo- puters as a means of communica- There are two main problems. mists and computer technologists. tion. Japan, Korea and Taiwan all The first is that the output of these Computers are used at the head of- have an electronic bulletin board national marketing information ser- fice for data storage and analysis, system for marketing information, vices tends to be raw price data. usually IBM mainframes. but few farmers make direct use of This may be averaged or summa- it. A survey in Korea found that rized, but it is not given further pro- Collection of Marketing Informa- when farmers are seeking price in- cessing to make it informative for tion – The essential data of market- formation for their marketing, in ordinary people. Long lists of prices ing information is price data. We over 70% of cases the information are difficult to understand. If Asian

Equity for the Information Poor: Marketing Information for Asian Farmers in Remote Areas 89 farmers want to use this information ous commodities in what is de- in response to their felt needs for to understand the market situation, signed to be an interesting format, more information in a situation or identify price trends over time, or such as interviews and voice clips. where unstable prices involved a discover new marketing opportuni- The third section presents success high level of risk. Second, most of ties, they have to do it for them- stories of local agricultural entre- the information in the system is col- selves. preneurs. The final section, “Addi- lected on a voluntary basis by the The second problem is that what tional Knowledge”, deals with facts farmers themselves, so the system is is being disseminated is the national and trivia about various agricultural highly dependent on farmers’ good- average price, or the prices in the commodities that may interest lis- will and support. It is difficult to capital city. When price information teners (Librero 1994). measure the effect of an information is sent in from the provinces to the Another example is the broiler in- service, since this is often indirect central government office, it is usu- formation service of Taiwan. Al- and long-term. However, it is inter- ally combined with data from other though Taiwan has many wholesale esting that after this service for provinces to make a national aver- markets all over the island which broiler farmers began, fluctuations age. This is quite satisfactory when provide basic price data, broilers are in broiler prices were reduced while the figures are being used as gov- not usually sold through these mar- average prices rose2 (Kuo 1994). ernment statistics. When they are kets. Instead, they are sold directly being used as marketing informa- to local dealers or slaughter houses. Conclusion tion for farmers, however, combin- On most modern broiler farms, the ing data from different areas robs it whole flock of chickens is sold as Each of these seven governments of most of its value. Farmers need soon as the birds reach market has recognized the importance of a price information from the markets weight on an all-in, all-out basis. marketing information service by they are using. A national average is Broiler farmers have to try and pre- investing large sums in it. Such ser- an abstraction which hides the con- dict future prices when they are de- vices are expensive. Japan’s Min- siderable difference in prices be- ciding how many young chicks to istry of Agriculture, Forestry and tween one place and another. rear. For years there has been a ten- Fisheries spends US$9.5 million dency in Taiwan for both numbers every year maintaining and operat- What Information Do Farmers of broilers and their prices to rise ing its information service for fruit Need? – If farmers’ interests were and fall sharply, as many farmers re- and vegetables alone, and this is the prime consideration, we could spond in unison to high or low only one part of the whole market- expect marketing information ser- prices. To improve this situation, a ing information system under the vices to be dealing with rather dif- special marketing information ser- Ministry. This in turn is only one of ferent kinds of information. We can vice for broilers began operations in several agricultural marketing in- get some indication of what these 1992. It receives government fund- formation systems in Japan. The might be if we look at some of the ing, but is run by the Poultry Asso- less industrialized countries have marketing radio programs in the ciation, which represents all parts of less to spend, but still have allocat- Philippines. Most of these radio the poultry industry—farmers’ asso- ed comparatively large sums. As a programs are small pilot projects, ciations, dealers, chick breeders and result, there are enough highly which are testing various formats slaughterhouses. It is a decentral- trained staff and computerized facil- and approaches, and which have lo- ized system, in which information ities for technology not to be a ma- cal or provincial coverage. They are is collected by 80 local reporters jor constraint to data handling and sometimes supported by overseas who are unpaid volunteers. An in- storage at the head office in any of funding with the express intention formation sheet is published every the seven countries. However, al- of providing information to small- morning showing actual trading though farmers are among the in- scale farmers to aid them in their prices in each of the four regions tended beneficiaries, the actual ben- marketing decisions. One such pro- the previous day, a list of regional efit to farmers is limited. gram is “Bantay Presyo” (“Price reference prices, a discussion of the One reason for this lies in the fact Watch”), run by the University of supply and demand situation, and a that in all seven countries, most the Philippines at Los Banos as part summarized market analysis. As agricultural marketing information of a Sustainable Agriculture Pro- well as the news sheet, the informa- is collected and disseminated by gram. Price Watch is a 30-minute tion is also available in a telephone centralized government institutions. radio program broadcast every Wed- service and in daily newspapers, They do a good job of providing in- nesday morning. It has four main while the Poultry Association pub- formation to the government which sections: the first is news stories lishes a monthly newsletter. funds them. They are less successful likely to be of interest to listeners; Two important points about this at communicating it in a usable the second section is called “Price service: first, it was begun largely in form to farmers. Farmers’ needs are News”, and presents prices of vari- response to pressure from farmers, not given priority when the infor-

90 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 mation system is set up, or in the cient service than low-tech solutions and Pacific Countries, held at Taiwan day-to-day running of the system. such as radio programs and black- National University, Taipei, October There is not only geographical dis- boards in market places. The value 1994. tance between farmers and the cen- of a system should be judged by the 2. Before the program, prices per kilo- tral office, but a social distance of extent to which it meets the needs of gram ranged from US$ 0.84–US$ 2.20, status and wealth. The centralized the user. In remote areas of rural with an average of c. US$1.36/kg. In the information source does not need or Asia, few farmers own computers or two years after the program began use feedback from farmers in its have computer skills. Farmers may (1992–1994) there was a narrower price range of US$1.40–1.72, with an average functioning. The farmers are not be better served by simple technolo- price of NT$1.52/kg (Kuo 1994). clients, they make no payment for gy which communicates informa- the information they receive, and tion in a lucid and relevant way. REFERENCES they have little or no impact on the Third, the concept of a marketing form it takes. Smaller decentralized information service in Western coun- APO. 1989. Collection and Analysis of systems in which farmers play an tries implies an impersonal service Market Information for Farm Products in active role are likely to be more refor individual users. This might not Asia. Asian Productivity Organization. sponsive to farmers’ needs. be relevant in many parts of the Choi, Chan Ho. 1993. National Agricultur- Second, national marketing infor- world, where farmers are accus- al Cooperative Federation (NACF) mation services in each country are tomed to receiving information by Monthly Review, February: 1–12. using computers for data storage virtue of their membership of a par- Frielink, A.B. 1975. “Summary and con- and processing, and sometimes for ticular social group. Marketing and other information services might clusions.” In: Economics of Informatics; electronic networking. Computers Proceedings of the IBI-ICC International are capable of handling and storing benefit by making use of traditional Symposium, Maize, 16–20 September large amounts of data, and an infor- social groupings and channels of in- 1974. Edited by A.B. Frielink. Amster- mation system which uses them formation, rather than setting up dam: North-Holland Publishing Compa- ny, p.2. tends to end up with large databas- competing new ones. Finally, in our enthusiasm for es. This is all the more likely with Kuo, Yi-Chung. 1994. An Evaluation of marketing information, since the what electronic information sys- the Market News Reporting System for marketing system in the course of tems can do, we must not forget the Broilers in Taiwan. Paper presented at its normal functioning produces ev- problem of equity. If this is over- an international workshop on Agicultural Marketing Information Systems in Asian ery day vast quantities of data. looked, it seems likely that unequal access to highly effective informa- and Pacific Countries, Taiwan National Prices are being collected from University, Taipei, October 1994. dozens of markets, for every major tion systems is going to follow and kind of fruit and vegetable, all with reinforce the present inequalities of Librero, Felix. 1994. Disseminating Mar- different grades of size and fresh- wealth. The information highway ket Information in the Philippines: Experi- ences and Lessons at the Micro Level. ness; to these are added the prices of was once seen as a mechanism for crosscutting old power structures Paper presented at international seminar various grains, including feed grain on Agricultural Marketing Information for livestock, and the livestock them- and facilitating learning. Unfortu- Systems in Asian and Pacific Countries, selves, and their various products. It nately, it costs a lot to travel on it. Food and Fertilizer Technology Center/ is easy to assume, when one has col- Use of the information highway in- National Taiwan University,Taipei, Octo- ber 1994. lected a huge volume of data, that volves expensive equipment and a one has done something useful. In good telecommunications network. JAN BAY-PETERSEN is the Informa- fact, this data has little value until it The information highway is not a free road; it has a toll booth. If we tion Officer at the Food and Fertilizer has been processed, so that the user Technology Center for the Asian and can easily find the information need- emphasize electronic technology too Pacific Region,Taipei,Taiwan. ed. This step, of processing data in much in agricultural information, order to increase its relevance and we may find we are helping only CONTACT ADDRESS: those who already have the best ac- value, is frequently a weak point in Jan Bay-Petersen information services. cess to information to get more of it. Food and Fertilizer Technology Center In fact, the use of sophisticated for ASPAC Region NOTES computer equipment in an informa- 14 Wenchow Street Taipei tion service does not necessarily 1. International workshop on Agricultural TAIWAN mean that it is providing a more effi- Marketing Information Systems in Asian E-Mail: [email protected]

Equity for the Information Poor: Marketing Information for Asian Farmers in Remote Areas 91 Concurrent Session 4 Agronet — A Business Branch Oriented Network for the Agro-industry

sréponses. Selon leurs contenus, ces Finland is a sparsely populated Pekka Haavisto and services comprennent : des services de Jukka Öfversten conseil en temps réel, des information country with a well established ag- sur les prix, des produits documentaires ro-industry. It also has a long and ABSTRACT: The Agronet was started in et services de bibliothèques, des infor- honourable history of agricultural 1992 as a supplement to the networking mations sur la gestion des exploitations research and extension work. From strategy of the Finnish Agropolis Science agricoles ou sur les transactions ban- the farmer’s point of view more Park. In Agronet the conceptual idea of caires, des services de vulgarisation, than enough knowledge is avail- networking is taken further to a practical etc. Les utilisateurs sont : les fermiers, level. This real network connects the les services de vulgarisation, les institu- able. This is important because in- main suppliers and users of information tions de recherche, l’administration, l’information is becoming increasingly services in Finnish agri-business. It is dustrie, les entreprises et les consom- based on the integration of the latest in- important. Only valid up-to-date in- mateurs. Les premiers résultats laissent formation technology. Yet the main focus formation can provide the farmer penser qu’Agronet sera commercialle- is on identification of sought-after ser- with all he needs to know if he is to ment profitable à partir de 1995. vices; not on technical development. A manage his farm successfully. Un- typical user of this network is both a fortunately there is more to it than provider and a user of the services. By RESUMEN: En 1992 se creó la red Agro- technical nature, the typical services that. Being able to obtain the neces- net como un complemento de la estrate- may be classified as electronic mail, sary information at exactly the right gia de trabajo en redes de Agropolis Sci- information dissemination, information ence Park de Finlandia. En Agronet se ll- time and in the right form is a con- management as well as responding to ad eva la idea conceptual del trabajo en tinuous problem. hoc service requests. Classified by their redes a un nivel más práctico. Esta au- contents, these services comprise real Information can be classified as téntica red conecta a los principales pro- time advisory services, price information, veedores y usuarios de los servicios de either internal or external. Both are product information, library services, farm información con las empresas agrícolas important for the success of any business management, bank transac- finlandeses. Aunque la red se basa en la tions and so forth. The users include farm business. Examples of internal integración de la tecnología de informa- farmers, extension service, research in- information include budgeting, ac- stitutes, administration, industry, entre- ción más reciente, su principal énfasis counting, operative planning and preneurs and consumers. By 1995 it is está en la identificación de servicios que tienen mucha demanda y no en el desar- management data, whilst external expected that Agronet will be commer- information comprises marketing, cially profitable. rollo técnico. Un usuario típico de esta red es tanto un proveedor como un usu- new research findings and other RESUMÉ: Agronet a commencé en 1992 ario de los servicios. Por su naturaleza commercial production factors. Ex- dans le cadre de la stratégie du réseau técnica, los servicios típicos pueden cla- ternal knowledge is also required to du Parc scientifique Agropolis finlandais. sificarse como correo electrónico, difusi- ón de la información, manejo de informa- help the farmer to face up to the Il s’agit d’un réseau qui relie les princi- changing competitive situation be- paux fournisseurs et consommateurs ción y respuesta a las solicitudes de ser- d’information agro-industrielle finlandais. vicio ad hoc. Cuando estos servicios se tween farmers and other interest Ce réseau s’appuie sur l’intégration des clasifican por su contenido, comprenden groups. Only when both types of dernières technologies de l’information. servicios de asesoría en tiempo efectivo, knowledge are properly integrated información sobre precios, información Toutefois le principal domaine de con- and processed can a farm enterprise centration est l’identification des services sobre productos, servicios de biblioteca, recherchées et non sur les développe- manejo de empresas agrícolas, transac- gain a significant competive edge ments technologiques. L’utilisateur typ- ciones bancarias, y así sucesivamente. over its competitors. The Agronet ique de ce réseau est à la fois, le four- Los usuarios incluyen a agricultores, ex- information network is intended nisseur et l’utilisateur de ces services. tensionistas, institutos de investigación, for the joint use of rural entre- Ces services peuvent être classés tech- administradores, industriales, empresar- preneurs and other interest groups niquement sous : courrier électronique, ios y consumidores. Se espera que, para service de diffusion d’information, ges- 1995, Agronet sea rentable desde el working in the many fields of the tion de l’information, ou service question- punto de vista comercial. agro-industry.

92 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Agronet Background their potential (1992); drafting and tronic mail services, bulletin board documentation of information ser- services and file transfer services The origins of the Agronet date vice processes (1993); implementa- plus remote login services, access to back to the data processing environ- tion of a shared user interface in other networks and navigation ment of the Agricultural Research Finnish ( 1994); provision of access tools. Applications currently com- Centre of Finland. The Centre has and services to international net- prise general information services, more then 20 branches scattered all works (1995). special price and product informa- over Finland. In recent years, the re- tion, real time advisory and meteo- search policy of this academic insti- Agronet Concept rological services, library services, tution has increasingly focused on farm business and production man- the dissemination of its research The Agronet aims to provide a agement services and bank connec- findings and on collaboration with general framework for telematic in- tions. Users include farmers, re- commercial enterprises. In the early formation services throughout the search institutes, commercial and 1990s, networking became topical Finnish agro-industry. The main industrial enterprises, administra- in all its organizational planning idea is to utilize existing networks tive organizations and consumers. and development. In this climate, a and technologies in generating ser- At present the network is most new design project was launched in vices, not to develop new electronic commonly used for its information 1992 to complement the networking network technology. The Agronet services, weather forecasts, adviso- strategy of the Finnish Agropolis concept is based on universally ac- ry instructions and check lists and, Science Park. The objectives of this cepted standards. It’s not one single the some extent for direct marketing project were to identify and specify physical network, but a collection services. New services added in the tools and middleware services of services, service providers and 1995 include databases for informa- needed to integrate the latest inno- electronic networks with a shared tion on national and EC-related vations and research findings with Finnish user interface. agricultural regulations, a new ser- practical farming and the commer- The Agronet project has been a vice reference system and a new cial agro-industry. joint venture of the whole Finnish graphical user interface for dial-up agro-industry. Many of the services From the very beginning it was telephone connections. The latter are provided jointly by several col- service has been implemented in evident that telecommunications and laborating parties. Some of the main electronic networking offered the close cooperation with the leading reasons for the successful coopera- Finnish telephone and telecommu- best possible way of achieving these tion are: the increasing competition nications company—Finnish Tele- aims. The Agricultural Research caused by EC membership; the high com. With the graphical interface, a Centre of Finland did not originally standard of Finnish telematic ser- farmer can utilize graphical multi- intend to expand its current net- vices; the good availability of in- media servlces, for example, expert work. It was to be used simply as a struction in the use of PC’s in farm systems for pest control and real- technical basis for the Agronet—a production management, and the time meteorological services. new sector-oriented network. The long practical experience already prerequisites were all there. Due to accumulated. Because most agro- Prospects its geographic dispersion, the Agri- industrial organisations had already cultural Research Centre had estab- computerized their services the main Our current efforts focus on mar- lished an internal network that con- challenge was simply to collect and keting and publicizing Agronet ser- nected the computing resources of convert them within a common vices. At the same time, we are con- its various units. The Finnish Asso- shared Agronet user interface. This tinuously adding new generic ser- ciation of Rural Advisory Centres entailed defining and selecting the vices. The number of the service was involved as a potential partner services needed; defining processes providers and end-users is expected with sound experience in the use of for service production; planning to grow. As a general trend, the ser- distributed data processing as an user friendly interface lay-outs; gen- vices are expected become increas- advisory tool. Several commercial erating the necessary operating and ingly specialized and customer ori- enterprises also expressed interest support services; generating a sys- ented. At the same time we expect a in collaborating. Further, govern- tem to maintain and update services; rapid increase in joint multivendor ments and local authorities likewise training people to use the network; manufacturing of generic applica- looked with favour on the Agronet, and making information available tion services. We are also working to say nothing of Finnish farmers about the network and its services. on a further simplification of the eager to get real returns on their in- present user interface and naviga- vestments in personal computers Achievements To Date tion tools. In particular, we are and data modems. The network was translating the interface, the naviga- developed in the following phases: The present network offers a station tools and some of the basic ap- review of the existing networks and bilized technical front-end to elec- plication services into English.

Agronet — A Business Branch Oriented Network for the Agro-industry 93 In the future, the Agronet is ex- Figure 1 – Login Statistics of Agronet Services in 1994 pected to offer a basic standardized platform for multivendor service Thousands manufacturing and service utiliza- 14 tion for every aspect of the Finnish 12 agro-industry. This should improve 10 the ability of our agro-industry to 8 survive on the highly competitive 6 international market that lies ahead. 4 Conclusion 2 0 4----.-----.----.----,----,----.-----.----.----i Telematic technology and elec- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 tronic networks have proved to have great potential for creating new in- Months formation services for both individual farmers and the agro-industry as Figure 2 – Use of Agronet Service Types in 1994 a whole. However, because of the limitations of existing organization- % al and public open networks, there 40 .------. 35 is clearly a need for specific sector 30 oriented networks. Such networks 25 can be constructed as a joint effort 20 by several partners. They have the 15 major advantage that info services 10 5 can be provided for one specific 0 community, in this case, the agro- industrial community; the users of services services services services services the services include all the actors in the community: farmers as well as but we’re busy translating them into Finnish Countryside in the Integrating academics. English. We would appreciate any Europe. Jokionen, Finland: Agricultural The main challenge lies not so Research Centre of Finland. comments and proposals for coop- much in networking or data process- eration or direct communication. ing techniques as in ensuring that all Please contact Pekka Haavisto with CONTACT ADDRESSES: parties make a concerted effort to any technical questions or, Jukka Öf define and create the services need- Pekka Haavisto versten with queries of a more gen- ed. All that then remains is the con- Agricultural Research Centre of Finland eral nature using the Internet ad- tinuos updating of information and Data and Information Services dresses below. Fin-31600 Jokioinen provision of simple, user-friendly FINLAND access. REFERENCES Fax: +358-16-4188-339 E-Mail: pekka.haavisto@mtt.fi Learning More Öfversten. J. 1993. Agronet—A Network Jukka Öfversten for Agri-Business. In Fifth International Agricultural Research Centre of Finland You can test the Agronet via the Congress for Computer Technology in Data and Information Services Internet using the command: telnet Agriculture. Coventry, England: Royal Fin-31600 Jokioinen Agricultural Society of England. agronet.mtt.fi and the username: FINLAND agronet. The services and naviga- Fax: +358-16-4188-339 Luostarinen, M. 1993. The Agropolis- E-Mail: jukka.ofversten@mtt.fi tion tools are still mostly in Finnish Strategy. Operational Strategies for the

94 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Concurrent Session 4 CALM: An Adventure in the Diffusion of Agricultural Communication Technology

desarrollo de esta subasta indican la in- which enables the buyers to evalu- Chris Le Gras and troducción y difusión de una innovación Howard Gardner ate and compare livestock offered. en sistemas agrícolas, sociales e indus- The language by which livestock triales que han sido muy tradicionales y ABSTRACT: The birth and growth of en los cuales compiten métodos alternos are described is a uniform trading Computer Aided Livestock Marketing de comercio y comunicación con méto- language developed by AUS- (CALM), an electronic auction for live- dos establecidos y reconocidos desde MEAT, an arm of the Australian stock launched in 1987 by the Australian hace mucho tiempo. Actualmente, CALM Meat and Livestock Corporation, in Meat and Livestock Board, throws light se encuentra en una fase de transición, conjunction with industry. on the introduction and diffusion of an inde un medio nacional de mercadeo elec- novation in highly traditional agricultural, trónico a un sistema internacional de co- Livestock are assessed by accred- social and industry systems in which old- municación electrónico. En la actualidad ited persons who have reached a re- established and competing alternative se están evaluando el potencial de quired standard of skill through a methods of trade and communication ex- CALM, su aplicación en otros países, y special training program. Data de- las lecciones que podrían aprenderse de ist. Presently, CALM is in a transitional scribing the livestock to be sold are phase from a national electronic market- su difusión en Australia y, quizás, a nivel ing facility to an international electronic mundial. entered through the computer of the communication system. The potential of market operator who then creates a CALM, its application in other countries, sales catalogue which is available to the lessons which could be learnt in Aus- all potential buyers. Buyers then ob- tralia and perhaps universally from its dif- CALM— tain through their computers a de- fusion, are issues which are now being What it is and How it Works evaluated. scription of all livestock offered and Computer Aided Livestock Mar- are able to bid on those which meet RESUMÉ: CALM est un service de marketing (CALM) is an interactive their requirements. keting sur l’élevage assisté par ordina- electronic communication system in Auctions are organised and su- teur initié en 1987 par la Compagnie which almost any number of people pervised by a market operator. The australienne de l’élevage et de la viande. operator could be CALM itself, or Son introduction dans un secteur agri- can be connected at the same time cole fortement traditionnel avec un sys- through computers connected to the an independent livestock agent. The tème social et industriel où coexistent telephone system. CALM’s main auction is conducted by the CALM des établissements classiques et des current use is as an electronic sale- computer according to a standard méthodes de commercialisation et de yard for buying and selling cattle, set of rules. Several electronic auc- communication compétitives, apportent tions are run every week. Auctions des perspectives favorables dans ce do- lambs, sheep and pigs. But it also maine. Actuellement, CALM est dans serves as an increasingly important may be held simultaneously, when une phase transitoire, d’un service na- medium for the dissemination of up to 40 lots can be auctioned at one tional de facilitation par marketing élec- news and information. time, or sequentially, where lots are tronique à un système de communica- In its selling function, livestock offered one by one. tion électronique international. Les po- tentialités du CALM, ses applications are offered and bought “sight un- Buyers make their bids on com- dans d’autres pays, et les expériences seen” on individual computers any- puters or terminals in their own of- australiennes sont en cours d’évaluation. where in Australia. The computers ﬁces. They can also insert limit bids of buyers and sellers are linked into the system, and thus need not RESUMEN: En 1987 el Consejo de through Telecom’s packet switching be near a computer when the sale is Ganadería y Asuntos Pecuarios de Aus- network Austpac to the main CALM on. The CALM computer tells the tralia lanzó una subasta electrónica para computer in Sydney which conducts buyer when his bid has been regis- ganado, denominada CALM por su acró- nimo en inglés de Mercadeo Pecuario an electronic auction. The basis of tered and when it is the lead bid. A Asistido por Computador. El origen y el trading is an objective description timer automatically terminates the

CALM: An Adventure in the Diffusion of Agricultural Communication Technology 95 auction after a designated period af- meat and livestock industry were Impact of CALM ter bidding stops, and those lots enormous. Differences in local tra- on Cultural Norms in which have passed the owner’s re- ditions and standards, varying cli- Agriculture serve are sold to the leading bidder. matic conditions which affected pro- If the bid price has not reached the duction methods and output, differ- CALM is a significant develop- reserve, the leading bidder can ask ing breeds of livestock and genetic ment for agriculture in several ar- the system for the reserve, and it is background, conflicting perceptions eas. First, it is a true innovation his prerogative to accept or reject of desirable characteristics in the which we believe is unique in world the lot at that price. If the buyer re- minds of stud breeders, commercial agriculture. The CALM adventure jects the price, a sale may be negoti- producers, abattoirs and butchers, is about the difficulties, successes ated at a lesser price. retailers and end consumers, and and failures inherent in the diffusion A sales contract is automatically poor basic marketing data to work of a complex technical innovation created by the computer, listing par- with, led to endless debate, no in a highly traditional industry envi- ties to the transaction and the terms agreement and inevitable inefficien- ronment. In global agriculture, most of sale. Buyers arrange transport for cies in the marketing chain. innovations face the same path and the stock from the delivery point difficulties. According to the first chairman of nominated by the vendor. Wright (1988) described it as “… CALM, Mr P D A Wright, in an ad- a world first, and as such there was One highly significant economic dress to the Alberta (USA) Beef no precedent to follow, no guaran- advantage of the CALM auction Symposium in 1988, first exposure tee of success, and therefore virtual- system is that it enables livestock to in Australia to the basic concepts of ly every step was taken tentatively remain on the property until sold. sale of livestock by description and in the dark.” The owner does not have to send uniform language took place at an stock to a saleyard for auction, nor international forum on carcase clas- CALM is, therefore, a particularly does the buyer have to attend that sification sponsored by the then useful innovation through which to saleyard to buy. The distance be- Australian Meat Board in Adelaide, study the role of culture in agricul- tween buyer, seller and livestock South Australia, in 1972. Following ture. It represents a radical, new becomes irrelevant in the primary the forum, the Board initiated re- technology introduced into a highly market. Despite its apparent com- search on the use of computers in traditional social system and indus- plexity, CALM works efficiently livestock sales by description. The try in which there are existing, old- with very few technical problems. Australian Meat Research Commit- established alternative methods of CALM is run by a board compris- tee provided about $1 million to selling livestock, such as saleyard ing representatives of cattle, sheep fund this work which was carried auctions. The conflicting vested in- and pig producers, the meat trade, out initially by the Australian Busi- terests surrounding CALM are rep- meat exporters, stock agents and the ness Research Institute housed at resented, as Wright points out, Australian Meat and Livestock Cor- the University of New England, around the CALM Board table. It is poration which has the ultimate le- Armidale, NSW. The system evolved common knowledge, and there is gal responsibility for CALM. by the Institute was called New much evidence in press reports and England Livestock Computer Mar- the records of meetings and sym- keting, and was the forerunner of posia, that part of the Australian Origins of CALM CALM. agency sector which are strongly committed to saleyard auctions, have The concept of CALM owes Subsequently, the Queensland seen CALM as a threat to their com- much to the vast spaces of the Aus- Meat Industry Authority began work mercial operations (Land, [newspa- tralian continent, to the sense of iso- on a similar system known as Quest, per] throughout 1988, especially lation from markets and buyers that and the West Australian Department July 21, 28, August 18, September many graziers have, to the frustra- of Agriculture started developing 8). This threat is not altogether tion of trading livestock using tradi- another and also similar system without foundation. Most livestock tional sets of vague and subjective known as CLASS. Wright says that sales in Australia take place through descriptions that can vary from re- much of the technology embodied agents, and CALM provides a tech- gion to region, and to a dedicated in CALM was designed, tested and nologically advanced system that band of agricultural innovators. proven within these three research was seen at the time as having the The desirability of a standard lan- projects. CALM was launched on potential to eventually by-pass to a guage of livestock description has 1 July 1987, 15 years after the con- significant degree the services of been acknowledged for many dec- cept was first discussed in Adelaide. agents. Wright not only recognised ades in Australia. But the difficulties However, it had been in a progres- the influence of competing vested of producing a language which was sively developing trial phase for interests, but also the difficulty of acceptable to all participants in the about two years before this. having industry adopt radical and

96 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 complex changes to traditional in- nesses, problems and speed of adop- plan, more doubtful of success, nor dustry custom and practice. He said: tion of CALM. more dangerous to manage than the … resistance generated by fear creation of a new order of things…” The innovator makes enemies of of change, brought about by the Some Barriers to Adoption introduction of new technology all those who prospered under the will remain for some time as The successful diffusion of any old order, and only lukewarm sup- major challenges in our path. innovation is a complex process, port is forthcoming from those who Indeed, the natural human re- with many difficulties to be faced by would prosper under the new. But sistance to change, as well as both the promoter of the innovation despite these difficulties, CALM power and social fabric of tra- and those wanting to adopt it. Peter grew quickly. dition, will be constraints on Drucker (1986) says there is some the growth of CALM in the im- evidence to suggest that the lead time Growth of CALM mediate future. (Wright, 1988, for knowledge to become applicable p 4). technology and to begin to be ac- The following figures illustrate cepted on the market is between 25 the growth of CALM. and 35 years. If this is correct, CALM’s Position Number of stock sold on CALM CALM appears to be travelling fast. on the Diffusion Curve Financial year Financial year But its journey has been difficult. Species to 30/6/88 to 30/6/94 It is instructive to try and assess Apart from the problems of change Cattle 110,000 312,000 CALM’s current position on the mentioned by Wright (1988), CALM Lambs 300,000 430,000 Rogers (1983) diffusion of innova- initially suffered from a variety of Sheep 208,000 1,100,000 tion bell-shaped curve. This curve impediments, some of which were Pigs 40,000 88,000 breaks the diffusion process over mainly perceptual rather than factu- time and the potential adopter popu- al, but which nevertheless acted as Since its inception, livestock to lation into five segments—inno- deterrents to adoption. Le Gras the value of A$850 million has been vators, those who initiate the adop- (1989) found preliminary evidence traded on CALM. tion and account for about 2.5 of some barriers to adoption. These It is interesting to note that CALM percent of the first users of the in- included the fact that major sources in February 1988 had 19 field staff novation in the population, early of knowledge and advice on live- based throughout Australia in the adopters, about 13.5 percent, early stock selling methods (agents and main livestock producing areas. To- majority about 34 percent, late ma- rural media) tended to be antagonis- day it has 16. It also had 600 cattle jority about 34 percent, and lag- tic to CALM. For the majority of and 400 sheep assessors spread gards about 16 percent. producers, CALM was seen as hav- throughout Australia. Today it has It is estimated that in December, ing no advantage relative to existing 4,200 registered assessors. In 1988, 1987, about 500 producers were us- selling systems (in costs, benefits), it had 940 registered users. Today it ing CALM to sell livestock, many nor was it seen as compatible with has 30,124. through agents who were principal- main existing systems. It was also From the start, its information ser- ly the pastoral companies of Aus- seen as too difficult to use. Key vices were expanded rapidly. Planned tralia. The Australian Meat and communication channels impacting were a “bid and offer” market Livestock Corporation’s Producer on the adoption of CALM were in- which would provide a national list- Register at that time listed the fluenced by vested interests oping service for livestock exchange, names of about 20,000 cattle and posed to its adoption. Moreover, a transport market to increase the sheep producers. The Register does CALM was largely unable to con- efficiency of stock movement and not cover all producers in Australia, test these perceptions adequately transport networks, and more spe- as registration in not compulsory. It because of limited resources. cific carcase kill data to increase the should also be noted that not all pro- Some of the problems were factu- information available to producers ducers on the Register, for a variety al. For example, computer literacy about their product so as to enable of reasons, are able to use CALM. in country areas was poor at the them to better meet market demand. Today, about 6,000 producers use time, adding to the perception of CALM. This suggests that CALM, difficulty. Use of computers by pri- Economic Significance despite solid progress, is still in the mary industry is growing, but still relatively early stages of the adop- lags behind that of other industries So far, no formal studies have tion curve for livestock producers, and urban areas. The promoters of been made to assess CALM’s eco- and that its potential in this area is CALM had no trouble in identifying nomic contribution to the Australian unfulfilled. Rogers’ general diffu- with what Niccolo Machiavelli had meat and livestock industry. But sion paradigm is particularly helpful to say about innovation in 1513: there is little doubt that it is consid- in diagnosing the strengths, weak- “There is nothing more difficult to erable.

CALM: An Adventure in the Diffusion of Agricultural Communication Technology 97 CALM facilitates the transfer of CALM’s greatest long-term contri- technological change quickens. Ad- ownership of livestock from pro- butions. CALM has a growing elec- vanced technological developments ducer to processor and reduces the tronic news service which produces in electronics and communication costs of moving livestock and peo- on a 24-hour-a-day basis news and are certain to work for CALM. De- ple to and from markets. The CALM commentary on the livestock, meat velopment of facilities, such as in- system incurs costs, a major compo- and wool markets, on currency, increasing satellite use and radio trans- nent of which is the assessment of terest rates, rural property and other mission, will break existing techno- livestock, but these appear econom- areas of interest to primary produc- logical boundaries and make CALM ically significantly less than the ers. This is available to all CALM even more effective. costs of running and maintaining subscribers. It has a bulletin board In the event of any crisis develop- saleyards, sending cattle to yards facility on which messages can be ing, such as an exotic disease out- where they have to be unloaded and left for other subscribers. This could break, CALM has the only easily handled, then sold and re-shipped to be used by closed-user groups. accessible national communication meat processors often hundreds of CALM has proved its flexibility system in place. kilometres away. Livestock stay on as a national electronic market for a This could be harnessed over- farm until sold, and apart from the diversity of products. In 1994, it night and be used to manage such a freight savings to the producers, auctioned successfully milk runs in crisis. should be in better condition and Brisbane, while grain has been trad- produce higher meat yields when ed on the CALM exchange since Privatisation they reach the processor, thereby in- 1989. A proforma system for the creasing overall industry productiv- sale of wool has been developed. A CALM is in the process of being ity. feasibility study was concluded on privatised. Negotiations have begun CALM makes an increasing con- 4 January 1995 on behalf of the to sell a substantial interest in CALM tribution to market knowledge in Queensland Banana Growers’ Fed- to firms which have the resources to the industry. It expedites and in- eration, and discussions are being further its development and uses. creases the flow of supply and de- held with the Australian United The Australian Meat and Livestock mand information up and down the Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Asso- Corporation will retain a majority marketing pipeline. This not only ciation on establishing local and na- interest for the time being. When makes for a more efficient market, tional electronic markets on CALM these negotiations are completed, but allows the farmer to adapt his for the sale of fruit and vegetables. CALM will enter a new phase of its production strategy to take advan- development. tage of market developments much more quickly than would otherwise Potential of CALM Internationalisation be the case. CALM has played a key The true potential of CALM as an role in helping to shift the focus of electronic communication facility The true potential of CALM, the the farmer from that of production which can be used by two parties lessons which could be learnt in to that of meeting consumer prefer- interactively or as a mass commun- Australia and perhaps universally ences. ication medium has hardly been from its diffusion, and its applica- CALM performs other functions touched. Despite its originally per- tion in other countries, are issues which add value to the livestock in- ceived complexity, it has become which we are now beginning to dustry. These include intensifying progressively more user-friendly. It evaluate. CALM has already creat- the activity on development of ob- is now a comparatively simple mated interest internationally, with cur- jective measurement and descrip- ter for users to log on and withdraw, rent inquiries from both Argentina tion of livestock; selling livestock or put in, a wide variety of informa- and European interests. on a forward delivery basis, by auction. It has great potential for dis- tion; and “interfacing” with sale- tance education, it could hold and Where to From Here? yard and on-property sales to ex- quickly update a wide variety of pand buyer competition. databases for industry, and its per- CALM has been a successful in- sonal and mass communication fa- novation operating in the real com- CALM in Transition cilities could be expanded rapidly mercial world. As with most inno- for a range of commercial purposes. vation, the legacy of knowledge will CALM today is being put to uses CALM has proved to be highly always prove of value and use, but other than livestock sales. cost-effective in distributing infor- in terms of making a national con- The CALM Board has always mation and as an interactive com- tribution, permanency is essential. seen information flow to the live- munication medium, a valuable as- Despite some fleeting doubts at dif- stock and meat industry, and to ag- set for any industry or country as ferent times during the last 10 years, riculture as a whole, as one of the pace of world economic and there is no doubt now that CALM

98 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 has progressed beyond the experi- CALM. Our research conﬁrms there SOME USEFUL REFERENCES mentation phase and is in transition is demand for greater utilisation of CALM. 1988. A Guide to Selling: Cattle, from a livestock-oriented communi- computer communications for com- Lambs, Sheep, Pigs. Sydney: CALM. cation system to a modern facility mercial trading in most developed Drucker, Peter. 1986. Innovation and En- which can be harnessed to achieve countries. This potential provides trepreneurship: Practice and Principles. the change of ownership of any CALM with a unique opportunity to London: Pan Books. product that can be accurately de- export Australian technology. Le Gras, C. 1989. Culture-based Atti- scribed. In the process of privatisation, tudes Towards Being Informed and Infor- Whether we are considering rural which is likely to be formalised in mation-seeking Behaviour. Doctoral the- commodities, vacant seats on aero- the next month, additional resources sis, Macquarie University, Sydney. planes or in theatres, or the change will be available for the expansion Rogers, E. M. 1983. Diffusion of Innova- of ownership of media advertising of the current CALM into other tions. 3rd edition. New York: The Free Press. space, the principles remain the product areas as well as the interna- same. There is a need for accurate tional arena. Perhaps the word “live- Wright, P. D. A. 1988. Address to Alberta information to be conveyed from a stock” will be removed from the (USA) Beef Symposium. Unpublished paper. potential seller to a potential buyer. name and we will have Computer The CALM communication system Aided Marketing. Irrespective of CHRIS LE GRAS, a communication not only provides this opportunity, the name, it is essential that the or- and media consultant, is managing di- but the fact that it does so between ganisation continues to ensure that rector of Chris Le Gras and Partners potential sellers and buyers who it is at the leading edge of technolo- Pty Ltd and a former president of the would not otherwise be able to iden- Agricultural Information Association gy and that its knowledge and expe- for Australasia. A study of CALM’s dif- tify each other, represents the real rience is made available to all inter- fusion was part of his PhD thesis; value of the system. If it simply au- ested industries. To do otherwise Howard Gardner, chief executive of tomated what is now being done be- would be to invite the development CALM since its inception, has been in- tween people or organisations know of an alternate communication trad- volved in planning and administering to each other, then its beneﬁts could strategies for its development and ing system. The pending privatisa- wider use. rightly be questioned. tion will enable the new Board of Internationally, it is interesting to the restructured CALM to inject ad- CONTACT ADDRESS: note that, despite some genuine but ditional resources in order to capi- poorly funded attempts in the Unit- Christian Le Gras talise on the potential for the expan- Chris Le Gras & Partners Pty Ltd. ed States, Canada and the United sion of this exciting and innovative P.O. Box 19 Kingdom, there is no system avail- electronic communication system in Hornsby able anywhere else in the world that the commercial world. NWS 2077 can currently be compared with AUSTRALIA

CALM: An Adventure in the Diffusion of Agricultural Communication Technology 99 Concurrent Session 5 Participatory Rural Appraisal Concepts Applied to Agricultural Extension: A Case Study in Sumatra

Chris Landon-Lane dades de Sumatra (Indonesia), se aplicó mains, but perhaps the principal un enfoque participativo para analizar reason has been the exclusion of los sistemas de explotación agrícola en poor farmers from the communica- ABSTRACT: In an agricultural extension fincas individuales y para dar asesoría project in a number of locations in Suma- agrícola. El enfoque descrito a contin- tion processes involved in agricul- tra, Indonesia, a participatory approach uación consistió en promover una comu- tural technology generation (Cham- was taken to the analysis of individual nicación entre agricultores, funcionarios bers, Pacey and Thrupp, 1989). farming systems and to the process of oficiales a nivel de la aldea, organiza- The frequent task of the practi- formulating agricultural advice. The ap- ciones no gubernamentales locales, ex- proach described here involved commu- tensionistas y agricultores profesionales tioner—consultant or researcher— nication between farmers, village offi- que se basará en un enfoque participati- is to identify and adapt technology cials, local non-government organisa- vo y no en el enfoque común que se apli- which is appropriate to the needs tions, extension workers and professional ca en las asesorías de arriba-abajo en and situation of individual farmers agriculturists in a participatory manner que se ignora los conocimientos del located within relatively isolated rather than the common top-down advi- agricultor. El enfoque participativo cam- sory approach which has tended to ig- bió eficazmente la posición del asesor: agro-ecological zones. Typically, iso- nore farmer’s knowledge. The participa- de ser una persona ‘extraña’ pasó a ser lation and poverty means that pub- tory approach effectively changed the ‘miembro de la comunidad’, aportando lished agricultural information on adviser’s position from ‘outsider’ to ‘in- sus conocimientos expertos a un nivel which to base local recommenda- sider’, contributing expertise on a similar similar al de los demás miembros de la tions is scanty and the time required level to others in the community to prob- comunidad para identificar problemas y lem formulation and generation of solu- generar soluciones. for travel and thorough investiga- tions. tion is compromised by budgetary and operational constraints. Isola- RESUMÉ: Un projet de vulgarisation tion can exacerbate the gap between agricole, mené dans certains endroits de Farmer Participation the “inside” knowledge of local rur- Sumatra, en Indonésie, a adopté l’ap- in Development— proche participative pour l’analyse de al people and the “outside” knowl- A Background 1 systèmes individuels d’élevage et pour edge of the practitioner . fournir des conseils agrcioles. L’approche It has been said before that it is As a consequence, the practition- ici décrite suppose une communication no longer necessary to argue the rel- er must draw heavily from his or her entre les agriculteurs, les autorités villa- geoises, les organisations locales non evance of socioeconomic consider- experience and professional training gouvernementales, les vulgarisateurs et ations in agricultural research (for to get the task done. In the 1950s les professionnels travaillant dans le do- example Anderson, Dillon and Hard- and 1960s the practitioner may have maine agricole, d’une manière participa- aker, 1985), but the heady achieve- concluded that farmers were igno- tive plutôt que l’approche verticale (con- ments in large-scale agriculture dur- rant and therefore set up an exten- seils du sommet vers la base) qui tend a ignorer la connaissance des fermiers. ing the Green Revolution remain sion programme based on change L’approche participative change effec- unattainable for many resource-poor agents who aimed to achieve wide- tivement le rôle du conseiller qui d’obser- farmers in isolated regions (Far- spread adoption of a recommended vateur externe devient observateur in- rington and Martin, 1987). Socio- technology package (Chambers, terne, apportant son expertise aux au- economic factors—farmers’ goals, 1993). In the 1970s and 1980s, the tres à un même niveau pour identifier les problèmes et obtenir des solutions. level of participation in a cash econ- practitioner may have sought to omy, access to markets, available re- identify and remove the farm-level RESUMEN: En un proyecto de exten- sources and knowledge—are among constraints, to try to make the envi- sión agrícola realizado en varias locali- the reasons why this situation re- ronment fit the genotype. Poor farm-

100 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 ers were unable to participate with- Table 1 – Analysis Factors for FSR Table 2 – Technology Options out sizeable aid funds for infrastructure (such as irrigation schemes) or • Soil, climate • Kitchen garden for continuous food supply research (for example breeding pro- • Crop (& animal production data) grammes). Farming Systems Re- • Food & cash needs • Soil improvement techniques search (FSR), by the mid-1980s, • Status of farmer in community • Sloping agricultural land technology had contributed to understanding • Stability & security needs the complexity of many farming • Cover cropping • Motivation to conserve resources systems and the important role of • Using wet land (including fish the farmer within the system. Now, • Other goals of farmer ponds) in the 1990s, the practitioner is fre- Adapted from Harwood, 1979. • Multiple cropping quently directed to assess the situa- • Multi-layer cropping tion and opportunities in participa- • Living fences tion with local rural people2, rec- liorate those problems. Information • Intensive vegetable cropping ognizing that the process which sources were not limited to the view generates the technology is the key from the window of a four-wheel • Tree cropping activity. drive, but included other forms of • Animal husbandry direct observation, assessment of Adapted from Landon-Lane et al., 1994. indicators (qualitative or quantita- The Practitioner’s Task tive), semi-structured interviewing The focus of the practitioner’s of rural people, use of resource per- the task was not exhaustive (see task now becomes empowerment of sons and resource materials. Table 2), but provided ways to solve farmers—how to provide local There are some basic factors to typical problems or concerns faced farmers with the means to identify include in a general farming sys- by small-farming households. For which of many different and some- tems analysis (Table 1), but simplicity, many individual prac- times foreign technologies may be individual areas of analysis may be tices or techniques were included useful in the different niches within stressed under the overall aims of under a general heading (for exam- their farming systems. the study. In this Sumatran case, the ple “Soil Improvement” includes On a short FAO mission in 1994 focus was on improving household use and preparation of compost, in Sumatra, Indonesia, the task was food security. green manure crops, animal ma- to appraise small farming systems A long list of technology options nure, mulch, etc.), but there are also and to provide appropriate recom- is essential to provide adequate many linkages between technology mendations for their improvement choices appropriate to different prob- options (such as Cover Cropping by their owners. The practitioner di- lems, and the resources and skills under Tree Cropping). Chambers vided the task into two parts. The available to different farmers. It is (1983) points out that much agricul- first part was the preparation of a outside the scope of this paper to tural knowledge is not fixed or stat- long list of agricultural technology explain the details of each technolo- ic, but is frequently modified by the or practices applicable to local prob- gy option, but it is necessary to un- farmers who use it. Thus, each tech- lems. This long list was termed the derstand the characteristics of the nology option is not a recipe, but is “technology options”. The second knowledge which comprises them. a dynamic package of ideas, experi- part of the task was the transfer of a The best technologies for this pur- ences and principles on which to participatory method by which indi- pose are often those with which the base discussion of ways to solve a vidual farmers could develop the farming community has had most problem (or access an opportunity) skills for improving their farming experience. These practices are of- identified in the farming system. systems, in collaboration with the ten traditional and are the result of This is a key concept in participa- rest of their community. many years of exposure to trial, tive or on-farm research, and en- modification, climatic changes, and courages farmer “ownership” of the Identification of Problems outside influences. technological solutions developed. and Technology Options The process of communicating the details of proposed technology The first step for the practitioner is made easier through the use of The Work Team was a rapid rural appraisal (defined visible examples and any local farm- by Grandstaff et al., 1986, for exam- ers with knowledge of the tech- The work team consisted of the ple) of the region to gain familiarity niques. Many of the technologies practitioner and the provincial agri- with the major farm-level problems found in Sumatra are used in other culture or regional development of- and to identify existing technology parts of Asia, the South Pacific and ficial, supported by either a local which local farmers employ to ame- elsewhere. The list developed for advisor (such as extension worker,

Participatory Rural Appraisal Concepts Applied to Agricultural Extension: A Case Study in Sumatra 101 village head, leading farmer, or speed with which the chosen local are wanted by the family. This is es- women’s leader). Each member of advisor became adept with the par- sential to successful implementa- the team was chosen for their ability ticipatory appraisal and planning tion of any recommendations made and sometimes status3, but impor- method. The role of the practitioner by the adviser. The adviser must tantly each member was competent was to lead the discussion at the ini- therefore stress the nature of a prob- in a portion of the knowledge path- tial household, but eventually to re- lem before describing at length any way between “insider” and “out- duce his or her input to the level of solutions. For example, it is unlike- sider”. This is the farming systems observer at households visited later ly that activities recommended for research approach, the farmer con- when the adviser was able to take erosion control will be carried out tributing knowledge of his or her the lead. by a farmer unless he or she under- own situation and productivity fac- At each household, the process stands the severity of the problem tors, while the practitioner contrib- ideally involved an adviser, the and can see its consequences on his utes objective information from ob- farmer, his wife4 and perhaps other or her farm. The method of partici- servations and measurements, plus local people (such as village head, patory appraisal and action plan- a familiarity with alternative tech- neighbours, Women’s Association ning is shown in Table 3, but note nologies from other areas (Har- member). Each person participated that the process is informal and may wood, 1979). in reaching a group understanding not lead to appropriate recommen- of the family’s farming system and dations if participants (especially their aims, and in formulating a plan the farmer or his wife) become shy, Working with feel threatened, inferior, or exclud- a Farm Household of action for improvements. Partici- pation, particularly of both husband ed from the discussion. The advisor In one village, the work team vis- and wife, ensured that the action should lead, but not dominate the ited many households, the actual plan and the work it involves was discussion. number depending on factors such “owned” by the family. Ownership The process was carried out as as the homogeneity of farming sys- fosters care and pride in carrying the people walked over the family’s tems, the size and physical com- out the plan, and implies that the landholdings, so that the questions plexity of landholdings and the planned changes or improvements and answers related to physical things (plants and other features) as Table 3 – Farming System Appraisal and Planning Method well as to concepts (such as insuffi- cient labour, food security). STAGE I: Current Situation — Familiarization with the farming system and the people. The advisor seeks to understand the: Conclusions • development history of the farm • resources of the family The map-making technique has • technical knowledge and skills of the farmer been used and developed by social anthropologists in particular for SURVEY: The Map — The group make a map of the farm, for example by some decades. It is important that drawing a “mudmap” on the ground with a stick and using stones, leaves and the map is made for and by the other materials to represent the locations of crops and features. The advisor farming household (or the commu- can help the farmer to copy the map onto paper. The map is a reference, and nity, whoever are the “owners” of makes later discussion and conceptualization easier. the land and knowledge). Regional trends or similar features may be STAGE II: Focus Issues — The advisor helps the group to explore a major noticed after the practitioner records problem or issue. For example: Food Supply. Does the farming system pro- a number of maps. This enables the vide: practitioner to prepare a basic map • enough food all year, and keep some in reserve; or template which is useful in speed- • a nutritious diversity of food types; ing up the mapping process. Similar • excess crops for home processing or selling in the market? features may be the result of government surveying and land titling STAGE III: Future Situation — The group agree on long-term goals for (such as area of land allocated per the family and farming system, such as building a new house, making a fish- family), farming techniques (such pond, or concentrating on a low-labour system of crops in the farmer’s retire- as irrigated rice only on flood- ment. In this stage the adviser selects and locates technology options (Table plains), environmental factors (such 2) onto the map prepared in Stage I. This stage may actually be made up of a as soil type), economic factors (such series of consultations with the adviser and other farmers as the farm family as local palm oil factory), or social learns the technology they require. factors (such as living and utility areas close to houses).

102 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 In this case in Sumatra, the few which the technological emphasis ways of knowledge diffusion discussed preconditions facilitating the speed may be land management or for- in detail by other authors (for example with which the method was devel- estry (such as social forestry pro- Van den Ban and Hawkins, 1988). oped and introduced were: jects). The method requires little REFERENCES • a few farmers practicing relevant outside support after the initial empowerment of a few change agents. Anderson, J.R., J.L. Dillon and J.B. Hard- techniques which served as exam- aker. 1985. “Socioeconomic modelling of ples to others; If there is a single most important farming systems”. In Agricultural Sys- • existence of local institutions such factor in the process, it is the ability tems Research for Developing Countries as farmer groups and women’s of the practitioner to mentally shift edited by J.V. Remenyi. Canberra: ACIAR. associations, and the tradition of from outsider to insider, such as to Chambers, R. 1993. Farmer first: the gotong royong (intra-community adopt the viewpoint of the farmer professional revolution. In Proceedings labour exchange) (Koentjaranin- and his family. The extent to which of a Workshop on Livestock Services for Smallholder Farmers edited by P. Daniels. grat, 1967); this is achieved will reflect the speed of the appraisal and planning Bogor, Indonesia: INI-ANSREDEF. • the ability and willingness5 of the process, the quality and magnitude Chambers, R. 1983. Rural Development, practitioner to draw on multi-dis- of improvement of the on-farm situ- Essex, England: Longman. ciplinary knowledge and skills; ation, and perhaps ultimately, the and Chambers, R., A. Pacey and L.A. direction of future rural research Thrupp, eds. 1989. Farmer First: Farmer • limiting the initial goal to a few and development. Innovation and Agricultural Research. key local people achieving confi- London: Intermediate Technology Publi- dence with the method6. NOTES cations, London.

There were also mitigating fac- 1. This concept of rural people’s knowl- Farrington, J. and A. Martin. 1987. Farm- tors: edge and outsider’s knowledge has been er Participatory Research: a Review of developed by a number of authors but Concepts and Practices. Discussion Pa- • regional and ethnic language bar- perhaps most fully by Robert Chambers per, 19. London: Overseas Development riers, especially with names and (1983). Institute. uses of plants, technological meth- Grandstaff, S.W. et al.1986. “Trees in ods and other indigenous knowl- 2. For example, in methodological notes for the New Zealand-Philippines Social Paddy Fields in Northeast Thailand.” In: edge; Forestry Project (1987–95), and the CS- Traditional Agriculture in Southeast Asia: • social disruption, especially in re- IRO/AIDAB-Lao Forage for Small hold- a Human Ecology Perspective. Edited by ers Project (1995–2000). G.G. Marten. Boulder, CO: Westview cent relocation settlements; a ten- Press. dency for central, educated agron- 3. Status may benefit the process in omists and government officials to many ways, for example a leading farm- Harwood, R.R. 1979. Small Farm Devel- er’s practices may be copied by others; opment: Understanding and Improving treat farmers’ indigenous knowl- Farming Systems in the Humid Tropics. edge with disdain, preferring them- the traditional authority of a village head or spiritual leader can provide access Boulder, CO: Westview Press. selves to talk rather than listen to to resources or conflict resolution; the Koentjaraningrat, ed. 1967. Villages in rural people; women’s leader will be better empow- Indonesia. Ithaco, NY: Cornell University • a time constraint of up to a week in ered to represent constituent views than Press. the average farmer’s wife. each site. Landon-Lane, C., ed. 1994. Home Gar- The time constraint was far from 4. It is recognized that both women and den Development for Nutrition Improve- men carry out the work of farming. In the ideal. Tripp (1982) points out that ment: a Training Course for South-east sites visited in Sumatra, as in many other Asia. Rome: FAO. Food Policy and Nutri- learning from farmers is a piece- parts of South-east Asia, the head of the tion Division [in press]. meal, fragmented and iterative pro- family (“the farmer”) is male unless the cess requiring repeated interaction husband has died or left the family and A.W. Van den Ban and H.S. Hawkins, village. 1988. Agricultural Extension. Essex, Eng- between researcher and farmer over land: Longman. an extended period. However, when 5. A specialist may feel his or her status presented as a “window of opportu- may be compromised by appearing not nity” for learning and participation, to be supreme in knowledge, or by cross- CONTACT ADDRESS: ing disciplinary boundaries, the practi- Chris Landon-Lane, the sense of urgency can have a pos- tioner may be breaching contract or code School of Agriculture and Forestry itive effect. of ethics (for example those of FAO and The University of Melbourne This method is designed for grass- the Australian Association of Agricultural Parkville 3052 roots development and strengthen- Consultants). AUSTRALIA ing of rural community institutions. 6. This is done in view of the time con- It is easily adapted for tasks in straint, and relies on the various path-

Participatory Rural Appraisal Concepts Applied to Agricultural Extension: A Case Study in Sumatra 103 Concurrent Session 5 Multi Media Approach in Nutritional Blindness Project: A Case Study of Two VDCs in Gorkha District

Villageois (CDV) du district de Gorkha, à municación incluyeron: visitas a domicilio Pius R. Mishra environ 135 km de Kathmandu, au Népal. por mujeres voluntarias; proyección de L’accent a été mis sur la culture et la con- videos; mensajes radiales; visitas a es- ABSTRACT: The Nutritional Blindness sommation de légumes verts à feuilles et cuelas; distribución de carteles y calen- Prevention Project in Bangladesh, a pilot des fruits jaunes riches en vitamine A. darios; distribución de semillas; y el en- project of the Nutritional Blindness Pre- Les approches de communication com- foque cocina-huerta. La evaluación a vention Project, was started in the two prennent les visites à domicile par des mitad del proyecto indicó que, aunque Village Development Committees femmes volontaires, la vidéo, la radio, l’é- una mayoría significativa había compren- (VDCs) of Gorkha District, approximately cole, la distribution de posters et de cal- dido la necesidad de consumir frutas 135km from Kathmandu, Nepal. Empha- endriers; la distribution de semences et amarillas y hortalizas verdes y frondosas, sis was laid mainly on growing and con- l’approche cuisine-jardin. L’évaluation in- al mismo tiempo tenía dificultad para cul- suming green and leafy vegetables and térimaire indique que bien qu’une grande tivarlas debido principalmente a la falta de yellow fruits which are rich in Vitamin A. majorité est consciente de la nécessité instalaciones de riego. Como resultado de Communication approaches included: de consommer des légumes verts et des la evaluación, se construyó un proyecto home visits by women volunteers; video fruits jaunes, ils font face à des difficultés de riego en pequeña escala. Con la di- approach; radio approach; school ap- de production à cause du manque d’in- sponibilidad de instalaciones de riego, proach; distribution of posters and calen- frastructures d’irrigation. Suite à l’évalua- hubo un aumento notorio no sólo en la dars; seed distributions and kitchen-gar- tion, le projet a pu construire un plan d’irri- producción de hortalizas y frutas que den approach. The interim evaluation in- gation, ce qui a pu accroître non seule- contenían vitamina A, sino también en el dicated that though significant majority ment la production mais aussi la con- consumo de las mismas. Una lección im- had realised the need to consume green sommation de fruits et légumes riches en portante que se aprendió durante la im- and leafy vegetables and yellow fruits, vitamine A. Une grande leçon tirée de plementación de este proyecto fue que they faced difficulties in growing mainly l’application du projet est que l’associa- una combinación de enfoque multimedio, because the lack of irrigation facilities. As tion de l’approche multi-média renforcée reforzado con la comunicación interper- a result of the evaluation, the project was par la communication interpersonnelle est sonal, es, quizás, la estrategia ideal para able to construct a small irrigation peut-être la stratégie idéale dans la diffu- difundir información sobre agricultura y scheme. With the availability of irrigation sion de l’information en matière agricole salud en los países en desarrollo como facilities, there was a marked increase et de santé dans les pays en développe- Nepal. Durante la evaluación final, se en- not only in the production but also in the ment comme le Népal. Lors de l’évalua- contró que la radio era el medio preferi- consumption of Vitamin A vegetables tion finale, on a constaté que la radio do. Por tanto, hay que reforzar el uso de and fruits. An important lesson learned était le moyen de communication pré- la radio a través del contacto interper- through the implementation of the project féré. Son usage demande à être renfor- sonal, el empleo de cantantes populares is that a combination of multi-media ap- cé par des contacts interpersonnels, par o la organización de teatros callejeros proach reinforced by interpersonal com- le recours à des chanteurs traditionnels que promuevan y adapten la información munication is perhaps the ideal strategy ou des théatres de rue pour promouvoir relacionada con la agricultura para lograr in disseminating agricultural and health l’information agricole comme moyen de una sensibilización masiva. related information in developing coun- sensibilisation de la population. tries like Nepal. During the final evaluation, it was found that radio was the most Eye problems are quite common preferred medium. The use of radio RESUMEN: El Proyecto de Prevención in Nepal and Vitamin A deficiency de la Ceguera por Factores Nutricionales needs to be reinforced through interper- is a major contributor to blindness sonal contacts, employing folk singers or en Bangladesh es un proyecto piloto que arranging street theatres in promoting se inició en dos Comités de Desarrollo from xeropthalmia. This situation is and adopting agriculture related informa- de Aldeas del Distrito Gorkha, ubicado mainly due to the lack of proper in- tion for mass sensitization. aproximadamente 135 km de Kathman- formation. According to a 1981 nadu, Nepal. El Proyecto hizo énfasis en el tional survey, xerophthalmia is a RESUMÉ: Le projet de prévention de la cultivo y consumo de tanto hortalizas de cécité d’origine nutritionnelle au Bangla- hojas verdes y frondosas como de frutas significant public health problem in desh est un projet pilote qui a démarré amarillas, ambos productos con alto con- Nepal with a prevalence rate of 3.12 dans deux Comités de Développement tenido de vitamina A. Los enfoques de co- percent in the hills and 3.02 percent

104 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 at the national level. The Food and ed: Women volunteers approach; materials (IEC). The trained teach- Agriculture Organization (FAO) re- video approach; radio approach; ers were entrusted with the respon- ported that Nepal falls within the school approach; folk singers ap- sibility of taking additional classes significant Vitamin A deficiency proach; and training and workshops. on nutrition education also. Further- public health problem countries in WomenVolunteers (WV) approach: more, they were encouraged to grow the world. (FAO, 1988). Some 14 local women were recruit- Vitamin A rich vegetables in the Documents and available statis- ed by the project. In each ward of school compound which were treat- tics show that Gorkha District was the VDC, one woman volunteer was ed as demonstration gardens. Both among the districts that have a sig- assigned the responsibility of mak- the local people and the schools nificant level of xerophthalmia cas- ing home visits and conducting edu- showed much interest in the pro- es. Nutritional Blindness at the time cational and training programs for gram. This approach incorporated of project intervention stood at 1.7 mothers of the villages periodically. colloquies and debates a unique fea- percent. (Worldview, 1990). WVs were very effective in commu- ture which generated and sustained With this background as well as nicating project messages, inform- the interest of the students. The in- the success of Nutritional Blindness ing and distributing posters and cal- troduction of colloquies and debates Prevention Project in Bangladesh, endars and reiterating the impor- on the messages of the program so- the Worldview International Foun- tance of growing and consuming licited the participation of large dation Nepal took the initiative to Vitamin A rich vegetables and fruits. number of students. The winners of implement a Nutritional Blindness Immediately after recruitment, 14 the programs were given small pack- Prevention Project (NBPP) on a pilot WVs were provided training on in- ets of seeds of Vitamin A rich veg- scale in two Village Development terpersonal communication skills as etables, writing-pads and pencils. Committees1 (VDCs) of Gorkha Dis- well as general information on nu- Altogether 114 debates and collo- trict, namely Mirkot and Khoplang. trition, cooking methods, childhood quies were organised in selected Though this pilot project had sev- disease and its prevention. In order schools with the result that 1032 eral objectives, only the objectives to facilitate effective communica- students began the preparation of relevant to this paper are mention, each women volunteer was the home gardens during the project tioned, and they include: provided with one cassette recorder period. (Worldview, 1994). with a few cassettes and a flip chart. Folk singer’s approach: A group • To increase the level of awareness Video approach: As the target of folk singers used to visit and ren- of the targeted groups about the population were mostly illiterate, der musical programs on the pre- causes of nutritional blindness. print medium would hardly have vention of nutritional blindness in a • To educate and motivate at least been an effective means of commu- cluster of homes. In Nepalese cul- 70 percent of the target population nication. But audio visuals like ture folk singers have a deep rooted not only to grow Vitamin A rich video films could easily be under- tradition of conveying messages vegetables but also to consume stood by the local people as it easily through songs and music. Prior to what they grow. transcends the barrier of illiteracy. their appointment, the folk singers • To motivate targeted population to The audio visual medium has been were provided with orientation train- grow and consume yellow fruits found to be very effective for illiter- ing. The project employed three such as papaya, mango, banana, ate and rural audiences in Nepal. folk singers to disseminate mes- and so forth covering the two (Gorkhapatra, 1990). Thus the video sages on ways to prevent night VDCs. approach was introduced. During blindness. Though this approach The project covered 2130 house- the project period of three years 349 was very popular, ensuring the reg- holds spread over in mid-hills for a shows were organised with an esti- ularity of the folk singers was a con- total population of approximately mated audience of 40,000 people stant problem to the project authori- 12,000 (Worldview, 1990). (Worldview, 1994). ties. Thus, this approach was reluc- Radio approach: With the same tantly dropped during the program. Methodology consideration as above, two radio Training and Workshops: Motiva- spots of one minute and 30 seconds tion and education of the target ben- As the effort of this project was were aired by Radio Nepal, the only eficiaries was an important consid- mainly on prevention of night blind- radio station in the Kingdom. eration that the project personnel ness, much emphasis was laid on mo- School approach: After discus- had to bear in mind. Thus the pro- tivating the beneficiaries to grow and sions with the District Education ject provided the training programs/ consume green and leafy vegetables Officer of Gorkha, two high schools workshops on the following: orien- and yellow fruits which are rich in Vi- and four primary schools were se- tation training to women volunteers; tamin A. In order to motivate the ben- lected. Teachers of the selected Mothers Group Formation Training; eficiaries, both interpersonal mode schools were provided with periodic Local Leaders Training; Women of communication as well as mass training and supplied with informa- Volunteers Refresher Training; and media were employed. These includ- tion, education and communication Training for School Teachers.

Multi Media Approach in Nutritional Blindness Project: A Case Study of Two VDCs in Gorkha District 105 Results and Discussions that they were torn or blown by the importance of proper dissemination wind. Some considered it to be pre- of agricultural information through The effectiveness of interpersonal cious and were found to have stored various channels has been further communication is evidenced by the them in their attic or locked in their evidenced in “Income Generating fact that a large majority became trunks. Project for Women Farmers (IGP- knowledgeable about night blindness The low response regarding flip WF) along Dharan Basantpur High- through women volunteers home charts is quite understandable as way” undertaken by the Center for visits. Attempt to disseminate infor- only 200 were produced and distrib- Environmental and Agricultural Pol- mation through folk singers seems uted. Besides women volunteers, icy Research, Extension and Devel- to have been quite effective. School only a few had received it. opment. approach also contributed its fair Table 2 provides an accurate re- Prior to CEAPRED’s interven- share in providing knowledge to flection of the frame of the rural au- tion, neighbours and other farmers parents and guardians. While face to dience on the ways they prefer to were the main source of agricultural face interaction was the most prom- acquire information. Half of the fe- information. This again emphasizes inent source of knowledge regard- male respondents preferred women the value of interpersonal commu- ing night blindness, different medi- volunteers mainly because interac- nication. Once CEAPRED started um of mass media were also dis- tion with them was quite easy and its project activities, the tendency to seminating information. these women volunteers could easily rely on neighbours and other farm- The response regarding posters explain to them the causes, conse- ers gradually declined. In providing and calendars was surprising as a quences and corrective measures re- agricultural information, CEAPRED total of 3000 posters and calendars garding the disease. Besides being also employed interpersonal ap- were printed and distributed in the from their locality, there was frequent proach and worked through groups project area. The low response how- contact between women volunteers providing regular practical trainings ever could be attributed to the low and the community members. on the field, distributing some print, literacy of level, the temporariness The project strategy to employ a materials, as well as using audio- of posters and calendars in the sense mobile video team appears to be cassettes. The overall objective of quite popular. While it was rated as the IGPWF was to generate addi- Table 1 – Sources of Knowledge the most preferred medium by males, tional income within the range of Regarding Night Blindness* females also gave this medium a Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 in 1000 to second best rating. Video shows in 1500 households. Percent Sources Frequency N = 120 the project area are rare and gener- Table 5 provides the efforts of ate a lot of interest and attraction. CEAPRED in generating additional Women Volunteers 97 80.83 While males gave a second best income which has contributed in the Folk Singers 74 61.66 rating to folk singers approach, fe- alleviation of poverty. CEAPRED’s Colloquies & debates 53 44.16 males rated this approach almost on effort in disseminating agricultural Video 47 39.16 par with video shows. This accu- information effectively along with Radio 31 25.83 rately reflects the tendency of the technical assistance resulted in in- Posters 23 19.16 rural populace to seek entertainment creased area under vegetables, in- Calendars 18 15.00 from the folks singer specially in creased consumption and increased income. Training 14 11.66 the remote areas. It was indeed surprising that- From the earlier discussion, the Flip Charts 8 6.66 none of the respondents showed following points have emerged. Mo- *The percentage adds up to more than 100 their preference for posters, calen- tivation is a key element in develop- because of multiple response. dars and flip charts. The low level of ment communication. It has been a (Source, Worldview, 1992) literacy alone can not explain such general experience that the success response. A separate evaluation on of communication program depends Table 2 – Most Preferred Source of the messages, pictures, letter size no less on the amount of informa- Communication Regarding Night and so forth needs to be done before tion as on motivating people to want Blindness coming up with some conclusion re- to act on the information. This is garding the dissemination of infor- particularly true of the unsophisti- Source of Communication Male Female mation through print medium. cated rural audience whom the de- Women volunteers 5.00 50.00 It is evident from the above table velopment communication primari- Video 43.33 21.66 that there has been a significant de- ly aims to serve. (Quebral, 1988) Folk Singers 30.00 20.00 cline in the incidence of night blind- As a communication strategy, Radio 13.33 5.00 ness in the project area after the employing local women volunteers Training / Workshop 8.33 3.33 project intervention. This reduction appeared to be an effective interper- (Source, Worldview, 1993) could be attributed to a well thought sonal communication strategy for out communication strategy. The motivating the community to pre-

106 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Table 3 – Incidence of Night Blind- Table 4 – Sources of Agricultural Information Institution* ness During the Project Period N = 113 Year Number of Cases Institution Pre-Project First Year Second Year 1991 214 Agriculture District Office 8.0 14.3 16.7 1992 97 Pakhribas Agriculture Centre 16.0 0.9 8.4 1993 22 Koshi Hills Seeds and Vegetables Project 8.9 3.6 8.3 (Source, Worldview, 1993) Neighbors and other Farmers 98.3 21.4 16.7 CEAPRED — 100 100 *The percentage adds up to more than 100 because of multiple response. vent night blindness and increasing (Source, CEAPRED) income. Since they are from the same locality, they are quite knowledgeable about culture, attitude and are very receptive when this media Lessons Learned sentiments of the people. To a great is employed as they feel it is their Some important lessons have been extent, the role of women volun- own and not imposed. learned in these meaningful de- teers in dealing effectively with the The interim evaluation pointed velopmental endeavours. The strate- people in various VDCs was instru- out that though significant majority gy of employing community based mental in the decline of cases of had realised the need to consume women volunteers is an effective night blindness as well as increasing green leafy vegetables and yellow interpersonal approach. While NBPP the income of the people through fruits, they faced difficulties in grow- employed women volunteers, three off-season vegetables in the eastern ing mainly due to lack of irrigation female extension workers were hired districts of Nepal. facilities (Worldview, 1992). Thus by IGPWF. In both cases, rapport Video films on prevention of nu- implementation of this project once was easily established and informa- tritional blindness and other related again reinforces the necessity of the tion exchange was smooth. health areas were very effective in systems approach to development. raising awareness of the target This is in recognition of repeated As a communication strategy, group. But as the area is in the mid- observations that communication video approach employed by NBPP dle hill region, tremendous difficul- does not by itself result in develop- proved that moving image can be ties had to be encountered mainly ment effects but is an input that must harnessed for educative purposes, due to the steep slopes in hauling be used together with many non- besides the entertainment purpose. the video equipment to screening communication factors, particularly Moreover, in remote areas of Mirkot locations. Considering the populari- the technological and institutional and Khoplang VDCs of Gorkha ty of the video films, this approach services to, bring about develop- District, the medium itself generates was continued till the end of the ment. Development communicators lots of interest though the danger of project period. It is felt that though therefore must consider not only the medium becoming the message also costly in terms of production it is an communication inputs to develop- exists. On the other hand, the choice effective medium for educating the ment but also the complementary in- of the content of the messages must rural audience. puts that enhance the realization of be so designed that the intended au- Radio spots were heard not only in the intended results. (Jamias, 1975) dience fully understands, internal- the district but also in the entire king- In order to really motivate people izes and then adopts the messages in dom. Transmitted during prime time, to grow and consume leafy and the video films. In promoting devel- these spots were helpful in popular- green vegetables and yellow fruits, opment communication activities, izing Worldview International Foun- a small irrigation scheme was con- the importance of utilizing the folk dation as well as educating people structed which enabled the local media has been reiterated during the on ways to prevent night blindness. people to grow and consume Vita- project implementation. The unique feature of school ap- min A rich vegetables and fruits. Training as a strategy is effective proach was that it sought the active participation of the community con- Table 5 – Comparison of estimated area under vegetables, incomes cerned. Once the community began and vegetable consumption per household before and after the project to perceive the benefits, the number implementation of people growing green leafy veg- Pre-Project First Year Second Year etables and yellow fruits began to increase. Area under vegetables (ha) 0.11 0.22 0.30 Folk singer’s approach indicates Gross Income (Rs) 2,480 12,850 17,500 the potential of the folk media in de- Annual consumption (Kg) 392 427 513 velopment communication. Experi- (Source, CEAPRED) ence in Gorkha suggests that people

Multi Media Approach in Nutritional Blindness Project: A Case Study of Two VDCs in Gorkha District 107 in any developmental endeavours. for entertainment purposes. By now, NOTES Training programs should be main- it has been well established that ef- 1. A VDC is the smallest administrative ly participatory so that two way fectiveness of the messages tend to unit and comprises of nine wards. effective communication is estab- be more when there is a ﬁne blend lished. Experience of IGPWF sug- of education with entertainment. REFERENCES gest that people participate actively From the experience of Gorkha in those training programs which District, it is evident that mobile CEAPRED. 1992. Report of Baseline have direct bearing on their lives ei- Survey of Income Generating Project for video units are not a practical idea Women Farmers, 1992. s.l.: s.n.. ther in the area of health or income in the mid-hills of Nepal. It is rec- generation. ommended that a venue be selected CEAPRED. 1993. Second Evaluation Important as communication is in Report of Income Generating Project for which could serve as a community Women Farmers, 1993. s.l.: s.n.. advancing development, other in- viewing hall. Information regarding puts and support are equally neces- the screening of the videos must be CEAPRED. 1994. Final Evaluation of In- sary for developmental effort to come Generating Project for Women disseminated in strategic places with Farmers. s.l.: s.n.. succeed. The construction of a small advance notice. irrigation scheme in NBPP distribu- Dhungana S. P.; B. Shrestha; and A. Nepalese society is a very oral tion of inputs, renting out collection Ranjitkar. 1993. Report of the Evaluation society where the word of mouth of Nutritional Blindness Prevention Pro- centers and provision of truck in IG- plays an important role in informa- ject. s.l.: s.n.. PWF are cases in point. tion exchange. People are the best To sum up, the important lesson Food and Agriculture Organization. 1988. channel for communicating impor- Requirements of Vitamin A, Iron Folate learned through the implementation tant messages in rural areas. Efforts and Vitamin B12. Report of a joint FAO/ of this project is that a combination have to be made, during the course WHO expert consultation. Rome: FAO. of multi-media approach reinforced of devising a communication strate- Gorkhapatra. 1990. The National Nepali by interpersonal communication is gy, to actively seek a community’s Daily, July 17. the ideal strategy in disseminating participation which would be in- agricultural and health related infor- Jamias J. 1975. “Conceptualizing Devel- strumental in determining the suc- opment Communication ‘75.” Readings mation in developing countries like cess of the program. in Development Communication. Edited Nepal. by Juan F. Jamias. Los Baños: University Experiences of both NBPP and of the Philippines. IGPWF suggest that agricultural Concluding Remarks Quebral, N.C. 1988. “Development Com- information is an important develop- munication in the Agricultural Context.” While selecting on the medium in mental input especially in remote Development Communication. Laguna, disseminating information in remote areas of Nepal. Being an agricultur- The Philippines: College of Agriculture, areas in a country like Nepal, it is rec- al country, an effective mechanism University of the Philippines. ommended that more effort should must be developed for its proper dis- Worldview International Foundation. 1990. be made to utilize radio though it is semination, which has to include a Project Proposal Nutritional Blindness neither the primary source of infor- combination of interpersonal com- Prevention Pilot Project Nepal. s.l.: s.n.. mation nor the most preferred munication and mass media. In order Worldview International Foundation. 1992. source. This is the only medium to maximize the value of agricultur- Interim Evaluation of Nutritional Blind- which is within the reach of the com- al information, other developmental ness Prevention Pilot Project. s.l.: s.n.. mon people. Furthermore, the pro- inputs also have to be provided. Worldview International Foundation. 1994. duction of radio spots and programs Based on all of the above, it is ev- Terminal Report Nutritional Blindness Prevention Pilot Project. s.l.: s.n.. are relatively cheaper compared to ident that developing countries like video not to mention its ability to Nepal should make concerted effort PIUS R. MISHRA is the Director of the transcend the barriers of illiteracy. to prepare more radio programs as a Center for Environmental and Agri- The success of tapping folk sing- medium of mass communication in cultural Policy Research and Devel- ers in disseminating messages un- disseminating agricultural informa- opment (CEAPRED) in Kathmandu, Nepal. derscores the fact that cultural hab- tion. However, these need to be re- its need to be given due considera- inforced through interpersonal con- CONTACT ADDRESS tion. A certain amount of ﬂexibility tact and utilizing folk media (folk Pius R. Mishra by the project authorities is required singers, street) in promoting agricul- Center for Environmental and Agricul- in dealing with such people. A well ture related information for mass sen- tural Policy Research, Extension and devised plan has to be thought out in sitization. Finally, it must be men- Development (CEAPRED) advance so that their services can be tioned that employing interpersonal GPO Box 5752 Kathmandu, Nepal effectively employed. The services mode of communication with a com- Telephone: +91-527040 of folk singers can be used for not bination of multi-media approach Fax: +91-977-1-220143 only educational purposes but also would be relevant in remote areas.

108 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Concurrent Session 5 Provision of Information to the Rural Communities in China

tecnología moderna de información. Esta The reform process has been re- Qiaoqiao Zhang and tecnología debe incluir demostraciones Xiaolan Cheng markably successful. It consists of en vivo de parcelas o fincas que experi- six main components: the introduc- mentan con nuevas técnicas y varieda- ABSTRACT: Efficient information dis- des; transmisión de información por me- tion of private farming under the semination and services for the rural dios auditivos y visuales, y por satélite; ‘household responsibility’ system; communities in China will rely largely on uso de sistemas de información multime- encouraging private business; re- the introduction of effective channels of dios, interactivos y expertos; y sumin- structuring public enterprises; pro- communication and modern information istro dinámico de información especiali- moting foreign trade; policies to technology. This technology should in- zada y compilada a una audiencia defini- clude live demonstrations of plots or da mediante servicios de consulta y de stimulate external financing; and farms experimenting with new techniques pregunta-respuesta. La alta prioridad decentralising administration to the and varieties, audio-, visual- and satellite- que el Gobierno de China asigna a la provincial and local level. The re- transmitted information, multimedia, in- agricultura sostenible, así como los pre- form of the rural economy came teractive and expert information systems, cios más favorables y los avances en la first and was launched in 1983. Fol- and on the proactive provision of target- publicación en medio electrónico y en ed, specialised and digested information telecomunicaciones de ese país, deben lowing this reform, great changes via consultancy and question-answer ser- servir de incentivo para que la difusión have taken place in rural areas; the vices. The high priority given by the Gov- de la información y los servicios corre- earlier large-scale communes have ernment to sustainable agriculture and spondientes para las comunidades ru- been broken up into smaller units the rapidly improving price/performance rales se realicen en forma eficiente. based on households or families. of electronic publishing and telecommunications in China should encourage The smaller production units were such efficient information dissemination Background stimulated by the possibility of and services to rural communities. making profits, although part of China has a total land area of 9.6 their staple produce has to be sold to RESUMÉ: La diffusion d’informations et million km2, accounting for 1/15 of the State at a fixed price. Price con- de services efficaces aux communuatés trol of the majority of farm products rurales chinoises reposera largement sur the total land area of the Earth. The l’introduction de voies de communication population of the country is 1.16 was liberalised and this enabled the effectives et d’informations technologi- billion, according to a latest census. agricultural sector to develop rapid- ques modernes. Cette technologie de- The Chinese government has a rely in the direction of specialisation vrait inclure des démonstrations en direct sponsibility of feeding around 1/5 and commercialisation. Aggregate de fermes utilisant de nouvelles tech- output increased. These changes niques et variétés, des informations au- of the planet’s population given dio-visuelles transmises par satellite, des 1/15 of the Earth’s land surface. have brought about an immense di- multimédias, des systèmes d’information Over 70% of the population are rur- versification of the rural economy. interactifs et spécialisés, et une fourni- al, and only 10% of the total area is However, as a developing coun- ture active d’information ciblée, spécial- arable and 66% consists of moun- try, China is constrained by certain isée et résumée via des consultants et des services questions-réponses. La pri- tains. To the Chinese, agriculture is unfavourable conditions-natural, orité donnée par le gouvernement à l’a- a subject of major interest and con- historical and political, which have griculture durable et l’amélioration crois- tinuing concern. led to the following consequences: sante des prix et des performances de la Over recent years, China has had publication électronique et des télécom- • hundreds of millions of Chinese munications en Chine devrait encour- one of the fastest growing econo- farmers are still engaged in subsis- ager de bons services de diffusion en mies in the world: in 1993, econom- tence agriculture; matière agricole en faveur des commu- ic growth reached 13 per cent. nautés rurales. Much of this growth performance is • traditional means of production the direct product of the economic still dominate, so that the produc- RESUMEN: La eficiencia de los servicios reforms over the fifteen years since tivity in agriculture is rather low; de difusión de información para las co- 1979 when China also initiated new • a large proportion of the total pop- munidades rurales en China dependerá, en su mayor parte, de la introducción de policies of opening up to the outside ulation in rural areas is semi-liter- canales efectivos de comunicación y de world. ate or illiterate;

Provision of Information to the Rural Communities in China 109 • in some rural areas, the economy technological information but also cussed in terms of services provid- is still underdeveloped; practical and marketing information. ed, providers of these services, users • agricultural education and training Further, the development of village and their information needs, and the are not adequate; and and township enterprises has raised present state of use of information demand for both agriculturally and and telecommunications technolo- • there exists a shortage of qualified industrially related information. gies in rural areas. personnel in agricultural science The development of agriculture, and technology. and the reform of the rural economy Information Services to Rural These factors have hindered the have also highlighted the inade- Communities and Their Provi- further development of agriculture. quate performance of existing agri- ders – In China, information ser- One of China’s strategies in address- cultural library and information sys- vices provided to rural communities ing these problems is adopting sound tems. These systems share many include conventional information agricultural policies, with the appli- common problems with other de- services, technology development cation of advanced science and tech- veloping countries. Among the ma- services, and technical training ser- nology to agriculture, coupled with jor problems are poor access to in- vices. These services are usually adequate physical inputs. In 1986, formation resources, especially provided by the rural library and in- the Chinese Government launched international information resources; formation services directly to the ‘Spark Programme’. This pro- a lack of modern information tech- rural users. There are some indirect gramme has focused on “spreading nology and underdeveloped services which are usually provided R&D findings to the broad rural telecommunication systems; the by public libraries or academic li- areas to lead 800 million Chinese backwardness of the information in- brary and information services at a farmers developing agriculture, and dustry; and low utilisation of infor- high level through social services, township enterprises on the basis of mation resources. societies and mass media in the rur- science and technology, promoting For many remote rural areas, al areas. Here we focus on the direct the development of a planned, so- these problems are more severe. services. cialist, R&D-supported commodity The key problem is that there is a Conventional information services economy in the countryside, and big gap between what rural users usually provide rural users with in- quickening the modernisation of ag- need and what services are available formation on agricultural science riculture.” This programme has at- to them, since the relatively better and technology, rural economic de- tracted support from the United Na- stocked libraries and information velopment, business opportunities tions Development Programme, the services in research and training in- and market potential. In some rural World Bank, European Union and stitutions are too remote from these areas of China, the following types many foreign governments. Sound rural communities to be accessible; of services are provided free or on a information is a prerequisite for im- libraries and reading rooms at coun- fee basis: plementation of the policies of ap- ty and village levels are inadequate- • information retrieval services; plying advanced science and tech- ly stocked with relevant materials; • reporting information through nology to Chinese agriculture. In- there is widespread ignorance of formation plays and will continue to meetings, seminars, demonstra- technical and practical information tions, and technical newsletters; play, a vital role in agriculture from that could be accessed; there is a production to marketing to con- lack of systematically organised sur- • visual-, audio- information by sumption of agricultural products. veys on rural user information needs; broadcasting programmes, video, there is the problem of physical iso- film and slide shows; • information consultancy services; Overview of the lation caused by dispersed distribu- Information Systems for tion of rural households, and poor • targeted and specialised informa- the Rural Communities telecommunication and transporta- tion services; of China tion infrastructure. The above prob- • information research and analysis; lems impede the development of and The emergence of specialised rural library and information ser- • exhibitions and displays of agro- households and family unit produc- vices. It is vitally important to im- products. tion patterns, and the adoption of an prove the agricultural information output-related system of contractual systems in rural areas so that they Technical development services responsibility have led to a rapidly can perform their role effectively provided include: increased demand for a wide range and can meet the information needs • establishing pilot programmes to of agricultural information by re- of all user groups. demonstrate the exploitation and search and extension personnel and The characteristics of informa- utilisation of scientific and techni- farmers. Their information needs tion systems for rural communities cal information in rural communi- now include not only scientific and of China are here described and dis- ties;

110 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 • introduction of technologies to tar- Table 1 – Potential User Groups in Rural Communities of China geted farmers (Information-Tech- User Group Number of Users nology-Production); and • information provision to farmers Administrators/Decision-makers Not available throughout the whole process of Farmers 430.9 million production and sales (Information- Technology-Production-Informa- Farmers and Technical Personnel at State Farms 8.3 million tion-Sales). Extension Workers 0.7 million Technical training services in- Village and Township Enterprises Workers 96.1 million clude providing on the spot or extension training or training courses, and compiling training materials in population. They are potential bene- so have important roles in the fol- printed or audio-visual forms. ficiary users to the improved infor- lowing areas: ensuring the smooth Not all rural areas of course have mation services. We can see the running of agricultural production the advantage of all the above ser- magnitude of the efforts needed to and solving technical problems vices, in particular the mountainous meet the information needs of rural whenever they occur; carrying out areas. users. Table 1. gives a breakdown of innovation and technical improve- The providers of both direct and (potential) users groups the rural ment in order to improve productiv- indirect information services to the communities of China: ity and efficiency; introducing and Chinese rural communities could be The information needs of these interpreting new technologies, meth- categorised as follows (in broad or- different groups vary in terms of ods and equipment for agricultural der of accessibility): types, quantity, timeliness and me- production and farming manage- • Village reading rooms; dium of information, channels of ment, and instructing farmers in im- • Extension centres or stations; communications and methods of in- plementation. • Rural information services; formation dissemination etc. It is Therefore they require reliable, • County public libraries; important to analyse the characteris- accurate, practical, technical and • County government departments; tics of information needs of all the detailed information; timely provi- user groups, if we are to provide in- sion of information in order to solve • County agricultural and related re- formation effectively for them. technical problems; and targeted search centres; Administrators/Decision-makers and specific information. They usu- • Libraries/information centres in re- – Sound decision making depends ally obtain information from formal search and training institutions at on sound information. This group is information services but also pay higher levels; involved in the process of decision attention to informal channels of • Mass Media (radio stations, news- and policy making as well as daily communication, such as meetings paper agencies, and film studios administration in the rural areas. and personal correspondence. etc.); For their work, they usually require Farmers – Farmers are directly • Information Brokers/Independent information on government policies engaged in agricultural production Consultants; and regarding agricultural production, including crop production, animal • Publishing Houses. extension and marketing and so husbandry, fishery and forestry pro- forth. They also need comprehen- duction etc. Adult literacy in this Users of Information in the Rural sive and digested information on the group is improving; many young Communities of China and Their development of science and tech- farmers have been educated to sec- Information Needs – In China, the nology. They obtain information ondary school level. Many farmers, users of information in the rural mainly via formal administrative or in particular young educated farm- communities are conventionally di- mass media channels or from the ers, now believe that science and vided into four main groups: admin- feedback from surveys they con- technology are the keys to the door istrators or decision-makers of local duct. of wealth and prosperity. They are governments and state farms; tech- Technical Personnel – Technical keen to improve the yield and quali- nical personnel engaged in agricul- personnel who are directly engaged ty of the agricultural products and tural production and township en- in agricultural production usually thus require practical information terprises; extension workers; and work for the agricultural depart- on: desirable varieties with high farmers of state farms and house- ments of county or district govern- yield, high quality and high resis- hold farms, and workers at town- ments. Most of them are graduates of tance to diseases, pests and bad ship enterprises. universities or agricultural schools. weather; highly efficient fertilisers The rural population in China They are the technical leaders in the and pesticides; improved techniques comprises over 70% of the total process of agricultural production, and methods of cultivation and plant

Provision of Information to the Rural Communities in China 111 protection; modern machinery and Technical Personnel and Workers with a 50% increase in output in the tools for labour saving; the process- in Township and Village Enterprise year 1992. The demand for modern ing, storage and sale of new agro- – Since the reform of the rural econ- equipment such as microwave digi- industrial products and so forth; omy, township and village enter- tal switch boards, fibre-optic links, market price and sale trend of agri- prises have emerged and developed mobile telephone systems is rising. cultural products; and cultivation rapidly. They are mainly agro-in- The objective of the Government is methods of cash crops. dustry oriented; some have been that China will have a modern and The main sources of the above in- set up privately and some collec- efficient telecommunication system formation they rely on are usually tively. They have become an im- based on the latest technology by newspapers, popular magazines and portant mainstay of the rural econ- the year 2000. The national satellite extension workers and personal cor- omy. These enterprises urgently need communication system is beginning respondence directly with research- technical personnel and relevant in- to take shape and now includes 5 ers and of course from other farm- formation. The information they earth stations and 35 thousand sur- ers. They require comprehensive need is more technical, industrial face receiving stations. Direct com- information services which will pro- and marketing oriented. They need munication with more than 50 na- vide them with current, timely and information on: new products de- tions is possible through this system. highly specific information. velopment; development and intro- However, new technologies and Extension Workers – Agricultural duction of new technologies; and infrastructures for advanced com- technological extension centres and marketing and sales. munications are likely to be intro- stations are organisations which play They require information in the duced initially in major cities and in- important roles in the transfer of forms of national quality standards, dustrial areas. Rural areas will need technology. China has an extensive factual data and display and exhi- comparable information technolo- extension system with 5 levels—na- bitions of products, equipment and gy, telecommunications and broad- tional, provincial, prefectural, coun- machinery. The channels from which casting infrastructures to those of ty and township. Administratively, they obtain information are mainly urban centres if they are to develop these extension centres and stations through social activities, feedback a more balanced economic activity are under the respective govern- from other users and newspapers. with diversity of employment. It mental administration bodies, but They welcome the provision of can be argued that rural areas need a they transfer the research achieve- proactive consultancy services, and high priority. ments from research and education, the introduction of information sour- If we compare the telephone situ- and therefore are closely related to ces and training. ation between urban and rural areas agricultural research, education and of China, we can see that although production. Present State of Information Tech- there has been a great increase in Extension effectively becomes op- nology and Telecommunications overall usage, rural areas still lag erative at the county level, which in the Rural Areas of China – The behind (Table 2.) has been designed as the focal point uses of information technology have for developing China’s agricultural become more widespread in China technology transfer. A high propor- over recent years. The rapid im- Possible Future tion of the staff in these stations are provement in the availability and Development technical personnel, who are either performance of computers has al- Experience suggests that the most university graduates or agricultural lowed many organisations or even successful agricultural applications school graduates or trained techni- individuals to be equipped with are those which help decision mak- cians. Depending on the nature of PC’s. ers in solving complex problems. the tasks they perform, they need The telecommunications industry Information systems will find broad- not only practical instruction and in China has advanced very rapidly er use in agriculture as new factors technical information but also some academic information in order to Table 2 – Number of Telephones in Urban and Rural Areas of China improve their understanding of the No. of Telephones in No. of Telephones in new technologies. It is noteworthy Year Urban Areas (104 household) Rural Areas (104 household) that they actually perform the roles of technological gatekeepers. It is 1965 77.11 49.22 they who have to understand more 1975 103.28 65.95 about the technologies introduced, and then to instruct the farmers. 1985 218.96 83.07 This involves technology transfer, 1991 670.83 174.23 adaptive research and information 1992 920.57 226.34 dissemination.

112 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 will generate additional demands cialised and Digested Information • Providing regular support to the for them. An effective information to Rural Communities of China – regional radio stations in farm system for the rural communities In the light of the nature of agricul- broadcasting programmes. calls for the development of sound tural production, and characteristics • Organising farmers’ groups in the information policies coupled with of rural users and their needs, ef- form of radio clubs in rural areas. efficient dissemination of rural in- forts should be made to improve the • Coordinating all the concerned formation and services. Efficient in- existing information provision by technical departments in organis- formation dissemination and ser- providing proactive services to the ing farmers rallies and exhibitions. vices for the rural communities will rural communities of China. The fol- rely largely on the improvement of lowing measures are recommended • Organising technical film shows in the existing information mechanism, by the authors: collaboration with extension sta- on the proactive provision of target- tions. Local government: ed, specialised and digested infor- • Collecting information generated mation via consultancy and ques- • Modernisation of rural/agricultur- from farmers and local organisation-answer services, and on the al information systems. tions, and sending them to higher introduction of effective channels of • Strengthening agricultural exten- level authorities and information communication and modern infor- sion systems. services in order to enhance two- mation technology, such as plot or • Promoting training activities (for way information flow. farm demonstrations experimenting decision makers, extension work- • Supporting the publication of more with new techniques and varieties, ers, farmers and so forth. practical and technical books to audio, visual, and satellite transmit- reach the critical mass and to meet ted information, multimedia, inter- • Setting up more reading rooms in the information needs of farmers. active and expert information sys- the farms or villages, which will tems. The high priority given by the be stocked with technical know- Improving the efficiency of in- Government to sustainable agricul- how materials (including some formation provision to the rural ture and the rapidly improving price picture-based printed materials). communities calls for strengthening and performance of electronic pub- • Regularly organising mobile li- of existing information services in lishing and telecommunications in braries, which can be stocked with those rural areas which lack such China should encourage such effi- books from county public libraries services. These information services cient information dissemination and and agricultural libraries at higher could be established in conjunction services to the rural communities. levels. with local extension stations or in When devising policies and pro- Agricultural library and informa- collaboration with county public li- grammes of information provision tion services: braries, mass media and local asso- to rural communities, the following ciations for science and technology. • Assessing the information needs factors need to be borne in mind: The priorities for the local agricul- of some key households or spe- • geographic and seasonal charac- tural information services are pro- cialised farms and providing tar- teristic of agricultural production; posed as follows: geted SDI services. • geographic isolation of some rural • Promoting the dissemination of • Compiling agricultural informa- areas; agricultural research results and tion newsletters, broadcasting and • old traditions existing in the rural enhancing technology transfer (Ac- video programmes to introduce areas; cording to statistics, each year, new varieties, new technologies only 60 to 70% of results of the • proportion of literacy and recep- and new policies. tivity to information; Chinese agricultural research com- • Delivering technical and practical • economic capacity; and munity are actually applied in the information, free of charge, direct- rural communities). • present information services to ly to extension stations and farm- • Promoting the popularisation of rural areas. ers. scientific and technological knowl- Information provision to rural • Organising meetings and demon- edge and helping to improve farm- communities in China can be great- strations for disseminating spe- ers’ literacy and receptivity to in- ly strengthened by providing proac- cialised technical information. formation. tive services, introduction of mod- • Organising teams of information ern information technologies and • Urging the Government to invest specialists to visit farms and to establishment of provincial agricul- more in modern information tech- tural information networks. provide consultancy and question- nologies and telecommunications answer services. in rural areas thus ensuring more Proactive Services: Improving the • Maintaining liaison with local tech- effective information provision, Existing Information Mechanism nical departments and media or- dissemination and technology and Provision of Targeted, Spe- ganisations. transfer.

Provision of Information to the Rural Communities in China 113 Introduction of Modern Informa- used for all kinds of telecommuni- common in the rural areas and Ca- tion and Telecommunication Tech- cations services, among them infor- ble TV networks are now wide- nologies – Appropriate information mation transfer. The national satel- spread in the urban areas, so it is and communication technologies can lite communication system of China feasible to establish rural local Ca- reduce the isolation of rural areas. should be extended to more of the ble TV network in at least the These technologies facilitate com- rural areas to facilitate information coastal provinces, which will pro- munications and the processing of transfer to the rural communities. vide rural users with education and information, and as a result, the eco- CD-ROM and multimedia are training services, and targeted in- nomic constraints associated with practical and suitable media for formation services in audio-visual geographical isolation can become provision and dissemination of inform. less significant, and the cycle of formation in the rural areas. Their Video is becoming a common economic decline in many rural ar- non-reliance on telecommunications medium for transmitting informa- eas can be broken. It is essential that opens up the possibility of provid- tion to the rural areas, in particular the right decisions are taken on the ing electronic information to the those in coastal provinces; it is re- choice of technologies and system large number of potential database garded as an effective medium for configurations. The degree to which searchers who have been denied ac- information transfer, education and rural areas will be integrated into cess, through financial or technical training. Production of tailor made the Socio-Economic and cultural restrictions. In particular, multime- and practical video programmes for life of urban China in the 21st Cen- dia databases could provide rural rural users, in particular working tury depends on decisions that need users with information in the form farmers, should be the priorities. to be taken in the 1990s. of sound, picture and text, which are Learning from the experiences of easier for rural users to absorb. It is however realised that intro- developed and some developing na- Because of its features, such as duction of new information and tions, the authors can at least rec- high comprehensiveness of infor- communications infrastructure and ommend the following information mation transmission, high informa- services in rural areas will be a and telecommunications technolo- tion density, and so forth. Cable TV gradual process, the investments re- gies to be introduced to China’s rur- has recently been used widely as a quired will be large, and the systems al areas: new type of regional medium. In installed will have to have a lifetime • telephone networks China, TVs are becoming fairly of several decades. • satellite technologies • CD-ROM, multimedia, interactive Figure 1 – Structure of Provincial Agricultural Information Network and expert systems • FAX • Regional Cable TV • Personal Computers and PC communications (including E-mail, electronic network) • Video, Broadcasting and Video- text. The above technologies can help reduce the isolation in rural areas and facilitate the provision and dissemination of information to rural communities. Telephones may be common in the rural areas in the developed countries but it is not true in many developing countries. In China, there is an urgent need for developing telephone networks in the rural areas, especially in those remote mountainous areas. The telephone network can reduce the physical isolation and enable timely information transfer. Satellites can be

114 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 Establishment of Provincial Agri- Figure 1 – Composition of an Integrated Agricultural Information System cultural Information Network – Communication National and provincial agricultural Control System libraries and information centres have and will continue to have an Agricultural Scientech important role to play in information Know-how Databases Information Source Marketing Database Information User provision to the rural communities Economy Database Agricultural Reporting of China. If the aim is a long term Market Information Services Policy Makers Farm Management f---t Extension Workers and stable development of agricul- Agricultural Science and ~ Researchers 1 r Farmers Technology Information tural economy based on the applica- Decision Models Services Township Enterprisers Others tion of science and technology, this Others Agricultural Planning implies the establishment of agricul- Agricultural Forecasting Farm Diagnosis tural information networks catering Economic Analysis for information needs of all user Others groups including rural communities. The establishment of coordinated provincial agricultural information These agricultural libraries and and organisations (for example well networks is therefore proposed. information centres should take a established university libraries vs These provincial networks will be lead in establishing such a network widely dispersed and ineffective in- backed up by the national agricul- and in convincing the provincial formation provision for farmers); tural information system, in terms governments to give some financial and bias towards the dissemination of the access to information re- support to the proposed network ac- of high-level scientific and techno- sources, and training and consultan- tivities and services, in particular to logical information as against the cy services. These networks will those related to rural users. practical information for working also cooperate and exchange infor- farmers. mation between each other. The Within the network, an integrated For China, the rapid development structure of a provincial network, in agricultural information system will of the economy and the modernisa- terms of information flow is pro- be constructed (Figure 2). The sys- tion of agriculture are top priorities. posed in Figure. 1. tem will combine various information systems, which are working in- The following are long term objec- Such a network will include li- dividually but systematically to in- tives: braries and information centres in tegrate into one large information all agricultural and related organisa- • to rank as an advanced agricultural system which can meet the demands tions and other information services nation; of all users from farmers to the agri- (including all the information pro- • to apply the latest technology to cultural policy-makers. The inte- viders to the rural communities). agriculture and integrated technol- grated agricultural information sys- Apart from cooperation and re- ogy with traditional practices to tem will be based on a database source sharing between the nodes, form a technological structure with management system, which col- one of main functions of the net- Chinese characteristics; lects, processes and stores all the work is to provide rural users in dif- relevant information at the provin- • to diversify rural economic sys- ferent geographical locations within cial level; decision support model tem; the province with comprehensive, system, which produces the pro- • to vigorously and effectively unify timely, and cost effective informa- cessed information using databases; economic, social and environmen- tion services, such as question-an- and a communication (control) sys- tal aspects of the rural economy; swer services and tailor made in- tem, which circulates information and formation services to target users. within and between the systems and These services can be provided • to produce a new generation of eventually to the users. through the local rural information farmers with a better knowledge services or directly to the end rural of science and management. users. Conclusion To realise these objectives, ag- A coordinating body of the net- ricultural output and productivity work should be set up and should In China, for historical reasons, must first be improved. These can comprise the major agricultural li- there has been a bias in the distribu- only be achieved by adopting sound braries and information centres in tion of agricultural information re- policies, with the application of the province, such as libraries and sources in regards to geographical advanced science and technology, information centres of provincial areas (for example the highly pro- coupled with adequate physical in- academies of agricultural sciences ductive eastern areas vs. mountain- put. In this long term process, agri- and of agricultural universities. ous western areas), different sectors cultural information specialists can

Provision of Information to the Rural Communities in China 115 play important roles as they provide ence Source of New China. 3 Volumes. Zhang, Q. 1991. “Agricultural library and linkages in provision and dissemi- Countries of the World Information Se- information systems in China”. Journal nation of scientific and technologi- ries. Oxford: Pergamon. of Information Science, 17(4):235–245. cal information, and in popularisa- Li, A. 1994. “Review on the information tion of scientific and technological needs of agricultural users”. Journal of QIAOQIAO ZHANG began her career knowledge to rural communities. Library and Information Sciences in with CAB International in 1991 where Agriculture, 2:18–22. she was involved in the assessment of There are urgent needs for CABI’s coverage of Chinese literature. strengthening local rural informa- Li, X. 1989. “Thoughs on the establish- She is currently CABI’s project man- tion services, the introduction of ment of rural information gathering sys- ager for the Asian Development Bank modern information and telecom- tems” Scientific and Technical Informa- funded China Information Project. munication technologies to reduce tion Work, 2:12–14. XIAOLAN CHENG is with the Zhejiang the isolation of the rural areas and to Academy of Agricultural Sciences, SSTC. 1992. People’s Republic of Chi- Hangzhou, China. facilitate information transfer, and na: the Main Programmes of Science for the establishment of provincial and Technology. Beijing: State Science CONTACT ADDRESS: agricultural information networks and Technology Commission of People’s catering for the information needs Republic of China. Qiaoqiao Zhang of all user groups including those in CAB International Wang, X et al (ed). 1993. Theory and Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE the rural communities. Practice of Agricultural Information. China UNITED KINGDOM Beijing: Agricultural Science and Tech- Telephone: +44-1491-832111 REFERENCE nology Press. Fax: +44-1491-833508 Asian Productivity Organization. 1993. E-Mail: [email protected] Development of Information Systems for Zhang, Q. 1990. Agricultural Libraries Agriculture. Tokyo: APO. and Information Centres in China: Co- operation, Resource-Sharing and Net- CASS. 1989. Information China: the working. Ph.D. Thesis, The City Universi- Comprehensive and Authoritative Refer- ty, London.

116 IAALD IXth World Congress / QB XLI, 1, 1996 IAALD

International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists

The Association has a membership of over 500 in 80 countries. On becoming a member, you will receive the IAALD Quarterly Bulletin and IAALD News free of charge and will be able to participate in the activities of the Association. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION – Year______

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Country: Date:

Telephone: Fax:

Telex: E-mail:

Type of Membership Requested: Institutional: £45 or $90 (US) ______Individual: £17.50 or $35 (US) ______Optional Donation*: ______

TOTAL:

£ cheques should be made out in pounds sterling. Most large banks worldwide have a branch in London. Ask to have the cheque made payable through the London branch of your bank. $ US cheques should be made out in US dollars and drawn on a US bank. Please send this form and your check to: Margot Bellamy IAALD Secretary/Treasurer CABI Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE UNITED KINGDOM Telephone: 01491-832111 Telex: 847964 (COMAGG G) Fax: 01491-833508 E-Mail: [email protected]

*The IAALD Executive Committee plans to carry out a special initiative on education and training with emphasis on developing countries and asks each member to make an optional donation of £5/$10 or more to further this effort. IAALD

Association Internationale des Spécialistes de l’Information Agricole

L’Association compte environ 500 membres dans 80 pays. En Afrique nous sommes 84 membres dans 34 pays. En adhérant à l’association, vous recevrez le BULLETIN Quadrimestriel de l’IAALD sans frais et vous pourrez participer aux activités de l’Association.

Fiche d’inscription pour nouveaux adhérents – ANNEE______

Nom :

Adresse :

Ville :

Etat :

Pays : Date:

Téléphone : Télécopie

Télex: Courrier électronique :

Type d’adhésion sollicité : Institutionnelle : £45 ou $90 (US) ______Individuelle: £17.50 ou $35 (US) ______Contribution spéciale*: ______

TOTAL:

£ : Les chèques doivent être libellés en livre sterling. La plupart des grandes banques ont des correspondants à Londres. Demandez un chèque payable par le correspondant londonnien de votre banque. $ : Les chèques en dollars doivent être tiré sur une banque des Etats-Unis d’Amérique. Envoyer les chèques ou mandats à : Margot Bellamy IAALD Secretary/Treasurer CABI Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE UNITED KINGDOM Telephone: 01491-832111 Telex: 847964 (COMAGG G) Fax: 01491-833508 E-Mail: [email protected]

*Le comité exécutif d l’IAALD envisage de mener des actions de formation en mettant l’accent sur les pays en développement et demande à chaque membre de donner une contribution spéciale de £5 ou $10 plus. Agricultural Information Resource Centers A WORLD DIRECTORY 1995 Jane S. Johnson, Rita C. Fisher, Carol Boast, The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD), in cooperation with the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), is pleased to present an updated and enlarged directory of agricultural libraries and documentation centers. The Directory includes complete addresses and phone numbers for over 3,500 libraries and documentation centers from 250 countries. Most entries also include size, subjects, and language of collections; type of institution; type of materials collected; services provided; name and phone number of the director; and information on databases maintained and/or searched. Available telex and telefacsimile numbers, and e-mail addresses are also given. The primary language of the directory is English, but names of institutions in other romanized languages have been included if provided. The Directory is arranged by countries and then cities, and indexed by names of parent institution and of library, former names, acronyms, and subjects. Each index is subdivided by country and in some cases by state. This 8.5 by 11-inch hardbound directory has taken five years to update and is an extremely valuable reference tool. Many individuals have contributed to the completeness and accuracy of this directory. Sales of the 1990 Directory resulted in a USA $45,000 profit which is being used by IAALD to sponsor workshops and participation for IAALD members from developing countries. The profits from the 1995 Directory will be added to this fund. CTA is distributing the 1995 Directory to countries covered by their programs (ACP countries). Donors are being sought to subsidize distribution in other parts of the world. Prospective donors are encouraged to contact Carol Boast at the Twin Falls address below, by phone (+01-208-734-8349) or by e-mail ([email protected]). The quality of the 1995 Directory has been greatly enhanced by the help of liaisons in each country. Some contacts are still needed. If you can help, contact Rita Fisher: phone (+01-509-335-8000), fax (+01-509- 335-2534), or e-mail ([email protected]). World Directory 1995 ORDER FORM ISBN: 0-9624052-1-3 FEIN: 37-1251239 Prepayment in US Dollars Required On All Purchases — IAALD Members: US $140 + handling and shipping Non-members: US $170* + handling and shipping Handling Charge — $5/vol. Shipping Charge — Surface: $6; Air: $35; Canada: $10 Idaho residents add 5% to subtotal.

The form below will be used as a mailing label for your order. M £------MAIL TO: ______

Send order form and make check or money order payable to: IAALD World Directory, 1347 Maple Avenue, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA

IAALD Membership Number: ______

*0 Please include a 1-year individual IAALD membership with my payment of $170: Signature ______

* 0 Please send me an IAALD Membership Form.0 My organization is a potential donor, please call me:

NAME ______PHONE______The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists presents… N Proceedings of the IXth World Congress of IAALD: Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places held January 23–26, 1995 in Melbourne, Australia. This two volume set contains papers from information specialists worldwide on sustainable information systems, information delivery in Latin America, disseminating information to extension workers and farmers, communication methods and rural development, technological innovations, information and cultural remoteness, using the Internet for information delivery, overcoming distance with technology; taking information to remote locations, and technology as applied to development. This set will be issued as Quarterly Bulletin of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists, v. 41, nos. 1 and 2 and will be published in spring of 1996. The price for the set is US$50. and… N International Symposium on New Information Technologies in Agriculture The papers presented at a symposium sponsored by IAALD, CTA, and ZADI and held in Bonn, Germany, November 10–12, 1993. The volume contains 35 papers on topics from information policy to fuzzy logic and was published as Quarterly Bulletin of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists v. 39, nos. 1–2, 1994. The price for this volume is US$30. and… N IAALD Symposium on Advances in Information Technology The papers presented at the IAALD Symposium on Advances in Information Technology, presented September 16–20, 1992 in Beltsville, Maryland are now available. The papers cover electronic systems, the development of these systems, progress reports of current technology projects, copyright issues, and standards emerging for these technologies. This volume was issued as Quar- terly Bulletin of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists, v. 37, nos. 1–2, 1992. The price for this volume is US$20. Complete form below and mail to… A.P. Powell, Editor IAALD 3755 Leestown Rd. Lexington, KY 40511 USA • Add US$5 shipping and handling for orders mailed to the U.S.and Canada; add US$10 shipping and handling for all other orders. • Prepayment is required. Make checks payable to IAALD. • Please note: Some discounts apply to developing countries. To determine eligibility for the discount, please contact the editor.

Name: ______Mailing Address: ______Issue(s) requested: D QB v. 37, nos. 1–2, Advances in Information Technology D QB v. 39, nos. 1–2, New Information Technologies in Agriculture D QB v. 41, nos. 1 and 2, Communicating Agricultural Information Amount enclosed: US$______

• Invoice available on request Publications of the Regional and National Associations of Agricultural Librarians and Documentalists that are Members of IAALD

Guide a l’Intention des Bibliothécaires Agricoles. 1981. O. Lendvay. Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, avec la collaboration de l’Association Francaise des Documentalists et des Bibliothécaires Agricole. Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, 13 quai Andre Citröen, 75015 Paris, France. Primer for Agricultural Libraries. 1983. O. Lendvay. Japanese Edition. Japan Association of Agricultural Librarians and Documentalists. JAALD, Library of Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1, Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156, Japan. Guía para Bibliotecas Agrícolas. 1983. O. Lendvay, Portuguese Edition. Instituto Nacional de Investigação e Extensão Rural. Rua das Janelas Verdes 92, 1200 Lisboa, Portugal. Guia Básica para Bibliotecas Agrícolas. 1969. D. Parker, F.C. Hirst, T.P. Loosjes and G. Koster. Spanish Edition. Instituto Interamericano de Ciencias Agrícolas, Biblioteca y Servicio de Documentación, Turrialba, Costa Rica. Papers presented at the Regional European Symposium of IAALD, 14–18 May 1973, Wageningen, the Netherlands. 1973. PUDOC, Center for Agricultural Publishing and Documentation, P.O. Box 4, 6700 AAWageningen, The Netherlands. European Regional Congress of Agricultural Librarians and Documentalists. 1978. K.G. Saur Verlag KG, Possen- bacher Str. 26, P.O.B. 711009, D-8000 München 71, BRD. Bulletin of the Japan Association of Agricultural Librarians and Documentalists. Quarterly, JAALD, Library of Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1, Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156, Japan. Revista AIBDA. Semiannual. Asociación Interamericana de Bibliotecarios y Documentalistas Agrícolas, Secretaria Ejecutiva, c/o IICA-CIDIA, Turrialba, Costa Rica. Boletín Informativo de AIBDA. Secretaría Ejecutive de AIBDA, c/o Centro Interamericano de Documentación e Información Agrícola (IICA/CIDIA), Turrialba, Costa Rica. Mitteilungen der Gesellschaft für Bibliothekswesen und Dokumentation des Landbaues (GBDL), c/o Sekretariat der GBDL in Paracelsusstr. 2, D-7000 Stuttgart 70, BRD. Guía para Bibliotecas Agrícolas. 1987. O. Lendvay. Spanish Edition. Translated to Spanish and adapted by Ana María Paz de Erikson. AIBDA, Turrialba, Costa Rica. IAALD Publications

Quarterly Bulletin of IAALD. Issued gratis to members. Most of the issues of the early years of the Quarterly Bulletin are now out of print. Back issues are available for the most recent three years from: A.P. Powell, Editor, IAALD, 3755 Leestown Road, Lexington, KY 40511, USA. From 1956 on, it is available on microﬁlm from: University Microﬁlms International, P.O. Box 1346, Dept. P.R., Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346, USA; or 30–32 Mortimer Street, Dept. P.R., London W1N 7RA, UK.

Agricultural Information Resource Centers: A World Directory. Edited by Jane Johnson, Rita Fisher, and Carol Boast. Twin Falls, ID, USA: IAALD, 1995. Price: see Order Form inside — prepayment required. Obtainable from: IAALD World Directory, 1347 Maple Avenue, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA.

IAALD News, No. 1–, 1980–, occasional President’s newsletter. Gratis to IAALD members.

VIIIth World Congress of the International Association of Agricultural Librarians and Documentalists: Information and the End User, Budapest, Hungary, 1990. Wageningen, The Netherlands: IAALD, 1991. 162 pp. Out of Print.

IAALD Symposium on Advances in Information Technology. Papers presented September 16–20, 1991, Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Wageningen, The Netherlands: IAALD, 1992. 124 pp. Obtainable from: A.P. Powell, Editor, IAALD, 3755 Leestown Road, Lexington, KY 40511, USA. Price: US$30 prepaid. Some discounts apply.

International Symposium on New Information Technologies in Agriculture. Papers presented November 10–12, 1993, Bonn, Germany. Wageningen, The Netherlands: IAALD, 1994. Obtainable from: A.P. Powell, Editor, IAALD, 3755 Leestown Road, Lexington, KY 40511, USA. Price: US$40 prepaid. Some discounts apply.

Proceedings of the IXth World Congress of IAALD: Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places. Papers presented January 23–26, 1995, Melbourne, Australia. Obtainable from: A.P. Powell, Editor, IAALD, 3755 Leestown Rd., Lexington, KY 40511, USA. Price US$50 prepaid for the two volume set. Some discounts apply..