Bridging information gaps between farmers, policymakers, researchers and development agents
2003
G. Wesseler | W. Brinkman
Information is a prerequisite for development, both in agriculture and more broadly. Information gaps are direct impediments to development and need to be overcome. On the other hand, it is not just any kind of information that is required. Information overload is quickly becoming a problem not only for policy-makers and researchers in the North, but to anyone with access to the Internet. To be useful, information has to be relevant, reliable, timely, and delivered via an appropriate medium.Among the barriers identified in overcoming information gaps are: languageliteracyeducationphysical location (including access to information and communication technologies such as telephones or Internet)economic factors (no money to buy a newspaper, a radio, a TV, a computer), socio-cultural norms (e.g., information that is traditionally meant for men or women only; male extensionists not being able to talk to female farmers)A number of promising initiatives have been developed to overcome some of these barriers however solutions are often not transferable. The key to successful bridges appears to be a tailor-made approach, combining different, and locally appropriate means of communication. Obviously, this will only work if stakeholders' interests are addressed and collaboration and communication between different stakeholder groups will only work if there is something to be gained by all concerned.[adapted from CTA summary]
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