Cybercom.ning: a social network of rice stakeholders

Social networks such as Friendster and Facebook have now become popular and effective as a means of communication and interaction of people around the world. Having observed this remarkable phenomenon, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) through the Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture (OPAPA) Program has explored the possible application of social networks in agriculture. Hence, the development of cybercom.ning, which aims to connect or create an opportunity for knowledge sharing among geographically dispersed rice stakeholders in the country that include the farmers, extension workers, and scientists. Launched in July 29, 2009, the cybercom.ning has initially connected the members of the 12 cyber communities that are established in the following areas in the country: Banaybanay, Davao; Magsaysay, Davao;Dujali, Davao Oriental; Midsayap; Kabacan; Negros; Agusan; Victoria, Laguna; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Magalang, Pampanga; Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; and San Mateo, Isabela. The said cyber communities are equipped with ICT wares such as computers and internets, and are established by OPAPA to serve as farmers' access points of online agricultural contents and services. Like any other social network, cybercom.ning offers its members the chance to meet other stakeholders from different OPAPA cyber communities in the country and get active by participating in discussions and fora. Members can also post blogs and leave comments on uploaded videos, photos, and even on other members' pages. Developed using the open-source platform called Ning, the site has also a lot of interesting features that include chat, message board, forum/discussion, groups, blogs, videos and picture slideshow; all were made available to foster friendship and build stronger relationships among the members. At present, the cybercom.ning has 145 members from the different cyber communities with regular hits of 1334 not only from the Philippines but also from other countries.