Developing a virtual and practical link for farmers extension workers and research centers : the Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank experience
2012
Billano, J.L.C. | Asis, O.R.M | Balmeo, K.P. | Frediles, C. | Prado, M.M., Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines). Central Experiment Station
Agriculture websites are prolific nowadays, given ICTs promise wider and faster sharing. These websites provide users with information that are straight and fresh from R and D [research and development] centers featuring scientific breakthroughs and even social technologies. This paper presents the Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank experience of developing a steady, virtual, yet practical knowledge sharing platform that connects knowledge workers and stakeholders. The development of Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank (www.pinoyrkb.com) intensified in 2010 in line with the efforts of the Department of Agriculture to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2013. In two years, Pinoy Rice transformed from a mere database into a rich, localized, and interactive knowledge platform. It is rich because it contains: at least 700 modules including ready-to-print handouts, technology bulletins, production guides, learning modules, broadcast releases, rice statistics, recipes, results of LSTD field trials, knowledge products, etc. It is localized because contents are available in English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Cebuano, and Kapampangan. And, it is interactive as it responds to users' queries in real-time through chat boxes and emails. Actual website use is monitored monthly through search engine optimization. Downloads are logged to determine who accesses materials. As of November 2011, Pinoy Rice had 3,272 unique visitors. Majority of video and module downloaders are extension workers and farmers. Critical factors considered in the development of Pinoy Rice are consistency, validity, and organization of content, and the websites' user-friendliness in whole. PhilRice and partners continue to work on various website elements, on promotion, and on providing assistance to those who really need it.
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Este registro bibliográfico ha sido proporcionado por University of the Philippines at Los Baños