Enhancing Coordination among AKIS/RD ACTORS

Enhancing Coordination among AKIS/RD ACTORS

Descripción

This publication presents ten case studies on Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems for Rural Development (AKIS/RD), conducted to gain insight into the operations of these systems, the countries’ efforts at integrating AKIS systems and lessons learned. The AKIS/RD concept and practice hold much promise for advancing agricultural, rural development and national economies. These studies show the importance of formulating an AKIS/RD policy to promote development and interaction of the agri cultural knowledge triangle of AKIS systems and encourage many main actors to interact with each other for their mutual benefit in advancing agricultural and rural development. Agricultural institutions need actively to promote linkages, technology transfer, knowledge sharing and exchange of relevant information. In light of multiple funding sources, institutions must stop competing with one another for limited government resources and begin strengthening linkage mechanisms to improve the flow o f technology to agricultural producers, who require education and training to efficiently use labour saving technologies and more productive practices. Planning between producers and institutionals can provide the platform for advancing a demand-driven system of technological innovation for agricultural development. System managers need training to improve their understanding of dynamic nature of both national and international technology systems, and to better identify areas where the public sy stem has an advantage over private sector research and development firms. Partnerships require that each institution concentrate on activities linked to its expertise, while jointly planning and implementing activities whose goal requires concerted action. The adoption of AKIS/RD as a nationwide concept and general practice will depend on each political will to foster agricultural knowledge and information for its contribution to the national economy and to growth and equity in the rural sector.