Annex 5

AKIS Study - Eritrea
Method Guide (4) Information Mapping and Linkage Diagram

This method produces a list of all the organisations, institutions and individuals with which farmers are linked, and which are therefore actual or potential channels of communication. The linkages between the various organisations and institutions can then be explored later, through interviews with key informants at zoba and sub-zoba levels. These linkages between organisations and institutions can be represented either in a map or in a matrix.

Access to and use of information sources is likely to vary between categories of farmer, and between men and women. It is therefore a good idea to develop separate maps for different categories.

Procedure:

• assemble a group of participants representative of a particular category of farmers



• divide a large sheet of paper into three sections, representing the local area, the sub-zoba and the zoba / national levels. Draw a circle representing the farmers in the middle of the "local area" section.



• beginning with the local area, ask participants who they get information from, and who they communicate with. Draw a circle for each one they identify, and draw a line between each circle and the circle representing the farmers.



• for each of these sources or contacts, ask participants to describe (and make notes against the lines on the paper, or on a separate piece of paper):



• what kinds of information are exchanged between them?



• how frequently are they in contact with them?



• what are the advantages and disadvantages of each one, as a source of information on agriculture?



• how easy it is to make contact with them (e.g. are they always available, or is it difficult to find them?)



• then repeat the process for the sub-zoba level, and then for the zoba and national level



• at the zoba and national level, explore their access to mass media (radio, newspapers ..)



• once the "information map" is complete, ask participants what they think are their main information gaps, and their main difficulties in getting access to useful information



• compare the information maps produced by different categories of farmer, and see if there are any differences which might have implications for the design and implementation of extension and advisory services



• through follow-up interviews with key informants at village, sub-zoba and zoba/national levels, assess the extent and nature of linkages between the various sources and contacts (e.g. to what extent do they share information? or use each other as channels to communicate with farmers?)

Sources:

O'Farrell, C (2001) Mapping information flows methodology Briefing note for research project on "Developing Appropriate ICTs for Sustainable Livelihoods". AERDD, The University of Reading (mimeo)

Ramirez, Ricardo (1997) Understanding Farmers' Communication Networks: Combining PRA with Agricultural Knowledge Systems Analysis Gatekeeper Series no. 66. London. International Institute for Environment and Development.

Rees, D, et al. (2000) Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems in Kenya - Implications for Technology Dissemination and Development AgREN Network Paper no. 107. London. ODI. July 2000

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