Process

E-Conference

(A complete record of the E-Conference is available here)

Using the Internet

A further important element in the Stock-Taking process involved the organization of an e-mail-based "Electronic Conference on the Multifunctional Character of Agriculture and Land" which took place for eight weeks from February to March, 1999. Over 1 300 individuals and institutions registered from over 80 countries.

Contributions came from farms, universities, the private sector, NGOs, governments and international and other organisations. The majority of participants provided examples from local and farm level. Many participants also completed questionnaires for the MCS Database. A team from FAO, the Sustainable Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Management (SANREM) Program at the University of Georgia, and the Wageningen University and Research Centre managed and analysed the results.

In many ways, e-conferences are more exciting, and can be much more creative and productive than face-to-face conferences. Bringing together large heterogenous groups of people from all around the globe, they tap a wealth of knowledge and points of view. Also, the medium allows conferees to have their say when they choose, not to wait for the chairperson’s ok, or be given two minutes at the end of a session. And it gives them time to reflect on other people’s contributions before replying. One satisfied participant said: "allow me to extend my warm appreciation ... for this global meeting of the minds on the timely subject of agriculture and land use".

Objectives of the E-Conference

The purpose of the Electronic Conference was to:
  • gather examples of the multifunctional character of agriculture and land, building up an empirical base of information;
  • identify key issues for debate to be included in the Stock-Taking process, as well as for the main FAO/NL Maastricht Conference;
  • catalyse networks, relationships and on-going dialogue on these issues.

Organisation of the E-Conference

The Electronic Conference was conducted in three phases:

 Phase I – to create an inventory of examples of the multifunctional character of agriculture and land, and to discuss basic concepts;

 Phase II – to analyse the information collected during Phase I, to improve understanding of those functions which are complementary and those which are in conflict;

 Phase III – to draw conclusions on the key enabling factors and/or constraints for multiple functions in agriculture and land, and the roles of different stakeholder groups in facilitating different functions.

The E-Conference Itself

The conferees began by laying down one ground rule for themselves - no jargon. In the words of one participant: "I would ask that because this conference has an international audience and crosses many disciplines that participants use plain language. Please avoid jargon, vague terminology and language specific to particular disciplines."

Discussion then began in earnest. To get the ball rolling, participants were asked to answer various questions posed by the moderating team over three distinct phases, and to comment on a draft conceptual framework. In the first phase, the purpose was to inventory examples and experiences of multifunctional agriculture and to discuss basic concepts. (Go to a selection of contributions in phase one).

Phase two moved on to analyse the information collected in phase one. The purpose of this was to better understand those functions which are complementary as well as those which might be in conflict. And phase three focused on drawing some conclusions - pinpointing enabling factors and/or constraints for sustainable multifunctional agriculture, and considering appropriate roles for different entities - eg government at national, regional and local level - in facilitating multifunctional land use. (Go to a selection of contributions in phase three).

Some 41 cases of multifunctional agriculture and land were submitted and discussed - giving the e-conference a firm grounding in reality. The cases fell into seven types:

  • descriptions of activities on individual farms;
  • regional awareness-raising projects encouraging organic and/or multifunctional farming;
  • regional projects juxtaposing different, sometimes conflicting activities;
  • projects adding or strengthening a secondary production line;
  • educational projects;
  • land rehabilitation projects.

And remember, a full record of the first phase of the E-Conference, including detailed summaries, has been provided by SANREM (click here)

Virtual Maastricht and the E-Conference

FAO, DLO and SANREM are collaborating once again to launch a new E-Conference in the run-up to the Maastricht Conference. It was launched in mid-August, 1999. Full details, including how to subscribe and register, are available elsewhere on this site. We hope to see you there and look forward to your contributions!