TECA through a global partnership is revolutionizing the way agricultural technology information is catalogued and disseminated.

WHY TECA?

TECA is not the first attempt to establish a global repository of agricultural technologies. There are, however, a few difficulties with existing repositories, e.g.:

• They are not always easy to find;
  
• Technology information is sometimes buried deep inside a Web site;
  
• Often the information is sketchy so the technologies are not well described or not described in enough detail;
  
• No common data standard to enable information and knowledge exchange between repositories exist;
  
• There are language barriers and accessibility problems;
  
• Information does not always refer to already proven technologies, it often describes technologies that are in research or adaptation processes;
  
• Described technologies do not always address poor farmers' needs.

A GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

The TECA initiative promotes synergies and elaborates collaborative programs in research and technology knowledge transfer in which the partner organizations can best utilize their comparative advantages to address the needs of small holders.

The TECA initiative is integrated by a network of technology repositories, where knowledge is accessed and shared. Partner organizations share their technology inventories in a framework for technology transfer, within a common standard for technology description. There are many advantages for an institution when joining TECA Initiative.

MODALITIES FOR SHARING INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE IN TECA

There are several ways to share information and knowledge within TECA, but the most important aspect is to make the information compatible within the same standard:

1. If the partner organization already has a technology repository in a database format: TECA will make use of Extended Markup Language (XML) for importing and exporting records to and from the partner's system, thus allowing data independence.
   
2. If the partner organization has already a technology repository in a database format but cannot make use of the Extended Markup Language (XML): Technologies can be imported in Oracle, Access or Excel format into TECA.
   
3. If the partner organization does not have a technology repository in digital format but is willing to create a database: TECA will provide the partner organization with source code to create a similar database to TECA.
   
4. If the partner organization does not have a technology repository in digital format and does not have the resources to create a database; or the number of available technologies does not justify it: TECA will provide the partner organization with access to the database, so the organization can manage and systematize its proven technologies.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TECA DATABASE

TECA database has been designed as a tool for extensive use in a decentralized environment. As such, particular attention has been paid to the use of portable technologies and strong importing and exporting capabilities.

The main features contain:

• Complete portability of the system to a Windows-based environment (using Active Server Pages - ASP) and Linux environment (using Java Server Pages - JSP);
  
• Possibility of dissemination on CD-ROM using Java;
  
• Use of Extended Markup Language (XML) for importing and exporting records to and from the system, thus allowing data independence - your data is not tied to the system;
  
• Use of metadata standards for metadata description, including a document type definition (DTD) for metadata exchange.

In addition to the TECA database, partners will also have the possibility of disseminating their news and events regarding technology development, and adoption. TECA also provides access to a centralized technolibrary with a section on methodologies.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Partners are being sought to evolve a proactive strategy for information sourcing and content development. TECA will also need a network of focal points or technical editors for quality control.

If you or your organization are interested in participating in TECA as partner, please contact: Francisco.Lopez@fao.org

TECA has been developed by the Research and Extension Unit (NRRR) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).