Enhancing Coordination among AKIS/RD Actors:

An Analytical and Comparative Review of Country Studies on Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems for Rural Development (AKIS/RD)

William M. Rivera, Consultant, and Associate Professor,
University of Maryland, College Park, USA,

M. Kalim Qamar, Senior Officer (Agricultural Training and Extension),
Extension, Education and Communication Service

Henry K. Mwandemere, Senior Officer (National Agricultural Research),
Research and Technology Development Service


Research, Extension and Training Division
Sustainable Development Department
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 2005

 

Table of Contents


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© FAO 2005


Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The country case studies
The concept and practice of AKIS/RD
The guidelines

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACRONYMS

1. INTRODUCTION

Purpose of this study
Organization of the study
The AKIS/RD vision and principles
From AKIS agencies to an AKIS to AKIS/RD

2. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW OF THE AKIS/RD CASE STUDIES

Background to the case studies
Overview of the case studies
Different stages of AKIS/RD development

3. STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND INNOVATIONS RELEVANT TO AKIS/RD IN THE CASE STUDIES

Policy environment
Institutional structure for supporting innovation
Conditions for expressing demand for innovation
Partnerships and networks
Financing systems for innovation
Innovative features in the case studies

4. LESSONS LEARNED

Global forces and agriculture
The role of government
The role of public sector akis institutions
The role of the private sector
The role of agricultural producers and their organizations
The role of mass media and communication

5. GUIDELINES FOR STRENGTHENING AKIS/RD

Policy environment
Institutional structure for supporting innovation
Conditions for expressing demand for innovation
Partnerships and networks
Financing systems for innovation

6. CONCLUSION: FROM IDEA INTO ACTION

7. REFERENCES

The case studies
Other works cited in the study

Annex 1: Terms of reference for consultant to prepare an analytical and comparative view document based on the country case studies

Annex 2: Sample terms of reference for National Consultant - Cameroon

Annex 3: Country Case Study Worksheet

Annex 4: Worksheet for AKIS rankings

Annex 5: Country profiles of AKIS/RD