[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote] A significant driver for success is attracting the interest of private entrepreneurs to develop and deliver the ICT services. An entrepreneurial focus is more likely to meet the true needs of the local communities that they serve, otherwise they don't get paid; more likely to innovate to make the services affordable; and more likely to to develop new services to meet other needs.

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 1 (7 Dec.) What types of ICT can play a role in the agricultural value chain? How do different types of ICT play different roles? [/quote] Dear All, I tend to think in terms of what Services are required to have an economic or social impact and then the technology that is accessible, affordable and the degree to which it will have the desired impact. For example, price dissemination service can be achieved via Radio, Cell Phone SMS or the Internet. Radio is most affordable yet the richness of the information is limited - you have to be listening at the particular time and write it down if you wish to follow the trend. The internet on the other hand may be least affordable but the richness of information may have the greatest impact. Bharat