Hello everyone, I'm not sure which of the threads to post this message so will go for the one with the most posts..! Last year I had an opportunity to work with the people involved in the COL-supported 'Lifelong Learning for Farmers' project in South India. Here, farmer associations, self-help groups, NGOs, Internet kiosks, banks, agricultural colleges, and international groups - like the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) - have come together to harness information, knowledge and ICTs for agricultural development. The results look very positive, also from a PPP perspective: "The project began with - and is designed around - the people who wanted to improve their livelihoods, the people of the villages. It uses local resources: It depends on local resources, starting with the commitment of the people, but also harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of the ICT kiosk movement, and showing the commercial banks new business opportunities in the villages. It is designed so that everyone wins: The farmers become more prosperous; the ICT kiosks have a growing business; the banks lend more money (and more of it is repaid); the improved links between farmers and markets benefit both producers and consumers; and the consortium of knowledge providers has the satisfaction of making an impact. The project focuses on individuals as well as individuals in groups. The only way that everyone can win is for everyone to work together." See more information at: [url]http://iaald.blogspot.com/2008/01/lifelong-learning-with-farmers-in.htm…] best wishes Peter
