Dr Kumar, thank you for this concise input. Very interesting issues to consider. At this point we are looking for success factors in existing programmes, as well as to share information about the people and concepts involved. From the applications you have mentioned can you point to any examples of this? Or if you are proposing the way forward, bravo, but this is jumping ahead of the rest of us - can we hold your comments for later in the forum when we will discuss the way forward? Michael (FAO)

Hi Pam, Extension and technical advice are important factors in rural livelihoods. Can you tell us more about your services? Your organization and the people who are receiving the information? How actually are they using mobile telephones, what format of information is exchanged? Thanks for sharing! Michael (FAO)

Hi Kris. These would indeed seem to be very useful types of information. Can you tell us more about who might be responsible for providing this information from existing examples? Who would farmers trust as information sources? Who drives the specific information demand?

Sheryl, thanks for starting off this discussion. You bring up 2 interesting examples, one of market price information and another on extension type services via mobile phone. Can you tell us a bit more about who's involved in initiating and sustaining these activities?

Welcome Naimur! In case you have not seen it yet, please check the first discussion question which is now posted under the new thread "Discussions - Week 1". We're looking forward to another active discussion! Cheers, Michael (FAO)

Hello Chris. Thank you for joining the forum - we look forward to learning more about your experience with mobile phones. Please check the first discussion question which is now posted under the new thread "Discussions - Week 1". Cheers, Michael (FAO)

Hi Marianne. Glad you have joined the forum and looking forward to hearing more about your experiences and the challenges mobiles face in the coming 2 weeks. Please check the first discussion question which is now posted under the new thread "Discussions - Week 1". Cheers, Michael (FAO)

Welcome to the forum Bulbul Ahmed. Where are you located? Please check the first discussion question which is now posted under the new thread "Discussions - Week 1". Cheers, Michael (FAO)

Hi Solomon, and welcome to the forum. Please check the first discussion question which is now posted under the new thread "Discussions - Week 1". Looking forward to sharing with you. Cheers, Michael (FAO)

Welcome Shaik Meera, we are glad you have joined this online discussion and look forward to your thoughts on this subject. Please check the first discussion question which is now posted under the new thread "Discussions - Week 1". Cheers, Michael (FAO)