Just a note following Kelly's post that on Monday next week we'll open a question about how the public sector can support producer organizations use of ICT.

Hi Brenda. Can you tell us any more about the success stories from Kenya and Uganda?

Bryan, this is interesting. In the case of limited resources, and an assumption that an organization's goal is not related to the use of ICT itself, is this still the case?

If it is, it would be helpful to see examples of producer organizations benefiting when they elucidate theory or build models/paradigms themselves. Otherwise it would be expected that concerns regarding limited resources will still lead investment elsewhere.

Dear Lalaine,

These are indeed important issues in ICT4D, particularly at the policy level. Much has been discussed on these points in past e-Agriculture forums.

Can any of these points be refined to guide producer organizations in prioritizing investment (time/money) in ICT? As we know, many of these organizations are small and have very limited resources.

Thanks for sharing this Joyce. It is interesting to see cooperatives moving in to fill the void in extension services. Do you know if the LTFs are trained in the use of ICT, or if ICT are part of their service provision?

Hi Leah, this is interesting. It would be helpful to know if the process became part of their regular activity after the post-tsunami funds finished. Do you know if the fishers association is still using GIS or other ICT tools for mapping or other functions today?

Thank you Alice. You make good points from your experience about the importance of planning for technology to be sustainable, as well as the need to avoid creating greater inequity.

In question 3 we will look specifically at the role of the public sector in supporting producer organization's uptake of ICT. Question 4 will look at the possibility of expanding the "digital divide". Please stay with the discussion!

Very good points. Can we build on these ideas with examples in practice?

How can ICT and organizations (like cooperatives, self-help groups, professional associations, etc.) together ensure that the information needed is available and accessible?

And how can ICT and organizations do this in a way that is affordable and sustainable?

Dear Anadaraja,

Are all of the above 6 points linked to the use of ICT by producer companies? If yes, please share some more information on how ICT enables the producer organizations to achieve the goals listed in each of these points. The video clearly shows different ICT being used, but it is difficult for the casual observer to identify the actual appliations and benefits in this case.

Thank you.