[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 7 (17 Dec.) How do you foresee ICT impacting the agricultural value chain in the future? What roles do the public and private sectors have in its success? [/quote] I agree with several of the participants who have highlighted the strong impact that ICT will have in the development of agricultural value chains. I also think that the main driver of innovation will be the private sector. However, I would like to stress the complementarity between these players. Business, government and nonpprofit institutions have different roles and capabilities in pushing the development of the ICT sector. The role of the public sector is crucial to create the necessary enabling environment to facilitate the use of ICTs in value chains. This is particularly important in rural areas: (i) developing the national information and communications infrastructure; (ii) supporting innovative pilot projects from the private sector; and (iii) creating the necessary standards and guidelines. NGOs may play a key role promoting capacity building activities in alliance with the private sector and reaching rural and isolated communities. Two main challenges that we currently face are the insufficient interactions between private enterprises, non-governmental organizations and the public sector. These interactions have been increasing in the past few years but they are still not enough. NGOs can make a positive role facilitating the link between private and public initiatives. The second related challenge is the need to develop institutional mechanisms (including ICT platforms) to facilitate a continuous process of sharing and learning from best practices. South- South cooperation may play an important role in addressing these challenges.

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 5 (14 Dec.) What suggestions do you have for integrating ICT into agricultural value chain development projects and programs? What consideration must be given to the people, institutions and processes that are impacted by the introduction/use of ICT? [/quote] Yves, Marcelo and Sonigitu have touched the crucial issue of cooperation. What can be done about it? Based on our experience I have four specific suggestions for projects that are integrating ICTs into agricultural value chain initiatives: 1. Map out all the relevant people and institutions that are going to be impacted by the introduction of ICTs (e.g.: farmers' organizations, input suppliers, processors, retailers, public agencies); 2. During the design/formulation phase consult them extensively, promoting a genuine process of sharing and learning from each other; 3. In the implementation phase introduce an appropriate set of incentives where every body has a responsibility; and 4. Promote periodic and transparent mechanisms of communication between stakeholders which helps to build trust and local ownership. Difficult technical problems are easier to overcome when the necessary space for dialogue and learning is created Naturally, it is not always easy to practice all these principles. There is often a tension and trade off between the need to meet pre-established deadlines and to promote a genuine cooperation processes. Developing trust and participation ensures sustainability but takes time! In these matters there are no pre-set recipes.

[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] Hi Lisa, I very much agree with the constraints and challenges mentioned by Sapna and Rabiu Yakasai. In the last past few years IFAD has started testing ways in which information and communication technologies (ICTs) can support rural communities. Particular attention has been given to support access to new markets. The pilot experience which began establishing Internet Centres in a few rural communities has been expanding and now reaches more than 30 rural districts in five Departments of Southern Peru. Some of the reasons that explain the success of this project are the tangible benefits that Internet brings to local (often isolated) communities: (i) reduction in the operational costs of local governments (with access to Internet they do not need a liaison office in urban centres); (ii) access to updated market information; (iii) better and greater access to technical and educational resources. Key success factors have been: (i) the strong ownership of these initiatives by the communities themselves, and (ii) the participatory way in which this project is being implemented. In Latin America (as in India) heavily funded projects have failed because they often neglect the key role of local organizations.

Hello to everyone, I am Raul Hopkins, the Regional Economist of IFAD for Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently I am involved in two initiatives related to e-agriculture: a pilot project promoting access to ICTs in rural communities (supported by Finnish Supplementary Funds); and an IFAD Intranet site on market access and value chains to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices within the organization. The experience of rural development projects supported by IFAD indicates the great potential of the Internet and the use of ICTs as a tool for rural development. Much of our effort now is to find out the type of activities, institutional framework and new partnerships that are needed to promote successfully the use of information technologies in rural areas. I look foward to this forum. An excellent opportunity for sharing and learning!