A quest for an agricultural information programme for Southern Africa
Identifieur interne : 000C17 ( Istex/Corpus ); précédent : 000C16; suivant : 000C18A quest for an agricultural information programme for Southern Africa
Auteurs : A. P. N. ThapisaSource :
- Library Management [ 0143-5124 ] ; 1997-06-01.
Abstract
Begins by tracing the efforts that have been undertaken to establish an agricultural information programme in Southern Africa. Argues that in order to develop an appropriate agricultural information programme in the Southern African Development Community SADC there is need to establish in each SADC country an agricultural information policy which supports both the generation of agricultural information and the development and training of agricultural information specialists. Gives an illustration of a programme which will provide the necessary professional training. Stresses that existing agricultural libraries need to be empowered in such a way that they are able to carry out their function effectively. A regional network should also be established to provide for the speedy delivery of information to endusers. Concludes by calling for stability in the region to enable the agricultural information programme to succeed.
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DOI: 10.1108/01435129710166851
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<front><div type="abstract" xml:lang="en">Begins by tracing the efforts that have been undertaken to establish an agricultural information programme in Southern Africa. Argues that in order to develop an appropriate agricultural information programme in the Southern African Development Community SADC there is need to establish in each SADC country an agricultural information policy which supports both the generation of agricultural information and the development and training of agricultural information specialists. Gives an illustration of a programme which will provide the necessary professional training. Stresses that existing agricultural libraries need to be empowered in such a way that they are able to carry out their function effectively. A regional network should also be established to provide for the speedy delivery of information to endusers. Concludes by calling for stability in the region to enable the agricultural information programme to succeed.</div>
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<abstract><p>Begins by tracing the efforts that have been undertaken to establish an agricultural information programme in Southern Africa. Argues that in order to develop an appropriate agricultural information programme in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) there is need to establish in each SADC country an agricultural information policy which supports both the generation of agricultural information and the development and training of agricultural information specialists. Gives an illustration of a programme which will provide the necessary professional training. Stresses that existing agricultural libraries need to be empowered in such a way that they are able to carry out their function effectively. A regional network should also be established to provide for the speedy delivery of information to end‐users. Concludes by calling for stability in the region to enable the agricultural information programme to succeed.</p>
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<body><sec><title>Introduction</title>
<p>The memorandum of understanding establishing the Southern African Centre for Co‐operation in Agricultural Research (SACCAR) (1984) (now the Southern African Centre for Co‐operation in Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Training)[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="b1">1</xref>
] stipulates that the maintenance of up‐to‐date information on agricultural research, training and extension resources is one of the primary functions of that organization. The creation of an agricultural information system is perceived by SACCAR as being a key factor in the strengthening of a regional agricultural research system. Hence SACCAR was given a mandate to maintain an up‐to‐date inventory of national and regional research systems, the purpose of which is to provide information on the research capabilities of the member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The emphasis here is on the maintenance of valuable current information and avoiding the building up of a large repository of outdated and irrelevant materials. Since 1984 when SACCAR was established, a good number of activities have been attempted, the sole purpose of which has been to promote the collection, storage, use and dissemination of agricultural information. In October 1988, the Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Co‐operation (CTA), ACP‐EEC Lome Convention and SACCAR signed a memorandum of understanding for collaboration in the dissemination of information on agriculture and rural development for the benefit of SADC. This was followed in 1989 by a joint CTA and SACCAR training workshop on “Management of Agricultural Information Services” which took place in Lusaka, Zambia, from 17 to 28 July (Namponya and Niang, 1990).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Assessment of agricultural information needs</title>
<p>In 1990, SACCAR commissioned a two‐man consultancy to undertake an assessment of the agricultural information needs and resources in six SADC member countries and make appropriate recommendations. The two‐man commission observed that the major constraints in agricultural information were a lack of adequate equipment such as computers and photocopiers, up‐to‐date books, adequate budgetary allocations, and scientific journals (Norman and Ntokotha, 1990).</p>
<p>The commission recommended that SACCAR should commit itself to an information programme which includes an assessment of information needs, development of an efficient and effective information network system, training library and information personnel, subscriptions to scientific journals, creation of current awareness services, compilation of a directory of agricultural information services and an evaluation of ongoing information programmes. The two‐man commission was followed in 1990 by a SACCAR/ IDRC planning workshop for the establishment of a Southern African agricultural information system which was held in Mbabane, Swaziland, from 18‐20 June (Namponya and Hailu, 1991). Some of the problems that were identified by the papers included a lack of access to locally and regionally produced information; a lack of access to current information; the absence of publishing outlets; poor linkage between research and extension; a lack of adequately trained agricultural information personnel; an absence of appropriate positions for information personnel in government service structures; poor infrastructure; a lack of funding and foreign exchange, and the difficulty of sustaining services after the withdrawal of the donor.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Information networking</title>
<p>The Mbabane workshop proposed that a Southern Africa Agricultural Information Network (SAAINet) should be established under the auspices of SACCAR to provide the mechanism for effective information exchange, resource sharing and the strengthening of agricultural information centres at national level. Specific centres with basic information structures would be identified to act as nodes for the network.</p>
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<sec><title>Regional studies on agricultural information needs</title>
<p>The CTA and SACCAR carried out a needs assessment of agricultural information in Southern Africa, which began with a consultative meeting in Gaborone, Botswana, in September 1993 and was followed up by a workshop held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 14‐18 November 1994 (CTA, 1995). The objectives of this workshop were to develop appropriate strategies for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural information programmes in SADC. Eight country reports were presented.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Regional steering committee meeting</title>
<p>Following the Windhoek workshop, a SADC agricultural information programme‐regional steering committee meeting was held in Mbabane, Swaziland, on 3‐4 April 1995, to develop appropriate strategies for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural information programmes in SADC. The meeting was also convened to revise the conclusions of the Windhoek workshop and identify areas within which to formulate a regional programme for agricultural information, formulate basic elements of an agricultural information strategy for the SADC region, and adopt the terms of reference for the preparation of a proposal for agricultural information programmes in Southern Africa.</p>
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<sec><title>Library and documentation services</title>
<p>The agricultural information situation in the SADC region is marked by inadequately developed and stocked libraries and documentation centres. Some of the deficiencies include: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p><italic>A high shortage of qualified and trained information professionals</italic>
. There is a need to develop some of the existing training institutions as centres of excellence which could establish training programmes in agricultural information above the diploma level and introduce continuing educational opportunities or “lifelong education” to enhance knowledge, skills and excellence. The option for distance learning should also be one of the main considerations.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p><italic>The unclear status of library staff working in agricultural information services. </italic>
There is need to establish in the respective ministries of agriculture, a clear career structure for library and information workers and provide opportunities for agricultural information officers to meet together and share ideas with others in the region.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p><italic>A lack of basic equipment needed to provide adequate agricultural information services.</italic>
This includes computers and their software, CD‐ROM drives and software, information networking capacity, e‐mail, fax machines, photocopiers, microfiche readers/printers and catalogue card duplicators.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p><italic>A lack of appropriate accommodation for agricultural information service departments or units. </italic>
There is need to establish, within the respective ministries of agriculture and their research departments, appropriate accommodation for libraries and documentation centres with adequate reading and storage space.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p><italic>The lack of funds to finance the development of agricultural libraries and documentation centres is exacerbated by a critical shortage of foreign currency</italic>
. The lack of funding also impedes subscriptions to scientific journals most of which are foreign and expensive. There is need, therefore, to establish a fund for the development of agricultural information and to promote co‐operation and the sharing of information services in SADC through an established SAAINet. This network would facilitate the exchange of data and information between national agricultural information centres, the International Information System for Agricultural Science and Technology (AGRIS), and other related international networks.</p>
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<sec><title>Agricultural information policy</title>
<p>An established agricultural information policy for SADC countries is needed, one that must be a statement of intent which seeks to integrate an information network of personnel (policy makers, information specialists, researchers, extension officers, etc.), hard and software, data and practices aimed at supporting efficient and effective agricultural decision making. It should recognize that information is an essential input for an effective National Agricultural Research System (NARS) and, as such, contributes in a positive way to agricultural development.</p>
<sec><title>Information policy statements</title>
<p>An agricultural information policy for the delivery of library and documentation services should address the following issues: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>An extension service which is an intermediary between the farmers and researchers, should be established to provide feedback (information) to the scientist concerning the problems, expectations and the motivation of the farmers. Agricultural research should be client‐oriented rather than output‐oriented, the emphasis of which is on user‐participation research (Monu, 1995) and the acquisition and utilization of indigenous knowledge. Research reports and repackaged information materials for dissemination to the farmers should be made available for future reference in libraries and documentation centres.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Information flow should be promoted in such a way that it is not only “trickling down” from the “progressive” farmers to the “non‐progressive” but also “trickling across” from farmer to farmer as well as “trickling up” from the grass‐roots. In other words, multimedia approaches to information dissemination are required that are based on the existing values and belief systems of Southern African communities. The information dissemination system should consider the extension subsystem as part of the knowledge system in such a way that the extension system interfaces with the technology generation/research subsystem, the library/documentation service, and the user/farmer subsystem.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>An information system should be developed with powerful databases to monitor and forecast the contribution of the agricultural sector, in terms of both income generation and the Gross National Product of each SADC country. Such a system should have the capability to assess the impact of agricultural production on the environment.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Sustainable and specialized activities for the production and dissemination of agricultural information such as budgets for information activities, CD‐ROM, e‐mail, journals, databases, equipment, libraries, and documentation centres, should be established in the ministries of agriculture and departments of agricultural research.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>The management should train skilled personnel in the areas of information processing and management, database management, data handling and presentation, informatics, telecommunications, information marketing, indexing, and abstracting. Training should both be of a professional nature as well as formal class room type. Without an appropriate education and training policy it is highly unlikely that any significant exploitation of IT will occur. The resources required for this task include not only lecturers and trainers, but also hardware and software.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Information delivery services</title>
<p>In order to develop an appropriate agricultural information delivery service in the respective SADC countries there is need to establish in each country an agricultural information policy. This would support both the generation of agricultural information, and the development and a training programme for the agricultural information specialist. The immediate objective of an agricultural information policy would be to facilitate the training of personnel to create and develop agricultural databases and information network infrastructures which would provide current and relevant information to different end‐users in the agricultural sector. The network should link up all information activities of the agricultural sector in the region. The status of all the information workers in the agricultural sector should be defined with a particular view to providing a clear career structure for them within their respective ministries and departments. This is lacking at the moment. A strategy for the delivery of an effective agricultural information policy therefore would involve the following: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>A steering committee of agricultural information specialists which would formulate an agricultural information policy providing an enabling environment for the dissemination of agricultural information at the national level.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Policy proposals should be presented to the respective national policy makers within the framework of national government procedures.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>The national agricultural departments would implement and publicize the formulated policy.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
<p>In addition, the following services, if made available, would ensure the effective capture and exchange of information at a national and regional level: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>current awareness services;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>user profiles;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>selective dissemination of information;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>national/regional union list of periodicals;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>national/regional union catalogue of documents;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>register of national/regional ongoing research;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>availability of grey literature;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>specialized referral information services;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>full‐text document delivery services;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>electronic literature search facilities;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>specialized bibliographies, information newsletter, state‐of‐the‐art reviews, etc.;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>integrated databases.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
</sec>
</sec>
<sec><title>Human resource development</title>
<p>The SADC region experiences deficiencies in the human resources that are needed for the delivery of a sustainable agricultural information service. Since training abroad is expensive and does not always generate the required numbers of qualified staff needed for an effective delivery of information services, local or regional training should be given serious consideration. Inadequate information exchange programmes about the existing training opportunities available in the region has also led to duplication of efforts and lack of knowledge about what is going on. Owing to the rapid changes in the technology and the lack of institutional capacity to retrain, the personnel in the region face gradual obsolescence.</p>
<sec><title>Basic skills required</title>
<p>The following basic skills are required for the proper delivery of an agricultural information programme in SADC: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>basic computing;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>database construction and management;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>abstracting and indexing;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>cataloguing and classification;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>information retrieval;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>records management;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>word processing;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>telecommunications.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
<p>Other skill requirements that should also be included are: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>information gathering;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>information retrieval;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>information dissemination;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>information marketing;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>human resource management;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>user survey methods;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>networking skills.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Types of programmes needed</title>
<p>Formal programmes in agricultural information would lead to the following awards: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>certificate;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>diploma;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>degree;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>postgraduate degree.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
<p>Areas of greatest professional need, however, are at degree (first priority) and postgraduate training level (second priority).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Specialized training</title>
<p>At the technician level, training would be provided in: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>audio‐visuals;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>photography;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>printing/binding;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>graphics;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>video production;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>desk‐top publishing (DTP).</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
<p>Short courses could be provided periodically in the following areas: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>basic information work;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>technical editing and publication/DTP;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>communication skills for non‐English speakers;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>database construction or creation;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>project management;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>personnel and financial management;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>information marketing;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>information searching, retrieval and networking.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
<p>Thus, the efficient and effective delivery of an agricultural information system depends on the training and development of a requisite human resource. Such a training programme should be comprehensive. It should consist of integrated modules in the fields of: information technology (IT), library and information services, publishing and extension services (see <xref ref-type="fig" rid="F_0150180404001">Figure 1</xref>
). It is important that each module should have an element of IT to emphasize the crucial role which this plays in information management. This centrality and integrative tendency of IT in all information training courses is shown in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="F_0150180404002">Figure 2</xref>
. It is important to note also that human resource management (HRM) touches on library and information service, desk‐top publishing and extension services. <xref ref-type="fig" rid="F_0150180404002">Figure 2</xref>
shows the pervasive nature of both IT and HRM in the proposed training programme.</p>
<p>Where full‐time training is not possible, distance learning should be an alternative method of delivery. The International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) and Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada, could be approached to offer assistance.</p>
<p>Existing training institutions should be assisted through the provision of funding, for modern equipment for training technical personnel, and suitable training programmes. Funding should also be provided for the development of relevant administrative structures to improve the capacity for training. Appropriate information network systems should be established to enable the exchange and sharing of information by both training institutions and end‐users. Provision should be made for scholarships for attendance at long‐ and short‐term training locally, regionally, and internationally, for both resource persons and students.</p>
</sec>
</sec>
<sec><title>Implementing agency</title>
<p>Various agencies can be identified which could participate in the delivery of a training programme for agricultural information. This approach should be a multi‐faceted undertaking requiring that certain activities should be done at the national and regional levels.</p>
<sec><title>National level</title>
<p>The delivery of information to the end‐users at the national level is the responsibility of the respective national agricultural libraries, and information and documentation centres, including national focal points. These institutions need strengthening in terms of providing facilities, equipment, finance and qualified personnel. This means that the creation of national agricultural information systems should be the responsibility of the professionals and the ministries of agriculture in the respective countries.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Regional level</title>
<p>The co‐ordination of a regional agricultural information system should be the responsibility of SACCAR through SAAINet, but the training of the human resource that will operate in the respective libraries, information and documentation centres will be the responsibility of any proven centre of excellence in the region. One such centre which has a proven record in regional training of librarians, information specialists and data workers is the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) at the University of Botswana. This department has been a <italic>de facto </italic>
regional training centre of both long‐ and short‐term courses since 1979. It was originally established in August 1978, started operating in 1979 as the Department of Library Studies and changed its name to the Department of Library and Information Studies in 1988.</p>
<sec><title>Regional mandate</title>
<p>The department has a national mandate to train librarians, information workers/specialists and archivists. It is, however, a <italic>de facto </italic>
regional school whose catchment area extends from the north of Africa ‐ Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Morocco, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, the Seychelles ‐ to the south ‐ Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Outside Africa the DLIS has students from Canada and India. The pattern of enrolment over the years has settled to the extent where an average of 75 per cent of the annual student intake comes from outside Botswana.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Co‐operation with international agencies</title>
<p>Since 1984 the department has run short courses for the German Foundation for International Development (DSE). A senior management workshop on strategic management for higher education librarians was offered in 1995. It is a founder member of the Consortium of African Schools of Information Science (CASIS) which is sponsored by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Those participating in the consortium are: the African Regional Centre of Information Science (ARCIS) in Ibadan, the School of Information Science for Africa (SISA) in Addis Ababa, and the Ecole Supérieur de Documentation at Rabat. In 1996 the department confirmed its participation in the International Network of Schools of Library and Information Sciences (SLISNET). This is a UNESCO‐sponsored project which seeks to establish and develop a global electronic network of LIS education institutions with particular emphasis on south‐south and north‐south linkages in order to facilitate a more efficient and effective response to the needs and demands of the changing information environment. On several occasions since 1988 it has run short courses for the Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Pan‐African Development Information Systems (PADIS), for example, the training workshop for university lecturers teaching library and information science in African universities and institutions of higher learning which took place in Gaborone in December 1994.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Resources available</title>
<p>It has a staff complement of 11, six of whom possess a PhD, the rest holding a Master’s degree. It has access to two new computer laboratories one of which is for staff and research students. There is also a sophisticated computer service at the university computer centre which houses the Botswana Government’s Computer Bureau’s two mainframe computers. The university library is also automated.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Policy on human resource</title>
<p>There is a robust national policy on human resource development in Botswana which requires the University of Botswana to produce human power for national development. A corollary to this policy is the localization policy which requires that deserving and qualified Botswanians should be appointed to positions of responsibility. Botswana as a member of SADC subscribes to the human resource development sector in Mbabane, Swaziland, and is a member of the regional training council. It is here that SADC policies on human resource development are implemented. One such policy among others is to develop the capacity to forecast and analyse long‐term human resource requirements and design policies to address the needs.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Level of local input</title>
<p>The department has developed programmes and courses in library and information studies, many of which have been revised at least twice, and others are under review. The staff at DLIS have enough experience therefore to develop new programmes in agricultural information. One member of staff is an associate professor and is a specialist in agricultural information, and another is a specialist in rural information.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Expected input from outside</title>
<p>As a member of CASIS and SLISNET, the DLIS is expected to work in tandem with other members of this consortium which includes SACCAR because of its proximity to that institution. Other members include the CTA and ISNAR.</p>
</sec>
</sec>
</sec>
<sec><title>Strategic options</title>
<p>The delivery of library and documentation services can be implemented through two strategies. The first strategy will be the training of library and information or documentation personnel. As noted above, there is a dire need to develop agricultural information training programmes especially at professional level ‐ Bachelor and Master’s. A possible implementing agency for such a project has already been identified as being the Department of Library and Information Studies in Botswana.</p>
<p>The second strategy relates to the delivery of agricultural information to the end‐users. The end‐users can be identified as researchers, academics, decision makers, farmers, extension officers and students. It is at this level that agricultural libraries and documentation centres should be established to collect and disseminate agricultural information. The implementing agencies can be identified as the libraries in ministries of agriculture in respective SADC countries. A budget would be needed to finance the information and document delivery activities. Where local funding cannot be secured, donor finance should be sought.</p>
<sec><title>Strategic focus one</title>
<p>Strategy one relates to the training and development of the staff who would eventually provide professional library and documentation services to end‐users. The following activities would be required: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>develop programmes and teaching modules;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>provide teaching equipment and laboratories;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>provide teaching staff and supporting technicians;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>acquire the latest state‐of‐the‐art technology for teaching;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>finance regional courses and participants;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>finance trainers of trainers programmes;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>finance the development of programmes and courses;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>provide short‐ and long‐term courses;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>establish an agricultural information training fund.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
<p>It is important to note that nowadays library and information training is offered together, as an interdisciplinary field of study, with key courses such as IT and HRM. The emphasis here is that library and information training should not be separated, or divorced, from information technology and management.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Strategic focus two</title>
<p>The delivery of library and documentation services to the end‐user could be achieved through a series of activities which is listed below: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>provide a physical location for agricultural libraries;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>up‐grade and modernize library and documentation services;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>budget for all library and information activities;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>budget for staff salaries, seminars and conferences;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>acquire improved technology for the efficient and effective management of information;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>make information available and accessible to end‐users;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>enhance the capacity for producing, capturing, processing and disseminating information;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>encourage the use of information as a factor in development;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>facilitate an effective regional information exchange among SADC states;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>capture both the indigenous knowledge and grey literature in the national databases;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>re‐package information in forms most appropriate to the needs of different groups of end‐users;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>up‐grade the status of library and information workers;</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>create a career structure for library and information workers.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
</sec>
</sec>
<sec><title>Expected outcomes and impact</title>
<p>It is expected that eventually the training programme will generate the following outcomes: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Developed information training programmes.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Trained agricultural information specialists.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Acquired computing and word‐processing skills.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Improved information handling and management skills.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Enhanced information retrieval and delivery services.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Co‐ordinated agricultural information networks.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Well‐established agricultural information databases.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Well‐established national and regional information networks.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Better national and regional capacities to manage information.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Information networking</title>
<p>In addition to training, regional collaboration in agricultural information exchange and sharing should be achievable through the collaborative activities of both local information and documentation centres and the SAAINet. There is need, therefore, to develop the operational structure of SAAINet along the following lines: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Establish a focal point in each country to promote agricultural information activities which include the collection, indexing and maintenance of records of locally‐produced research reports, special studies and publications on agriculture, and provide information on the status of agricultural information in the country.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Establish in each country national meetings in which all interested parties and user groups meet and decide on the working arrangements necessary for disseminating and sharing information, including the establishment of a national steering committee to support the focal point.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Establish in each country a database for bibliographic, factual, research, scientific, statistical and planning information.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Develop and provide connectivity for an interactive agricultural information network that promotes information sharing, exchange and dissemination within the region.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Provide centre‐led information services that include CD‐ROM collections of abstracts and indexes and full‐text delivery of documents. Secondary literature should be backed‐up by the availability of primary literature in journals. This means that finance should be made available for purchasing journals.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Develop new technologies such as e‐mail, LANs and WANs to increase the speed and delivery of information and increase the choice offered to users by computerized bibliographic databases. This technology provides links between databases.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>Summary of key undertakings</title>
<p>The following undertakings will be essential for the efficient delivery of an effective agricultural information programme: <list list-type="bullet"><list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Develop the human resource capacity in agricultural information.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Sponsor regional courses and training programmes.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Sponsor trainers of trainers programmes.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Up‐grade and modernize library and documentation services.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Acquire improved technology for the efficient and effective management of information.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Make information available and accessible to end‐users.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Enhance capacity for producing, capturing, processing, and disseminating information.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Encourage the use of information as a factor in development.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Create effective information exchange facilities at local, national and regional level.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Capture both the indigenous knowledge and grey literature in the national databases.</p>
</list-item>
<list-item><label>• </label>
<p>Strengthen publishing capacity in the region.</p>
</list-item>
</list>
</p>
</sec>
<sec><title>The risk factor</title>
<p>The proposed information programme will prosper only if the spirit of co‐operation among SADC states prevails in a relatively peaceful region. The economies of these countries also need to be comparatively stable. Political instability in the locality would translate in the disequilibrium of the training institutions and support for library and documentation services and training might suffer.</p>
</sec>
<sec><fig position="float" id="F_0150180404001"><label><bold>Figure 1<x> </x>
</bold>
</label>
<caption><p>Information training programmes</p>
</caption>
<graphic xlink:href="0150180404001.tif"></graphic>
</fig>
</sec>
<sec><fig position="float" id="F_0150180404002"><label><bold>Figure 2<x> </x>
</bold>
</label>
<caption><p>The integrative tendency of both IT and HRM</p>
</caption>
<graphic xlink:href="0150180404002.tif"></graphic>
</fig>
</sec>
</body>
<back><ref-list><title>Note</title>
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<person-group person-group-type="author"><string-name>This paper is based on Thapisa</string-name>
</person-group>
(<year>1995</year>
. <publisher-name>See also Thapisa (1996).</publisher-name>
.</mixed-citation>
</ref>
</ref-list>
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</person-group>
(<year>1995</year>
, <source><italic>Agricultural Information Programmes in Southern Africa: A Proposal for Agricultural Programmes Prepared for the Mananga Management Centre</italic>
</source>
, <publisher-name>University of Botswana</publisher-name>
, <publisher-loc>Gaborone.</publisher-loc>
</mixed-citation>
</ref>
<ref id="b8"><mixed-citation><person-group person-group-type="author"><string-name><surname>Thapisa</surname>
, <given-names>A.P.N.</given-names>
</string-name>
</person-group>
(<year>1996</year>
, <source><italic>A Proposal for an Integrated Agricultural Programme for Southern Africa: A Proposal Prepared for the Southern Africa Centre for Cooperation in Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Training (SACCAR) and Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)</italic>
</source>
, <publisher-name>Mananga Management Centre</publisher-name>
, <publisher-loc>Mhulme, pp. v‐1‐v‐13.</publisher-loc>
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<mods version="3.6"><titleInfo lang="en"><title>A quest for an agricultural information programme for Southern Africa</title>
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<abstract lang="en">Begins by tracing the efforts that have been undertaken to establish an agricultural information programme in Southern Africa. Argues that in order to develop an appropriate agricultural information programme in the Southern African Development Community SADC there is need to establish in each SADC country an agricultural information policy which supports both the generation of agricultural information and the development and training of agricultural information specialists. Gives an illustration of a programme which will provide the necessary professional training. Stresses that existing agricultural libraries need to be empowered in such a way that they are able to carry out their function effectively. A regional network should also be established to provide for the speedy delivery of information to endusers. Concludes by calling for stability in the region to enable the agricultural information programme to succeed.</abstract>
<subject><genre>keywords</genre>
<topic>Africa</topic>
<topic>Agriculture</topic>
<topic>Information services</topic>
<topic>Information systems</topic>
<topic>Information technology</topic>
<topic>Training needs</topic>
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<topic authority="SubjectCodesPrimary" authorityURI="cat-LISC">Library & information science</topic>
<topic authority="SubjectCodesSecondary" authorityURI="cat-LLM">Librarianship/library management</topic>
<topic authority="SubjectCodesSecondary" authorityURI="cat-HILB">HR in libraries</topic>
<topic authority="SubjectCodesSecondary" authorityURI="cat-LPM">Library promotion</topic>
<topic authority="SubjectCodesSecondary" authorityURI="cat-LSTR">Library strategy</topic>
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<identifier type="ISSN">0143-5124</identifier>
<identifier type="PublisherID">lm</identifier>
<identifier type="DOI">10.1108/lm</identifier>
<part><date>1997</date>
<detail type="volume"><caption>vol.</caption>
<number>18</number>
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<detail type="issue"><caption>no.</caption>
<number>4</number>
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<extent unit="pages"><start>196</start>
<end>204</end>
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