articles

Multimedia Systems for Ethnographic Materials — by admin — last modified 2007-09-17 15:32

NGOs and Indigenous organisations in Bolivia have developed a large amount of ethnographic materials, which contain important Indigenous knowledge on culture and economic practises in Bolivia. These materials are available in writing, audio, images and video. Yet, these materials are difficult to conserve and cannot be presented and distributed in an integrated way. If this would happen, valuable material on these populations would disappear and cannot be reconstructed as some of the groups are loosing their traditions or because some of the groups are disappearing altogether. This would result in a loss of unique knowledge of important educational and cultural value.

Agriculture Information and Monitoring Systems in the Valleys of Santa Cruz — by admin — last modified 2005-08-05 09:24

Since October 2001, ICO experimented with the introduction of Internet based radio programes including price information on the market of Santa Cruz for farmers in the Valleys of Santa Cruz. The positive impact of the project hitherto resulted in the preparation of a deepening/expansion project in the same region, including price information on national markets (actual prices and trends) provided by other organisations and information on local production volumes and production inputs to allow for a better planning of productoin and marketing on local level. The project will operate via one central office in Santa Cruz and three rural information centres. The centres are initially managed by ICO, but over time local communities are to take over management of the centres, seeking self-sustaining sales of services to the farmers and the wider community.

National Information Clearing House (NICH) — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 16:38

Access to accurate and timely information is a critical prerequisite for national development. Policy-makers, planners, researchers, investors and the general public depend on reliable information for planning and decision-making. Lacking access and co-ordination of the Ghana's information flows is presenting an important bottleneck to effective and transparent policy formulation and implementation and thereby, good governance. Currently, in Ghana, a number of institutions and companies are developing electronic systems that cater to the varied information needs of such user groups. Among such institutions, however, there is very limited exchange of information and in terms of users, there is limited access. An example is the development of many databases at different government agencies in the absence of a coordinated system for information flows. The Ghanaian Ministry of Communications (MOC) has the mission to develop policies that will help to integrate communication technologies and public information systems.

Marketing Information System for Small Producers in the Chuquisaca Region — by admin — last modified 2005-02-22 14:09

Foundation ACLO assists the development of the productive capacity of small farmers in Sopachuy - Tarvita, Alcalá, and El Villar, in the Department of Chuquisaca. The Foundation promotes the increment of production and agricultural productivity. This means improving food availability and generating a surplus for the market and, at the same time, the creation of agricultural economic organizations (or associations). In the area of the marketing of agricultural products, foundations have been laid to start creating the conditions that will allow the improvement of the current situation of agricultural producers working in the area served by the project.

Factors Shaping Successful Public/Private Partnerships — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 16:31

Identifying and informing public and private sector policy makers of the factors shaping successful information society partnerships between business, government, the public sector and civil society.

Commercial Information and Advisory System for Agriculture Producers — by admin — last modified 2006-09-01 12:14

This project allows farmers to gain access to information and knowledge on new markets for their produce. The project aims at increasing decision-making powers of producers. Project owner Ceprobol (semi-state) provides advice on export markets. The organisation is highly professional and has an important international network to promote exports. Furthermore, earlier projects at Ceprobol invested in information systems (large scale database on export markets, website and an advanced e-commerce platform). Yet, the organisation has hitherto focused exclusively on provision of services too larger exporters, therefore not accessible to small farmers. Earlier projects and funding agencies do not invest in training of project staff and in facilities and training of staff in the regions. As a result, the information is not reaching beneficiaries outside La Paz. Through this project, the organisation expresses interest in expanding services to small producers. As it is not possible to reach individual end users, it will be worked via -intermediaries- producer organisations and NGOs, who are eligible for fee advisory services on potential export markets. A needs assessment is conducted to find the actual needs of the small producer groups. The advisory services of Ceprobol are strengthened by means of enhancing ICT facilities and training of regional staff. Focus is on information and knowledge of conditions for exporting and potential export outlets of selected products.

ICT Strategy for the Agricultural Sector — by admin — last modified 2005-02-22 14:06

This project initiates the development of an ICT strategy for the Agriculture sector in Bolivia with a focus on small-scale farmers and indigenous groups. The project seeks active participation of policy makers through awareness and capacity development of top-level policy makers in the ministry of agriculture. In addition, other stakeholders in the government, NGOs, private sector and grass root organizations provide input through a series of workshops. The project is the first ICT policy project in Bolivia, providing the newly appointed policy makers in the ministry with a possibility of additional media and political attention.

Information System for Innovation and Competiveness of Small Farmers — by admin — last modified 2005-08-05 09:15

Lacking information between the differences actors in the agriculture value chain hampers the free market system. With all actors operating separately makes the position of small producers less competitive. Therefore producers need to adopt more a better structured and coordinated information strategy. ICT represent a key input to plan and implement an information system providing producers with useful information on production technologies and markets, enhancing their position in the market.

Global Teenager Kenya — by admin — last modified 2005-02-09 12:45

This project seeks to foster a digitally supported learning environment in Kenyan secondary schools. The expected output is that the Kenyan students and teachers will develop applications in their classroom environment; and broaden the scope of global development through interaction in the Learning Circles that form part of thr Global Teenager project. The learning experiences could be replicable and can be transferred to other schools in Kenya as well as abroad. In doing this the project will build synergy with like-minded initiatives from the Government of Kenya, civil society and private sector.

Global Teenager Tanzania — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 16:26

 

Ghana Dot Gov - Researching the potential for eGovernment services in Ghana — by admin — last modified 2005-02-22 14:11

Co-financed with the Ghana Ministry of Information and Presidential Affairs, this research project is examining and testing concrete eGovernment systems and applications in Ghana. It will result in a demonstration portal for the Ministry, applications and content research in Akuapem South District, and a framework for further actions.

2002 - Agri-Business Information System (ABIS) — by admin — last modified 2005-02-09 12:35

The Jamaican Agricultural Sector is being challenged by the changes heralding the New World Order in which technological advances are being used to propel the industry and new trading arrangements are being imposed under the banner of globalization. Lack of adequate communication between the producers and the buyers has resulted in inadequate planning and ultimately an unstable market environment. This has led to increased importation of commodities, which are also locally produced, lack of information on improved production practices and increased competition in the marketplaces. It is therefore necessary to link all the relevant participants in the system in order to achieve a more structured and co-ordinated Agricultural Sector. The need for ICT was identified as a crucial component in the strategy for the improvement of the production and marketing of agricultural commodities and domestic food products in particular. The small farmers in Jamaica are being forced to identify more with the needs of the marketplace and improve their quality and productivity in order to compete especially on the local market but also in the export markets.

Carribean Music Exposition (CME) — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 15:09

The worldwide popularity of Caribbean music genres such as salsa and reggae proves that there is an enthusiastic global market for this type of music. Yet so far the Caribbean music industry has struggled to represent, develop and promote its own music. As a result, the region has systematically failed to reap any financial rewards from its own music sales. The Caribbean Music Expo (CME) aims to address this problem by acting as a tool to develop music industry enterprises in the Dutch, French, English and Spanish-speaking territories of the Caribbean and promoting their music worldwide. Launched in 1999, this annual international four-day music industry trade show aims to be the world's leading Caribbean music event. Its multi-faceted format, with live concerts, an exhibition, business seminars, awards and a search for emerging talent provides an excellent showcase for the Caribbean music industry. As the first event of its kind in the region it is also an ideal platform through which the industry's many stakeholders can network, exchange information and present their latest products and services.

Information Flow Management and Networking — by admin — last modified 2006-12-07 13:36

The poor flow of information within Uganda’s Tourism, Trade and Industry sector is hampering its growth. The Ministry for Tourism, Trade and Industry therefore developed the Information Flow Management and Networking (IFMN) project in 2004 to address this issue. The project’s three main goals are: to train ministry staff to use ICTs; to set up an intranet at the ministry; and to help the ministry create its own website. These initiatives will improve the flow of information internally (between the ministry’s five departments) and externally (between the ministry and its affiliated institutions). In the long term, the ability to provide timely and accurate information, particularly to businesses at home and abroad, could mean the difference between an opportunity gained and an opportunity lost for this sector.

DistrictNet — by admin — last modified 2006-07-11 16:05

The District Net project stands for ICT for Rural Development. The project was implemented in 2002 by the Ministry of Local Governance in four districts, being Mbarara (west), Lira (north), Mbale (east) and Kayunga (central) with the hope that, if successful, it would be extended to other regions in the country. The project is to set out to improve communication links among the district headquarters, central government agencies and other stakeholders working with districts, and to address problems of inadequate ICT basic skills among the district staff. The MoLG started the District Net project to improve performance in the Local Governments by establishing functional data & information management and public communication systems for effective and efficient service delivery in decentralised governance.” Hence, this project was created under the slogan ‘ICT for Rural Development!’

Strengthening the Network for Sustainable Development and Environment — by admin — last modified 2005-08-30 15:03

The Network for Sustainable Development and Environment - Red de Desarrollo Sostenible y Medio Ambiente (REDESMA) - will develop an electronic portal on activities in sustainable development and environment in Bolivia.

ICT Basic Training — by admin — last modified 2005-08-01 14:07

With adequately trained manpower, ICT-based skills can easily be passed on to learners at all levels. This project aims to train a critical mass of teachers in ICT-based skills and targets teachers on both pre-service (Teacher Training Institutes) and in-service (Senior Secondary Schools) programmes. The project has trained tens of thousands of Ugandan teachers since it was first launched in 2001.

Center for Information and Communication Technology (CICT) — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 15:07

Over the years, an increasing number of companies, organisations and institutions in Ghana have become increasingly aware of the possibility of using modern ICTs to improve efficiency and effectiveness of their activities. This heightened interest is attributable to many internationally-sponsored and Ghanaian initiatives such as the Leyland initiative (internet infrastructure and promotion); UNDP's SNDP (ICT as a tool for sustainable development); Ghana's Structural Adjustment Programme and communication's sector deregulation; and Ghana's Vision 2020. A 1998 study carried out by the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), revealed that there has been a significant increase in demand in ICT professionals without a commensurate increase in supply. This study also noted that most ICT facilities are developed, installed and maintained by foreign experts and/or computer firms. This gap between training and employment is not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of the skills required to fill the emerging positions in the job market. The country's universities and polytechnics are unable to address this problem. Therefore, in July 1998, IICD together with the ISOG and Ministry of Communication, held an IICD ICT Roundtable to identify economic priority sectors and to determine how to diffuse ICT into these sectors in a way that will contribute to realising the objectives of the above-mentioned initiatives. Out of the Roundtable emerged the understanding that an institution to provide training on emerging ICTs is required to bridge the existing gap between training and employment in Ghana and the West African sub-region. The CICT is geared toward building local ICT capacity; thereby halting the increasing dependency on foreign experts to service ICT facilities. The Project expects to enhance the effective and efficient utilisation of the facilities, therefore increasing productivity and contributing to the Ghanaian economy. The CICT will focus on technical training in order to deliver much-needed certified engineers, programmers and software developers.

Distance education for secondary schools (DILES) — by admin — last modified 2005-03-09 14:04

Though Tanzania is rated as one of the poorest countries of the world, it still boosts one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. However, for more than a decade, the quality of education has been eroding due to budgetary constraints. The infrastructure from the 1970s "education for all" still exists, however, there is little available in terms of skilled teachers and teaching materials. The underlying problem is twofold: 1) on the supply-side, the government is unable to furnish well-trained teachers, good quality learning material and infrastructure facilities for each rural area school; and 2) on the demand-side, rural parents of schoolchildren are often unable to cover the average 40-50,000 Tanzania Shillings lump sum education payment per child designed to cover government expenses in maintaining the current situation. The result is "forgotten schools" in most rural areas and among the impoverished urban centres. The real consequence of a neglected educational infrastructure is "forgotten children." Through the latest technologies in the field of information and communication technology (ICT), the quality of the education can be improved in a cost-effective manner. Distance Education for Secondary Schools seeks to develop low cost solutions to the problem using technology. Distance Education for Secondary Schools provides schools up-country with learning material and tutoring from a Dar es Sala'am location. Musoma and Mwanza towns have been selected for up-country piloting of the Project. The Project will feature a Central Information Centre (CIC) in Dar, which will serve as a data-gathering point for relevant educational materials and teacher assistance. While educational information and skilled teachers are in great scarcity up-country, they are generally available in Dar.

ICT Training Centre Bolivia — by admin — last modified 2005-08-30 14:39

Currently, initiatives in the area for capacity development taken by academics, government, non-governmental and private entities are highly fragmented. This results in uncoro-ordinated and unsatisfactory results. Some of the large companies and international institutions receive training from head quarters. The rest of the organisations are in need of training, but this activity is often not seen as an obligation of the organisation, or the type of training provided is not directly applicable to actual requirements of the trainees. Therefore a huge gap in applied capacity development for the working force is present. This project will therefore focus on the establishment of a training centre in La Paz. The target group of the centre includes the participants active in the ICT for Development Programme HIVOS-IICD and other organisations contributing to development, notably NGOs, grass-root organisations, the government and small and medium scale enterprises. Taken into account the needs of the target group and the existing services offered, the project must offer a distinctive approach to training. Applying the methodology developed in collaboration with IICD, the capacity development courses will be fully customized to the needs of the trainee and the organisation and will focused on the direct application to the working environment. This will, unlike many of the ongoing training programmes in Bolivia, produce continuity and consistency in capacity development in the area of ICT.

Mwanza Community Tele-Centres (CTC) — by admin — last modified 2005-07-04 15:11

Investment in traditional terrestrial communication networks requires high traffic volumes in order to be economically viable. The Mwanza Community TeleCenter (CTC) highlights a promising solution by working to strengthen theses aspects of rural service provision that depend on information exchange, by means of satellite and wireless communications that reach the most remote rural areas as easily as downtown. Before CTC was set up in 1999 only one small access point was available in the entire region charging high rates. Through the development of an Internet café, training facilities and a dynamic community website and a highly interactive mailing list, the Mwanza CTC provides access to basic ICT services for a wide range of both lower and middle-income groups at very affordable prices, in addition to offering other facilities.

Introduction of ICTs in information boutiques — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 16:06

As part of their Programme d'Appui a la Decentralisation (Programme for Decentralisation Support), SNV Burkina Faso established the Boutiques d'Information. The primary goals of this Programme are to promote the development of democracy by stimulating the population to participate actively in decision-making processes and sustainable human development. Boutiques d'Information was designed to meet the information needs of the rural population of Burkina, who do not have sufficient access to information supporting basic economic, social and political activities. The Information Boutiques collect and provide information about judicial matters, facilitate courses and mediate between the local population and services.

Tele-education at Burkina's Universities — by admin — last modified 2005-03-09 14:04

Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has a fragile eco-system and very limited resources. Skilled manpower has to be the countries' major source of progress. In Burkina Faso there are two universities; at the capital city Ouagadougou and at Bobo Dioulasso. Both cities are located at approximately 4,5 hour's drive from each other. The University of Bobo Dioulasso focuses particularly on applied sciences like agriculture. Also the National School for Information Technology (ENI) is also located in Bobo Dioulasso. At both universities a shortage of qualified manpower is a major bottleneck. Another factor reducing the quality of education is the heavy reliance on rather poor didactical methods like ' le grand conférence'. The project is designed to countermeasure the shortage of personnel by allowing students at Bobo Dioulasso to follow courses on-line or a-synchronous- provided in Ouagadougou. The approach and software used will stimulate the teaching staff to improve the didactical build-up of the courseware. This will trigger a development towards the more efficient method of 'competence-based' learning and the build-up of an effective organisation to support this way of working.

ICT for the exchange of farmer experiences in ecological agriculture — by admin — last modified 2005-08-30 15:09

The project proposes the use of ICTs to assist the exchange of successful experiences related to organic agriculture and the sustainable use of natural resources among farmer communities. ICTs are used to ease the way for the dissemination of information concerning a wide range of experiences, valuable knowledge and the use of innovative technologies among small farmers. Distant communities of small organic farmers can take advantage of this information. The project consists mainly in the registration of experiences and the production and participative distribution of training material based mainly in multimedia presentation tools, combining texts, digital photography, audio, video, printed material and the production of testimonial radio programmes broadcasted through rural and community radio stations.

ICT in Vocational education — by admin — last modified 2005-03-09 14:04

The projects contributes to modernisation of the vocational education sub-sector by introducing an ICT curriculum with delivery facilities to a first group of three technical colleges.

Global Teenager Romania — by admin — last modified 2005-02-22 14:07

As part of this IICD-supported project, schools in Romania will become familiar with new forms of learning, transforming themselves into knowledge centres, for the benefit of local communities. This is a five-year process involving expansion of the project in Romania and long-term sustainability. The ongoing activities during the formulation and first phase of this project have been sponsored, for one year, by the ING group . Other sponsors are the Muvos Foundation and the Noaber Foundation.

Improve Competence for Rural Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Using ICT — by admin — last modified 2005-07-13 14:11

One of the instruments that the Uganda government is using in order to alleviate poverty is promoting rural industrialization and turning primary/raw products to semi-finished or processed commodities through rural Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs). The Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), the project owner of this project, is providing assistance to SMEs through partner centres in the country. UIRI offers training to the rural SMEs to improve their technical and management competence and it offers advisory services to the SMEs. This project is intended to improve the performance of the SMEs, by improving the quality of teaching materials and by providing ICT equipment such as telephone, fax, computers, printers, photocopier, and connectivity for email to the partner centres which can be utilized by the SMEs.

Global Teenager Bolivia — by admin — last modified 2005-08-30 15:05

Started in 2000, Fundacion Ayni participated with a limited number of schools in the English language Learning Circles. In 2002, a 5-year project has started with twenty schools participating in the project in the department of Oruro. Seven schools are located in highly isolated rural areas that lack all access to basic services. In total an estimated number of ten thousand students and parents benefit from the project through direct participation in the content programmes or by means of indirect access, merely through using the computer facilities. Five schools participate in the Global Teenager Project aswell as in a more basic ICT programme focused on integration of ICT in daily classes. The project seeks active collaboration with the government body responsible for education on department level.

Keneya-blown — by admin — last modified 2008-02-04 12:48

The project Keneya Blown, or in the local language of Bamanan 'Health Portal', was started in September 2000 as a pilot project. During this pilot phase a network between two regional and all national hospitals was established and a website with medical information was developed. The project has reached its second phase, which aims at improving the services developed during the pilot phase of the project: raise awareness about ICT for health, extend the number of health workers reached with the project, offer medical training on-line, develop skills to produce local medical information, train health workers in the use of ICTs and offer internet facilities to the health sector.

Business Intelligence Trade Points — by admin — last modified 2008-01-24 10:50

This project will collect and disseminate, by means of ICT, up-to-date national market and price information as well as other relevant information for local producers of agricultural products. Because of their increased knowledge, these producers will be able to become more competitive players on the market.

Agricultural Business Information Services (BIS) Cromabu — by admin — last modified 2008-03-03 10:50

The CROMABU project was set up in Magu on the shore of lake Victoria, where the most important sources of income are cotton farming and fishing. It aims to provide the rural community with relevant price information and to build ICT capacity within the community, particularly among young people, women and farmers. The project has three components: an internet café and provision of access to third parties; community development through information and training; and price information services. For the latter, CROMABU has linked up with another IICD project - Business Information Services (BIS) - which compiles and analyses agricultural information. In short, CROMABU provides farmers with timely and accurate information about prices and trade flows which helps them to make informed decisions about buying and selling and thereby increases their profits.

Technical-Commercial Information Centres for the Agro-Ecological Sector — by admin — last modified 2005-03-09 14:05

The ecological production of agricultural products has seen significant developments over the last decade: increased production, more strict demands in terms of quality control and certification, increased expectations among consumers, and growing demand for product information by international and national trading companies. These facts create the need for a network of specialised information centres for producers of ecological products. These centres are operated by local producer organisations, receiving training and coaching in the use of ICTs and provision of information services. Information services offered to producers include market tendencies, certification norms and rules and information on the latest production technology. To enhance exports of ecological products buyers can find monthly updated information on volumes and qualities of key products such as cacao, coffee, nuts, castaña, tropical fruits, amaranto, tea and quinoa.

ICT Policy for the Health Sector — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 14:15

A general ICT policy strategy and programme for the Health Sector in Ghana has not yet been developed. In the National Health policy papers development by the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Health, ICT is addressed in a fractional way. Several specific proposals have been presented and the different stakeholders in the Health Sector have initiated a small number of ICT projects. Some of the initiatives have been successful in addressing some of the information and communication problems that the Health Sector is facing. Yet, it has resulted in a sub-optimal allocation of scarce human and financial resources and incompatible systems. To address this issue, the Ministry of Health has undertaken Sector ICT Roundtable workshop on Health Care Provision in Ghana in October 1999, in partnership with IICD and ISOG. The workshop resulted in a series of policy recommendations and identified priority areas in which ICT is expected to be most effective in supporting health care provision in Ghana. A first priority was given to the development of an ICT policy strategy plan.

Central and Satellite Agriculture Information Centres — by admin — last modified 2005-03-09 14:05

Domestic food crop production and marketing in Jamaica can be characterised as ad hoc, the unavailability of reliable information of the entire chain of activities has resulted in it's retardation. Producers of the primary product have limited access to information to inform choices such as appropriate inputs such as seeds, chemicals and technology, having to rely on the distributors of these products. The raw material requirements of agri-processors, hotels, exporters etc. are also not readily available to the producers which results in the importation of large quantities of primary and semi- processed goods.

Caribbeat — by admin — last modified 2007-08-27 12:00

The Caribbean music industry is grossly underdeveloped because most of the region's music producers operate through micro enterprises that are simply not up to the task of promoting local artistes and their music internationally. Consequently, Caribbean artists usually resort to the major mainstream record labels in North America and Europe for international exposure, even though these record labels often only produce their music as an occasional sideline. Caribbeat Entertainment Limited is a private, limited liability company set up in Jamaica in 1999 specifically to promote, distribute and represent Caribbean artistes and music producers using the latest ICT applications, particularly e-commerce and the Internet. Within six years it plans to develop and expand the Caribbean music industry to its full international potential. Its timing is excellent for two reasons: (1) the global demand for Caribbean music is set to rocket in the next five years; and, (2) Jamaica has just introduced a number of favourable tax and investment incentives for the entertainment industry.

E-Commerce for Non-Traditional Exports — by admin — last modified 2005-03-09 14:05

Through the MOFA, the Ghanaian Government has made concerted efforts to promote the production of non-traditional export product. In support of this effort, the MOFA has been very active in wooing foreign investors to invest in the production of non-traditional export products. Consequently, Ghana has recently experienced a tremendous growth in the production of non-traditional export products, particularly those agriculture-related. Nevertheless, the impact of increased production has not achieved the greatest possible impact on the Ghanaian economy. Ghanaian producers and exporters of non-traditional goods depend heavily on the promotion of their products in international markets, and therefore, on accurate information about product prices and demand levels. The lack of efficient and effective channels to transfer such information between the Ghanaian non-traditional exporter/producer and the foreign importer in the global market has dampened the potential economic impact of the MOFA initiative. Thus, accurate price and demand information is currently inaccessible. Additionally, the opportunities to promote Ghanaian trade are limited and the process is slow and costly given the reliance on telephone and fax lines. The E-Commerce Project aims to overcome these barriers by enabling Ghanaian non-traditional producers and exporters to effectively promote their products in the global market. Specifically, the Project expects to: Increase the competitiveness and market position of Ghanaian farmers and exporters by enabling them to approach and to respond more effectively to the demands of the market via faster and cheaper contacts.

Information on Conflicts and Negotiations in Communitarian Original Indigenous Lands in Bolivia — by admin — last modified 2008-02-01 15:48

For over three centuries, indigenous groups in Bolivia have been fighting for the legalisation of the original indigenous territories. Started in 2001, CIDOB developed an information system (database and website) to track the process of land-right claims for Indigenous groups in Bolivia. Information is collected through the regional branches of CIDOB. Information is used to keep regional indigenous groups informed about the status of land right claims and to lobby for action at government level and international level.

Network of Local Radio Producers - Free Waves — by admin — last modified 2005-08-30 15:01

A group of 4 NGOs and 1 radio station in Eastern Bolivia have formed a Network of Local Radio producers to focus on the integration of radio and Internet to enhance the impact and coverage of local radio programs produced by NGOs in Bolivia. The Network enables the NGOs to exchange programmes with other localities via a jointly developed website, allowing for a wider broadcast coverage throughout Eastern Bolivia, tripling the potential number of listeners of each of the partners. Through the collaboration in a network, the participants and small radio stations expect to guarantee their independence from commercial radio stations and to keep focus on programmes with developmental relevance.

District computerization Kinondoni — by admin — last modified 2006-08-03 15:59

The project is an outcome of the National ICT Roundtable held in Dar es Salaam in July 1998. The drive for decentralization gives the project a sense of urgency. A study revealed that most of the functions carried out by the district commissioner's office are ineffective and inefficient. Weaknesses include limited transparency due to a lack of information. No free flow and access to information means that those concerned can neither make the right decisions nor monitor relevant developments. This cripples and impairs strategic vision. Also resource utilization tumbles to a low efficiency.

Production of ICT-Based Educational Content (PIBEC) — by admin — last modified 2006-01-19 08:53

This project, which is run by Kyambogo University (KYU), is using ICTs to develop urgently needed educational materials for secondary schools and National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) throughout Uganda. Its main focus is on developing educational content. For example, it aims to create over 20 modules for all O-level subjects and place them on CD-ROMs so that they can be used by other NTCs and secondary schools. To make the project sustainable, large numbers of Kyambogo university staff as well as staff from the NTCs are being trained to produce their own ICT-based content for these educational materials. The goal is to make abridged versions of the finished products available as printed pamphlets, via a website, on CD-ROMs, and through intranet web servers.

Community telecentres in urban areas — by admin — last modified 2008-02-04 12:49

Mali has launched an ambitious programme to set up 701 télécentres over next years as to support the newly created local governments (701 municipalities) and to promote development. This project is a part of the 701-telecenter programme (see project ID: Strategy to set-up 701 municipal télécentres to make decentralisation effective).). The strategy emphasises that the local community takes the initiative to establish a télécentres and to define its basic functionality's. Possible uses include: E-mail and voice messaging, Secretarial services (writing letters, filling in forms etc.) Information exchange between councillors and the public, Support services to councillors and the administration Other uses were indicated by the ICT Roundtable workshop held in July 2000 in Bamako. This Roundtable was organised by the by three ministries involved - home affairs including local government, the ministry of communication and the ministry of culture. It brought together 60 participants representing local governments, ISPs, community representatives, NGOs and key ministries such as health and education. The results of the Roundtable included the formulation of a télécentres concept and identification of key strategy components for the 701-telecenter programme to the satisfaction of all persons involved.

Strategy to set-up 701 municipal telecentres to make decentralisation effective — by admin — last modified 2008-02-04 12:50

Mali is a large country of 12,4 M square km and with 10 Million people. It has human development and tele-density indexes that are amongst the lowest in the world. Mali has a vigorous policy of decentralisation to establish local democracy, development and good Governance. The President of Mali has set the national objective of having a telecenter in each of its recently created 701 local governments within next two years. IICD has been requested to assist in the translation process from policy statement to a telecenter used by local people, members of the local municipal councils and officials. For the development of the malien democracy the stakes are high. Decentralisation should not only promote local Governance and development, but is has to bridge the gap between the administration and the population. The decentralisation process has gone rapidly; new legislation is adopted, new procedures are developed and the local councils are elected. The challenge is to turn the new structures operational, to assure transparency and credibility. For the champion of this process, the Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Ousmane Sy, smooth communication between all actors is essential.

Global Teenager Suriname — by admin — last modified 2006-12-07 13:29

In this project, IICD is supporting efforts by the STIBULA Foundation to to enhance ICT-based learning in Suriname.

Information System on Public Investment for Small Producers in Agriculture — by admin — last modified 2006-01-18 12:44

The office for coordination of the integration of farmer organisations in Bolivia (CIOEC) aims to strengthen the position of farmer organisations by means of institutional support, support in the production and marketing and lobby activities towards the government. The project is to enhance the support to the organisations in terms of access to public funds for productive investment. Organisations are provided with information on the funding opportunities, guides in the submission process and will lobby to overcome obstacles in the submission process. For this an electronic information (database) system in CIOEC is developed and the communication (e-mail) system between CIOEC and organisations is improved. Both CIOEC and organisations are trained in basic ICT skills and in the related information processes. Initially the project will work with 34 farmer organisations out of the 300 affiliated organisations around Bolivia, which can be expanded over time if successful.

Environment Information Network — by admin — last modified 2005-02-09 12:22

Ghana has a long history of good scientific research, but over the years library and information services have deteriorated. As a result, much valuable information is difficult or impossible to find. Furthermore, there are limitations to the ways in which information can presently be packaged and disseminated to the targeted users. An improved environmental network and information system will make information gathering faster and also enhance capacity for collection, storage, processing and dissemination. It will facilitate easy and faster retrieval of information and provides the ability to repackage information in the desired format tailored to user needs. Beneficiaries of the system include decision-makers, researchers, students, private companies and the general public.

ICT for Agriculture in the Chiquitano Region — by admin — last modified 2006-09-01 12:13

This project aims to strengthen small indigenous farmers in the Chiquitano region in terms of their integration into local economic development through access to information and ICTs. The information and ICTs are to assist in the provision of access to market information and promotion of indigenous produce. In addition, it is aimed at increased participation in local and regional decision-making and inclusion in local development planning. Direct beneficiaries of the project include the indigenous farmers in 115 communities in the region.

Teachers’ Professional Development Using ICT — by admin — last modified 2006-08-31 16:52

ICT opens possibilities to renew established ideas and approaches on how to deliver teaching and how learning takes place. Life and personal exposure with new ways of learning enlarges the possibilities of teachers to improve on the existing teaching methods. It also enables them to retrieve other quality materials (e.g. from the Distance Learning and Education Services) and new information easily or compile their own teaching materials with ease. The project, therefore, aims at providing the knowledge and skills of using ICT in teaching to teachers already in the field. It does so through mounting short tailor made courses on developing competences and capacity building using ICT for teaching and learning.

Procurement of Computers for Tanzania Secondary Schools — by admin — last modified 2008-01-24 10:53

This project is being implemented by the Tanzania Computer Literacy for Secondary Schools Trust Fund (TCLSS-TF); an organisation that procures and refurbishes computers for secondary schools and sets up computer laboratories. The key elements of the project can be listed as follows: procuring the computers; repairing and improving used computers; training technicians; distributing (lease/sale) and networking in schools; servicing and maintaining school computers; linking with trainers and content providers in ICT; marketing and creating ICT awareness; and using ICTs to improve the administration and management infrastructure in schools and teacher training colleges.

Tanza