This document outlines information networking strategies for farmers in the Philippines. It discusses existing information networks like HORTINET and AgMachIN and knowledge networks like K-AGRINET. K-AGRINET aims to help modernize agriculture through strengthening extension models, distance learning, and connecting government infrastructure. The document also discusses farmers' roles in information networking through farmer scientists in FITS Centers and e-Agrikultura centers. It concludes by discussing future e-extension strategies such as a farmers' call center, e-learning courses, and a mobile internet bus to improve farmers' access to information.
2. Agenda
The Infrastructure for Information
Networking
The Information Networking
The Knowledge Networking
Farmer’s Role in Information
Networking
E-Extension Strategies for the future
4. The Interconnectivity
The National Information Network of
the Department of Agriculture
Philippine Research, Education
Government Information Network
Agriculture and Fisheries Research
and Development
6. Existing R & D
Information Networks
Horticulture Information Network
(HORTINET)
Agricultural Machinery Information
Network (AgMachIn)
Philippine e-Library
7. HORTINET
Horticulture Information Network
one-stop-site of information on the Philippine
Horticulture Industry, from production to
marketing of world-class flowers and fruits
an expansion of the Mango Information
Network (MIN)
a DOST/PCARRD and UNDP-funded project
initiated in 1997
URL: www.min.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph
online since 1998
8. AgMachIN
Agricultural Machinery Information Network
an info service that links existing info systems on
agricultural machinery
provides the added value of networking
arrangement among technical and working people
for integrating their activities to facilitate the delivery
of info services to target users.
URL:
http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/agmachin/default.htm
9. The Philippine e-Library
Recently operationalized, set up info
kiosks not only at the colleges and
universities but also at the government
agencies.
Aims to integrate in a single portal all
library and information collections of
participating agencies using the
existing infrastructure.
11. K-AGRINET
Knowledge Networking for
Enterprising Agricultural Communities
Aimed to help modernize the
agriculture sector and assist in helping
the farmers come up with critical
decisions to keep pace with the ever-
changing global economy.
12. K-AGRINET Priority activities
Strengthen and maximize the use of extension
models
accelerate the establishment and use of web-
based courseware for other crops, livestock
and fisheries
Promote distance learning
Interconnect government network infrastructure
and facilities
Establish last mile connections
13. K-AGRINET
beneficiaries
Local extension service providers
– Agricultural technicians, extension agents,
farmer-scientists, technical experts in
different field units and other government
and nongovernment organizations
Cooperatives, farmers, fishers and agri-
based people’s organizations
Private sector
– Agricultural traders and agri-business
entrepreneurs and civil society
15. E-Agrikultura
To mobilize the social capital toward
developing enterprising agricultural
communities through the agrarian
reform beneficiaries.
16. E-Consortia
To intensify the technology and
knowledge generation and exchange
among R & D institutions through
improved ICT tools and applications
17. The 14 regional R
& D consortia thru
the Department of
Science and
Technology
18. E-Farm
Promotes knowledge-based e-
commerce by initiating electronic
based farm-to-market opportunities
through the Farmers’ Information
Technology Service (FITS)
Centers and their respective farmer-
scientists
19. The FITS Farmers’ Information
Technology Service
ONE STOP INFORMATION SHOP of
technology on agriculture, forestry & natural
resources
Aims to empower the farmers, processors, traders and
entrepreneurs by making info & technology services
available during critical decision making on production,
processing, trading & marketing activities.
a pool of experts in agricultural and natural resources
renders appropriate services as well as in packaging of
information and technology services for its clients.
20. Open Academy for Philippine
Agriculture (OPAPA)
Focuses on e-extension and distance learning
for agricultural extension workers and the
farming and fishing communities as well.
Empowers extension workers and farmers by
creating access to knowledge banks, distance
learning opportunities and an open
environment that links various stakeholders
An alliance of local, national and international
organizations providing education, training and
communication in agriculture.
21. OPAPA Services
Extension & Advisory Online IEC
Information Services Learning
Services
S&T
Experts Online
updates;
Diagnostic Tools
Production Training;
Text-Based Query Training Online
Guides Demos
Email, Forum Certification &
Databases
Audio/Video Diploma
Directories
conference program
Visual
Resources
22. The OPAPA Concept
WEB Portal
Knowledge Banks
Email
SMS
Forum
National Internet
Expert Cloud
Int’l
Expert
Central Luzon
Cluster
Farmer Group
Agr’l Technician
Local Expert
Mindanao
Cluster
23. The K-AGRINET
Components
Existing Info Networks
e-Agrikultura
Centers
Website/portal
e-Consortia • Knowledge
R&D info banks e-Farm
and • Online Courses Centers
knowledge • Email/Chat/ (FITS)
inputs discussion
OPAPA board
• SMS facilities OPAPA
Learning
Centers
Philippine Rice Agricultural Training
Research Institute Institute – Regional
satellite stations Training Centers
26. The Farmer-Scientists of FITS
a network of outstanding farmers who
demonstrate the successful application of
S&T-based and indigenous technologies.
These farmers actively participate as
enablers, facilitators, or initiators in
technology development and transfer
process.
For a farmer-to-farmer advisory service
27. The Farmer-Scientists
act as resource persons during trainings seminars, field
days, investment clinics, cross-visits, among others
provide technical assistance, hands-on training, and
share experimental insights to on-farm visitors and other
trainees
devote a certain portion of their farm as demonstration
plot for their own on-farm trials
test/apply technological information learned from the
seminars and cross-visits attended
influence other farmers in adopting his outstanding farm
practices by sharing information, experiences, resources,
and ideas.
28. To be an FSB Member
one should be selected as model
farmer in his barangay.
uses innovative agricultural practices
that consistently produced yields
higher than his co-farmers
shares his know-how and offers his
farm at no cost as an experimental
demo site for the program.
29. The Agrarian Reform
Communities
Now being trained on how to manage
the e-Agrikultura Centers.
– E-Agrikultura Centers are business
conduits with income generating activities
30. Farmer-led extension activities
Practiced by the Department of
Agriculture – Regional Field Units
Farmers have active involvement in the
extension activities of the government.
31. Women-led extension activities
Women are trained on various
livelihood activities
Based on the concept that women’s
participation in extension activities will
help strengthen rural development
strategies and food security of the
nation.
32. Women-led extension activities
Through the technical assistance
provided by the Agricultural Training
Institute (ATI) to rural-based
organizations
Aside from conventions and training
courses, women members of the rural
improvement clubs come to ATI to seek
assistance in their livelihood projects.
34. Farmers’ Call Center
Designed to supplement the existing efforts in
the extension system
Aims to make available information directly to
the farmers on equal opportunity basis as per
their need from the experts themselves.
With structured and regular feedbacking as
inputs for trend analysis, effectiveness of
existing policies and procedures
35. E-Learning
on Agriculture and Fisheries
Online courses are currently being
developed through the Open Academy
for Philippine Agriculture, which will be
offered in 2007
The ATI through its International
Training Center on Pig Husbandry will
commence their Online Course on
Hog Raising in 2006.
36. Farmers’ Internet Bus
Old microbus is now being converted
into a mobile internet bus, complete with
flat monitors and servers in a thin client
configuration, fitted with wireless radio
transmitter, multimedia equipment,
VSAT antenna, gps antenna, among
others
To be deployed during the farmers’ field
days
37. Improved communication and
information access are directly related to
social and economic development. For
its effectiveness, end-users must
appreciate them.
Hinweis der Redaktion
Extension and information services . Helpful and essential agricultural information such as production guides, databases, directories, visual resources, and market guides are available online to keep extension workers and farmers well-informed and updated. Advisory services . Farmers can easily have their farm problems answered through available experts online, diagnostic tools, text queries, email, forums, and video conferencing. Online learning . The program also provides online training, and diploma and certification programs for those who are interested in furthering their careers in agriculture. Information, education and communication (IEC) . Rice science and technology (S&T) updates, training, and demonstrations will be held to disseminate information to larger audiences.
Usually these are acknowledged outstanding farmers identified, evaluated, and selected based on a specific set of criteria. They collaborate with PCARRD's regional consortium in demonstrating, experimenting, and promoting technologies in agriculture and natural resources.
They will respond to the needs of the farmers in their area since they know the existing conditions in their locality and they have the access to technologies.