The 2nd Expert Consultation on International Information Systems for Agricultural Science and Technology (IISAST) was held on 23 – 24 September 2007 in FAO, Rome, and organized by seven organizations CGIAR, CTA, DFID (UK), FAO, GFAR, IAALD, MAE (France). Participants comprised approximately 60 experts working in networks and information systems in agricultural science and technology at international, regional and national levels. The objectives were to review progress since the 1st Consultation in 2005, to reassess the objectives of the IISAST initiative on and confirm commitment of the partners, to reassess the modalities of implementing the initiative, and to establish future priorities for and contributions to the initiative.
In recognition of the primary focus of the IISAST initiative being on impact at national level, the first day of the Consultation was spent examining six case studies from national level on developing institutional archives and collaborative networks. Presentations were made highlighting key issues and lessons learned, and participants reviewed and discussed the nature of the conceptual framework for development of institutional information systems developed at the first Consultation in 2005 adding various major elements and identifying further generic issues. They also identified the areas of intervention for the IISAST initiative at the international level, and the outputs to be produced. The second day started with reports from the international Task Forces on Advocacy and Content Management and the mechanisms for collaboration on Capacity Building that had been established at the first Consultation. Group discussions on the overall scope of the IISAST initiative identified the specific shorter-term objectives realted to information and communication management, within the overall context of applying technology to assist small farmers. Finally, priorities and mechanisms for future work were defined in relation to the continuation of the three Task Forces and the formation of a body for general coordination was agreed.
In recognition of the primary focus of the IISAST initiative being on impact at national level, the first day of the Consultation was spent examining six case studies from national level on developing institutional archives and collaborative networks. Presentations were made highlighting key issues and lessons learned, and participants reviewed and discussed the nature of the conceptual framework for development of institutional information systems developed at the first Consultation in 2005 adding various major elements and identifying further generic issues. They also identified the areas of intervention for the IISAST initiative at the international level, and the outputs to be produced. The second day started with reports from the international Task Forces on Advocacy and Content Management and the mechanisms for collaboration on Capacity Building that had been established at the first Consultation. Group discussions on the overall scope of the IISAST initiative identified the specific shorter-term objectives realted to information and communication management, within the overall context of applying technology to assist small farmers. Finally, priorities and mechanisms for future work were defined in relation to the continuation of the three Task Forces and the formation of a body for general coordination was agreed.
Stephen Rudgard (FAO)