Objectives of Strengthening Agricultural Information Systems
The development and strengthening of Agricultural Information Systems has
been identified as an important development tool for increasing the effectiveness of
agricultural research, aimed at achieving food security, alleviating poverty and
assuring sustainable development. The development of such systems entails efforts at
three levels: (a) National Information Systems (which include local and corporate
information services); (b) Regional/Sub-Regional Information Systems, through the

Objectives
The general objective of the PRAIS is to strengthen, dynamize and harmonize the design
and implementation of the RAIS in every Region of the GFAR, through facilitating the
exchange of experiences and the development of joint efforts among RAIS. In doing so,
in the GFAR-2000 meeting the various RAIS agreed that it is very important to promote
the transformation from Information Systems to Knowledge Systems.

The RAIS Electronic Forum is a tool for the discussion of issues of common interest to RAIS and
for the gradual emergence of the Information Partnership among them.

The NARS Forum is an electronic platform that is aimed at the exchange of management experiences and know-how among NARS, at facilitating access to examples of Best Practices, and at a collaborative effort aimed at the development of learning networks and the construction of a "pool of knowledge" based on actual real-life experiences in the strategic planning and management of NARS and of research institutions.

The Meeting of Regional Agricultural Information Systems had the following objectives:
¿ To facilitate personal interaction among of the main technical actors of the RAIS.
¿ To share first-hand information about the state of the art of the different initiatives
under development.
¿ To analyze possibilities of exchange of experiences and of collaboration among the
RAIS, to profit from each other¿s experiences.
¿ To define a strategy to implement that collaboration.

A report presented during the GFAR NARS Sub -Committee Meeting. The objectives of APAARI are as follows:
1. Promote the exchange of scientific and technical know-how and information in
agriculture;
2. Facilitate the establishment of appropriate research and training programs based on
regional, bilateral, or national needs, and priorities;
3. Assist in strengthening research organization and management capability of
member institutions; and
4. Strengthen cross-linkage among national, regional and international research

The Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research institutions (APAARI), established in 1991 as an apolitical, non-profit and neutral forum of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in the region, strengthens the research capabilities of NARS and promotes information sharing among them in order to alleviate poverty, increase agricultural productivity and resource use, protect/conserve the environment and improve sustainability. Besides the regional NARS, several International Agricultural Research Centers (IARCs) and CGIAR Institutes are its associate members (Annexure I).

Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research institutions (APAARI), established in 1990 as an
apolitical, non-profit and neutral forum of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in the
region, aims to strengthen the research capabilities of NARS and promote experience sharing among
them in order to alleviate poverty, increase agricultural productivity and resource use, protect/conserve
the environment and improve sustainability. Besides the regional NARS, several International

The Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) was
established in December 1990 and has since grown into an important regional forum
to promote the development of National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in the
Asia-Pacific region through intra-regional and inter-institutional co-operation.
APAARI's policies, plans, strategies and programmes focus on resolving regional
concerns on increase productivity and resource-use, food security, protect/conserve
the environment, poverty and agricultural sustainability.