1)Local level: the level of the institution, producer and owner of the information. 2) The national level: first step of integration. 3) The regional level: defined according to the level (n-1). 4) The global level: EGFAR

The main objective of the Electronic Global Forum on Agricultural Research (EGFAR)
is to establish a communication platform in Internet that facilitates the exchange of information
and knowledge among the stakeholders of agricultural research for development (ARD). In
doing so, EGFAR is expected to contribute to the emergence of a Global Knowledge System for
Agricultural Research for Development (GKSARD).

The new EGFAR webspace: a virtual space to access, share, exchange and communicate information and knowledge
on agricultural research and development

EGFAR, GFAR¿s website and keystone to its communications, is being redesigned to keep pace with GFAR¿s continued evolution in facilitating and fostering effective networks for agriculture research and development. With the redesign of EGFAR, GFAR¿s stakeholders and partners will gain improved access and usability to ICT mediated communications.

The general objectives of the project are to:
1) Develop and manage an interactive communication system among the stakeholders of
agricultural research for development (ARD).
2) Identify information resources relevant to ARD and enhance access to them, through a
gateway (portal) function. 3) Build knowledge pools through collaborative efforts among stakeholders in a few high
priority areas identified by them.
EGFAR is a two-year project. This project proposal presents a detailed plan of action in order

The main objective of the Electronic Global Forum on Agricultural Research (EGFAR) is to establish a communication platform in Internet that facilitates the exchange of information and knowledge among the stakeholders of agricultural research for development (ARD).

The Global Forum for Agricultural Research (GFAR) is a joint undertaking by all
stakeholders of ARD to mobilise the global scientific community in order to address the three major
challenges of rural poverty alleviation, achieving food security and assuring a sustainable
management of the environment. In the development and strengthening of a Global Agricultural
Research System (GARS) all stakeholders participate very actively in this process at the national,
regional and global levels (NARS, IARCs, NGOs, ARIs, farmers¿ organisations, the private sector

A Coconut Global Research for Development Programme (CGRDP) is being developed at the
initiative of three research and development organisations: APCC, BUROTROP, and COGENT.
Building on existing partnerships, networks and linkages has been a main asset. By putting their
resources together, the three organisations have been able to co-ordinate programme development. The
programme is based on a common framework for action which is now being established. The
programme relies on regional networks for channelling up-wards and down-wards flows of

Crop and livestock production systems are the basis of the rural economies of humid and
sub-humid tropical regions. However, tropical ecosystems are suffering the consequences
of an accelerated deterioration in its ecological capital and most agriculture production
systems of the region show high degree of environmental degradation, as indicated by
declines in soil fertility, vegetation cover, biodiversity loss and increases in soil erosion.
The underlying causes of environmental degradation in tropical ecosystems include the