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7. Agricultural Information Networks and Services

New October 2003
Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA)

Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture
c/o FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
ITALY

E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.aginternetwork.org
Geographical coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject coverage: Agriculture; Biological sciences; Environmental sciences; Social sciences
Publications: Online access to 400 specialist journals

Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA) is an initiative to provide free or low-cost access to major scientific journals in agriculture and related biological, environmental and social sciences to public institutions in developing countries. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the goal of AGORA is to increase the quality and effectiveness of agricultural research, education and training in low-income countries, and in turn, to improve food security.

Launched in October 2003, AGORA provides access to over 400 journals from the world's leading academic publishers. The founding publishers of the AGORA Journal Collection are: Blackwell Publishing, CABI Publishing, Elsevier, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Nature Publishing Group, Oxford University Press, Springer-Verlag, and John Wiley & Sons. Additional publishers will be invited to participate in AGORA.

Phase I for free access is available to most countries with an annual per capita gross national product of $1,000 or less. Phase II for low-cost access is to follow in the near future.

AGORA is available to researchers, policy-makers, educators, students, technical workers and extension specialists in not-for-profit institutions in 69 developing countries.  The users will have access to high-quality, relevant and timely agricultural information via the Internet. Within these countries AGORA will benefit bona fide, not-for-profit academic, research and government institutions. Eligible institutions whose staff and students may have access to the journals are: universities and colleges; research institutes; agricultural extension centres, government offices and libraries.

 

7.1 African Agricultural Market Information Network (AFAMIN)

AFAMIN
MALI

E-mail: AFAMIN:[email protected]; Mali: [email protected]; Ghana:[email protected]; Nigeria: [email protected]
Web: http://www.afamin.net/
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Agricultural market information; Agriculture; Fertilisers; Marketing
Publications: AFM Monthly; Écho des Frontières; Le Reflet

AFAMIN was created at a planning meeting held at the African office of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in Lomé, Togo in May 2001. AFAMIN is an Internet-based agricultural market information exchange system linking the international community with selected African countries. It was set up as the result of an international workshop on input supply systems held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in July 1999, where the participants recommended that IFDC takes the lead in developing the network based on the FADINAP (Fertilizer Advisory and Information Network for the Asian and Pacific countries) system. AFAMIN replaces the African Fertilizer Trade and Market Information Network (AFTMIN), formerly coordinated by IFDC.

AFAMIN's objectives are to:

The AFAMIN website includes:

7.2 AgNIC (Agricultural Network Information Center)

AgNIC
USA

E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.agnic.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural information
Publications: Access to a range of databases and publications via the Internet

AgNIC is a guide to quality agricultural information on the Internet as selected by the National Agricultural Library, land-grant universities and other institutions. It is a site providing access to a network of electronic sources on research and teaching in agriculture, food, renewable natural resources, forestry, and physical and social sciences. Information services include:

7.3 AGRECOL

AGRECOL
Schwengistrasse 12
CH-4438 Langenbruck
SWITZERLAND

Tel: +41 62 390 1420
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.neds.ch/agrecol.htm
Geographic coverage: Africa; Latin America
Languages: English; French; Spanish
Subject areas: Extension and advisory work; Rural development; Sustainable agriculture
Publications: ACACIA

The AGRECOL Information and Networking Center was founded in 1983. Its main aim is to produce ecologically sound and sustainable agriculture for smallholders in Africa and Latin America, with a bias towards West Africa and the Andean countries.

AGRECOL collects, documents and disseminates practical information on activities and experiences in sustainable agriculture, appropriate communication methods and participatory approaches to rural development. It also supports organisations in the South, promoting exchange and cooperation among them. It addresses its activities primarily to multiplicators such as extensionists, development workers and experts who are working with peasant farmers in agriculture rural development.

AGRECOL runs a specialised documentation and networking service, and has recently regionalised its services to Senegal and Bolivia. Since 1992 AGRECOL has edited ACACIA, the 'Circular Letter of Friends of Sustainable Agriculture in Africa' (in English and French, three to four issues annually). ACACIA serves as an exchange forum for practitioners. In Latin America, AGRECOL participates in publishing Hoja a Hoja, a magazine for information exchange of the agro-ecological movement Movimiento Agroecologico de America Latina y el Caribe (MAELA).

Regional offices

Senegal:
AGRECOL-Afrique, BP 347, Thiès, Senegal
Tel: +221 9 514206, E-mail: [email protected]

Bolivia:
AGRECOL-Andes, Casilla 1999, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Tel: +591 4 526091, E-mail:[email protected], Web: http://www.agrecolandes.org/

7.4 AGRICOLA (Agricultural Online Access)

AGRICOLA
USA

Web: http://www.nal.usda.gov/ag98/
Geographic coverage: Worldwide
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural information; Agriculture
Publications: Online database

AGRICOLA is a bibliographic database covering agriculture and related sciences/activities, produced by the US National Agricultural Library. Equivalent to the printed Bibliography of Agriculture, with a US bias, it includes some 3 million references to journal articles, books, reports, conference proceedings, patents, audiovisuals, etc.

The records describe publications and resources encompassing all aspects of agriculture and allied disciplines, including animal and veterinary sciences, entomology, plant sciences, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries, farming and farming systems, agricultural economics, extension and education, food and human nutrition, and earth and environmental sciences. Although AGRICOLA does not contain the materials, thousands of AGRICOLA records are linked to online full-text documents, with new links being added daily. For information on how to obtain library materials from NAL, reference should be made to NAL's Document Delivery Services website: http://www.nal.usda.gov/ddsb/

7.5 Agricultural Review

Agricultural Review
College Publishers Ltd
PO Box 9350
Kampala
UGANDA

Contact: Catherine Awinyi
Tel: +256 41 257823
Fax: +256 41 255904
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.readafrica.com/agric.html
Geographic coverage: East and Central Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agriculture
Publications: Agricultural Review (bi-monthly)

Agricultural Review is a journal of the agricultural sector in East and Central Africa. It is a bi-monthly publication focusing on dissemination of information, views and developments.

The magazine is circulated to farmers, input suppliers, agrochemical industries and related government bodies. It disseminates information on developments, and analyses all the subsectors of the industry. The editorial features news, trends in crop and animal husbandry, profiles of institutions and supplements on products and services.

Both subscription details and the contents of issues of the magazine can be accessed on the website:http://www.readafrica.com/.

7.6 Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI)

Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators
USA

E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.asti.cgiar.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural research
Publications: Country Profiles

The ASTI initiative compiles, processes and makes available internationally comparable data on institutional developments and investments in agricultural R&D worldwide, and analyses and reports on these trends in the form of occasional policy digests for research policy formulation and priority-setting purposes. The project involves a large amount of original and ongoing survey work focused on developing countries, but also maintains access to relevant data for developed countries produced by the OECD Science and Technology Indicators unit, the US National Science Foundation, and similar agencies. The activities are led jointly by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), and involve collaborative alliances with a large number of national and regional R&D agencies, as well as international institutions.

Country Profiles - profiles of national agricultural research systems for countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region are available on the website.

Subscribe to ASTI - a service allowing notification by E-mail (two or three times per year) of new ASTI publications and data sets.

The ASTI initiative has published a wide range of books, reports, journal articles, etc., many of which can be accessed free of charge as pdf files. These ASTI publications, as well as relevant publications by others, are available via a searchable bibliography.

Publications by region (many downloadable as pdf files):

The ASTI initiative is a network of collaborators at international, regional and national levels, which work with the ASTI team in data collection efforts and preparation of reports.

International:

Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Asia:

Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Bangladesh

Sub-Saharan Africa:

Institute des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU), Burundi
Food and Agricultural Research Council (FARC), Mauritius
Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)
West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD)
Department of Agricultural Research and Human Resource Development (DHRARD), Eritrea
Ethiopia Agricultural Research Organization (EARO), Ethiopia
Science & Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), Ghana
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kenya
Centre National de Recherche Appliqué au Développement Rural (FOFIFA), Madagascar
University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
Institut sénégalais de recherche agricole (ISRA), Senegal
University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa
Department of Research and Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (DRD), Tanzania
National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda
Soils and Crops Research Branch (SCRB), Zambia

Latin America and the Caribbean:

Regional Fund for Agricultural Technology (FONTAGRO)
Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Caribbean
Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), Brazil
Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), Chile
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Mexico

7.7 Agrigate

Agrigate
University of Melbourne
Information Division
Parkville 3052
AUSTRALIA

Tel: +613 8344 7973
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.agrigate.edu.au/
Geographic coverage: Australia
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agribusiness; Agricultural information; Animal husbandry; Aquaculture; Environment; Farming systems; Food science; Forestry; Viticulture
Publications: E-mail-based resources update

Agrigate is a subject information gateway for resources, both online and offline, identified as valuable to those participating in agricultural research. Agrigate is a project of the libraries of the Universities of Melbourne, Adelaide and Queensland, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia; it is one of a number of Australian subject information gateways coordinated by the National Library of Australia.

The purpose of Agrigate is to support the identification and dissemination of high-quality research materials. The resources are selected by an editorial review process consisting of specialist librarians and members of the agricultural research community. The content covers agriculture and related areas that are judged to be of value to the Australian agricultural research community. This includes a range of topics, data and formats associated with agriculture, and 13 subject fields: field crops; horticulture; soil science; farming systems; animal production and husbandry; dairy science; food sciences; viticulture/winemaking; forestry and forest products; aquaculture; agribusiness; environment; meteorology.

The results of searches comprise a brief set of information about the resource/s that match a request; more detailed information, including publication date and keywords, is also available. The main aim of Agrigate is to be a gateway to quality information of value to agricultural researchers. For this reason, only those resources that meet established selection criteria are included. Currently there are 418 records in the Agrigate resource database, of which 333 are websites and 25 databases, the remainder being other electronic and print resources.

7.8 Agromisa

Agromisa [updated Nov 2004]
PO Box 41
6700 AA Wageningen
NETHERLANDS

Tel: +31 317 412217
Fax: +31 317 419178
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.agromisa.org/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English; French; Portuguese; Spanish
Subject areas: Sustainable agriculture
Publications: Agromisa Newsletter, Agrodoks (low-cost practical manuals)

Agromisa is a Dutch non-profit organisation, whose aim is to lend support to the rural poor in developing countries to improve their situation. This is achieved by the provision of technical information on small-scale sustainable agriculture and rural development and by raising awareness of development issues among the Dutch population. 

The activities of Agromisa include: 

In addition, Agromisa carries out projects related to its core activities. It has been one of the key participants in developing the Interdev-nrm database on the Internet (http://www.interdev-net.org/), and a follow up initiative InterSard project, (http://www.intersard.org/home/home.htm), a collaboration of northern and southern partners which aim to verify and disseminate 'Best Practices' by making them available on the Internet.

In 2002 Agromisa launched the project NAKS, (Networking in agricultural knowledge sharing), in which formal and informal knowledge from North and South is combined.

7.9 Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC)

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
National Agricultural Library, Rm 132
10301 Baltimore Ave
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
USA

Tel: +1 301 504 6422/301 504 5724
Fax: +1 301 504 6927
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/afsabout.htm
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Alternative agriculture; Crop production; Farming systems
Publications: available online

AFSIC is one of several topic-oriented information centres at the National Agricultural Library (NAL). It specialises in locating and accessing information related to alternative cropping systems, including sustainable, organic, low-input, biodynamic and regenerative agriculture. AFSIC also focuses on alternative crops, uses for traditional crops, and crops grown for industrial production.

AFSIC creates and publishes Quick Bibliographies, Special Reference Briefs and Agri-Topics. These publications focus on specific topics of current interest. Quick Bibliographies reflect materials contained in the National Agricultural Library collection and/or indexed in NAL's database, AGRICOLA; Special Reference Briefs and Agri-Topics provide a broader picture of a topic, including descriptive text and organisational resources as well as suggested reading lists.

Most AFSIC publications are available on its website. To obtain AFSIC publications on computer diskette, or as hard copy (limited availability), please contact the AFSIC office by post or E-mail.

7.10 ASARECA AfricaLink Project

ASARECA AfricaLink Project [updated Nov 2004]
PO Box 765
Entebbe
UGANDA

Contact: Jacqueline Nyagahima, Project Coordinator
Tel: +256 41 321775
Fax: +256 41 321 777
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.asareca.org/africalink/
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural information; Agricultural research; Information and communication technology

ASARECA aims at fostering the efficiency of agricultural research through its regional networks, programmes and projects, by pooling resources, creating reservoirs of knowledge that can be used to avoid duplication, and addressing research issues that cut across national borders. As a means of doing this, ASARECA is implementing the AfricaLink project which aims to facilitate the integration of Internet technologies into the information communication management of the research networks, and the National Agricultural Research Institutes in particular.

A major focus for AfricaLink is assisting research networks and NARIs to develop information and communication management practices that make more use of the Internet for improving access to, gathering, exchanging and disseminating agricultural information, and for providing agricultural services. The project is to be implemented as part of the Regional Agricultural Information Network (RAIN), recently established under ASARECA. This network has responsibility for the information and communication activities of the entire ASARECA portfolio. 

7.11 BIOME

BIOME
Greenfield Medical Library
Queens Medical Centre
Nottingham NG7 2UH
UNITED KINGDOM

Tel: +44 115 849 3251
Fax: +44 115 8493265
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://biome.ac.uk/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agriculture; Animal health; Biological and biomedical sciences; Food; Forestry; Veterinary sciences

BIOME is a collection of gateways which provide access to evaluated, quality Internet resources in the health and life sciences, aimed at students, researchers, academics and practitioners. BIOME is created by a core team of information specialists and subject experts based at the University of Nottingham Greenfield Medical Library, in partnership with key organisations throughout the UK and further afield.

Gateways include:

7.12 Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development (CIKARD)

Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development
318 Curtiss Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
USA

Contact: Dr D. Michael Warren, Director
Tel: +1 515 294 0938
Fax: +1 515 294 6058
Web: http://www.ciesin.org/IC/cikard/CIKARD.html
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agriculture; Indigenous knowledge; Natural resource management; Rural development; Education/training
Publications: A list of publications is available online

CIKARD was established in 1987, and focuses its activities on preserving and using the local knowledge of farmers and other rural people around the globe. Its goal is to collect indigenous knowledge and make it available to development professionals and scientists. CIKARD concentrates on indigenous knowledge systems (such as local soil taxonomies); decision-making systems (such as knowledge of which crops are best suited to particular types of soils); organisational structures (such as farmers' problem-solving groups); and innovations (such as local methods for pest control).

The objectives of CIKARD's activities and current programmes are to:

Related organisations: CIKARD is one constituent of a Global Network of Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centers. At the global level, CIKARD is joined by the Center for International Research and Advisory Networks (CIRAN) and the Leiden Ethnosystems and Development Program (LEAD). Regional Centers have been established in Africa through the African Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (ARCIK) and in Asia through the Regional Program for the Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge in Asia (REPPIKA). In addition, national indigenous knowledge resource centers are located in Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Nigeria, Uruguay, Cameroon, South Africa and Madagascar.

CIKARD datasets/resources: a documentation unit and library was formally established as a part of CIKARD, to serve the Center in its effort to record, analyse and disseminate indigenous knowledge for agriculture and rural development. One major objective of the unit is to identify and acquire all relevant literature and ethnographic descriptions on indigenous knowledge and associated disciplines from worldwide sources. It has so far collected, catalogued, and preserved more than 4000 documents pertaining to indigenous knowledge systems from all over the globe. Most of the documents are unpublished 'grey literature' and are not available in libraries. All CIKARD's holdings have been catalogued using bibliographic software to allow easy retrieval of materials.

Data sets from other organisations, containing environmental, earth science and global change information, can be located through CIESIN's gateway.

Publishing: CIKARD compiles and publishes annotated bibliographies, monographs and books on selected topics related to indigenous knowledge systems. An international book series on indigenous knowledge and development has been established with ITDG Publishing, London.

7.13 Centre for Information on Low-External-Input and Sustainable Agriculture: The ILEIA Foundation

Centre for Information on Low-External-Input and Sustainable Agriculture:  [updated Nov 2004]
The ILEIA Foundation
ILEIA
PO Box 2067
3800 CB Amersfoort
NETHERLANDS

Contact: Mrs Wilma Roem
Tel: +31 33  467 38 70
Fax: +31 33 463 24 10
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.ileia.org/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English; French; Spanish
Subject areas: Capacity building; Indigenous knowledge; Sustainable agriculture
Publications: LEISA Newsletter; El Boletín de ILEIA; LEISA India

ILEIA (Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture) a Centre for Information on Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture started in 1984 in response to a concern that mainstream agricultural development was bypassing farmers in the South.. ILEIA seeks to exchange information on LEISA (Low-External-Input and Sustainable Agriculture). LEISA enables the creation of viable small scale farming, which is a major part of rural livelihoods and thus contributes significantly to developing economies. LEISA is about finding technical and social options open to farmers who seek to improve productivity and income in an ecologically sound way.

ILEIA supports Southern partners in their efforts to build up knowledge on LEISA and exchange experiences in several languages. Collaboration with ILEIA benefits southern partners by ensuring increased access to and exchange of relevant information from all parts of the world, thereby providing a global perspective. For ILEIA, collaboration ensures the local relevance of the information collected and disseminated, and makes more information available at a global level.

LEISA Magazine documents practical field experiences with Low-External Input and Sustainable Agriculture. It offers an opportunity for those working in agricultural development, particularly in diverse, risk prone and resource-poor regions, to publish their experiences and to read about the experiences of others. Published four times a year on a thematic basis it is circulated to 173 countries around the world and is provided free to individuals and organisations in the South. 

Regional editions of LEISA Magazine are published together with ILEIA's partner organisations in the South: 

Readers are encouraged to copy and circulate articles from LEISA magazines.

E-LEISA - the quarterly news brief brings readers up to date with field-based experiences and developments on Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA). It carries highlights from the global edition of the LEISA Magazine and is available online at http://www.leisa.info. 

7.14 Directory of Fisheries and Aquaculture Information Resources in Africa [Répertoire des sources d'information sur la pêche et l'aquaculture en Afrique]

Directory of Fisheries and Aquaculture Information Resources in Africa
c/o FAO
ITALY

Web: http://www4.fao.org/fishdir/
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Aquaculture; Fisheries

The main purpose of the Directory is to:

7.15 EARD-InfoSys+

EARD-InfoSys+ [updated April 2004]
German Centre for Documentation and Information in Agriculture ZADI
Villichgasse 17
53177 Bonn
GERMANY

Tel: +49 228 9548 365 
Fax: +49 228 9548 111 
E-mail: [email protected] 
Web: http://www.infosysplus.org 

EARD-InfoSys+ is the web-based Information System on European Agricultural Research for Development (ARD). It aims at improving access to European web resources in the areas of agriculture, environment, forestry, fisheries, socio-economics, rural-transformation etc devoted to development. It gathers data on European ARD organisations, funding, projects, training, experts, news and events. EARD-InfoSys+ addresses all interested stakeholders and serves as an information and communication platform for the ARD community. EARD-InfoSys+ follows a participatory and decentralised approach, based on the contributions of its users.

EARD-InfoSys+ was initiated in 1995 by the European Initiative for Agricultural Research for Development (EIARD), which is a mechanism for coordinating ARD policies within and between the European Member States, the EC, Norway and Switzerland. EARD-InfoSys+ is implemented by a network of European Partners. All participating countries have appointed National Nodes who collect relevant information for EARD-Infosys+ and build up partnerships with their national ARD institutions. The technical backup and the management of EARD-InfoSys+ is provided by a co-ordination unit based at the German Centre for Documentation and Information in Agriculture (ZADI) in Bonn.

EARD-InfoSys+ aims to: 

For immediate information on new entries in the EARD-InfoSys+ database, users can register for an 
e-mail alert news service, enabling them to receive an e-mail as soon as new information in their field of interest has been entered. Users can also benefit from the alert service by publishing their information on EARD-InfoSys+. This information will then automatically be sent out to all registered users with a matching profile of interest.

7.16 Entomology Library and Information Network (ELIN)

Entomology Library and Information Network
Natural History Museum (UK) Library
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
UNITED KINGDOM

Contact: Julie Harvey, ELIN Coordinator
Tel: +44 20 7938 8949
Fax: +44 20 7938 9290
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/elin/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural pests; Animal pests; Entomology

The ELIN project aims to establish a global Entomology Library and Information Network. Using Internet technology, ELIN will provide entomologists with a coordinated and structured electronic library and information resource. This will include a gateway to a wide range of entomological information, including medical, forensic, agricultural and veterinary entomology.

A mailing list was launched in 1998 and has over 100 members from libraries and information centres from around the world. This active list has encouraged increased international communication between specialists working with entomological information, and has proved a useful vehicle for locating obscure entomological references.

The ELIN project provides up-to-date, detailed information about entomological libraries around the world. Its Libraries with Entomology Collections page on the website provides a basic guide to libraries that contain important entomological collections and that have information available on the web.

7.17 European Association of Aquatic Sciences Libraries and Information Centres (EURASLIC)

European Association of Aquatic Sciences Libraries and Information Centres [Updated June 2004]
c/o Institute of Oceanology
PO Box 152
9000 VARNA
BULGARIA 

Contact: Snejina Bacheva, Euraslic Executive Secretary
Tel: +359 52 37 04 84 
Fax: +359 52 37 04 83
E-mail: [email protected]  
Web: http://www.euraslic.org/ 
Geographic coverage: Europe
Languages: English; French; Portuguese; Spanish
Subject areas: Aquatic science
Publications: EURASLIC Newsletter

EURASLIC is 

Objectives are to:

EURASLIC Directory of European Aquatic Science Libraries and Information Centres - includes 530 records http://ioc2.unesco.org:591/euraslic/.  The EURASLIC Database can be searched and records crated and amended. The online version is available through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of Unesco Web server at: http://ioc2.unesco.org:591/euraslic/  

7.18 Forest Information Update (FIU)

Forest Information Update
USA

Contact: Gyde Lund
E-mail:[email protected].
Web: http://www.foresters.org/fiu/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Forest resource management

Overall objective: FIU is a free weekly E-mail newsletter sent to people interested in inventorying and monitoring natural resources. FIU is produced by Forest Information Services (http://home.att.net/~gklund/) and is supported by organisations, agencies and individuals working in the natural resources field. Back issues of FIU may be found at http://www.foresters.org/fiu/index.html

Currently FIU is sent to about 5000 E-mail addresses worldwide, including distribution through the Forest Net (run out of Finland), Global Association of Online Foresters, GAOF (UK), International Forestry List (Malaysia), the Forestry Forum (Africa), the Society of American Foresters Members list and Forest Inventory (USA), as well as other lists. Many recipients forward FIU to their own mailing lists. To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your E-mail address, or sponsor, contact Gyde Lund at[email protected].

7.19 Forestry Information Network - Ghana (GFIN)

Forestry Information Network
Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG)
University PO Box 63
Kumasi
GHANA

Contact: Margaret Sraku-Lartey, Coordinator
Tel: +51 60122, 60123 60373
Fax: +51 051 60121
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.forig.org/index2.html
Geographic coverage: Ghana
Languages: English
Subject areas: Forestry
Publications: Ghana Journal of Forestry; Ghana Forestry Bibliography

In 1997 the Forestry Information Network project was initiated, based at the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana with the FORIG library as its coordinating centre.

The Network aims to encourage users to access up-to-date information on a variety of topics from the Internet. Research on the Internet may include the identification of current bibliographies and projects in forestry worldwide. It offers training and assistance in the use of computer-based databases and also in the effective use of the Internet for information retrieval.

Current awareness bulletins, attractive flyers and newsletters are produced regularly to keep users up-to-date with the current activities of the information centre, its collections, services and the facilities available.

In order to meet requests for copies of actual documents after a search has been done, the Forestry Information Network has established links with a number of forestry institutions, both local and international, that join in the effort to provide users with photocopies. In order to make maximum use of limited funds available for procuring information, the Network is linked to other international information systems. The GFIN has a direct connection with Oxford Forestry Institute.

It can on request compile annotated bibliographies on any subject area in forestry. This service is especially targeted towards researchers, teachers and students. Literature searches may be conducted using computerised databases such as Tree CD. Other available CDs include PROSPECT, a database for the improved use of tropical timbers; and WOODS OF THE WORLD. Both databases provide data on the properties of selected tree species.

Ghana Journal of Forestry is published by FORIG twice a year.

Ghana Forestry Bibliography is a computerised database of Ghanaian forestry publications using ADLIB Software.

7.20 Forests.org, Inc.

Forests.org, Inc.
PO Box 46281
Madison, WI 53744-6281
USA

Contact: President
Tel: +1 608 288 8102
Fax: +1 608 288 8102
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.forests.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Forest conservation; Forest resource management; Climate change

Forests.org, Inc. is a self-founded, grant-supported, non-profit environmental organisation that carries out communication campaigns on the Internet in support of forest conservation, sustainable forest management, forest restoration and climate protection.

Forests.org, Inc. works to end deforestation, preserve old-growth forests, conserve and sustainably manage other forests, maintain climatic systems, and commence the age of ecological restoration.

Its website is one of the most comprehensive sources of information on forest conservation and contains:

7.21 Global Association of Online Foresters (GAOF)

Global Association of Online Foresters
UNITED KINGDOM

Contact: Nick Ananin
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.foresters.org/portal/index.html
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Environment; Forestry
Publications: Ask a Forester (mailing list)

GAOF is a non-profit-making organisation dedicated to developing an online presence for foresters and anyone interested in forestry and the environment, with the aim of increasing the understanding of forestry by improving communication worldwide. GAOF was formed by a group of people with an interest in forestry, and provides a forum for the exchange of information on current topics relating to forestry.

Members have a wide range of interests and membership is free. Services include information links, a helpline, and assistance with careers including job searching and a register of consultants. GAOF also helps members to promote forestry in their respective countries by providing directories of E-mail addresses and websites. The online membership directories help members locate one another and facilitate reciprocal visits. GAOF gives foresters and others with an interest in forestry the opportunity to keep up-to-date with international trends, and is a source of advice from colleagues around the world.

The GAOF website provides a range of forest information, and the various mailing lists available to members are a further source of shared forest knowledge. Ask a Forester is a free service provided by the GAOF, which will try to answer users' questions or put them in contact with foresters.

7.22 Global Forest Information Service (GFIS)

Global Forest Information Service
European Forest Institute
Torikatu 34/PO Box 333
FIN-80101 Joensuu
FINLAND

Contact: Director
Tel: +358 13 2520213
Fax: +358 13 124393
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.iufro-gfis.net/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Forests and forest trees

The mission of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Task Force on GFIS is to develop a strategy for, and implement, an Internet-based system that will provide coordinated worldwide access to forest information. The resulting system will provide multiple benefits to information users and providers, including facilitating user-friendly access to a greater amount of information, and improving the dissemination and quality of forest-related data and information.

Anyone with Internet access and a web browser can obtain information via GFIS. The concept phase (1998 - 2001), based on increasing awareness of the need for GFIS, comprised designing technical and architectural concepts, drafting the collection policy, and selecting standards for metadata and thesauri. The prototype phase (2002 - 04) consists of demonstrating the operation of GFIS, establishing the regional nodes, and developing multi-host searching within metadata of participating organisations. The implementation phase (2005 -) will concentrate on operating, maintaining and evolving the full-scale forest information service.

New August 2003
Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA)

Henry Doubleday Research Association
International Cooperation Programme
Ryton Organic Gardens
Coventry CV8 3LG
UNITED KINGDOM

Contact: Julia Wright
Tel: +44 2476 308235
Fax: +44 2476 639229
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.hdra.org.uk
Geographic coverage: Low income countries, mainly Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Education & promotion; Forestry; Genetic resources; Local food systems; Organic agriculture; Organic horticulture; Research; Soil fertility; Seed systems; Trade policy
Publications: Booklets, fact sheets and reports available on aspects of tropical organic agriculture

HYDRA Activities:

International Advisory Service: since 1992, this Service has provided information and advice on tropical organic agriculture to individuals and organisations. The aim is to facilitate small-scale farmers with the knowledge to enable them to improve existing farming and food systems and thus to increase food security and environmental resilience.  A question-and-answer service, and its publications, are provided free to farmers, NGOs, government extension and other groups. Requests can be sent by letter, fax or e-mail.  HDRA reserves the right to charge commercial organisations for the costs of work undertaken on their behalf. 

Research and promotion: The International Cooperation Programme undertakes research and consultancy into the above, helps to develop capacity of local organisations, and undertakes educational and promotional work for the wider uptake of organic techniques including contributing to the policy debate.

New August 2004
International Network for Information Technology in Agriculture (INFITA- InfoNet)

International Network for Information Technology in Agriculture
Department of Agricultural Economics
Meckenheimer Allee 174
D-53115 Bonn
GERMANY

Contact: Prof Dr Gerhard Schiefer

Tel: +49 228 73 3500                            Fax: +49 228 73 3431

E-mail: [email protected]                        Web: http://www.infita.org 

 Geographical coverage:   Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural information;Information and communication technology
Publications: Journal of Information Technology in Agriculture  (online)

The production of food, the organisation of food supply chains, the communication between agriculture, food production and consumers, the protection of the environment in rural areas, or the organisation of regional, national or international trade depend increasingly on electronic information, communication and control.

Established in 2003 the International Network for Information Technology in Agriculture aims to promote international communication and cooperation in the design and development of IT-based support systems and in the management and use of digital knowledge and communication networks.

INFITA-InfoNet provides the basis for cooperation among national and international organisations and associations with interest in research and the utilisation of information technology in agriculture, food and the environment. Founding members include as core members: AFITA (Asian Federation for IT in Agriculture), EFITA (European Federation for IT in Agriculture, Food and the Environment), and IAALD (International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists) and PanAFIT (Panamerican Federation for IT in Agriculture) to be joined in due course by CIGR (International Association of Agricultural Engineers).

Its peer-reviewed Journal of Information Technology in Agriculture (JITAg) seeks to expand and update the research and knowledge base for professionals in agriculture and natural resources to improve their effectiveness in the use and application of IT to food and fibre production, food security, and sustainable systems. Published as an electronic journal, JITAg is tocommence in 2004.

Revised entry
7.23 InfoAgrar

InfoAgrar
c/o Swiss College of Agriculture
Langgasse 85
CH-3052 Zollikofen
SWITZERLAND

Contact: Mr Josef Schmidlin, Director
Tel: +41 31 910 21 90/91
Fax: +41 31 910 21 54
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.infoagrar.ch/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English; French; Spanish
Subject areas: Agricultural development; Agricultural Information; Natural resource management
Publications: InfoResources Focus; InfoResources News; Directory of Training Courses

InfoAgrar is the agricultural information and documentation service of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). It was established at the Swiss College of Agriculture in 1995 as SDC's expert information and documentation service in the field of agriculture. Its aim is to facilitate access to relevant information, based on the needs of professionals dealing with agricultural issues in international development cooperation. The focus is on information related to agriculture in Africa, Latin and Central America, Asia and Eastern Europe. The target audience of InfoAgrar's services are members of staff within SDC and its partner organisations, both in Switzerland and abroad. InfoAgrar also responds to the needs of other public sector institutions, NGOs, the broader public, and private businesses that are involved in international agricultural development.

InfoAgrar is a unique service for those seeking practical information and support in agricultural development cooperation as well as issues related to information management. Special attention is given to the retrieval of existing information and links with project and programme activities of the SDC and other development organisations. This means making reliable, high-quality information accessible in order to contribute to informed decision-making in development cooperation in agriculture and in natural resource management.

Under the name of InfoResources (http://www.inforesources.ch), InfoAgrar collaborates with two related information services Inforest (Forestry in development cooperation) and Info Service CDE (Environment in development cooperation). InfoResources offers the following products:

In addition to this services, InfoAgrar offers several information services. Among these are:

7.24 INFOPECHE (Intergovernmental Organization for Marketing Information and Cooperation Service for Fishery Products in Africa)

INFOPECHE
Tour C, 19éme étage
Cite Administrative
Abidjan 01
COTE D'IVOIRE

Contact: Amadou Tall, Director
Tel: +225 20228980 or 20213198 or 20215775
Fax: +225 20218054
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.globefish.org/globefishpartners/fishinfonetworks/infopeche.htm
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Fisheries; Market research
Publications: INFOPECHE Nouvelle Commerciales; INFOPECHE Trade News; INFOPECHE Exporters Register

INFOPECHE was established in 1985 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Its mandate included providing marketing information and cooperation services for fishery products in Africa. In 1991, at the request of its member countries, INFOPECHE was established as the Intergovernmental Organisation for Marketing Information and Cooperation Service for Fishery Products in Africa.

INFOPECHE members are: Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Namibia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Its objectives are to:

Market research is aimed at developing trade and trade opportunities. The computerised system makes it possible to bring together importers and exporters worldwide.

Technical Advice Studies are provided on all technical aspects of the industry, including chilling, freezing, handling, packaging, transportation and distribution. Realising the special skills required in these areas, INFOPECHE is always in a position to find the necessary expertise, being a member of a highly professional network.

Documentation/research: the INFOPECHE documentation centre covers all technical aspects of fisheries and the marketing of fishery products. It is stocked with publications from FAO and technical institutions worldwide, and is updated on an ongoing basis. This centre has been used extensively by a number of international consultants working on fisheries and African economic development in general. Additionally, INFOPECHE is in postal and computerised contact with major African and world libraries dealing with fisheries and fishery products.

INFOPECHE Publications:

INFOPECHE Nouvelle Commerciales; INFOPECHE Trade News - African Edition; INFOPECHE Exporters Register.

Sub-regional office:
Mathias Kashindi, Liaison Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Research, Private Bag X, 13355 Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: +264 61 2053112/3, E-mail: [email protected]

New January 2004
InfoResources

InfoResources
Länggasse 85
3052 Zollikofen /
SWITZERLAND

Tel:        +41 31 910 21 91
Fax:        +41 31910 21 54
E-mail:  [email protected]
Web:     http://www.inforesources.ch/about.htm
Geographical coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English; French; Spanish
Subject areas: Agriculture; Environment; Natural Resources; Forestry;
Publications: InfoResources Focus; InfoResources News

InfoResources, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is operated jointly by three Swiss information services that are all experienced in finding and disseminating information in the areas of agriculture, forests and forestry, environment and natural resources:

·         InfoAgrar is specialised in information concerning agriculture and international cooperation. It is located at the Swiss College of Agriculture and is assisted in its search for information by the experts of the College.

·         Info Service CDE predominantly documents and disseminates information related to environment and natural resources in international cooperation. Info Service CDE is part of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) of the Institute of Geography, University of Berne, and draws on the rich knowledge and experience of CDE’s expert staff.

·         Inforest is specialised in information concerning forests and forestry in international cooperation. Inforest is part of Intercooperation, an organisation that implements development projects in the South and the East. Experts from Intercooperation support Inforest in searching and processing information.

Joining forces as ‘InfoResources’, this service provides information more efficiently, based on a more interdisciplinary approach to specific topics and search requests.

Research Service:

Those requiring specialised information can submit their requests using the research service request form to be found on its website or make contact specifying their needs by e-mail or telephone.

Publications:

7.25 INPhO - Information Network on Post-harvest Operations

Information Network on Post-harvest Operations [updated March 2004]
c/o FAO (FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS)
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
ITALY

Contact: François Mazaud
Tel: +39 06 5705 3606/55832
Fax: +39 06 5705 4960
E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Web: http://www.fao.org/inpho/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Food security; Post harvest technology
Publications: InPhO Newsletter; Phaction News

INPhO is an FAO databank project of the Post-harvest Management Group, AGST. It is a new, international collaborative effort by the FAO, GTZ, CIRAD and other regional or international organizations which aims to support the collection and dissemination of useful information on proven technologies and products in post-harvest systems. 

The information network is made up of three main components: 

The website includes 250 full text documents of training and technical publications (from more than 45 institutions including FAO, UNIDO, CIRAD and GTZ), country profiles, crop profiles (main focus on cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, oil seeds, roots and tubers). Also available are various interactive tools such as a cookbook with 800 recipes, an images gallery with 1.600 pictures, a gallery of traditional storage facilities, a who's who, a post harvest compendium (covering 25 products) and a link database with 200 identified relevant web-sites connected. Recipients of this information will include people working in the agricultural production and marketing sector such as producers, researchers, policy makers, private investors and donors. There are, on average, 100.000 visitors to the site each month. 

New components to be added to the INPhO web site during 2004 include: 

The site will also be completely restructured to accommodate the new developments and to provide better access, now contributors can have direct access to the different module (each contribution is revised by a panel of expert before publication). 

INPhO publishes a monthly Newsletter available online and allows access to other post-harvest related newsletters such Ph-action News, put out by the Global Post-Harvest Forum. It also offers a question and answer service. 

It is intended that INPhO should provide member nations with fully integrated information on all aspects of the post-harvest system. This information will be specific to the area and/or region, to assist national policy-making in the field of agricultural development and improvement of food security. Through the national and regional network, member nations will become aware of the latest interventions in proven development activities. They will also be able to exchange information and compare results on the effectiveness of different systems which have been tested within their region. 

7.26 International Society for Pest Information (ISPI)

International Society for Pest Information
c/o BBA Institute for Biological Control
Heinrichstr. 243
D-64287 Darmstadt
GERMANY

Contact: Dr Christian Borgemeister, University of Hannover
Tel: +49 511 762 2642
Fax: +49 511 762 3015
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.pestinfo.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal pests; Crop protection; Pest control
Publications: Pest Directory (CD-ROM)

ISPI was established in January 2001 as a non-profit organisation. ISPI promotes information exchange on: With the aim of contributing to the development of pest management methods that are effective and safe for humans and the environment, ISPI has started to assemble and maintain databases which contain lists of pests, beneficials and literature, as well as addresses of relevant research institutes, companies, organisations, scientists and professionals. The information is disseminated via the Internet and on CD-ROMs. The Pest Directory database is available on CD and contains the following components: The ISPI website currently contains literature on: It has also begun to list links to other information services of non-profit organisations that are relevant to pest management, and to provide information on journals offering online abstract services.

NEW
International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS)

International Veterinary Information Service
PO Box 4371
Ithaca, NY 14852
USA

E-mail:  [email protected]      
Web:       http://www.ivis.org/
Geographical coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Veterinary science
Publications: IVIS Newsletter; IVIS Reviews in Veterinary Medicine;

International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing up-to-date, clinically relevant information to practising veterinarians, veterinary students and scientists active in animal health and research. IVIS makes this information available worldwide using the Internet.

The IVIS library includes:

IVIS Books - Full-featured veterinary books, manuals and collections of state-of-the art reviews within specific areas of veterinary medicine;

IVIS Proceedings – This section offers a place for a growing number of professional veterinary organisations to publish proceedings of annual meetings and special symposia on the Internet;

IVIS Continuing Education Section  -offers manuals of past or future shortcourses and workshops, and links to educational and interactive websites.

IVIS Reviews in Veterinary Medicine - In-depth medical review articles in veterinary medicine;

PubMed Abstracts - Grid of preset search parameters organised by journal and animal grouping;

IVIS Newsletter- Past and present numbers of the IVIS Newsletter.

The IVIS web site provides a convenient way to access information on Veterinary Medicine and is provided as a free service to clinicians, researchers, librarians, educators and veterinary students with the financial support of private, public and corporate sponsors. Its External Links provides links to useful websites related to veterinary medicine.

7.27 National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Agricultural Research Information Service (ARIS)

National Agricultural Research Organization
Agricultural Research Information Service
PO Box 11098
Kampala
UGANDA

Contact: Joyce Adupa, Ag. ARIS Coordinator
Tel: +256 41 566048
Fax: +256 41 566049
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cgiar.org/isnar/hosted/naro/naro.htm or http://www.naro.go.ug/
Geographic coverage: Uganda, Eastern Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural information
Publications: African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries; NARO Bulletin;Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences

The main objective of ARIS is to enhance access to agricultural information through effective management of its resources and a wide range of information services and products, in particular to research scientists, managers, policy makers, extension staff and farmers.

ARIS is mandated to:

ARIS is the focal inputting centre for the International Information System for Agricultural Sciences and Technology (AGRIS) and the Current Agricultural Research Information System (CARIS).

ARIS has recently been appointed to act as the central node for the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)'s Question and Answer Service (QAS) in eastern Africa. Agricultural Information for Development of Eastern Africa (AGRIDEA) is initially to focus on Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. It will work with key Ugandan institutions, and cooperate on a regional level with the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organisation and the Kenya Agricultural Research Organisation.

7.28 Network on Forestry Information Services in Asia - Pacific

Network on Forestry Information Services in Asia - Pacific
FORSPA: Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific
FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
39 Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200
THAILAND

Contact: Simmathiri Appanah, Coordinator
Tel: +66 2 697 4136
Fax: +66 2 697 4411
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://forspa.hypermart.net/
Geographic coverage: Asia and Pacific
Languages: English
Subject areas: Forestry; Information management

The main objectives of the Network on Forestry Information Services in Asia - Pacific are to: In time it is hoped to: Activities planned for the near future include: The Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific (FORSPA) has taken initial responsibility for coordinating the programme until the Asia Pacific Association of Forest Research Institutes (APAFRI) takes over the task.

7.29 New Agriculturist Online

New Agriculturist Online
UNITED KINGDOM

Web: http://www.new-agri.co.uk/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agriculture
Publications: New Agriculturist (bi-monthly e-journal)

New Agriculturist is a bi-monthly e-journal devoted to farming and food production and processing. It provides a digest of topical information with an emphasis on the tropics and subtropics, with connections to sites where more detailed information is available.

New Agriculturist is written to appeal to a wide audience, including those working in international organisations, universities, technical specialists, and anyone with a general interest in agriculture. The submission of regional news items and articles from readers is encouraged, while a network of contributing journalists from the developing world is being established.

Readers in over 100 countries access New Agriculturist online.

7.30 ODINAFRICA (Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa)

ODINAFRICA (Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa) [updated March 2004]
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
PO Box 95832
Mombasa
KENYA

Contact: Mika Odido, Coordinator
Tel: +254 11 472527
Fax: +254 11 475157
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.odinafrica.org/
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Oceanography; Marine sciences; Information management
Publications: WINDOW (newsletter); online databases

ODINAFRICA is a project involving 20 African countries (Benin, Cameroon, Comores, Côte D'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Togo and Tunisia) working together towards establishing a network of ocean data and information centres providing services and products for decision makers, researchers, students, the private sector and the general public.

The ODINAFRICA website seeks to provide information about the project, as well as access to a wide range of ocean-related data and information services, endeavouring to be a 'one-stop shop' for information about oceanography in Africa. It acts an online newsletter and the submission of articles for inclusion is welcomed.

A cornerstone of the project, operating between 2001 and 2004, has been the development of capacity in marine information management. The next phase of ODINAFRICA (2004-2007), commencing in June 2004 will focus on the following: 

Coastal Ocean Observing System: Upgrading and expanding African network for in-situ measurements and monitoring of ocean variables (e.g. sea-level, temperature, salinity, currents, winds, etc), provision of near real-time observations of ocean variables, and building adequate capacity for collection, analysis and management of sea-state variables.

Data and Information Management: Further development and strengthening of National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODC) to manage data streams from the coastal ocean observing network, upgrading infrastructure in the NODCs (including internet access and computer systems), Integrating biogeographic and hydrological data steams into NODC systems, Building capacity for data and information managers for new NODCs established as part of this project, and Rescue historical data (especially sea level data) 

Development of an African Repository for Electronic Publications: During the current phase of development of ODINAFRICA, all participating ocean libraries built their in-house library catalogue using using software and standard format. This database includes records on all publications such as monographs, reprints, photocopies of articles, journals, theses, reports and other published or unpublished (grey literature) materials etc available in the libraries. In the next phase we aim to develop an OAI-compliant e-repository providing access to full-text knowledge items available in African ocean libraries and information centres, partners in ODINAFRICA.

Product Development and end user communication and information deliver: Identification of end users of marine/coastal data/information products and their requirements, identification and development of set of core products to be prepared by each NODC, development of Regional and National Marine Atlases, improvement of atmospheric and oceanic monitoring databases, promotion and dissemination of outputs of the project to all stakeholders, and assessment of the impacts of products on the end-user.

Activities of the ODINAFRICA project office include:

7.31 The Overstory

The Overstory
PO Box 428
Holualoa
Hawaii 96725
USA

Contact: Editor
Tel: +1 808 324 4427
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.agroforester.com/overstory/overstory.html
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agroforestry
Publications: E-mail journal

The Overstory is a free E-mail agroforestry journal for practitioners, researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts. Published every 2 weeks, each issue focuses on a concept related to designing, developing and learning more about agroforestry systems. Each edition includes project development strategies, brief book recommendations, species highlights, and Internet links to helpful information for agroforesters.

7.32 Pacific Island Marine Resources Information System (PIMRIS)

Pacific Island Marine Resources Information System
USP Library
Suva
FIJI

Contact: Ganeshan Rao, Coordinator
Tel: +679 313900 ext. 2284
Fax: +679 300830
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.sidsnet.org/pacific/usp/marine/PIMRIS.htm
Geographic coverage: Pacific
Languages: English
Subject areas: Information transfer; Marine sciences

PIMRIS was established in recognition of the fact that a marine resources information system in the South Pacific is a crucial factor in providing access to information in the region.

PIMRIS is a formal marine information networking system (of regional institutions and Pacific Island countries) devoted to the collection, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information on fisheries and other living and non-living marine resources in the tropical Pacific. It helps government officers, institutes, research workers, librarians and information officers, fisheries officers, fishermen, students and general users by providing information on marine resources. In answer to requests, PIMRIS can provide bibliographies, computer literature searches, current awareness services, information packages on tropical marine subjects, inter-library loans, library consultancies, reference services, and training and information management.

The regional organisations cooperating as partners in this network are: Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the University of the South Pacific (USP). They cooperate in information collection and dissemination, and in the development of a regional marine resources bibliographic database.

SOPAC - Fiji:
Librarian, SOPAC, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
Tel +679 381 377, Fax +679 370040

SPC - New Caledonia:
Librarian or Fisheries Officer, South Pacific Commission, BP D5, Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia
Tel: +687 262000, Fax: +687 263818

FFA - Solomon Islands:
Information Officer, Forum Fisheries Agency, PO Box 629, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Tel: +677 21124, Fax: +677 23995

SPREP - Samoa
Coordinator, Library/Information Centre, South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa
Tel: +685 21929, Fax: +685 20231

7.33 Pacific PestNet

Pacific PestNet
AUSTRALIA

Contact: Dr Grahame Jackson, Moderator
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/grahame/Pestnet/
Geographic coverage: Pacific Islands
Languages: English
Subject areas: Plant protection; Pest control; Pests

Pacific PestNet is an E-mail-based service run by volunteers, established to help Pacific Island countries with advice and information on quarantine and plant protection. When photographs of pests are attached to E-mails, PestNet becomes an online identification service.

PestNet is aimed at national programmes, NGOs, schools, universities, the private sector and farmers - any organisation, group or individual with access to E-mail, a question to ask or information to give. It is often difficult for people in Pacific Island countries to access information on pests and diseases. Much information exists from surveys, and many problems have been researched and control strategies developed, but geographic isolation of countries and poor communication infrastructure often mean information does not reach farmers.

The E-mail discussion group started in December 1999. Currently there are 382 subscribers with an average of 47.8 messages per month (in 2002). Individuals may subscribe free by sending an E-mail to the Moderator, or by visiting the website: groups.yahoo.com/group/pestnet

7.34 PRAIS: Programme for Agricultural Information Services

PRAIS: Programme for Agricultural Information Services [updated Sept 2004]
Library and Information Services 
University of the Orange Free State 
PO Box 301
Bloemfontein 9300
SOUTH AFRICA 

Contact: Mrs Ernéne Verster 

Tel: +27 51 401 2739 Fax: +27 51 430 6976 
E-mail: [email protected]  Web: http://www.uovs.ac.za/support/library/prais/index.php 
Geographic coverage: Southern Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Food security; Information management; Sustainable agriculture

The Programme for Agricultural Information Services (PRAIS) aims to promote the use of information in order to enhance sustainable agriculture and rural development and to improve food security in Southern Africa. It aims to identify user needs on issues pertaining to the world market place (including international trade commodities, legislation and research) and to identify appropriate sources of information to match these needs, especially publications from countries in the region (ie Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe) 

PRAIS is the provider of CTA's (Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation) Question and Answer Service (QAS) in Southern Africa. It offers: a question and answer service, selective lists of institutions, organisations and experts (with addresses), technical or scientific analysis, interpretation and validation where applicable; answered using the University of the Orange Free State library service's facilities, including CD-ROM and online services, which draw on its wide collection of periodicals, pamphlets, and other of its holdings. Through selective dissemination of information (SDI), users are provided with current awareness bibliographies in their respective fields of interest. 

PRAIS publishes Agri-Outreach, a bi-monthly newsletter, which supplies agricultural and rural development information for everyday farmers.

Partners in the PRAIS project include: 

7.35 Red Electrónica de la Papa (REDEPAPA) [Electronic Potato Information Network]

Red Electrónica de la Papa
C.I. Tibaitata - Programa Regional de Transferencia de Tecnología
Km. 14 vía a Mosquera (Carretera a Occidente)
Santafe de Bogota
COLOMBIA

Contact: Jorge Luis Alonso Gonzalez, Network Administrator
Tel: +57 1 4227300 x 1439
Fax: +57 1 4227300 x 1438
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.redepapa.org/
Geographic coverage: Iberoamerica
Languages: Spanish
Subject areas: Crop production; Potatoes;
Publications: Boletín de la Papa (fortnightly)

REDEPAPA is an international e-network coordinated by CORPOICA (Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation). Members of REDEPAPA are the Plan Nacional de Semilla de Colombia, the Proyecto Papa Andina (Perú), the Centro Internacional de la Papa, CIP (Perú), the Consorcio para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Ecorregión Andina, CONDESAN (Perú), and the Fundación para la Promoción e Investigación de Productos Andinos, PROINPA (Bolivia). Its main purpose is to offer information and share experiences among all potato chain actors in Spanish-speaking Latin America.

It offers free access to its digital library, a photo gallery, a potato bulletin, a discussion forum, a bulletin board, CD-ROM, 12 websites and other related services.

Its Boletín de la Papa (http://redepapa.org/boletinpapa.html) is a free newsletter, distributed fortnightly, with information, documents and interviews on the different aspects of the potato chain.

7.36 REFORGEN

REFORGEN
Forest Resources Development Service
Forest Resources Division, Forestry Department
FAO, Via delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
ITALY

Fax: +39 06 570 55 137
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.fao.org/forestry/FOR/FORM/FOGENRES/homepage/world.stm
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Forest genetic resources
Publications: Online databases

The overall objective of REFORGEN is to make available reliable, up-to-date information on forest genetic resources activities for use in planning and decision making at national, subregional, regional and international levels. Its specific objectives are to: REFORGEN has been developed for use by national institutions which, at the same time, are the main providers of the information stored in the system.

Resources permitting, it is the intention to gradually expand the current simple system covering a limited number of key topics related to conservation and use of forest genetic resources, to a wider range of topics in close collaboration and consultation with participating countries and institutions, based on the results and experiences gained with the present system. The objective has not been - and will not be in the future - to develop a system with very detailed information at the national, local or single organisation level; this is the task of complementary national database systems.

Information in the system can be divided into two major groups: (i) data by species on status and activities in the field of forest genetic resources in a given country; (ii) data on institutions active in the field of forest genetic resources in a given country.

Species information - information on activities related to the conservation, enhancement and utilisation of forest genetic resources, by species in each country, constitutes the core of REFORGEN.

Information on institutions (including government departments, research organisations, private companies and other NGOs) active in the field of conservation and utilisation of forest genetic resources in the country, constitute the second major component in REFORGEN.

The core data in REFORGEN were provided by the member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through replies to a questionnaire on forest genetic resources, originally despatched in March 1993 to all Heads of National Forest Services. This information has been complemented by Country Reports on the status of conservation, enhancement and utilisation of forest genetic resources, compiled by countries in the preparatory process of a series of regional and subregional workshops on forest genetic resources supported by FAO; while additional relevant information is extracted from reliable publications, FAO field programme activities, travel reports, etc.

Currently REFORGEN includes information on forest genetic resources activities in 146 countries, a full list of which is on its website.

Having reliable and updated information is of crucial importance to the system, and efforts to secure a high degree of data reliability receive high priority. REFORGEN is a tool whose value very much depends on the collaboration of its users to regularly revise, update and improve information contained in it.

New Nov 2004

Regional Agricultural Informational Network (RAIN)

Regional Agricultural Informational Network
Plot 5, Mpigi Road
PO Box 765, Entebbe
UGANDA

Contact: Mrs Dorothy Mukhebi, Regional Coordinator

Tel: +256 41 322129 / 321775 / 78 403585
Fax: +256 41 322579 / 321777
E-mail: [email protected] 
Web:       http://www.asareca.org/rain/ 
Geographical coverage: East & Central Africa
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Agricultural information; Information communications and technology
Publications: AgriForum

The Regional Agricultural Information Network (RAIN) is a network of the Association of Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). It is a network of agricultural information organisations and professionals operating in 10 countries in eastern and central Africa (ECA)—Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. RAIN’s vision is to be dynamic and proactive. Its mission is to promote sustainable management of client-oriented agricultural information throughout the Eastern and Central African region. All RAIN activities grow from a belief that high-quality agricultural information is a prerequisite for economic growth.

RAIN’s mandate is to collect, organise, repackage and disseminate agricultural information in the ECA region as well as to promote information exchange. Its specific goals include the following.

RAIN began operations in 2003.

A number of its publications including: RAIN Work Programme (2004-8), RAIN Strategic Plan (2004-2008); and reports such as: Priority Setting Workshop, Stake Holder Meeting Report are available in PDF format on the RAIN website.

*Most of these NPPs focus on specific commodities (e.g., beans, bananas), while others deal with cross-commodity agricultural topics (e.g., post-harvest technology, biotechnology). Two focus on natural resources (e.g., land management, soil/water), and two cut across all the above (i.e. policy, information – RAIN).

7.37 TEEAL (The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library)

TEEAL Project
A. R. Mann Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
USA

Contact: Mary Ochs, Project Director or Nicole Joos, Project Manager
Tel: +1 607 255 7317
Fax: +1 607 255 0318
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://teeal.cornell.edu/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agriculture; Environment; Food processing; Natural resources; Rural development; Sustainable agriculture; Veterinary medicine.
Publications: Full-text core journal collection on CD-ROM

TEEAL is a full-text collection of core journals in the field of agricultural and related sciences. The CD-ROM is available at low cost to 109 developing countries around the world. Journals in the TEEAL system cover many subjects, including rural development, sustainable agriculture, natural resources, environment, food processing and veterinary medicine.

The Rockefeller Foundation, Cornell University's Albert R. Mann Library, and major scientific journal publishers have cooperated to create TEEAL for the purpose of revolutionising access to information in the developing world. Over 72 universities and research institutions in more than 30 developing nations have implemented TEEAL.

Currently, 9 years of over 140 journals subscriptions (dating from 1993 - 2001) are available, comprising over 1.8 million pages of full text and graphics scanned on to 381 CD-ROMs. Updates for 1997 - 2001 are available at present. Future updates will be available 1 year after the original year of publication

7.38 Tropical Advisory Service (TPA)
see Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA)

7.39 TROPICS (Tropical Forests Projects Information System)

TROPICS (Tropical Forests Projects Information System)
UNITED KINGDOM

E-mail: [email protected] 
Web: http://www.odi.org.uk/tropics/ 
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Tropical forestry
Publications: Publications accessible online

TROPICS provides an essential infrastructure to improve effectiveness and coordination of tropical forestry aid, leading ultimately to enhanced complementarity and coherence in the sector. It does this by bringing together information about tropical forestry activities undertaken by the European Commission and European Union Member States.

TROPICS works by connecting many existing sources and types of information, allowing them to be shared more effectively within and between agencies. These include data from internal management systems, project cycle management documents, websites, publications and maps. By making these materials more readily accessible, it is possible to:

TROPICS at present covers 1643 tropical forestry activities. A number of its publications can be downloaded in pdf format from the web.

7.40 WISARD (Web-based Information Service for Agricultural Research for Development)

WISARD
NETHERLANDS

E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.wisard.org/wisard/home.html
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural research; Natural resource management; Rural development

WISARD is a web-based information system focusing on projects, organisations, outputs and technologies in the field of agricultural research and rural development, and natural resources management. It addresses questions related to 'who is doing what, where?', with a user-friendly search interface which is developed in cooperation with a broad group of end-users. It makes it possible to identify: WISARD allows decentralised data input and management. Focal points at organisation, network or national level are responsible for data input and management online. The system is scalable and can be used at organisation, network, national and international levels. In addition to data on projects, organisations and experts, a module will be added for depositing outputs of research (publications/GIS metadata). Links to financial and accounting packages are envisaged. The system is compatible with systems on local knowledge and best practices, notably InterDev and FAO's Ecoport.

Present partners include European agencies including the EC and the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), participating in the IPM Europe Network, the 16 international Centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Netherlands organisations including Wageningen, Ministries and NGOs, collective Mexican farmers' organisations, and the national systems of India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Various national systems and networks have expressed interest in participating, for example biodiversity, tropical forestry research network and other national organisations, as well as NGOs.

At present over 6000 projects and 6500 organisations are registered in the database. They are classified by stakeholder group and searchable by various keywords. WISARD has been accessed over 43 000 times since its start in mid-1999.

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