15. Development Information Networks and Services

15.1 Acacia Initiative

Acacia Initiative
International Development Research Centre
PO Box 8500
Ottawa
Ontario K1G 3H9
CANADA
Contact: Luis Barnolam, Research Officer
Tel: +1 613 236 6163 ext. 2047
Fax: +1 613 567 7749
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Web: http://www.idrc.ca/acacia/acacia_e.htm or http://www.idrc.ca/acacia/focus.htm
Geographic coverage: Sub-Saharan Africa
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Community development; Information and communication technology; Sustainable development; Women; Youth development

The Acacia Initiative is an international effort to empower sub-Saharan African communities with the ability to apply information and communication technologies (ICTs) to their own social and economic development.

Acacia works mainly with rural and disadvantaged communities, and particularly their women's and youth groups. Acacia aims to achieve three mutually reinforcing objectives that combine to promote equitable, sustainable and self-directed development among disadvantaged and rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa:

to discover and demonstrate how disadvantaged sub-Saharan African communities, especially their women and youth, can use information and communication in solving local development problems;
to learn from Acacia's research and experience and to disseminate this knowledge widely;
to foster international interest and involvement in using ICTs to support rural and disadvantaged community development, thereby increasing community access to information and communication.

Numerous organisations currently support projects related to ICT policies, infrastructure, technology innovations and applications in Africa. What makes Acacia different is its intention to tackle these issues with a community focus, and to do so within an integrated conceptual and operational framework that builds into the programme a strong element of continuous learning.

The three main categories of resources made available on its website are:

Studies and projects - many reports and studies that have been specially commissioned or jointly undertaken by the Acacia Initiative can be browsed, along with its database of activities;
IDRC resources - a number of different resources that IDRC offers to researchers interested in the use of ICTs in developing countries have been pulled together;
Internet resources - rather than trying to be comprehensive, this page provides an interesting jumping-off point for key issues related to the use of ICTs in developing countries.

To achieve a multidirectional flow of information, the Acacia website maintains a page to develop online discussions among its many stakeholders:

E-mail - contact can be made by sending an E-mail message to [email protected] - this message will be forwarded to people in the initiative for a response.

Mailing list (discussion group) - in conjunction with its website, Acacia runs a mailing list designed to foster a dialogue on some of the key issues surrounding the use of ICTs in African development. Interested parties are encouraged to join this debate and to contribute their views at this important time for Africa. Those wishing to subscribe to the list should send an E-mail to [email protected] with the following line in the body of the message: subscribe acacia-l Your Name or alternatively use their Internet browser to subscribe to a world wide web version of the mailing list which is now available.

Full details of the Acacia Initiative may be found on its website.

15.2 Africa Pulse

Africa Pulse [Updated June 2004]
Southern African Non-Governmental Organisation Network (SANGONeT)
PO Box 31
Johannesburg 2000
SOUTH AFRICA
Contact: Alan Finlay, SANGONeT Manager, Information Services
Tel: +27 11 838 6943 or 4
Fax: +27 11 492 1058
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.africapulse.net
Geographic coverage: Southern Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development; Information and communication technology

Africa Pulse is an information portal for the Civil Society sector in the Southern African Development Community. It uses state-of-the-art technology to allow organisations throughout the region to publish content directly to the site, whether it be news of the arrest of a journalist in Zambia, the HIV/Aids crisis in South Africa, a profile of an organisation's work in Tanzania, the devastation caused by a flood in Mozambique, an analysis of the war against Unita, or an election update from Harare.

Organisations, academics, journalists, researchers, activists and unions are free to publish any material on the portal that is relevant to the Civil Society sector and to the region. There is space for organisations to alert the sector to events, such as protests, book launches, seminars or campaigns, and to advertise job vacancies. A database of website URLS (website addresses) searchable by category and country on anything from education, conflict and governance, to democracy and human rights also provides a valuable resource to the sector. In essence Africa Pulse is a space that needs to be defined by the region. The content on the portal is moderated by a team of regionally-based moderators.

Those interested in participating in Africa Pulse, or requiring more information on this initiative, contact the Secretariat.

15.3 AFRILINE

AFRILINE
PO Box 1631
Addis Ababa
ETHIOPIA
Contact: Renée Storteboom
Tel: +251 1 514575
Fax: +251 1 517554
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.afriline.net/
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development; Information management
Publications: AFRILINE eBulletin (biannual)

AFRILINE, an initiative led by InterAfrica Group's non-governmental networking service programme, was launched in December 1999, since when nearly 50 African organisations from some 22 countries have signed on to the concept of AFRILINE.

AFRILINE aims to put Africa's emerging IT-literate society in the driver's seat of an African vehicle on the information superhighway. An evolving concept in African networking and electronic activism, it proposes to: link communities in development;

harness the power of information technology to 'level the playing field';
facilitate effective exchange of knowledge, experience and expertise among organisations;
encourage the flow of information from African civil society to international institutions and decision makers;
create an enabling environment for effective collaboration;
enhance the capacity of African civil society actors through expanded IT use.

AFRILINE is a user-centred concept and will ultimately feature:

discussion fora on specific issues, both over time and via scheduled real-time chat sessions;
'kiosk' to enable knowledge sharing and to highlight African civil society actors and their efforts;
a searchable database of African NGOs, civil society organisations and development participants;
gateways to country-specific issues, hot issues, news and events, resource links, and more.

The AFRILINE eBulletin is E-mail newsletter with news and information promoting African civil society organisations and networks, and disseminating information of use to Africa organisations. Issues focus on those highlighted on AFRILINE.net (currently HIV/AIDS, poverty reduction strategies, capacity building, NGOs and the World Bank, and issues of networking activities, ICT and development in Africa). To sign up to receive the eBulletin, interested persons should E-mail AFRILINE at [email protected]

15.4 Arid Lands Information Network Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA)

Arid Lands Information Network Eastern Africa [Updated June 2004]
PO Box 10098
00100 - Nairobi GPO
KENYA
Contact: Regional Coordinator
Tel: +254 2 715293 or 719313
Fax: +254 2 710083
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.alin.or.ke/
Geographic coverage: Eastern Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural extension; Community development; Dryland ecosystems; Information and communication technology
Publications: BAOBAB (3 issues per year)

ALIN Eastern Africa is a non-profit, non-political NGO whose mission is to promote information exchange activities among community development workers in the East African drylands. Community development workers are all those women and men who work directly with local groups at the grassroots level and have a focus on dryland development. They are drawn from government departments, NGOs and community-based organisations. They include community mobilisers, health workers and extension workers. These people have in common a practical knowledge of development work in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa, as well as real local knowledge through their direct contact with local people.

ALIN-EA's mission statement is to improve the development practices of grassroots development workers in dryland Africa by facilitating the exchange of experience among them, and disseminating appropriate information in a usable form.

Its objectives are to:

develop, through research and support, an active information network of community development workers in dryland Africa;
improve network members' opportunities to share experiences and ideas, particularly on good and bad development practices in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs);
publish and disseminate information on best development practices;
address the specific needs and constraints of women members of the network through targeted support.

ALIN publishes and distributes the BAOBAB journal three times a year. BAOBAB is the forum where members exchange their experiences on development approaches as a way of learning from one another. It also publishes and disseminates a series of booklets under 'Development Projects in Arid Lands' to stimulate sharing of development experiences and lessons with those interested in setting similar projects.

ALIN-EA is now promoting ICTs among the grassroots development workers as a way of realising sustainable development in the remote areas. These include:

digital satellite broadcasting: ALIN-EA reaches millions of people with information on development by use of digital satellite broadcasting in collaboration with WorldSpace Foundation - over the past year ALIN-EA has set up 15 information points in four countries using this technology;
website development: to widen the information-sharing base, ALIN-EA plans to place a large amount of development information on its website, to enable members and others to have access to development information via the Internet - members of focal groups will be trained in the sharing of information using E-mail and Internet in collaboration with other partners.

Membership: ALIN-EA has the active support of more than 1000 members in four countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda). There are a further 900 members in Francophone Africa, particularly in West Africa.

Full membership to ALIN-EA is limited to field workers. These are extension agents, project workers, animators, district-based government officers, or leaders of local self-help groups. Full members receive ALIN-EA publications free of charge and are entitled to participate in the network activities such as workshops and exchange visits.

Associate membership to ALIN-EA is welcomed from others who work at a higher level but who have experience of operating in the dryland areas of Africa. These include project or programme coordinators, country representatives, government department heads, researchers and consultants. As decision makers, these people have a very important role to play in advocacy. They can support the work of field workers by making sure that they get the information and training they need to improve their work. Associate members also receive free copies of BAOBAB, but share costs to participate in ALIN-EA activities.

15.5 Asia - Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP)

Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme
Wisma UN, Block C
Kompleks Pejabat Damansara
Jalan Dungun
Damansara Heights
50490 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA

Tel:        +603 2095 9122
Fax:        +603 2093 9740
E-mail:   [email protected]
Web:       http://www.apdip.net/about
Geographical coverage: Asia and Pacific
Languages: English
Subject areas: Information and communication technologies
Publications: e-Papers

The Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP) is an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that aims to promote the development and application of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for poverty alleviation and sustainable human development in the Asia-Pacific region. It does so through three core programme areas, namely: Policy, Development and Dialogue, Access, Content Development and Knowledge Management

APDIP delivers on its objectives through activities that involve awareness raising and advocacy, building capacities, promoting ICT policies and dialogue, promoting equitable access to tools and technologies, knowledge sharing, and networking. Strategic public-private sector partnerships and opportunities for technical cooperation among developing countries (TCDC) are the key building blocks in implementing each programme activity.

In collaboration with National Governments, APDIP seeks to assist national and regional institutions in Asia-Pacific to improve access, knowledge-sharing, networking, and management, and application of ICTs for social and economic development. APDIP also helps to target and focus regional ICT initiatives to achieve relevant development goals by making ICT an integral part of development cooperation and solutions, developing countries and their partners in the Asia-Pacific region can work to address economic, social and digital divides in more innovative and effective ways. APDIP focuses on the following strategies:

Mobilise Awareness and Support - Build regional and national awareness on ICT for Development, and identify "champions" and leaders who have a vision.

Develop a Strategic Vision - Build capacities for formulating national and regional e-policies, e-plans, and e-strategies through a consultative process involving key groups such as academe, the research and development community, public and private sectors, and civil society.

Assist Implementation Plans - Through the provision of technical advice and assistance to regional and national institutions for the implementation of policies, plans, and action-oriented programmes.

Its development objectivesare to:

· raise awareness and promote regional and national policy dialogue and development of policies and strategies focused on the cost-benefit and advantages of ICTs for poverty reduction, sustainable human development, democratic governance, and gender development;

· promote equity, especially in terms of gender balance in information flows and access, and support local innovation on appropriate technologies and development of locally relevant content and knowledge management, to facilitate greater e-services such as trade, health, and governance that are oriented to the poor and women;

· enhance regional and national public-private partnerships focused on content development and knowledge management, equitable access, capacity building, e-governance, and e-commerce; as well as promote intra- and inter-regional technical cooperation.

Countries Covered By APDIP

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, East Timor, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

15.6 ATOL

ATOL [updated March 2004]
Leuvensestraat 5/1
3010 Kessel-lo (Leuven)
BELGIUM
Contact: Peter Reyniers or Katrien Van Maldergem
Tel: +32 16 498300
Fax: +32 16 498301
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.atol.be/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries, Central Africa
Languages: Dutch; English; French; Spanish
Subject areas: Appropriate technology; Development; Gender issues; Information management; Policy and planning; Technology transfer

ATOL, a centre for study and documentation on appropriate technology and project management in developing countries, is an independent, non-profit service centre created in 1976. It provides assistance to individuals and organisations that are professionally or in another active way involved in development cooperation and North - South relations.

ATOL - Information and knowledge management services in international co-operation - is an information centre which covers a wide range of topics associated with development including organisation development and empowerment, project cycle management, gender and information and knowledge management as main themes. Minor areas of interest are training and HRM, NGO policy, evaluation, participatory methods, microfinance, development education, campaining and lobbying, food security, technology transfer and small industries development.
Its services have both a technical and a methodological focus. They are provided under the form of:

information
research
training
consultancy

The ATOL documentation centre is a professional and practical library and information service, focusing on the operational aspects of development work. In its collections, much attention is paid to the four main areas of interest cited above:

subjects in the domain of project management are well represented: participatory methods for project planning, monitoring and evaluation, aspects of organisational and institutional development, financial management and similar;
general subjects also feature, such as: , technology transfer and its social consequences, development theory in general, culture, educational methods and strategies.

The library is accessible to members both individual and corporate. A question and answer service is available to ATOL members and development staff or managers of organisations in the South . As far as information on specific countries is concerned, ATOL focuses on central Africa, due to its multiple contacts and activities in this geographical region.

ATOL publishes a number of titles as a result of its research. An increasing number of these documents are available on its website

15.7 Caribbean Documentation Centre (CDC)

Caribbean Documentation Centre
United Nations ECLAC
PO Box 1113
Port of Spain
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Contact: Sandra John, Chief, Caribbean Documentation Centre
Tel: +1 868 623 5595
Fax: +1 868 623 8485
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.eclacpos.org/
Geographic coverage: Caribbean
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development; Information management

The CDC provides access to information on a broad range of development issues. The collection consists of general texts, UN ECLAC documents, other UN documents, journals and unpublished reports and online information services. The Centre also manages the website and the intranet of its parent organisation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-regional Headquarters for the Caribbean. Its bibliographic catalogue is on the web at http://www.eclacpos.org/copac.htm The Centre has also established a Caribbean Digital Library which can be accessed at http://www.eclacpos.org/cdl/

15.8 Collectif d'Échanges pour la Technologie Appropriée (COTA)

Collectif d'Échanges pour la Technologie Appropriée [Updated June 2004]
7 rue de la Révolution
1000 Brussels
BELGIUM
Contact: Colette Acheroy, Secretary General
Tel: +32 2 218 1896
Fax: +32 2 223 1495
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cota.be/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: French
Subject areas: Appropriate technology; Technology transfer
Publications: Échos du COTA (quarterly)

Le Collectif d'Échanges pour la Technologie Appropriée (COTA) is an NGO which provides documentation, information and support to organisations in both North and South involved in development. The subject of COTA's work is development methods in general, and appropriate technology in particular.

COTA maintains a documentation centre which includes a library open to the public. The centre is used to provide a question-and-answer service for enquirers from the developing world and from NGOs and volunteers from the North.

COTA has a substantial information resource on manufacturers and suppliers of appropriate technologies and, in addition, consultancy is provided and an annual seminar held. COTA publishes a quarterly journal, Échos du COTA, seminar reports and other publications which may be made available free to appropriate organisations in developing countries.

New August 2004
Development Gateway Foundation

       Development Gateway Foundation
       1889 F Street NW
       2nd floor
       Washington, DC 20006
       USA

Tel: +1 202 572 9200
Fax: +1 202 572 9290
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.developmentgateway.org/
Geographical coverage: Global
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Subject areas: Development; Capacity building; Information and communication technologies
Publications: E-newsletter

The Development Gateway is an independent not-for-profit organisation. It is an enabler of development helping to improve people’s lives in developing countries by building partnerships and information systems that provide access to knowledge for development.

It exploits powerful and affordable information and communication technologies (ICT) that were previously unavailable to:

· increase knowledge sharing;

· enhance development effectiveness;

· improve public sector transparency; and

· build local capacity to empower communities.

The Development Gateway portal provides interactive content and resources on development, including more than 30 online communities on key development topics, the AiDA directory of development projects, the dgMarket online public tendering service, and Country Gateways in more than 50 developing nations.

It publishes a monthly E-newsletter available online.

New November 2003
Development Resource Centre (DRC)

Development Resource Centre
PO BOX 12440
Wellington
Aotearoa
NEW ZEALAND

Tel:         +64 4 472 9549
Fax:        +64 4 496 9599
E-mail:   [email protected]
Web:      http://www.dev-zone.org
Geographical coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development issues
Publications: Dev-Zone Resources Update (email update)

The Development Resource Centre, a not-for-profit, non-government, charitable trust, is a specialist information and education centre focused on development and global issues. The DRC’s work is guided at all times by a set of core values which recognise that development must be people-centred, holistic and sustainable.

The DRC has two key programme areas: Dev-Zone and the Global Education Centre (GEC)

· Dev-Zone provides information services on development and global issues to NGOs, consultants, universities, community groups, Information Services, government departments, libraries, and businesses operating in the field of overseas aid and development. It has an extensive range of up-to-date electronic and hard copy resources, operates a public access library, manages a comprehensive web site on development issues, provides email updates on a variety of development topics, and draws on a range of expertise in development practice and education.

· Global Education Centre(GEC) offers services to the formal and informal education sectors, and the community sector, on global education. It provides training and resources to teachers, teacher trainees, students, youth workers and community groups, and builds their capacity to include global awareness into their programmes. Through its Youth Advocate, GEC also works directly with young people, facilitating their participation in youth-led global youth work.

Dev-Zone Resources Update, a weekly email update it gives summary of the latest resources in its Knowledge Centre. Categorised by the themes of development, this interactive database contains resources such as books, reviews, articles, journals, organisations, donor agency policies, scholarships, email networks etc

15.9 Directory of Development Organizations

Directory of Development Organizations
USA
Contact: Bert Wesselink
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.devdir.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages:English; Spanish; French; German; Dutch
Subject areas: Development
Publications: Online Directory

The Directory of Development Organizations 2002 has been prepared to facilitate international cooperation and knowledge sharing in development work among NGOs, research institutions, governments and private sector organisations. The Directory is a compilation of contact data for the main sources of assistance available for private sector development and poverty alleviation, with particular attention to the development of markets for micro- and small enterprises. A wide range of organisations are included in the Directory: microfinance institutions, small enterprise development organisations, NGOs/private development organisations, development agencies, international organisations, private sector institutions, trade promotion organisations, banks, government ministries, development consulting firms, and research and training institutions. Many of the organisations included in the Directory promote both economic and social development, including microfinance, business development services, small enterprise development, appropriate technology, community development, environmental protection, research, training and education.

The Directory lists 25 000 contacts of organisations which offer support, market access, information and advice to the enterprise sectors in developing countries and emerging economies. Contact details include the organisation's mail and street address, telephone and fax numbers, E-mail address and web page details, if available. This directory is intended to provide a comprehensive source of reference for development practitioners, researchers, donor employees and policy makers who are interested in private sector development and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing countries.

Contact details of organisations have been gathered, mainly through the Internet, from a wide range of sources including institutional directories and databases (e.g. of international organisations), Internet discussion networks on development-related topics (e.g. DevFinance), vacancy announcements (e.g. The Economist), and many other resources based on the compiler's and perspective as a development economist.

For easier referencing the Directory is divided into seven geographical sections: Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean, Europe, Oceania, South America, Canada and the USA.

15.10 Electronic Development and Environment Information Services (ELDIS)

ELDIS Programme
Institute of Development Studies
University of Sussex
Brighton BN1 9RE
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact: Tracy Zussman-Kay, Editor
Tel: +44 1273 606261 or 877330
Fax: +44 1273 621202 or 691647
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.eldis.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development; Environment

ELDIS is a gateway to information sources on development and the environment which offers an easy route to the latest information on development and environmental issues. ELDIS is available free via the Internet and provides an ever-increasing number of descriptions and links to a variety of information sources, including online documents, organisations' www sites, databases, library catalogues, bibliographies, E-mail discussion lists, research project information, map and newspaper collections.

ELDIS services include:

What's new - quick links to the latest material added to the ELDIS databases;
Resource guides - its subject-focused guides offer quick access to key documents, organisations' research themes, discussions and other key resources;
Web links - directory of the key development websites, arranged by subject;
Country profiles - materials from the ELDIS database arranged by country, plus quick links to country briefing services on other websites;
News & events - a selection of recent development news, announcements and newsletters.
ELDIS also offers a data, website and database hosting service, and is a partner in a number of information initiatives including GDNet and Eland.

15.11 German Appropriate Technology Exchange (GATE)

German Appropriate Technology Exchange [Updated June 2004]
Postfach 5180
D-65 726 Eschborn
GERMANY
Contact: Mrs Carolin Bothe
Tel: +49 6196 794213
Fax: +49 6196 797352
E-mail [email protected] / [email protected]
Web: http://www.gtz.de/gate
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English; German
Subject areas: Appropriate technology; Environmental protection
Publications: GATE Journal

GATE's objectives are to improve the technological competence of NGOs and other groups involved in self-help-oriented poverty alleviation and to develop information and knowledge management systems for NGOs and self-help groups. It supports transfer and exchange of technological knowledge through regional partners and a question and answer service, testing and dissemination of innovative technologies and networking and professionalisation of information services.

The GATE Information Service improves the technological knowledge of organisations and individuals involved in poverty alleviation projects in developing countries.

GATE's Questions and Answer Service is specifically intended for use by enquirers from developing countries and non-profit organisations working in the development context. GATE can be contacted either by completing the online enquiry form by e-mail as well as through "traditional" channels.
Every year, almost 2,500 customers receive individual advice from the GATE Information Service. In addition, the GATE Information Service advises also organisations on how to build up an own information service.

Information Sources:

GATE and GTZ documentation centres and databases with more than 50,000 documents;
World-wide expertise of GATE and GTZ staff;
Technological sites and databases on the Internet;
Comprehensive documentation and expertise of world-wide partners, consultants and networks in the South and North.

Type of Services:
Depending on the complexity of the enquiry, the GATE Informtion Service provides the following services and is still free of charge for users who belong to the target group:

Providing information on appropriate technologies, products, procedures and project experiences
Advice on how to build up an information service
Contacts to NGOs, experts and producers
Advice for the planning and realisation of technological projects in general

The GATE Information Service answers all questions within the field of so-called appropriate technologies eg agriculture, energy, food processing, handycraft, water and sanitation.

GATE Information Service uses both traditional and the latest, future-oriented communication technologies to provide state of the art information on appropriate technology:

Most of the GATE publications are now available online (HTML or PDF format), on CD-Rom or can be ordered as hard copy.
An increasing number of technical briefs - fact sheets on frequently asked technical issues - are also available in PDF format.
Furthermore, GATE information Service offers a large collection (ca. 400) of useful internet links in the field of appropriate technology..

By establishing and extending regional networks, GATE is deliberately shifting part of its former work to countries of the South.

New November 2003
Global Development Network (GDN)

Global Development Network
GDN Secretariat
2600 Virginia Avenue, NW
Suite 1112
Washington, DC 20037
USA

Tel:         +202 338 6350/ 6351
Fax:        +202 338 6826 /6831
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:      http://www.gdnet.org
Geographical coverage:   Global
Languages:          English
Subject areas:      Development Research; Social sciences
Publications:       GDNews (Monthly newsletter); Research in Focus (Email monthly bulletin); Access via its online services

The Global Development Network (GDN) is an expanding network of research and policy institutes working together to address problems of national and regional development. It incorporates 11 regional network partners to link research institutes from more than 100 countries and strengthens partnerships worldwide. Its mission is to build research capacity and promote translation of research into policy in developing and transition economies.

GDN:

· supports multidisciplinary research in social sciences;

· promotes the generation of local knowledge in developing and transition countries;

· produces policy relevant knowledge on a global scale;

· builds research capacity to advance development and alleviate poverty;

· facilitates knowledge sharing among researchers and policymakers;

· disseminates development knowledge to the public and policymakers.

GDNet supports the generation and sharing of local social science research by providing a number of web and email based services to help researchers produce, share and disseminate their work. These include:

· Access to Data - Through the GDN Data initiative, researchers in low and middle income countries can get access to datasets to support the quality of their research and analysis.

· Access to Journals - Initiatives are underway as part of the GDNet programme to improve access to journals for researchers working in low and middle income countries.

· Funding Information - A range of funding information services carrying up-to-date news of grants, fellowships and other funding opportunities, specially selected for relevance to social science researchers.

· Toolkits - GDNet produces toolkits to share knowledge and experience on key topics.

The GDN Library allows access to a selection of papers produced as part of GDN activities or that have been funded by GDN. Users can search the database to find downloadable full-text papers of GDN-funded research, conference papers and outputs from research and award competitions.

Publications include:

· GDNews - monthly newsletter, brings the latest news, events and competitions from GDN and its regional partners.

· Research in Focus -a free monthly email bulletin, highlights recent contributions to the GDNet Knowledge Base to keep interested users abreast of research knowledge from the global south

For a full description of GDN’s wide range of activities and services, reference should be made to GDN’s website.

15.12 GTZ Asia Online

GTZ Asia Online
CAMBODIA
Contact: Michael Glück, Coordinator, Sector Network Rural Development
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.gtz-asia-online.org/
Geographic coverage: Asia and Pacific
Languages: English; German
Subject areas: Rural development
Publications: Online databases; electronic bulletin

GTZ Asia Online is an online space where members of the GTZ Rural Development Sector Network in Asia communicate and collaborate with each other, and share their experiences with a wider audience.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH has been operating as a service company in international development cooperation since 1975. Its primary goal is to improve the living and working conditions of people in its partner countries and sustain the natural basis for life.

GTZ Asia Online was introduced in 1999 as an information and communication tool for the GTZ Sector Network Rural Development (SN-RD) Asia. This Network comprises more than 60 GTZ-supported rural development projects and programmes in 13 countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Its purpose is to increase the technical and organisational capacity of GTZ in the region, and to support GTZ projects in the rural sector to provide high-quality services that respond to clients' needs.

Its objectives are to:

provide a communication platform that enables projects in the GTZ SN-RD to collaborate on specific tasks, and share their information and experiences with each other;
provide interested development actors and the general public with easy access to up-to-date information about GTZ projects in the rural development sector in Asia.

Registration with GTZ Asia Online is free of charge and open to all interested individuals, organisations and projects. Most of GTZ Asia Online is an open-access website which can be viewed by all visitors.

Visitors who do not register and log in have read-only access and can:

search, view and download the contents of the Library, Contacts and Announcements modules;
view frequently asked questions and post questions.

Users who sign up and log in can:

search, view and download the contents of the Library, Contacts and Notice Board;
submit documents (full-text or abstract) for inclusion in the Library;
comment on existing contents (e.g. documents, announcements) or other users' comments;
post news or announcements on the Notice Board;
edit their own registration information in the Contacts module.

SN-RD members have the same access and privileges as users who sign up. In addition, they can enter and use the SN-RD Meeting Room to communicate and collaborate with other SN-RD members. The SN-RD Meeting Room is a small, internal part of the site for the active use of SN-RD members. It is a place where SN-RD members can work together online on specific tasks.

Information services for all users:

Virtual library - containing project documentation and 'grey' literature (part of the institutional memory of GTZ-supported projects in rural development in Asia), relevant case studies and other documents;
Notice Board - to disseminate news and announcements about activities, upcoming events and vacancies;
Contacts database - with information about people and projects who belong to the SN-RD, other sector projects and organisations, and consultants;
E-Bulletin - provides a quick and handy update (via E-mail) about new contents and services added each month.

15.13 Horn of Africa NGO Network for Development (HANND)

Horn of Africa NGO Network for Development
HANND Interim Secretariat
c/o IAG
PO Box 1631
Addis Ababa
ETHIOPIA
Tel: +251 1 514575 or 518790
Fax: +251 1 517554
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.afriline.net/direct/hannd.html
Geographic coverage: Horn of Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development
Publications: HANND Info-list; HANND Written (bimonthly newsletter)

HANND comprises 40 indigenous organisations and civil society leaders in the countries of the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan). It was conceived at a meeting in Addis Ababa in 1997, and launched a year later when NGOs from the countries of the Horn agreed that they could and should work to fill the subregional void in networking, information- and experience-sharing, and collective efforts in areas of common concern, notably: poverty, conflict, food security and indigenous capacity.

HANND takes advantage of a wide range of options for information-sharing and communication among members and participants, as well as collaborators and interested parties. The HANND.org website is an evolving site providing general information about the network and its activities, as well as information about the Horn of Africa.

New mechanisms for communication proposed for 2001 are:

HANND Info-list - a means of distributing useful information to participants by E-mail, fax and post;
HANND Written - a newsletter produced every 2 months for wider outreach, which includes updates of activities by HANND members and Horn of Africa, Africa-wide and international news and information.

15.14 INDEV

INDEV
British Council
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi 110 001
INDIA
Contact: Neena Jacob
Tel: +91 11 3711401 or 3710555
Fax: +91 11 3710717
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.indev.nic.in/
Geographic coverage: India
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development
Publications: Newspaper (fortnightly)

In an attempt to address problems faced by development managers in accessing development information on India, INDEV is India's first development gateway, bringing together valuable information from the NGO world and the government in a single portal. INDEV holds four databases:

organisations;
projects;
statistics;
documents.

INDEV disseminates its information in a variety of ways. INDEV is a portal site with links to over 2500 leading development organisations in India. Bilateral agencies, government departments and leading NGOs, as INDEV partners, make the website a one-stop shop for development information on India. It also publishes a fortnightly newspaper for the benefit of the development community in India and abroad. The site also makes available E-mail digests, printed reports and a discussion forum.

New Entry February 2004
infoDev Program (Information for Development Program)

infoDev Program
The World Bank
MS# F5P-503
1818 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20433
USA

Tel:        + 1 202 458 5153
Fax:       +1 202 522 3186
E-mail:   [email protected]
Web:       http://www.indev.org
Geographical coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development; Information and communication technology; Information management
Publications: A range of publications are available online

The Information for Development Program (infoDev) is a global program managed by the World Bank to help developing economies fully benefit from modern information systems.

infoDev:

shares worldwide experience with, and disseminates best practices to, governments and key decision-makers, both public and private, on the economic development potential of communications and information systems;
channels policy advice and other technical assistance to governments in developing economies on privatisation, private entry and competition in the communications and information sectors, and on improving the policy, regulatory and business environment for investment;
conducts feasibility and pre-investment studies, and prepares experimental applications in communications and information systems.

infoDev's key method of intervention is through specific activities in the following areas:

Consensus Building;
Information Infrastructure Development Strategies including Knowledge Assessments ;
Telecommunications Reform and Market access;
Demonstration Projects.

All activities are designed to support workable strategies and can include workshops, assessments, demonstration projects, feasibility studies, or other approaches. They can cover one or many countries; and address one or many sectors.

A range of publications are available online including: Reports, Working papers from infoDev Projects, Sources of Data: infoDev Funded Projects and Papers

Interested persons can also subscribe to infoDev Distribution List, infodev-L.

15.15 Inforeach

Inforeach
c/o EcoLink
PO Box 727
White River 1240
SOUTH AFRICA
Contact: Navy H. Simukonda, Project Manager/Coordinator
Tel: +27 13 751 2120
Fax: +27 13 751 3287
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.saep.org/subject/env/orgs/inforch.html
Geographic coverage: South Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agriculture; Appropriate technology; Radio broadcasts; Rural development; Women
Publications: Booklets; radio and television programmes

Inforeach is the South African Regional Network of the Developing Countries Farm Radio Network (DCFRN) - an information exchange programme supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The main objectives of Inforeach are to:

establish an information network using radio, television and simple booklets and brochures as vehicles for the dissemination of information supplied by the network - the network will serve as a database which will be readily accessible to participants;
effect the transfer of appropriate technology, skills and knowledge in the field of agriculture, health and nutrition, water and soil conservation, pest management and livestock care, using the most powerful media available;
provide the target group, primarily the rural woman subsistence farmer, with access to information providing reliable, cost-effective and simple solutions to fundamental problems in the development context;
achieve self-empowerment at the subcommunity level, which it is hoped will have a ripple effect on other community substructures - a grassroots-to-grassroots effect;
develop multilateral links with the worldwide development information network providing an 'information middleman' where research in the field of agriculture and technology is made accessible at community level.

It is hoped that in reaching the extensive radio listenership and television audiences, the information will be more effectively targeted.

15.16 InterDev - A Cooperative Information Service on the Experiences and Methods for Sustainable Development

InterDev Coordination
c/o Gret
211-213 rue Lafayette
75010 Paris
FRANCE
Contact: Luce Ruault
Tel: +33 1 40 05 61 61
Fax: +33 1 40 05 61 10
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.interdev-net.org/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries; Europe
Languages: French; English
Subject areas: Information management; Sustainable development

InterDev is a cooperative information service based on new information technologies. It offers development practitioners validated references on experiences, techniques and methods. In different thematic fields (food processing, agro-ecological farming systems, etc.) a network of practitioners from developed and developing countries produce and make available operational information based on their practices. This information is organised in databases, accessible through a website that is a platform for exchange between these development stakeholders.

InterDev's purpose is to encourage development practitioners to produce and exchange information based on their practices and focused on their experiences, and the techniques and tools they use professionally. The information service does not bring together information specialists, but rather practitioners in immediate contact with the realities in the field and development practices. InterDev network members may be NGOs, extension services, training centres, national or international agricultural research centres, or specialists in one or several of the development sectors covered in InterDev.

Building the InterDev information service was based on elaboration, in partnership, of information management and optimisation tools (a shared and decentralised database and a website) that allow information to be shared between multiple local sites, and common norms and methods for treating the information to ensure its quality and relevance for development practitioners.

15.17 Livelihoods Connect

Livelihoods Connect
UNITED KINGDOM
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.livelihoods.org/info/informationresources.html
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English; French; Spanish; Portuguese; Russian
Subject areas: Education/training; Livelihoods; Sustainable livelihoods
Publications: Guidance Sheets; distance learning materials

Livelihoods Connect preselects, synthesises and organises information relevant to the UK Department for International Development (DFID)'s work on sustainable livelihoods.

Livelihoods Connect is DFID's learning platform for creating sustainable livelihoods to eliminate poverty. It provides a suite of information sharing, learning and management tools for all DFID advisers and programme officers; NGOs and consultants working with DFID; and international organisations such as the EC, World Bank, FAO and IFAD. Livelihoods Connect will ultimately engage a wide audience, but is initially focusing on a smaller group to help ensure that it will be responsive to needs and of high quality.

The goal of Livelihoods Connect is to enable the practical implementation of the sustainable livelihoods approach as part of DFID's commitment to the International Development Targets. Livelihoods Connect helps practitioners to organise and share their experience of implementing sustainable livelihoods approaches so everyone can learn. It also helps to support and enable networks, particularly between practitioners and researchers, around sustainable livelihoods themes.

To achieve this, Livelihoods Connect:

hosts a moderated post-it board where practitioners can share their insights, experiences and views on using the sustainable livelihoods approach;
provides brief, jargon-free and action-oriented summaries of the latest experience and best thinking on sustainable livelihoods gathered from practitioners and researchers, plus the full texts online;
offers distance learning materials on the sustainable livelihoods approach;
underpins traditional training with online resources and practical tools;
delivers E-mail updates on relevant developments in sustainable livelihoods;
provides online access to DFID's sustainable livelihoods Guidance Sheets;
offers a personal enquiry desk to point practitioners in the direction of people and information if information cannot immediately be tracked down on the website;
facilitates discussion between researchers and practitioners on work in progress being undertaken by the Sustainable Livelihoods Resource Group.

An antidote to information overload, the Information Resources section aims to maximise relevance and minimise effort in helping users to access information on sustainable livelihoods. It produces:

Guidance Sheets - DFID's evolving core guidance on the sustainable livelihoods approach;
distance learning materials - the Guidance Sheets unpacked in plain English with rapid learning in mind (view online or download);
key documents - brief, clear and action-oriented summaries of the most relevant practitioner experience and research insights on sustainable livelihoods;
organisational links and events - a guide to the links worth accessing on the websites of sustainable livelihoods practitioner organisations, plus details of events on the sustainable livelihoods map;
Sustainable Livelihoods Toolbox - ready to use the sustainable livelihoods approach, to share with colleagues, or need to develop your skills further? The Sustainable Livelihoods Toolbox contains draft presentations and draft project documentation, as well as familiarisation and follow-up materials on DFID training courses on the sustainable livelihoods approach.

The E-mail Enquiry Desk service provides a personal signposting service that points users in the direction of specific information and contacts on sustainable livelihoods. To use the Enquiry Desk, DFID staff can send an E-mail to [email protected]

The E-mail Update provides a monthly brief on developments in the area of sustainable livelihoods, including new resources from Livelihoods Connect. The Updates are short and to the point, with links to more detailed information on the Livelihoods Connect website. Where indicated, the Update also allows users to request further information, sent automatically by E-mail. It welcomes contributions of experience in using sustainable livelihoods approaches and feedback on the Livelihoods Connect service. These can be E-mailed to the Livelihoods Connect Post-It Board at: [email protected]

Livelihoods Connect material is also available in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian language versions. Further materials can be translated if users can demonstrate a level of demand for particular documents. Please send requests to [email protected]

15.18 NISC SA

NISC SA
PO Box 377
Grahamstown 6140
SOUTH AFRICA
Contact: Margaret Crampton
Tel: +27 461 29698
Fax: +27 461 29550
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.nisc.co.za/
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Aquatic sciences; Botany; Fisheries; Forage; Health; Water resources
Publications: Wide range of publications and databases

The mission of NISC South Africa is to provide local and global information for Africa, about Africa and by Africans. By combining its African resources with those of the rest of the world, NISC provides sophisticated information sources relevant to Africa's needs.

Databases are made available on CD-ROM and the NISC BiblioLine online service.

African databases are included in the following NISC titles:

African Health Anthology;
African Studies;
Fish & Fisheries Worldwide;
South African Studies;
Water Resources Worldwide.

New products scheduled include the African Agriculture database, and the expansion of its print and online journal publishing. Journals include:

African Journal of AIDS Research;
African Journal of Aquatic Science;
African Journal of Range & Forage Science;
South African Journal of Botany.

These journals are all Africa- or southern Africa-based, and form a platform for African research that is competitive within the global community.

NISC SA is also the database producer of:

The FISHLIT database - compiled in collaboration with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). It offers access to information on fish, fisheries and aquaculture for Africa and the World. FISHLIT is included in the NISC Fish & Fisheries Worldwide and Aquatic Biology, Aquaculture & Fisheries Resources disks and BiblioLine.

NACHA - the Natural & Cultural Heritage Africa database consists of more than 15 000 indexed records, and offers extensive and historical coverage of natural history and museum journals relating to Africa, with an emphasis on southern Africa. NACHA is included on the BiblioLine products and NISC disks, including African Studies, South African Studies and Wildlife Worldwide.

Most titles are available by licensed, annual subscription, others may be purchased once off.

15.19 Pacific Development Directory (PDD)

Pacific Development Directory
AUSTRALIA
Web: http://www.piango.net/
Geographic coverage: Pacific
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development
Publications: Online Directory

PDD was created in late 1997, and is a joint project of the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) and Dev-Zone. It has been continually updated online. A printed version was produced and widely distributed in 1998. The next hard-copy and CD-ROM version is due out in early 2003.

The Directory provides details of agencies and organisations working on development projects in the Pacific. It lists more than 1100 organisations from 45 countries. These include NGOs, community-based organisations, donors, international development consulting companies, libraries, multilaterals, universities and private individuals. It also outlines the avenues of assistance to Pacific Island countries, enables interaction between agencies, and assists in the coordination and management of development programmes.

Features include:

Add & Edit facility - to keep the directory up to date, details can be updated online;
E-mail Query Interface - by sending an E-mail to [email protected] users receive instructions by return mail on how to search the Directory via E-mail;
Advanced Search options offer complex searches.

For more information about Dev-Zone.org and the services offered, visit the website or E-mail [email protected]

Contact details:

DEV-ZONE.ORG, Level 5, PSA House, 11 Aurora Terrace, PO BOX 12 440, Wellington, Aotearoa, New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 472 9549, Fax: +64 4 496 959, E-mail: [email protected]

PIANGO Secretariat, PO BOX 164, Port Vila, Vanuatu, Fiji
Tel: +678 25607, Fax: +678 25609, E-mail: [email protected],

http://www.dev-zone.org/pdd/more.html

15.20 Red de Desarrollo Sostenible de Honduras (RDS-HN) [Honduras' Sustainable Development Network]

Red de Desarrollo Sostenible de Honduras
Edificio PAIDOS COPEMH
Boulevard Centro América
Tegucigalpa MDC
HONDURAS
Contact: Dr. Jose Blanes
Tel/Fax: +504 235 4141 or 5
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://rds.org.hn/
Geographic coverage: Honduras
Languages: Spanish
Subject areas: Information management; Sustainable development

The network is formed by NGOs, academic institutions, international organisations, companies, research centres, grassroots and government organisations, etc.

Its main objective is to strengthen the institutional capacity of public and private entities in the management of sustainable development in Honduras, through the promotion, spread and interchange of information in favour of the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental development of the country. It is part of a world network of networks, with a holistic approach to development.

Services include connectivity, building of websites, operative support, training, project management and databases. RDS-HN offers bibliographies and documents on sustainable development, along with links, and manages electronic discussion groups and fora on various themes.

15.21 Red de Información Indígena [Network for Indigenous Information]

Red de Información Indígena
Belisario Domínguez No. 127
Coyoacán, México DF
CP 04000
MÉXICO
Contact: Margarita Warnholtz L.
Tel: +52 55 56 59 46 11
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Web: http://www.redindigena.org/
Geographic coverage: Latin America
Languages: Spanish
Subject areas: Indigenous knowledge

The objective of this network is to offer a space where indigenous organisations can discuss their problems, announce events, present cultural expressions of their people and, generally, any information they generate and want to publish through the Internet. The network also allows organisations to find information about similar organisations from different regions and countries and to establish contact with them. They offer to host websites of the organisations within their site.

Additionally, organisations can find information on other organisations from different regions and countries so that they can communicate with each other. The website is intended to be useful to all people who are interested in the situation of Latin American indigenous peoples. All Latin American organisations are eligible to participate in this network without censorship and without discrimination for political or ideological reasons on the proviso that they really represent the interests of the indigenous people.

15.22 SANREM (Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management) West Africa Annotated Bibliographical Database

SANREM West Africa Annotated Bibliographical Database
GHANA
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.oird.vt.edu/sanremcrsp/index.html
Geographic coverage: West Africa
Languages: English; French
Subject areas: Development; Food security; Natural resource management; Sustainable agriculture
Publications: Working papers

The SANREM Collaborative Research Support Program (SANREM CRSP), funded by USAID, has made the West African Annotated Bibliographical Database accessible on the world wide web. This database is hosted on SANREM West Africa Project's (SANREM WA) home page: http://www.oird.vt.edu/sanremcrsp/index.html

A vital multidisciplinary resource for those concerned with the holistic goal of food security and development in the West African Sahel, it contains journal articles, book chapters, dissertations, conference proceedings, grey literature from Africa, etc. This specialised annotated bibliographic database on food security and development in the West African Sahel targets decision makers, researchers and development practitioners concerned with sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and conflict resolution in the West African Sahel. This database resource is at the intersection of these fields, addressing the day-to-day crises of competing interests seeking food security dependent on a diminishing resource base.

To date, the database holds over 600 bibliographic records pertaining to sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, conflict management and resolution, and other issues related to food security in the West African Sahel. These searchable records contain abstracts that can be reviewed.

Key features include:

documents in French and English;
significant amounts of grey literature from Africa, particularly West Africa;
consolidated information on the topics of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management with information on conflict resolution and management;
fully searchable using ProCite.

Documents relevant to the themes of sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and conflict management should be sent as attachments including an abstract (in Word or WordPerfect) to: [email protected] - these will be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, added to the growing list of documents.

15.23 Service for Information Technology in International Agriculture (SITIA)

Service for Information Technology in International Agriculture
1024 Hamilton Court
Menlo Park
California 94025
USA
Tel: +1 650 833 6020
Fax: +1 650 325 2313
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.sitia.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural information; Information and communications technology; Information management

SITIA's mission is to contribute to and facilitate sustainable agriculture, natural resource conservation and rural economic development by expanding and improving access to and publication of agricultural knowledge in service to farmers, extension agents, agricultural scientists and others.

SITIA provides information technology solutions that help to ensure farmers, extension workers, scientists and others access, organise, publish and exchange agricultural information. It works both nationally and internationally, in both developed and developing countries, to improve the speed and accuracy of information access and to provide alternatives by which agricultural information can be published and disseminated.

SITIA works cooperatively with grassroots, non-governmental, development and international organisations to help them achieve access to, and to disseminate, pertinent agricultural information. This is done through the design, construction and use of information technologies.

SITIA provides information technology development services by identifying needs, developing projects and contracting with appropriate organisations to provide solutions. It does this through cooperation with pertinent partners. It also develops and provides human resources services in the use, design and implementation of information technology solutions, with emphasis on the agricultural disciplines.

In particular, SITIA:

adapts and applies modern information technology to meet the unique needs of agricultural scientists, extension agents and others involved with agriculture;
is effective in providing mechanisms for the transfer of appropriate information technology through training, assistance with the licensing of software, and the identification and implementation of cost-effective computer technologies;
develops efficient and appropriate networking and Internet services for finding information relevant to institutional and country-level agriculture needs;
helps agricultural organisations assess information technology needs, and plan and implement information technology projects in cost-effective and sustainable ways;
builds partnerships between information providers and information consumers, and between commercial and non-commercial institutions, regardless of their location;
facilitates the cost-effective exchange of agricultural knowledge.

New August 2004
SIST (Scientific and Technical Information System)[Système d’Information Scientifique et Technique]

SIST Project
c/o FARA
2 Gowa Close, Roman Ridge
Accra
GHANA

Contact:                Augustin Gaschignard, Project Manager

Tel: +233 21 77 28 23 x 109   +233 21 77 94 21
Fax: +233 21 77 36 76
E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]
Web:       http: www.sist-sciencesdev.net
Geographical coverage: Africa
Languages: English, French
Subject areas: Capacity building; Information dissemination; Research
Publications:

The SIST (Scientific and Technical Information System) is a project from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Priority Solidarity Fund. It covers 12 countries in Africa * Algeria* Benin * Burkina-Faso * Burundi * Cameroon * Ivory Coast * Ghana * Madagascar* Mali* Nigeria* Senegal* Tunisia.

The main objective of this project is to build an information system in research areas in each of these countries giving the African scientific community a chance to:

promote research in Africa by encouraging and developing the exchange, production and dissemination of both scientific and technological information;
promote science and technology in the developing countries by helping African researchers to develop their own analytical capabilities in key research areas;
facilitate sustainable development by supporting regional research along the priorities defined by the countries (health, renewable resources, agronomy, human and social sciences, information and communication technologies);
public and private researchers as well as universities from those 12 countries are benefiting from the SIST project.

The SIST project contributes to one of the NEPAD priority which is the reduction of the digital and technological divide.

Each country decides of the national project's strategic directions using a Country Orientation and Decision Committee (CODC). A Steering Committee comprising CODC members validates the strategy and the management of the project

The project manager based in the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Accra travels throughout the participating countries to animate the network.

15.24 Southern African Non-Governmental Network (SANGONeT)

Southern African Non-Governmental Organisation Network [updated Sept 2004]
PO Box 31392
Braamfontein 2017
SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +27 11 403 4935
Fax: +27 11 403 0130/ 9685
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.sn.apc.org/
Geographic coverage: Southern Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development; Information and communication technology; Technology transfer
Publications: Kabissa-Fahamu-Sangonet Newsletter

SANGONeT is a facilitator in the effective and empowering use of information communication technology (ICT) tools by development and social justice actors in Africa. It aims to share information, build capacity and link people and organisations through the use of ICTs. It has over a decade's experience in servicing civil society organisations in Africa.

Its primary role is to facilitate the sharing of information, build capacity, and link people and organisations through the use of ICTs and intention to further increase the focus and scope of its existing activities and to continue to provide its clients with improved and professional customer-focused products and services.

15.25 Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC)

Southern African Research and Documentation Centre [updated Sept 2004]
15 Downie Avenue
Belgravia
Box 5690
Harare
ZIMBABWE

Contact: Phyllis Johnson

Tel: + 263 4 791141 / 791143 Fax: +263 4 791271
E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.sardc.net/
Geographic coverage: Southern Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Development; Gender issues; Information management; Women
Publications: Southern African News Features

Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) is an independent regional information resource centre which seeks to enhance the effectiveness of key development processes in the SADC region through the collection, production and dissemination of information, and enabling the capacity to generate and use information. Its objective is to improve the base of knowledge about economic, political, cultural and social developments, and their implications, by making information accessible to governments and policy makers, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, regional and international organisations, development agencies, parliaments, and media.

SARDC has five main areas of focus which are pursued by separate specialist departments for environment and water resources, gender, democracy and governance, regional economic development, and human development, in partnership with other institutions including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat and sectors, IUCN-The World Conservation Union, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and networks of national partners in SADC member states.

Reliable and accessible information relevant to the SADC region is generated through a process of participation, networking, wide consultation and ownership, and targeted dissemination, reaching into national, regional and global policy processes.

SARDC has an information resource centre containing over 12,000 subject files on regional issues, a library of books and periodicals, and computerised databases in WIN-ISIS; and is establishing a "virtual library" of internet access to its resources.

SARDC has 15 years of institutional experience in documenting, analysing and communicating trends in regional development, in publishing and distributing the results, and monitoring impact, as well as recognised financial accountability, a range of qualified staff from the SADC region and an extensive network of partner organisations and contacts. Language capacity in English and Portuguese.

15.26 Sustainable Development Communications Network

Sustainable Development Communications Network (SDCN)
c/o International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
161 Portage Ave E, 6th Floor
Winnipeg MB, R3B 0Y4
CANADA
Tel: +1 204 958 7700
Fax: +1 204 958 7710
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.sdcn.org/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Information and communications technology; Sustainable development

SDCN, established in 1998, is a group of leading civil society organisations seeking to accelerate the implementation of sustainable development through broader, integrated information and communication. The network focuses its efforts on integrating Internet communications into broader communication strategies.

Its objectives include to:

undertake joint communications activities to inform broader audiences about sustainable development;
build capacity among members to communicate sustainable development through new communications technologies, and broadly share knowledge about how to use Internet communication technologies efficiently and effectively;
experiment with new communication technologies and develop methods for their seamless integration with existing technologies;
provide a forum for network members to share experiences in the management of sustainable development communications;
inform each other about sustainable development research and action under way within each organisation.

The SDCN functions as a knowledge network. It is a virtual organisation with limited membership and a formal governance structure, which functions in an open, collaborative manner. It maintains a focused mission and action agenda in order to improve its efficiency, but interacts with other networks and initiatives to ensure its effectiveness. It strives to add value to information to make it more relevant to decision makers. SDCN acknowledges the need for a clear communications strategy that raises public awareness, influences decision makers and produces positive change in the world.