Knowledge for Development

ICM Strategies

Information and Communication Management (ICM) and knowledge management (KM) are often characterised as having three components: people, processes and technology. However, the rapid development of information and communications technologies (ICTs) has sometimes resulted in ICM being seen as a largely technological issue. In reality it is the people component of ICM and KM supported by processes and technology that is the most important. In the articles and documents publsihed on this website we have discussed the concept of Innovation systems as networks of interlinked actors, wherein the effective communication of information and exchange of knowledge among the different actors is critical to the performance of the system. In the agricultural science, technology and innovation system, successful organisations and related agro-enterprises and industries are increasingly those that recognize the importance of knowledge, and implement policies and strategies to promote its creation, sharing and application. This dossier highlights the issue of information and knowledge sharing and points our readers to available resources and tools to assist in the development of capacity to harness knowledge for agricultural development in ACP countries.


EARS sateliite data for water and food issues Meteosat based Maize, Sorghum & Millet yield forecasts for Southern Africa during the next three months. This is the start of an innovative, but fully operational service covering Europe and Africa. Similar issues for West Africa, East Africa and Europe will follow later this year. Via their website subscription can be obtained to this rich and early information source. Their forecasts at the national level are free of costs and may be copied and published freely. Their forecasts at more detailed administrative levels have a low subscription fee. 02/02/2009
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ICM Strategies for Bridging the Gaps in the Science Technology and Innovation Systems

by Rachel Rege, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)
The accumulation of scientific knowledge and its technological applications are accelerating at a rapid pace, enabled in large part by ever more powerful computers and lightning fast communication. Yet the global reality is that many innovations fail to accrue to those who need them most, and benefits are not shared equitably, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Decentralization of public administration and privatization of public operations through the structural adjustment by the World Bank have further implications on Science and Technology. A new approach to science and technology (S&T) is necessary to support a paradigm shift from product economy to knowledge based development. The recent World Trade Agreements have led to the changing roles of the three main actors (public, private and civil society). At the same time, the urgent demand for technological innovations for development challenges are continuously increasing. 18/10/2006
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Rapid advice and information on plant protection, including the identification and management of plant pests. PestNet is an email network that helps people in the Pacific and South East Asia obtain rapid advice and information on plant protection, including quarantine. It links the Pacific and South East Asian regions with plant protection specialists worldwide and is free to members. PestNet has members from government and non-government organisations, universities, and the private sector, as well as farmers and students. Any organisation, group or individual can join. All they need is access to email, a question to ask, information to give, or just an interest in plant protection and being part of a worldwide network. 18/10/2006
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Information and Communication Management Strategies for Bridging Gaps in ST&I Systems

by Roger Day, Director CABI Africa Regional Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
Innovation systems are networks of interlinked actors, and the effective communication of information and exchange of knowledge among the different actors is critical to the function of the system. Innovation is the application of knowledge (whether new or old), and an environment that encourages effective information and communication management (ICM) contributes directly to innovation, and to social and economic development. In a globalised world, successful organisations, sectors or nations are increasingly those that recognise the importance of knowledge, and implement policies and strategies to promote its creation, sharing and application. 'Knowledge is power, which is why people who had it in the past often tried to make a secret of it. In post-capitalism, power comes from transmitting information to make it productive, not from hiding it!' 18/10/2006
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