Regional Agricultural Information Network (RAIN)

RAIN uses networking and partnership as strategies for improving the provision of agricultural information and for fostering wide stakeholder participation. It addresses the need to strengthen capacities throughout the region to manage and exchange agricultural information. Its particular emphasis is on increasing regional capacities to access, generate exchange, package, disseminate, and use this information to further economic growth.

Technology is one focus of RAIN's effort to build regional capacity. For example, RAIN assists national agricultural research institutes in obtaining access to information and communication technology (ICT) hardware and software. The network introduced an initiative aimed at enhancing information and communication management (ICM)/ICT skills; improving access to existing agricultural information; generating new content; and harmonising agricultural information policies. RAIN has also initiated a post-graduate-level training in Agricultural Information and Communication Management (AICM). The network set up an ICT infrastructure within the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).

The network develops public relations materials in English and French, which are shared through its
website. Here, visitors can download key documents and publications; RAIN hopes to encourage stakeholders to participate in its activities through this process. One tool for facilitating this involvement is a web-based contact directory of individuals and institutions, which is an effort to ease communication and to promote interaction among the NARS and partners in the ASARECA region.

Advocacy is one of RAIN's other emphases. The group is working to catalyse national agricultural information policies and strategies, which it hopes will lead to the development of regional policies and strategies as well. RAIN is also contributing to the process of developing a national ICT policy.

In addition to conducting baseline studies, RAIN's research focus will, in the future, include encouraging the generation of scientific information. RAIN also plans to work with researchers at ASARECA to enhance availability of regional public goods. The network is also preparing to undertake research of its own to generate methodological innovations for improved dissemination and uptake of agricultural information.

Agriculture.