Wi-fi Web Reaches Farmers in Peru

This article describes an Agriculture Information Project taking place in Peru which provides farmers with a network of community computer centres to facilitate their farming practices. The project was initiated in September 2004 and includes

participation from the Peruvian Centre for Social Studies (Cepes), local organisations, the Education and Agriculture

ministries, and European development organisations.

This network of 14 telecentres is located in the Chancay-Huaral Valley, 80 kilometers north of Lima. It offers free, open source software and is linked by wireless technology . The Project seeks to help a community of over 6,000 people and in particular
farmers, by offering a wide variety of up-to-date information. The
Huaral website provides a variety of information for farmers including the latest market prices, new farming techniques, prices for local produce, as well as "how to information" such as methods for plague prevention.

The project offers computer and internet training as well as lessons for farmers who are learning how to apply this information in ways that can improve their farming methods. Training sessions include an equal number of men and women, and according to the arrticle, some women are seeing computers for the first time in their lives. The project is also helping link groups involved in projects such as water irrigation projects. According to Mr. Saldarriaga, one of the project leaders, "Water is the main
element that unites them all..."

One specific project goal includes the aspiration that the computer centre network will be self-sustainable within three years based on earnings generated by the internet cafes that have been set up.

According to Mr Saldarriaga, one of the reasons for the success of the project is ownership. People feel like it is theirs. The training component has been key as well because it has created enthusiasm and word is spreading about the success of the project.

While the project's main purpose is to help farmers, the article indicates that over 13,000 rural inhabitants, as well as 18,000 students in the region are benefitting from the telecoms infrastructure as well.