C4C ROUND TABLE WORKSHOP ON ICT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · This report is a result of a 2-day Round Table Workshop organized by the Connect for Change Consortium (C4C); an alliance

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C4C ROUND TABLE WORKSHOP ONICT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

“USING ICT TO ASSIST AGRIBUSINESSES IN ZAMBIA”

23-24 AUGUST 2011 – LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

1 Page| OPPAZ - ICCO – IICD – C4C Round Table Workshop

Facilitation and Technical Assistance

Host and Lead Coordinator: Mr Munshimbwe Chitalu, CEO, OPPAZ Lead facilitator: Mr Olaf Erz, IICD Regional Manager for East Africa (Ethiopia,

Uganda and Zambia) Co-facilitator: Ms Theresa Stanton, IICD Country Manager for Zambia Technical and Logistical Coordinator: Mr Nicholas Mushimba, Agri-ProFocus

Country Coordinator Reporter: Mr Wilson Silomba, Consultant

ABSTRACTThis report is based on the first programme planning workshop for the EconomicDevelopment Programme of the Connect for Change (C4C) alliance: a consortium of sixDutch development organizations – Cordaid, Edukans, ICCO, Text2Change and AKVO - ledby the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD). The workshopwas conducted for stakeholders from Zambia’s agricultural sector, several of whichrepresented one of Zambia’s key commodities: Honey, Beans, Cotton, Groundnuts, Rice,and Vegetables. The workshop was hosted by the Organic Producers and ProcessorsAssociation of Zambia (OPPAZ).

The workshop representatives from the key organizations in the sector identifiedopportunities and threats facing farmers and young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector,and the driving forces that could influence the sector in the next 10 years.

This information will be used to formulate a 3-year C4C Economic Development Programmein Zambia that will benefit small-scale farmers, processors and entrepreneurs, particularlythose specializing in rice, beans, vegetables, honey, groundnuts and cotton. The programmewill be led by OPPAZ and will be implemented in close cooperation with the keyorganizations representing the commodities listed above. At the end of the workshop, theparticipants indicated the support they were willing to offer OPPAZ in order to implementthe C4C programme.


CONTENTS

SECTION A: DAY ONE

ABSTRACT …………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..1

INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................3

1. Background Information ………………………………………………………………………………………….3

2. C4C alliance and IICD’s Economic Programme in Zambia ………………………………………4

3. Organic Producers and Processers Association of Zambia (OPPAZ)…………….………….6

4. Introduction to Scenario Planning ……………………………………..…………………………………… 8

5. Group Work and Presentations: Opportunities and Threats

for Zambia’s Economic Development sector in the Long Term ……………………… 12

6. Group Work and Presentations: Key Driving Forces ……………..……………………………… 13

7. Plenary/Group Work: Development of Scenarios of the Future - Year 2025 -

and Presentations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………13

SECTION B: DAY TWO8. Plenary/Group Work: Information, Communication, Content needs

in the long term - per scenario ……………………….……………………………………………….. 15

9. Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………..…………………………… 20

10. Follow-up activities ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21

ANNEXES1. Annex 1: Connect4Change Round Table Workshop Programme …………………….. 22

2. Annex 2: Connect4Change Workshop Participants List …………………………………. 24

3. Annex 3: Connect4Change Workshop Evaluation Results ………………………………….27


SECTION A: DAY ONEIntroduction

This report is a result of a 2-day Round Table Workshop organized by the Connect forChange Consortium (C4C); an alliance of five Dutch development organizations led by theInternational Institute for Communication and Development (IICD). The Organic Producersand Processors Association of Zambia (OPPAZ) hostedthe meeting, which took place on 23 and 24 August2011 at the Courtyard Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia. Theworkshop was officially opened by the RoyalNetherlands Embassy in Zambia by Mr. Nkrumah C.Kalaluka who graciously welcomed the keystakeholders from Zambia’s agricultural sector whotook part, many of whom represented Zambia’s keycommodities.

The theme of the workshop was ‘Using ICTs to AssistAgribusinesses in Zambia’. Its main objective was tolay the foundation for a robust economic developmentprogramme; one that, with the help of ICT(information and communication technology), willbenefit large numbers of Zambia’s small-scale farmersspecializing in rice, honey, vegetables, cotton,groundnuts and beans. The economic developmentprogramme, which will be further developed after the workshop in collaboration with

stakeholders from the five key commodities mentionedabove, will be supported by the Connect for Change (C4C)consortium and spearheaded nationally by OPPAZ in closecooperation with key stakeholders from the sector.

In this report, the reader is therefore kindly requested topay attention to the Follow-up Activities on page 21 ofthis report and to the feedback marked “ParticipantObservations” on each topic from the participants whichcan be found on pages 6, 11 and 14. It is this feedbackwhich shows the level of understanding that theparticipants obtained from the particular topic in theworkshop. The report is divided into two sections, sectionA representing Day 1 and section B representing Day 2.

1. Background Information

The International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) is aninternational NGO based in the Netherlands. Through its Zambia Country Programme, it hassupported development work and ICT-driven activities in Zambia for the last 10 years.

“We believe that peoplecan improve their lives bytaking charge of theirown development.

Swift and easy access toinformation andcommunication for thispurpose makes thispossible, and in somecases can even acceleratethe process.”

IICD

“On behalf of the RoyalNetherlands Embassy, I amdelighted to welcome you tothe Connect for Change RoundTable Workshop on EconomicDevelopment. Each one of yourepresents a vital element inZambia’s agricultural sector.Each one of you brings adifferent set of skills to thetable. Let us find ways inwhich we can combine ourexperiences and knowledge ofthe sector for the benefit ofZambia’s labour force.”

Mr. N .C. KalalukaRoyal Netherlands Embassy,

Zambia


IICD’s approach involves working closely with local organizations, such as OPPAZ with whichit has a close working relationship, to explore ways in which modern and traditionalinformation and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to help small-scale farmersand processers in Zambia, With the help of ICT, and in close cooperation with each other,we can help small-scale farmers address the day-to-day challenges they face and bringabout the improvements that they themselves wish to see in their day-to-day working lives.

The Connect for Change (C4C) consortium, which is made up of five Dutchdevelopment organizations - ICCO, Cordaid, AKVO, Text2Change and Edukans - is led byIICD. From January 2011 it will focus on two sectors in Zambia during the course of thenext three years: Economic Development and Education. The first step in this processinvolves holding a Round Table workshop. This workshop is intended to lay the foundationfor developing an overarching programme in both sectors, consisting of a variety ofcomplementary ICT-driven initiatives. For this reason, between 20-25 key stakeholdersfrom the Agricultural and Economic Development sector were invited to take part in the 2-day C4C Economic Development Round Table workshop in Lusaka from 23-24 August 2011.

During the workshop representatives from key organizations in the sector, including theCotton Association of Zambia (CAZ), the Zambia Honey Platform (ZHP), the Zambia RiceFederation, and the National Agricultural Information Services (NAIS), jointly identified themain opportunities and threats that currently face farmers and young entrepreneurs in theagricultural sector, as well as the driving forces that could influence the sector in the next10 years.

This information will be used as the basis for an overarching C4C Economic DevelopmentProgramme for Zambia, led by OPPAZ.

2. C4C alliance and IICD’s Economic Programme in Zambia

Mr Olaf Erz, lead facilitator, briefly explained IICD’s approach towards development: “Webelieve that people can improve their lives by taking charge of their owndevelopment. Swift and easy access to information and communication for thispurpose makes this possible, and in some cases can even accelerate the process.”He went on to outline IICD’s main areas of expertise (see below) which it has acquired overthe last 15 years, namely: working closely with local organizations to identify innovative andcost-effective ways to bring about positive changes for teachers, farmers, governmentofficials, doctors and health workers in their country with the help of modern and traditionalinformation and communication technologies (ICTs).

IICD’s areas of expertise in ICT4D during the last 15 years

ICT for Agriculture/EconomicDevelopmento Access Market informationo Improving quality & productivityo Supporting policy-makerso Business skills & employment

ICT for Educationo Improving competenceso Upgrading educational materialso Improving school managemento Supporting policy makers


ICT for Governanceo Access to public serviceso Exchange of information

ICT for Healtho Improving Health capabilitieso Improving Healthcare deliveryo Administrative efficiencyo Supporting policy-makerso Increasing public awareness

C4C: Why Connect4change?o Willingness to have a larger impact in the field– Development of capacities of local actors– Increased networking– Poverty reductiono Moving from piloting to up-scaling: there is a need for

additional partners to achieve thiso Showing that ICT can accelerate development– Importance of ownership, demand-driven approach– Sustainable use of ICTo Requirement from the Dutch government in order to

obtain funding for 2011-2015

C4C: ICT for Economic Development – objectiveso Improved income and employment opportunities

in 7 countrieso 25 partner organizations strengthen 1,500,000

small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs organizedin about 250 organizations

o Through improved productivity, better access tomarkets, financial services and institutionaldevelopment by using ICT.

What exactly is the problem you want to solve?And how can ICT help you?

ICT: what is that exactly? ICT can include the following:Information and Communication devices– Mobile and Smartphones– PDA & GPS– MP3– Computers, laptops, tablets, notebooks– Radios, TVCommunication networks– Telecommunication services– Internet servicesData management– Data management systems (GIS, MIS, etc)– Call centresICT is not an end in itself!- It is a tool that needs to be adapted for local use- It sparks and supports what you want to achieve.

ICT is not theend-goal

“Taking ICT to peopledoesn't necessarilymean that you need toput a computer intoevery village: it is not aninfrastructure issue.

What you actually needto take to them is theinformation that canmake a difference!”

IICD in 2010~ Facts and Figures ~ 133 projects initiated 22 ICT4D policies and

upscaling programmes >50% of projects

continue independ-ently, only 10% fail tobecome sustainable

24 training institutionssupported

10 ICT4D networksestablished

75 publications,research and impactstudies produced

830,000 direct-usersof ICT

6.1 million peoplebenefiting indirectlyfrom ICT.

6 OPPAZ - ICCO – IICD – Connect4Change Round Table Workshop, Zambia

Participant Observation“Information and communication technology (ICT) has contributed towards promotingeconomic development initiatives in Zambia. In this modern era the role of technology inimproving the lives of the people cannot be underestimated. Most people, includingminorities, more than ever before, are now buying goods and services online, sendingmessages across the globe to loved ones, sending emails to donor agencies for support andreceiving instant replies.” It was observed that with continued support of IICD, Zambia willachieve its desired destination, a country where there is access to market information,improved productivity and quality products

3. Organic Producers and Processers Association of Zambia (OPPAZ)

Some key facts about OPPAZ:

o OPPAZ is a membership-based, non-profit BSO leading the development of avibrant and sustainable Zambian organic industry

o It provides Technical, Marketing, Organic certification, Advisory, Informationand Extension services

o It works in harmony with nature - without harming it - while enjoying increasedproduction.

OPPAZ’s Mission

“To promote, facilitate and coordinate organic agri-business development based on theequitable and sustainable use of the environment and its natural resources for employment,wealth creation, and enhancement of the quality of life in a gender-balanced and drug-freesetting.”

What is the status of agri-business (AB) in Zambia today?

In a nutshell:

o Incoherent extension service execution– Poor policy provisions; Poor collaboration and agribusiness

linkages; Doubtful competency and qualificationso Low productivity/production

– poor know-how, inadequate technology, poor extension supporto Poor market access (consistency, quality, attitudes)

– MTM (Transport, Storage, Packaging, Value addition)o Poor public awarenesso Weak farmer organisationso Limited IT technical capacity in OPPAZ

Agri Business Opportunitieso Availability of trained human resourceso Increasing demand in favour of natural and healthier productso Readily available local and external markets for natural and organic productso Processing and value additiono Pristine environment and its natural resourceso Equable climate & climate change


ICT Actions in Zambia

o Development of Internal Control Systems (ICS) database for qualitymanagement and facilitation of organic certification for various commodities

o Facilitation and supervision of data collection and periodic technicalinformation in conformity with international standards

o Application of mapping software using smart phones for uploading imagesonto the database

o Public information through internet for Agribusiness promotion andmarketing

ICT Implementation to date

o Provision of ICT Infrastructure at 7 sites: new and (or) upgrading existingequipment and services, Internet connectivity [[email protected]]

o Creation of dedicated websites according to needo Capacity building activities: development of basic technical aptitude to

enhance processes at HQ-OPPAZ, Producer Organizations, Extension Workers.o ICT product development: development of Internal Control System (ICS)

and Management Information System (MIS).

Internal Control System (ICS) database/Management Information System (MIS)

o ICS benefits 1,500 Small Scale Farmers (SSF): 6 sites in Mongu,Mpongwe, Kaoma, Chongwe, Petauke and Chibombo districts

o The Management Information System (MIS) maintains updatedinformation about OPPAZ members including details about farms, plotdetails, crops and fertilizer usage for the past 4 years

o In combination with each other, the Internal Control System (ICS) and theManagement Information System (MIS) enhance the capture,management, reporting and communication of certification databetween the farmers/farmer organizations and internal inspectors.

Collaborators in action

o Active: IICD, SCC, Oikos, Hivos, Solidaridad/Rabobank, ADF, ILO.o Potential: Agriterra.

Private commercial sector operators: Commodity buyers, processors,suppliers.

o 120 OPPAZ members with a constituency of 56,000 small-scale farmers.

Strategic IT focus

Development of a functional medium to long-term Study Circle inclined towards an organicstrategic agribusiness development programme with a changing climate in mind tosignificantly increase income earnings at household level befitting a middle-income status.

The role of OPPAZ in C4C

o Diversification of use and expansion of geographical coverage of ICT tofar flung areas in the Northern province


o Establishment and implementation of an e-extension and informationservices forum to stimulate growth of organic production value chains

o Development of an e-market solution for the supply and demand ofagribusiness goods and services, commodities, teaching aids and extensionsupport

o Establishment of an off-line e-library service for public information atOPPAZ and designated centres in various parts of the country.

4. Introduction to Scenario Planning

Mr Olaf Erz (photo, left), LeadFacilitator, introduced the concept ofScenario Planning, beginning with abrief description by Wilkinson: “Scenarioplanning derives from the observationthat, given the impossibility ofknowing precisely how the futurewill play out, a good decision orstrategy to adopt is one that plays outwell across several possiblefutures…The purpose of scenarioplanning is not to pinpoint futureevents but to highlight large-scaleforces that push the future indifferent directions.”

The Key Steps in Scenario Planning

1. Identify the focal issue that you and the participating organizations jointly face2. Ensure that the scenarios will be relevant to you and your organization’s environment3. Work “from the inside out.”4. Remember that a focal issue can be: a) broad - what will characterize our country in

10 years time? or b) narrow - should we introduce a new service?5. Analyze the current situation critically

=>look at the deep underlying causes.


Identify the driving forces in the macro environment that influence the key factors such associal dynamics – economic issues – political issues – technological issues

Social dynamics Quantitative, demographic issues (how influential will youth be in 10 years time?) Softer issues of values, lifestyle, demand, or political energy.

Economic issues Macroeconomic trends and forces shaping the

economy as a whole (How will international tradeflows and exchange rates affect the price of localproducts?)

Microeconomic dynamics (How might thestructure of the economic sector change?)

Forces at work, on or within the organizationitself (Will we be able to find the skilledemployees we need?)

Political issues Legislative (Will tax policies be changed? Will

there no longer be a tax for IT equipment?) Regulatory (Will Google replace Microsoft?)

Technological issues Direct (How will high-bandwidth/wireless affect telephony?) Enabling (Will smart phones replace computers?) Indirect (Will mobile allow easy internet usage and thus compete with wireless

connections?)

Define the driving forces

Identify the critical uncertainties relevant to the focal issue.

The organization ranks each key factor and driving force based on its importance to thefocal issue or decision and the degree of uncertainty surrounding it.

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It is only when you areforbidden to talk about thefuture that you suddenly realizehow much the future normallyoccupies the present, how muchdaily life is usually spent makingplans and attempting to controlthe future. Never mind that youhave no control over it: the ideaof the future is our greatestentertainment, amusement, andtime-killer ...take it away andthere is only the past.

Erica Jong


The goal is to identify the factors and forces that are the most important and the mostuncertain.

Select the scenarios:• Possible futures are identified by examining critical uncertainties.• Critical uncertainties can be examined along a spectrum (a single axis) and a

matrix (two axes).• The goal is to create just a few scenarios whose eventuality will make a

difference to decision-makers.

Each scenario is then expanded into a narrative that addresses the critical uncertainties.• The resulting scenarios represent very different, but plausible, futures that

are relevant to the focal issue.• The goal in fleshing out the scenarios is to describe each future in such a way

that its limits are explored and understood.• Each narrative should be compelling and thought-provoking.

It all comes down to the ability to go up and down the ladderof abstraction, and being able to see both the big picture andthe operational implications. Loizos Heracleous

Information technology and business are becominginextricably interwoven. I don’t think anybody can talkmeaningfully about one without talking about the other.Bill Gates

The trouble with our times is that the future is not what itused to be. Paul Valéry

The three core activities for scenario planning are:1. Identify the opportunities and threats2. Identify the key driving forces3. Develop scenarios of the future

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ortance

Uncertainty


Participant observations

Participants observed that the scenario planning process is designed to stimulate creativethought, collect and analyze information and generate a series of scenarios, and that it isimportant for participants to hold a significant amount of fundamental information about thecurrent situation and key trends and decision points. Scenario planning was seen as a veryimportant process, an input when it comes to considering the current political, economic,social and technological influences in their field at present; and to consider the strengths,weaknesses, opportunities and threats of their projects/programmes. Participants wereallowed to think out of the box as long as the issues raised were of relevance to Zambia andits agriculture/economic development sector. The process was proven to collect valuableinformation rapidly and effectively.

5. Group work and presentations: opportunities and threats forZambia’s economic development sector in the long term

The participants split up into four groups in order to identify the opportunities and threatsfor Zambia’s economic development sector in the long term. These were highly interactivesessions, with the IICD facilitators going round the groups to stimulate the discussions.

OPPORTUNITIES THREATSGroup One (1) Willingness of partners to work

together Good will from Government Availability of external market Rural electrification policy by

Government Additional climate change finance to

respond to climate change

Absence of policies for commodities Lack of an adequate infrastructure for

small-scale farmers (roads andwarehouses)

Climate change (erratic rainfall andunpredictability)

Potential risk of GMO entry intoZambia

Group Two (2) Growing demand for healthy and

nutritious foods Huge market for seed cotton Existence of a coordinating body for

agricultural activities Increased buy-in of organic

agriculture as a solution to climatechange

Integration of conservation farming inthe agricultural policy

Improved flow of market information,both locally and internationally

Increased involvement of schoolgraduates in the agriculture sector

Improved communication system Consideration of Bacillus

Thuringiensis (BT) cotton.

Climate change Increased production and utilization

of synthetic fibre Ineffective land tenure Reduced funding for the agriculture

sector Introduction of GMOs Loss of biodiversity


OPPORTUNITIES

Group Three (3) Policies/strategies in place - NAP,

SNDP, VISION 2030 Skilled human resources Availability of natural resources Generally peaceful country Belonging to regional groups:

COMESA and SADC Favorable international trade and

other protocols Growing demand of eco-produced

products Value addition Organized associations/groups for

marketing and value addition

THREATS

Poor implementation of polices Poor infrastructure: roads,

communication systems, electricity Influx of people from other countries Agriculture is not seen as an

enterprise Agriculture is stigmatized: seen as a

‘dirty job’ Climate change: drought ,floods A middle-income country: privileges Influx of imports”: China, South

Africa High standards for products: exports

on tariff barriers Unfavorable international /regional

policies.Group Four (4) Policy developments in economic

sectors Good political will for economic

development Agriculture being given attention at

country and regional level: CADDP,NEPAD, SADC

Rich in mineral resources: land,water, minerals, etc.

Farmers are keen to acquireknowledge and skills

More youths are emerging in business Educational policy: more people are

able to read and write Awareness on good food-eating

habits has been created: moredemand for healthy foods

High use of ICTs (mobile phones) High usage and high cost of

chemical/in-organic fertilizer Every district has a Farmer Training

Centre (FTC) / Farm Institute (FI)

Climate change (effects) Rural-urban migration Foreign investment: local people

denied access to investmentopportunities

Increased demand for traditional land Government policy on Fertilizer Input

Support Program( FISP) Educational policy / curriculum that

promotes white collar jobs Poor information flow: not demand-

driven

Participant Observations

Participants were allowed to share their views with regard to the meaning of the words‘Opportunities’ and ‘Threats’ in relation to economic development issues. Opportunities wereseen as external chances that can enable a programme or project to be successful in agiven environment. Thus they are ‘enablers’. On the other hand, threats were seen asexternal elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the programme or project


or business. In this sense, they are ‘barriers’. From the above definitions of the tworespective terms, it was concluded that the participants know what was required and thusquality inputs were expected.

6. Group Work and Presentations: Key driving forces

Participants went back into their groups; this timeto identify the key driving forces (social,economic, political, environmental, technical)(see photo, right). Eight (8) key driving forces wereidentified. These were:

1. Capacity Building2. Values and vision for technology3. Capacity equipment and finance4. Right attitudes5. Human Resource6. Access to technology7. Good policies8. Skilled manpower

7. Plenary Group Work: Development of scenarios of the future -year 2025 - and presentations

Group 1: Strong enabling environment and weak social capital

Positive Positive Gross Domestic Product

(GDP) Increase in Foreign Direct Investment

(FDI) Technological advancement Positive infrastructure development

Negative Inequitable wealth distribution Social disorder/crime Low standard of living Dominance of foreign investors Poor implementation of policies Xenophobia Possible extinction of the middle class Demonstration of the prosperous-

social myths Increase in casualization of labour

Group 2: Strong enabling environment and strong social capital

Positive Improved infrastructure Reduced poverty levels Effective policy formulation and

implementation Creation of local linkages High life expectancy Adequate human resource

Negative


Group 3: Strong social capital and weak enabling environment

Positive More innovative Mushrooming informal sector Creation of local linkages

Negative Exploitation Corruption Reduced morale Black market Misinformation Negative foreign investment

Group 4: Weak enabling environment and weak social capital

Positive Economic liberalization

Negative High crime High inflation Closure of mines and industries SAP effects No research and development

Participant Observations

The presentations were done using different approaches: a combination of talking, singingand role plays. Various observations were made from the group presentations, from groupone it was concluded that development would take place - but at very slow rate, further agood enabling environment will have positive outcomes in terms of infrastructure and roadnetworks, however income will be skewed toward the foreign investors. It was alsoobserved that Civil Society Organization activities in terms of governance issues willincrease.


SECTION B: DAY TWO8. Plenary/Group Work: Information, Communication, content needsin the long term per scenario

Participants went back into their previousgroupings; this time around to look at theinformation, communication and contentneeds in the long term for each scenario.Furthermore, the participants had to link the issuesidentified to the commodities they related to, andto indicate whether it was also an OPPAZ issue ornot. Below is a list of the main commodities thatwere identified as being particularly relevant for theeconomic development programme that will be ledby OPPAZ and supported by C4C. OPPAZ is alsoincluded as an organization that is affected bysome of the issues.

Commodities

1. Honey2. Beans3. Cotton4. Groundnuts5. Rice6. Vegetables7. All (represents all 6 commodities)8. OPPAZ

Group 1: Strong enabling environment and weak social capital

1. Attitudes, positive transformation: All and OPPAZ2. Markets and opportunities: All and OPPAZ3. Incentives/ facilitating procedures, regulatory frame works: All4. Benchmarking information: All5. Capacity development support-program lines (SMEs/MSMEs): All6. Skills development support programs: All and OPPAZ7. Information exchange platform: All and OPPAZ

Group 2: Strong enabling environment and strong social capital

1. Continue on awareness creation on the health and nutrition of organic products: Alland OPPAZ

2. Provision of market information: All and OPPAZ3. Provision of information on improved technology and innovation: All and OPPAZ


4. Identification and profiling of key partners and establishment of key partners andestablishment of networking system: All and OPPAZ

5. Provision of farmer profile , that is production, type of products, location and fieldhistory: All and OPPAZ

6. Provision of information on an acceptable and appropriate package: All and OPPAZ

Group 3: Strong social capital and weak enabling environment

Information, communication and content needs

Financial information: All Technologies: All Marketing information: All and OPPAZ

- Standards, prices, markets etc Policy advocacy: All and OPPAZ

- Developing and implementation- Land, natural resources, infrastructure, labour etc

Group 4: Weak enabling environment and weak social capital

1. Communication: All and OPPAZ- Organic farming content development- Study circle concept, RFF, CDs, DVDs, cassettes- Strengthening research, extension, farmer linkages

2. Technology: All

ICTs Production / research- Improve connectivity (mobile,

internet)- Infrastructure development- Improve energy source- Access to basic ICTs- Capacity building in use of

ICTs

- Content development ofnew research technologies

- Process of certification- Soil analysis- IK- Organic farming in schools

and colleges3. Capacity building: All and OPPAZ

- Content development- Training of trainers- Train farmers in use of ICTs

4. Market linkages: All and OPPAZ- Promotion of availability of organic products- Databank of producers- Create network of producers and buyers/customers


The participants then formed two groups, one for the strategic planners and decision-makers and the other for the implementers. The two groups had to define the statement ofthe problem, set the objectives, and identify the target group as well as the geographicalscope and the information flows. The outcomes of the two groups are presented below.

Group 1: Strategic Planners

Strategic level: presentation

Problems

1. There is no organic agricultural policy in Zambia2. There is generally a low level of awareness and understanding of health issues by

consumers and producers3. There is limited awareness about environmental issues in industrialized agriculture

Objectives

1. To contribute towards change in the value system relating to organic products2. To contribute to a sustainable organic farming

system

Target Groups

Macro: Government ministries

Meso: Intermediary organizations

Training

Research

Micro: Farmers Associations and farmers

Geographic Scope

North/Western, Northern, Western, Eastern,Lusaka, Central

Concept

Systematic program intervention targeting macro, meso and micro levels

Support systems through project partners.

Training and capacity development of implementers


Information Flow

OPPAZ

NRDCZARI

KASISI ATCOTHERS

EEXTEn

FARMERFAASSOCIFFlllAF

ATIONS

FARkkkkkMERAFASSOCIATIO

NS

FARMERS AND THECOMMUNITY

EXTENSION OFFICERSEXTENSION OFFICERS

FARMERASSOCIATIONS

FARMERASSOCIATIONS

FARMERS andCOMMUNITIES

FARMERS andCOMMUNITIES


Group 2: Implementers

Problem Statement

Inadequate capacity within OPPAZ to develop,produce, package, store and disseminatedemand-driven information (production,processing and market info)

Objective

To build capacity within OPPAZ to adequatelydevelop, produce, package, store anddisseminate demand-driven information(production, processing and market)

Specific Objectives

1. Recruit/train OPPAZ staff2. Provision of ICT tools to enable OPPAZ to produce information products3. Identification of key stakeholders and establishment of networks for information

sharing4. Training of contact farmers in the utilization of ICTs

Target

1. Organic Producer & Producer/Group/Association2. Extension Service Providers/Research3. OPPAZ Secretariat/Board

Geographic Scope

1. Western Province

Mongu – Rice Kaoma – Honey, Cotton

2. Eastern Province

Petauke – Groundnuts,Cotton

Chipata – Honey Mfuwe – Rice, Honey &

Groundnuts Lundazi – Rice, Honey &

Groundnuts3. Central Province

Chibombo – Groundnuts,Beans, Vegetables, Cotton

4. Lusaka Province

Chongwe – Groundnuts,vegetables

5. Copperbelt Province

Mpongwe – Groundnuts,Reds Onion

6. Luapula Province

Kaputa – Rice, Honey

7. Southern Province

Livingstone – Vegetables


Information Flow

1) Establish and enhance information resource centres at local level and national level

2) Establish web-based/ICT platform for uploading information

3) Hold biannual/annual stakeholders’ information-sharing meetings

9. Conclusion

The idea for the Round Table workshop oneconomic development - assisting agricultureusing ICT in Zambia - for stakeholders in theeconomic development sector was well-conceived on the part of the partners within theC4C consortium (ICCO, Cordaid, AKVO,Text2Change and the lead-organization: IICD).This forum provided an excellent foundationfor the formulation of the C4C economicdevelopment programme for Zambia, as ithighlighted the strategic issues to beconsidered in the formulation andimplementation of the programme. The reportwill act as a reference document, both beforeand during the implementation process, as itcontains the evidence and issue-based dataneeded for the next stages of the planningpurpose.


10. Follow-up activities

Each organization pledges to support and cooperate with OPPAZ on the C4C programme inthe following ways:

Organization Support to OPPAZZambia AgricultureResearch Institute(ZARI)

- Provide and share information through various ways. Forexample, through conducting research or field studies

KASISI AgriculturalTraining Centre(KATC)

- exchange of information- Undertaking research- Extension studies- Offering various training initiatives

Zambia HoneyPlatform

- To continue with the information sharing which has beengoing on in the past and to share more best practices.

- To work together on lobbying and advocacy.Cotton Association ofZambia (CAZ)

- To work together on creating awareness of the possibilitiesorganic cotton production.

- To work together on biotechnology and Climate change.Natural ResourcesDevelopment College(NRDC)

- Information sharing- Research activities- To incorporate organic farming into the curriculum or relate

courses to organic farmingNational AgriculturalInformation Services(NAIS)

- Storage and dissemination of information (sensitization orinformation delivery)

- Passing on information to all parts of the country atprovincial, district and community level.

Zambia ClimateChange Network(ZCCN)

- To collaborate with OPPAZ on climate adaptation strategies- Exchange of information and promoting information flow.

Swedish CooperativeCentre (SCC)

- Technical assistance on financial compliance and otherareas

- Assist on undertaking monitoring and evaluation activities- Support the ongoing study circle- Support the development of new ways of generating

information.Zambia DevelopmentAgency (ZDA)

- Support services- Sector development in organic products- Strategizing on priority products- Push for policy funding (lobby and advocacy)

Agri-ProFocus (APF) - To promote OPPAZ activities on the ning (APF platform) andlink with other organizations or institutions implementingsimilar activities

- Support the organization and facilitation of activities- To collaborate on biotechnology and climate-smart

agricultural themes- Support the idea of information sharing/exchange- To support OPPAZ on activity follow-ups.

International Institutefor Communicationand Development(IICD)

- Information sharing (to, from and through OPPAZ)- To lobby for more resources for OPPAZ and other related

organizations representing the different commodities.


ANNEX 1Connect for Change (C4C) Round Table Workshop Programme

Economic Development – Zambia: 23-24 August 2011

Day One: Tuesday 23 August 2011

Time Activities Responsible

9.00-9.30 Welcome and self introductions (2-3 minutes each) IICD

9.30-09.35 Opening Remarks RoyalNetherlandsEmbassy

09.40-9.55 C4C alliance and IICD’s Economic Programme inZambia

IICD

09.55-10.25 OPPAZ update OPPAZ

10.25-10.30 Rules of the game IICD

10.30-11.00 BREAK All

11.00-11.15 Introduction to Scenario Planning IICD

11.15-11.45 Group Work: opportunities and threats for theeconomic development programme in the longerterm

All

11.45-12.15 Presentations All

12.15-13.00 Group Work: key driving forces (social, economic,political, environmental, technical)

All

13.00-14.00 LUNCH All

14.00-14.30 Presentation of key driving forces All

14.30-15.30 Plenary Group Work (4): development of scenariosof the future – Year 2025

IICD

15.30-16.00 BREAK All

16.00-17.00 Presentation of scenarios: role play, song All


Day Two: Wednesday 24 August 2011

Time Activities Responsible

9.00-9.10 Recap Agri-ProFocus

9.10-10.15 Plenary/Group Work (4): Information,communication, content needs in the long term perscenario; presentation and identifying theprogrammatic lines.

IICD

10.15-10.30 Role of each commodity in regard to the identifiedinformation, communication, content: MARKETPLACE

All

10.30-10.45 BREAK All

10.45-11.30 Group work: identifying and developing an idea fora 3-year overarching C4C programme foreconomic development in Zambia: problemstatement, objective, target group.

All

12.30-13.30 LUNCH All

13.30-14.45 Group work: identifying and developing an idea fora 3-year overarching programme for economicdevelopment in Zambia: geographic scope,concept, information flow.

All

14.45-15.00 BREAK All

15.00-16.00 Group Work: opportunities and threats for theeconomic development programme in long term

All

16.00-16.45 Presentation and reflection on programme ideas OPPAZ

16.45-17.00 Evaluation – and next steps All

17.00-17.15 Closing remarks of the workshop OPPAZ


ANNEX 2:

LIST OF C4C WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS (23rd - 24th August, 2011)

No. Name Title OrganizationalAddress

Contact Details & website

1 Mr. DanfordSimujika

EBDO Cotton Associationof Zambia (CAZ)

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.cotton.org.zm

2 Ms. Elly Mwale ViceChairperson

Zambia RiceFederation (ZRF)

[email protected] [email protected]

3 Elijah Kangwa Desk Officer,Honey

Agri-BusinessForum / ZambiaHoney Platform(ZHP)

[email protected]

120 Kudu Road, KabulongaP.O.BOX 32758, Lusaka

4 Ms. BrendaNang’amba

ActingExecutiveSecretary

Agri-businessForum (ABF)

[email protected]

120 Kudu Road, KabulongaP.O.BOX 32758, Lusaka

5 Mr. DarlingtonKahilu

InformationOfficer

NationalAgriculturalInformationServices (NAIS)

[email protected]

6 Mr. MatthiasKazolomaLungu

ExportPromotion,Sector Dev.Officer

ZambiaDevelopmentAgency (ZDA)

[email protected]

P.O. BOX 30819, Lusakawww.zda.org.zm

7 Ms. LintiniNaomi,

NationalProgrammeOfficer

InternationallabourOrganization(ILO)

[email protected]

Superannuation House, Ben BellaRd, Lusaka P.O.Box 32181 , 260 ,Lusaka www.ilo.org

8 Mr. PetaniHamazakaza

SARO ZambiaAgricultureResearch Institute(ZARI)

[email protected]

P/B 7, Chilanga, Lusaka.

www.zari.org.zm


9 Mr. SimonMwamba

CountryCoordinator

ESAF Zambia [email protected]@yahoo.co.uk

www.esaf.org

10 Ms. ZiezoSikanamuNchimunya

HOD, AgricEdu &ExtensionDepartment

Natural ResourcesDevelopmentCollege (NRDC)

[email protected]

P.O.Box 310099

Great East Road, Lusaka

www.nrdc.biz

11 Ms. MarjoryChola Chonya

ProgrammeOfficer

SwedishCooperativeCenter (SCC)

[email protected]

93 Kudu Road Kabulonga.

P.O.BOX 32012, Lusaka

www.sccportal.org/africa

12 Br. PaulDesmarais

ExecutiveDirector

Kasisi AgricultureTraining Center(KATC)

[email protected]

P.O.BOX 30652, Kasisi, Lusaka

13 Mr. EkanathKhatiwada

PSD Advisor SNV Zambia [email protected]

9 Nkanchibaya Rd, Rhodes Park.P.O.Box 31771, Lusaka

www.snvworld.org

14 Mr. SilumesiMaboshe

Founder Pencil CaseStudios

[email protected]

http://pencilcasestudios.com.

15 Mr. NkrumahC. Kalaluka

Policyofficer/privatesector &governance

Embassy of theKingdom of theNetherlands

[email protected]

P.O.BOX 31905, Lusaka

www.netherlandsembassy.org.zm

16 Mr. MachayaChomba

Advocate Zambia ClimateChange Network

[email protected]

17 Mr. ChezenSuede

Board Member Zambia ClimateChange Network

[email protected]


18 Mr. MikungaClay

Attached toOPPAZ

[email protected]

18 Mr. ChitaluMushimbwe

Chief ExecutiveOfficer

Organic Producersand ProcessorsAssociation ofZambia (OPPAZ)

[email protected]

P.O.BOX 35317, Kabulonga,Lusaka.

www.oppaz.org.

19 Mr. EdwinAbwino

Technical FieldOfficer

Organic Producersand ProcessorsAssociation ofZambia (OPPAZ)

[email protected]

P.O.BOX 35317, Kabulonga,Lusaka.

www.oppaz.org.

20 Mr. Nicholas K.Mushimba

Countrycoordinator

Agri-ProFocus

(APF)

[email protected]

9 Nkanchibaya Rd, Rhodes Park.P.O.Box 31771, Lusaka

www.agri-profocus.nl

22 Mr. WilsonSilomba

Consultant Agri-ProFocus

(APF)

[email protected]

23 Ms. TheresaStanton

CountryProgrammeManager forZambia

InternationalInstitute forCommunicationand Development(IICD)

[email protected]

P.O. BOX 11586, 2502 AN TheHague, Netherlands.

www.iicd.org

24 Mr. Olaf Erz RegionalManager forEast Africa(Uganda,Zambia,Ethiopia)

InternationalInstitute forCommunicationand Development(IICD)

[email protected]

P.O. BOX 11586, 2502 AN TheHague, Netherlands.

www.iicd.org


ANNEX 3Connect4Change Round Table Workshop

23-24 August 2011: Lusaka, Zambia~ Evaluation Results ~

A total of 16 participants completed the Monitoring and Evaluation questionnaire for theConnect4Change 3-day Round Table Workshop on Economic Development in Lusaka, Zambia: 23-24August 2011. All of the participants came from Zambia and represented the following organisations:

1. Agri-Business Forum (2)2. Agri-ProFocus Zambia3. Cotton Association of Zambia4. Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre5. NAIS6. NRDC7. OPPAZ (2)8. Pencil Case Studios9. SNV10. Swedish Cooperative Centre11. Zambia Agriculture Research Institute12. Zambia Climate Change Network13. Zambia Development Agency14. Zambia Honey Platform

Other organisations that were present on the first day of the workshop, but which were unable to fill inthe questionnaire include: Zambia Rice Federation and Royal Netherlands Embassy

Out of all the organisations that completed the M&E questionnaire, 81.2% stated that they workedprimarily in ‘Agriculture’, 6.2% indicated that they were primarily active in the area of ‘Commerce /Trade / Transport / Tourism / Entertainment / Manufacturing / Finance’; a further 6.2% stated thatthey were primarily involved in Tertiary Education/Research; and 6.2% were occupied with ICT.

The positions occupied by the participants within their respective organisations were as follows:Director: 25%; Manager: 25%; Technical staff: 31.2%; Support staff: 6.2%; Other: 12.5%. The agerange of the bulk of the participants was between 31-40 years of age, while the age range of the restof the participants varied between 21-30 years -18.8%; 41-50 years: 31.2%; and 61 years and older:6.2%. The gender split was 18.8% female and 81.2% male. An overwhelming 81.2% of participantslived in Lusaka, the capital, while 12.5% lived in a district town and 6.2% came from a rural area. Allof the participants had followed tertiary level education. There household income, in relation to otherpeople in Zambia, was: below average: 6.2%; average: 68.8%; above average: 25%.

The main reasons for people to take part in this workshop were cited as follows: I am very interested in ITC to help promote organic agriculture and empower the standard ofliving of the rural population; Invited by OPPAZ TO learn more about connect 4 change alliance To know what OPPAZ is doing with IICD My organisation has been playing a critical role in terms of supporting organic farming-basedpractices Previous interaction with IIDC and the potential for strengthening links with them to learn moreabout use of ICTs to foster economic development


Through an invitation To be aware of what OPPAZ is doing and see how it can collaborate with my institution To get more insights about ICT and its application on rural economic development To interact and get input for up-scaling the OPPAZ ICT project to stimulate increases inAGRIBUSINESS development and associated benefits to interact with others on matters of economic development in ICT among the organic farmers andsupport institutions To isolate areas of collaboration with OPPAZ regarding climate change adaptation and mitigationwith a particular focus on agricultural practices To network with other partners and establish collaboration to enhance our collaboration withOPPAZ in economic development To represent my organisation as delegated by the national coordinator To share experiences on ICT use in agriculture and to have a clear road map on theimplementation of ICT in agriculture To support the development of the project objectives for OPPAZ To support the organisation and facilitation of the workshop - also for information sharing in theagriculture sector To support the writing of the project proposal

Participants learned about the workshop through: Contacts with IICD and also invited by Agri-ProFocus Event anouncement on the Agri-ProFocus ning platform and verbal discussion with the APF country

coordinator Informed by OPPAZ secretariat Invited by Agri-Profocus and also through interaction with OPPAZ Through the Agri-ProFocus network Invited by Agri-ProFocus Invited by OPPAZ through Agri-ProFocus Part of the OPPAZ program The institution was invited by Agri-ProFocus, then management delegated me to represent the

institution at the workshop Through an OPPAZ invitation through the farmer round table workshop attended before Through IICD as the member of the APF network Through IICD correspondence

On a sliding scale, 43.8% of participants thought that the objectives of the workshop were very clear;25% thought they were clear; 25% thought that they were fairly clear; and 6.2% found them unclear..The objectives of the workshop have been achievedLabel Count Valid percentage+ 3 18.8%+ + 10 62.5%+ + + 3 18.8%Missing responses 0Total 16

The process of brainstorming and scenario modelling was effectiveLabel Count Valid percentage+ 1 6.2%+ + 8 50.0%+ + + 7 43.8%Missing responses 0Total 16


Through this workshop I am now more aware of the capabilities and limitations of ICT forthe sector I am working inLabel Count Valid percentageO 4 25.0%+ 7 43.8%+ + 4 25.0%+ + + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

I find it important that the workshop results in a number of ICT policy recommendationsLabel Count Valid percentage- - - 1 6.2%- - 1 6.2%- 1 6.2%O 4 25.0%+ 2 12.5%+ + 5 31.2%+ + + 2 12.5%

Missing responses 0Total 16

The ICT policy recommendations formulated at the workshop are usefulLabel Count Valid percentage- 2 12.5%O 4 25.0%+ 4 25.0%+ + 3 18.8%+ + + 3 18.8%Missing responses 0Total 16

The selected project ideas were true reflections of the national prioritiesLabel Count Valid percentageO 2 12.5%+ 2 12.5%+ + 6 37.5%+ + + 6 37.5%Missing responses 0Total 16

.


The attendees at the workshop were a good representation of key sectors of the economy(private sector, public sector, NGO’s and beneficiaries)Label Count Valid percentage+ 8 50.0%+ + 6 37.5%+ + + 2 12.5%Missing responses 0Total 16

The project ideas that came out of the workshop were true reflections of problems on thegroundLabel Count Valid percentageO 1 6.2%+ 5 31.2%+ + 6 37.5%+ + + 4 25.0%Missing responses 0Total 16

The criteria on which the projects were selected were sufficiently exhaustiveLabel Count Valid percentageO 2 12.5%+ 4 25.0%+ + 9 56.2%+ + + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

Within the given timeframe, we could have gone through more itemsLabel Count Valid percentage- - 1 6.2%O 5 31.2%+ 4 25.0%+ + 4 25.0%+ + + 2 12.5%Missing responses 0Total 16

Please mark the option that reflects how you feel about the following statements.I had the feeling my needs were heardLabel Count Valid percentageO 3 18.8%+ 4 25.0%+ + 5 31.2%+ + + 4 25.0%Missing responses 0Total 16


Please mark the option that reflects how you feel about the following statements.All participants were involved in decision makingLabel Count Valid percentage+ 3 18.8%+ + 6 37.5%+ + + 7 43.8%Missing responses 0Total 16

I experienced the composition of the participants as intimidativeLabel Count Valid percentage- - - 11 68.8%- 1 6.2%O 3 18.8%+ 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

I wish this workshop was done at a higher levelLabel Count Valid percentage- - - 6 37.5%- - 2 12.5%O 5 31.2%+ 3 18.8%Missing responses 0Total 16

I wish this workshop was done at institutional level (within my institution)Label Count Valid percentage- - - 5 31.2%- - 2 12.5%O 6 37.5%+ 2 12.5%+ + + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

I wish this workshop was done at sector level (Health / Education / Livelihoodopportunities / Environment / Good governance)Label Count Valid percentage- - - 4 25.0%- - 2 12.5%O 5 31.2%+ 2 12.5%+ + 2 12.5%+ + + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16


The workshop covered only a limited range of ICT technologiesLabel Count Valid percentage- - - 2 12.5%- - 1 6.2%- 2 12.5%O 7 43.8%+ 2 12.5%+ + 2 12.5%Missing responses 0Total 16

All themes of importance I could think of were covered at the workshopLabel Count Valid percentage- 1 6.2%O 2 12.5%+ 6 37.5%+ + 7 43.8%Missing responses 0Total 16

I missed representatives from important stakeholdersLabel Count Valid

percentage- - - 3 18.8%- - 3 18.8%O 4 25.0%+ 2 12.5%+ + 3 18.8%+ + + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

There was a good representation of ICT users and suppliersLabel Count Valid

percentage- - - 3 18.8%- - 2 12.5%- 3 18.8%O 4 25.0%+ 3 18.8%+ + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16


The workshop was well facilitatedLabel Count Valid

percentageO 2 12.5%+ 3 18.8%+ + 4 25.0%+ + + 7 43.8%Missing responses 0Total 16

I saw the facilitator as a resource personLabel Count Valid

percentage- - 1 6.2%O 2 12.5%+ 3 18.8%+ + 3 18.8%+ + + 7 43.8%Missing responses 0Total 16

The duration of the workshop was too longLabel Count Valid

percentage- - - 5 31.2%- 3 18.8%O 6 37.5%+ 1 6.2%+ + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

The venue of the workshop was goodLabel Count Valid

percentage- - 2 12.5%- 1 6.2%O 1 6.2%+ 3 18.8%+ + 4 25.0%+ + + 5 31.2%Missing responses 0Total 16


The catering during the workshop was goodLabel Count Valid

percentage- - 1 6.2%- 1 6.2%+ 6 37.5%+ + 6 37.5%+ + + 2 12.5%Total 16

I missed some necessary facilities (eg. overhead projectors, computers, beamer, flipcharts)Label Count Valid

percentage- - - 8 50.0%- - 1 6.2%- 1 6.2%O 4 25.0%+ 1 6.2%+ + 1 6.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

.Are you (thinking of) initiating a project?Label Count Valid

percentageYes 11 68.8%No 5 31.2%Missing responses 0Total 16

Can you explain why you are (thinking of) initiating a project ? A project in organic farming in cashew nuts area in Eastern Province as this priority commodity for

Petauke district. Huge potential Access to information is increasingly becoming important element of economic development

activities During the procession of this workshop I identified gaps in my operational areas I have learnt in this workshop that other methods of information dissemination like ICT can be

used, other than the old way of printing study material I am very clear that the dissemination of information can be effected timely through ICT Incorporating organic farming into the curriculum for extension agents Relevant and appropriate project that will serve the interests of many Zambians particularly at

lower level viz-a-viz employment creation, income generation and increased resiliance to theimpact of climate change

The workshop highlighted opportunities for the use of ICTs in agriculture and also on improvingthe information flow through ICT

THERE IS A LOT WE CAN DO IN THE AREA OF COLLECTING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OFSHARING AND DECISION MAKING

To link with what OPPAZ will be doing in the area of market linkages for farmers KATC becoming a tertiary level educational institution


Can you explain why you aren’t (thinking of) initiating a project? Lack of capacity in terms of finances I am already involved in a project, I so I would like to continue working on the same and complete

it. Already supporting other projects already taking place Because the workshop was based on the existing project which should be upscaled.

Please offer your honest and sincere suggestions, if any, for theoverall improvement of the project. Expanded involvement of stakeholders. IICD and OPPAZ to communicate in a more effective way and put more energies in

implementation now that the planning has been initiated very well. I would have found it very useful if I had known the agenda and objective of the 2-day workshop

ahead of time. IICD to continue engaging stakeholders when initiating projects because that makes it more

relevant and appropriate. Make "ICT for all" agenda on your project theme. Mere and effective communication. The project proposal should be completed with continued consultation and without delays. The

workshop was well organised. The work should have focused more on the variety of ICTs. More emphasis was placed on what

was to be achieved but the workshop did not emphasize the channels through which informationcan be produced and disseminated. Otherwise the workshop was well organised and let’s continueto interact amongst all the stakeholders to foster continuity of the program.

There was minimal participation from key stakeholders who were invited to this workshop. It couldhave been good to have equal level participation from them.

Well organised workshop.

Documents

C4C ROUND TABLE WORKSHOP ON ICT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · This report is a result of a 2-day Round Table Workshop organized by the Connect for Change Consortium (C4C); an alliance