PROPOSAL

to the

Asian Development Bank

for a

Regional Technical Assistance Project (RETA)

Establishing Knowledge Networks to Facilitate Development and Dissemination of

New Agricultural Technologies in Asia and the Pacific

from

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

in association with

Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutes (APAARI) CAB International (CABI)

Crawford Fund for International Agricultural Research

October 1999

A. INTRODUCTION 1. The need for improved communication and exchange of knowledge on agriculture and natural resources has long been recognised by many agencies and organisations that act at a regional level in Asia and the Pacific. One in particular, namely APAARI1, identified this area as a high priority for action at its General Assembly in 1996. The Association brings together the NARS2 of the region, that between them represent more than half the world’s population, and the international centers that are active there. The research and development agenda of the Association is one that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has long supported, given the emphasis that both attach to improving yields of staple crops and alleviation of poverty. The ultimate goal of these programmes is to improve rural livelihoods in a sustainable way, and APAARI recognizes that its members’3 technological outputs that underpin that process have to be disseminated. There is particular concern about improving the efficiency of the research/extension interface, as technology uptake pathways have changed over recent years. The rationale behind this novel approach to an old problem is given below, and the issues were debated at a special APAARI Expert Consultation in 1997. A proposal was formulated for consideration and ratification at the General Assembly in late 1998, and a pilot activity will be implemented by CABI in 1999/2000 using resources from APAARI itself and the GFAR4. This proposal is being submitted for consideration by the Bank, with a view to possible financing under the Regional Technical Assistance Programme. B. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE 2. Public agricultural research organizations in Asia are on the front line of strategies to alleviate poverty. The mandates of such organizations include both technology generation and technology transfer. Without ongoing innovation in agriculture, poverty in the region will remain a continuing challenge that is likely to threaten economic growth and social stability. 3. A major management issue for the next 5-10 years is that scientists in Asian NARS often work in relative isolation from each other, given that financial stringencies make it impossible for them to travel to meet their peers in other countries. Many do not have access to good communication facilities and lack user-friendly means of sharing information with their colleagues, plus their libraries are having to reduce their collections through lack of funds. Such barriers to knowledge and information exchange lead to duplication of research, and have created scientific imbalances that will increase. Government funding to R&D in many developing countries is shrinking in real terms, it has become even more imperative to avoid repetition of research. In a period of rapid technological advance, scientists in some NARS have already moved “ahead” of scientists in other countries, and scientists in or near metropolitan areas are often “ahead” of their colleagues in rural areas. 4. But remedies are available. New computer and telecommunications technologies are revolutionizing the ways in which scientists and managers can identify, access, use, and disseminate information. An important challenge for Asian NARS is to create opportunities for scientists to use these facilities to share information more easily. Innovation seldom comes from one individual or organisation working alone, but is rather the product of “networks of learning”. 5. The Internet provides agricultural research organizations in Asia with new potentials for sharing and disseminating information. Even though the IT necessary for Internet access is not yet in place throughout the region, scientists even in rural areas are increasingly finding ways of getting 1 Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions. 2 National Agricultural Research Systems. 3 Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Fiji, India, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan,

Papua New Guinea, Philippines (BAR), Philippines (PCARRD), South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Western Samoa.

4 Global Forum for Agricultural Research.

2

connected to emial at least. The demand is present and growing. Most governments are continuing their investments in IM/IT even in a period of economic austerity. Once the necessary IT becomes more widespread, scientists in all NARS institutes will have the facilities to access email to participate in th sort of knowledge network that will be initiated under this project. The concept of knowledge networks is a new one to almost the entire target group other than the select few who are exposed to the international environment. 6. This emphasis on international cooperation in IM/IT5 is a major theme in development assistance in the late 1990s. The World Bank has recently initiated an "Electronic Global Forum on Agricultural Research" (EGFAR). Most institutes in the CGIAR are now linked via an “Integrated Voice and Data Network” (IVDN). Regional organizations like APAARI and national research organizations are both expected to become active participants in such networks. NARS themselves are eager to establish scientific knowledge networks, which will also reach out into the informal sector. APAARI and its members have specifically requested the establishment of a network established6, and the APAARI Executive Committee has endorsed the specific content of the proposal presented below.7 7. The ADB policy on Agriculture and Natural Resources Research (1995) lists the following three focus areas: (a) reducing poverty, (b) sustainable management of agriculture and natural resources, and (c) increasing the productivity of agriculture. The Bank placed emphasis on environmentally sustainable farming systems and the development of new technologies, ranging from modern biotechnological methods through to participatory approaches involving farmers. This policy has been reflected in the large number of regional technical assistance projects in Asia-Pacific that the Bank has supported in the area of development of cooperation on research in agriculture and forestry. These networking proposals have focused on coordination of priority setting, resource allocation and information/knowledge dissemination in particular subject areas at the sub-regional level, such as vegetable production and fisheries, or over the whole region, such as forestry (FORSPA)8. This proposal puts forward a programme of work to establish a regional Knowledge Network covering all of the Bank’s DMCs as well as some of its developed country members which is oriented towards participatory technology exchange and dissemination to enhance production, aimed at reducing poverty.

5 Information Management / Information Technology. 6 Proceedings of the Fourth General Assembly, New Delhi, November 1996. 7 Tehran, October 1997. “APAARI considers this Network to be of considerable priority and appreciates the

initiatives of ISNAR and CABI in this regard. Networking through e-mail and Internet connectivity would enable APAARI members to have access to the best possible information and technologies, and would lead to provision of tools for video conferencing with other counterparts in the region. APAARI, therefore, urges both ISNAR and CABI to extend their facilitators’ role in having this Network established as a priority, by approaching possible donors; the partnership contribution by APAARI and NARs will be critical. The guiding principles should be sustainability, cost-effectiveness and value-addition. It should also be seen as a NARS-driven initiative with both infrastructure building and human resources development needs addressed effectively.”

8 RETA No. 5409, Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific, approved in January 1992.

3

C. THE PROPOSED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (a) Objective 8. The project objective (goal) is sustainable improvement in rural livelihoods and agricultural production in the Asia-Pacific through uptake of new technologies at farm level. The purpose of the project is to improve knowledge exchange and outreach, and increase efficiency in Asian agricultural R&D through provision of a framework and enabling mechanism for scientists and managers to exchange and disseminate experiences and technological developments. (b) Scope 9. Scope: The Technical Assistance is aimed at establishing an effective electronic network across the agricultural research community in the Asia-Pacific region for the exchange and dissemination of scientific and technical information. Collaborative research and development is generally recognised as potentially bringing economies and efficiency gains, and this network is intended to realise those objectives. 10. A recent APAARI Expert Consultation on “Management and Strengthening of Research Networks in the Asia-Pacific Region”9 noted that the following principles should guide Asian NARS in any new network initiatives that they might undertake. • Relevance to Regional Research Priorities. Network activities should address the scientific and

management issues raised at the APAARI Expert Consultation on “Research Priority Setting by NARS in the Asia-Pacific Region”.10

• Human Resources Development. Network activities should provide a means for managers and scientists to upgrade both their professional and IM/IT skills.

• Institution-Building. Network development should contribute to the improvement of IM/IT capacities in Asian NARS.

• Impact on Research. Specific initiatives that bring together subject-oriented groups should increase the efficiency of research by encouraging targeted exchange of knowledge and information between scientists and managers.

• Cost-Effectiveness. Effective use of electronic media will maximize the transfer and delivery of knowledge in subject oriented themes, without the expense of bringing professionals together physically.

The above factors combine to the overall purpose of adding value to the processes of research and technology generation. 11. Network components: The project will focus on two interrelated network activities: (1) a series of “Knowledge Networks”, (2) an electronic “Outreach Facility” with links to content developed both by APAARI itself and by the Knowledge Network and their members, and (3) training workshops on high priority themes that are derived from the “Networks” and increase their impact. Access to all parts of the network would be free in the initial version. Mechanisms would be explored and established for developing an institutional/individual subscription model that would make the the network financially self-sustaining once the ADB-RETA finished. Paying membership would also be sought from outside the Asia-Pacific region. 12. Knowledge Networks The Networks will use electronic mailing list technology that will also enable Web-access (see below). Participation in the networks will by invitation only at least initially, selected in the theme areas by their specialism, and will require at least indirect access to email. The primary target group will be scientists in the Asia-Pacific region, though key researchers from other geographic regions

9 Tehran, October 1997. 10 New Delhi, November 1996.

4

would be invited to participate to widen the knowledge base. The primary content of themed network will be communications posted by members themselves. Topics are expected to cover research in progress, research planned, organization of professional meetings, progress, problems, and solutions. In addition, each network will solicit and disseminate the following four types of information. • Short “keynote” papers on specific subjects, posted with the objective of stimulating discussion

among group members. • Periodic summaries and “reviews” of member contributions. • A “current awareness service” including contents and abstracts from international and national

bibliographic databases, supported by “document delivery” in either hardcopy or electronic format.

• Announcement of regional/international meetings, workshops, and courses. For each group, all contributions will be indexed and the resulting database made available to participants. Interested scientists who have not been able to participate in ongoing discussions because of email problems will be able to receive this database on either floppy disk(s) or CD-ROM. The project will start with ten groups in the first year, gradually increasing to twenty-five at the end of the project period. As each group will have an average of around 30 contributing scientists, the total number of connected participants in the project will be 750. Each such participant will then be encouraged to develop their own informal networks. 13. Outreach Facility The content generated from the APAARI Knowledge Networks will be accumulated and made available to other interested parties and stakeholders in the NR sector, thereby widening the impact of the initiative and bringing the key outputs even closer to the rural communities that will benefit from them. This will enable selected outputs to be disseminated to key organisations involved more directly in technology transfer, and in particular the non-governmental sector. Dissemination pathways will be via the Internet and the APAARI “home page”, which is currently hosted by ISNAR, and selectively by email. There will several different types of content, examples of which would include the following: • Selected summaries/bulletins in full text form; • Specific information about the Knowledge Networks, viz. subject themes, contact persons,

participants, papers, and compilations of messages; • Links to appropriate databases held in Asian NARS and internationally. For those without Internet access, the project will also publish the contents of its home page at intervals on CD-ROM. 14. Training Workshops The Network activities will be accompanied by training workshops organised along themes and topics that mirror the Knowledge Networks, in areas such as research policy organisation and management, gender issues, and technology dissemination. The workshops will be held at appropriate locations within the region, and will take nominated participants from a range of institutions and countries. The format will be designed to be participatory, with sessions facilitated in the main by resource persons from within the region. The output emerging from the Networks will be linked in with the Workshops, which will then feed conclusions and recommendations back into the Networks. 13. Staffing and Duties: One full time technical post would be required for network management and supervision for the duration of the project, plus one part-time administrative support post. These posts would be filled by an existing APAARI staff member located in Bangkok. The Network Coordinator11 would provide the essential liaison and management of the various Network components, and to represent the network at APAARI meetings and other regional

11 see Appendix 2 for detailed Terms of Reference

5

meetings. The Network Coordinator would be responsible for reporting to APAARI at 12 monthly intervals, and for detailed resource management for the network. 14. A moderator/editor would be required for each Knowledge Network, and these persons would be a key ingredient of the success of the whole Network. They would add considerable value by preparing the keynote papers, stimulating discussion, writing reviews and adding comments to the current awareness output. Ideally, these individuals would already be participating in or coordinating themed regional research programmes/groups, and/or be recognised authorities in their fields. They would be located within a NARS or an international centre, and be funded by national budgets or their supporting donors. For themes where no regional programme already exists, individuals would be selected in relation to their expertise and professional standing. In either case, the tasks associated with the role would only amount to part-time involvement. An international Editorial Team will be established to act as reviewers of the subject-oriented material. 15. The project would be managed by a senior staff member at ACIAR, who would carry financial accountability for the project and be responsible for reporting on the project to the ADB. Technical backstopping would be provided by CABI staff on network management, editorial and IT issues, and Website and data management. The training workshops would be organised and managed by the Crawford Fund. (c) Cost Estimates and Financing Plan

2000-2003 Revenue US$ APAARI ,000 DMCs and other donors ,000 ADB 800,000 ACIAR ,000

Total ,000 Cost Staff ,000 Information delivery ,000 Travel ,000 Equipment and contingencies ,000

Total ,000 (d) Implementation Arrangements 16. The Executing Agency for the technical assistance would be ACIAR. ACIAR has been selected as the implementing agency because (i) it is a member of APAARI and sits on the Executive Committee, (ii) its programme focuses on capacity building in NARS and the introduction of new technologies as major features, (iii) it is providing financial support to APAARI, which includes supporting an information specialist who would act as the Network Coordinator. 17. The principal collaborators with ACIAR will be CABI and the Crawford Fund. CABI is an intergovernmental and non-profit organisation that provides information, scientific and development services for agriculture and related disciplines throughout the world. CABI ia a principal supporting agency because (i) it has an Information for Development Programme, tasked with handling such activities, (ii) it has experience in coordinating regional information networks, including one funded

6

by the ADB12, (iii) it has the in-house information resources required to support the outreach, (iv) it has considerable experience13 in executing Bank-financed TA projects. 18. Collaborators and Resources: The Knowledge Network would be coordinated from FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, with a subsidiary Centre at CABI’s South East Asia Regional Centre located on the campus of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Various institutions (APAARI member and otherwise) would act as hosts for the discussion group moderators and members of the editorial team. CABI would advise on and assist with the establishment of the Internet site and the supporting systems for the discussion groups. CABI would lead the establishment of the e-mail groups, editorial functions, and management of the content in the information resource and its systems, and implement the current awareness services to the various Groups. FAO and CABI would provide the necessary local IT and systems support and any associated local infrastructure. 19. Meetings: The Network Coordinator would convene an annual meeting of the discussion group moderators, to discuss policy issues and monitor activities. The Coordinator would also be required to attend APAARI General Assemblies and Executive Committee meetings, in alternate years, and potentially to represent the Information Network at meetings related to the GFAR. 20. Implementation Schedule: A pilot study would be required to develop and test methods for implementation of this initiative, to be completed in early 2000, and funded by APAARI, the GFAR and CABI. The components of the main work programme would start in mid 2000 (see Appendix E) with joint funding from APAARI, ACIAR, DMCs and the ADB. These would be as follows: (i) installation of the hardware and software for the e-mail Networks and Internet site; (ii) construction of a pilot version of a Web site to include the various modules, with appropriate interfaces, search engines, uploading and downloading capability; (iii) selection of subject areas within agriculture for the Knowledge Networks on which to base the pilot study; (iv) promotion of the facility amongst the target communities, with direct calls for contributions; (v) development of standards for indexing, and appointment of an interim editorial team at a suitable location within the target region to process the messages and develop the digests; (vi) trials to establish workflow and productivity from the editorial team, and user reactions; (vii) establishment of the current awareness services; (viii) determination of the best approach to establish and sustain a full service; (ix) organisation of training workshops, and (x) preparation of a plan for the continuation of a self-sustaining service. 21. Reporting: Interim reports would be submitted every six months, with appropriate financial statements of account, and a final report would be submitted within 2 months of the end of the project period. (e) Post-Project Sustainability 22. ACIAR and CABI will work with the APAARI Executive Committee and its members to devise methods of making the network sustainable after the funding period of the Technical Assistance. A model would be developed whereby APAARI would continue to support part of the operating costs of the network, and that the remainder would be found from participating institutions either directly by hosting components of the Network or as a specific charge as part of their APAARI membership fee.

12 Sub-component of RETA No. 5409, Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific, approved in January 1992. 13 Including RETA No. 5336, Strengthening Agricultural Science and Information Services in the Bank’s DMCs, approved in May 1989; RETA No. 5434, Regional Conference on Integrated Pest Management, approved in March 1991; RETA No. 5514, Integrated Pest Management in Cotton, approved in December 1992; RETA No. 5659 : Electronic Compendium for Crop Protection, approved in January 1996.

7

Appendix A. Logical Framework Matrix Narrative Objectively Verifiable

Indicators Means of verification Assumptions

Goal Rural livelihoods and agricultural production in the Asia-Pacific improved sustainably through uptake of new technologies at farm level

- modified farmer practices linked to research output - greater agricultural production

- Government reports - National and international crop production statistics

Effective communication channels exist for dissemination of new technologies to farmers

Purpose Productivity of research and development activities and dissemination of new technologies in agriculture improved through regional collaboration

- improved output of new technologies at the regional and national levels - greater regional cooperation on R&D

- APAARI Reports - NARS Annual Reports - International and national literature

Regional cooperation enhances R&D output in agriculture

Output - Knowledge exchange between agricultural research scientists within the region improved; - Technology uptake pathways enhanced - Research activities on key regional themes strengthened and duplication of research reduced; - Human resources in NARSs developed.

- research output promulgated more widely and rapidly - design of research programmes improved - scale of participation of scientists, both in Asia-Pacific and outside

- Project interim reports and final report - APAARI Reports - NARS Annual Reports - International and national literature - Log of visits to website

- national telecommunications infrastructures continue to improve - NARS scientists willing to collaborate

Activities 1. Secretariat established and network moderators oriented/trained. 2. Series of knowledge networks on key regional research themes established, with contributions being accumulated into indexed database; 3. Periodic reviews of contributions in the various areas prepared, distributed to networks and posted on APAARI Website; 4. Current awareness service supported by document delivery established for the key selected theme areas; 5. Training workshops organised.

1/2. Networks operational 3. Reviews prepared and published 4. Current awareness profiles delivered 5. Workshops completed

Project interim reports and final reports APAARI Website SDI Output Conference/workshop reports

- national telecommunications infrastructures continue to improve - E-mail connectivity in Asian NARSs continues to improve - NARS scientists willing to collaborate

8

Appendix B. Cost Estimates and Financing Plan.

9

Appendix C. Terms of Reference of Consultants. One full time technical post will be required for the duration of the project, plus part-time secretarial and administrative support. 1. Network Coordinator (APAARI) - to lead the development of the Network on behalf of APAARI, ensuring establishment of

the two main modules in the system according to the proposed schedule - to select and appoint the Moderators of the Knowledge Networks, brief them on their tasks,

and provide necessary assistance in implementing their roles - to ensure that the Groups receive the necessary technical support for their efficient

functioning - to select the Editorial Teams for the Groups in consultation with the Moderators, and

provide briefings on their role and implementation of their tasks - to provide effective liaison between the various Discussion Groups - to collect and draft text for the APAARI Home Page and gain approval from relevant

APAARI officials - to represent the network at APAARI meetings and other regional meetings - to liaise as appropriate with the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) and

networks in other regions 2. Project Manager (ACIAR) - to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the project - to manage the project budget - to report on the project to the ADB at appropriate intervals 3. CABI - Network Management Adviser: responsible for providing advice and technical assistance to

the Network Coordinator (costed to project) - Editors: responsible for editorial support to the Moderators of the Knowledge Networks in

establishing and building up searchable databases of contributions (costed to project) - Data Manager: responsible for establishment of current awareness profiles and data

downloading (costed to project) - Systems Staff: responsible for advice and technical and programming support in

establishing the systems, databases and Web site, establishment of electronic links with associated agencies and networks, (costed to project)

4. Crawford Fund - Workshop Organisation/Management: responsible for convening and implementing the

training workshops.

10

Appendix D. Project Executing Agencies Executing Agency The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian Government authority that operates within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It was established in June 1982 to assist and encourage Australia's agricultural scientists to use their skills for the benefit of developing countries, and at the same time work to resolve Australia's own agricultural problems. The Centre's mandate is to improve the well-being of people in developing countries and Australia through international collaboration in research and related activities that develop sustainable agricultural systems and appropriate strategies for natural resource management. ACIAR-funded research aims to help developing countries to help themselves, thus contributing to their well-being and general economic growth. ACIAR {PRIVATE}commissions bilateral research and development, supports the International Agricultural Research Centers, provides training courses and awards; and communicates the results of its activities. Partners The Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Organisations (APAARI) was created by the NARSs in the region in 1990, and now has 19 full members and 7 associate members. It aims to renew, enhance, and establish collaborations and partnerships among the NARS and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and other international organisations involved in agricultural research. The APAARI action programme addresses the pressing issues of food security, poverty alleviation, sustainable natural resources management, and golbal competitiveness, by (I) strengthening NARS through improved partnerships and shared priority setting, (ii) publishing and information exchange, (iii) human resources development, and (iv) collaborative research networks. CAB INTERNATIONAL (CABI) is an intergovernmental non-profit organisation, with 41 member countries. CABI has had a major international role for over 80 years in the dissemination, application and generation of scientific knowledge world-wide in support of sustainable development with emphasis on agriculture, forestry, human health and the management of natural resources. CABI pays particular attention to supporting developing countries in their efforts to collect, manage and harness scientific information through its Information for Development Programme (IFD), which is managed entirely separately from CABI's publishing programme. It concentrates on clearly identifying the information needs of developing countries, and helping to meet those needs in a sustainable manner, taking full advantage of modern information technology to manage information resources efficiently. The Crawford Fund for International Agricultural Research was established by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in July 1988 and commemorates the outstanding services of the late Sir John Crawford AC to international agricultural research. The Fund depends on donations from the private and public sectors and the community. In 1993 the Crawford Fund became the first major project of the Australian Technology Foundation. Its mandate is to: • make more widely known throughout Australia the benefits that accrue both internationally and

to Australia from international agricultural research and development; and • encourage greater support for, and participation in, international agricultural research and

development by Australian government and non-governmental organisations and, in particular, by the industrial, farming and scientific communities of Australia.

The major activity of the Fund is its training scheme which has so far provided short periods of hands-on, practical training to more than 500 young men and women from developing countries who are working alongside Australians in agricultural research and development projects overseas.

11

Appendix E. Proposed Implementation Schedule 2000 2001 2002 2003 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Establishment of Secretariat Establishment and trials of pilot system Expansion of Secretariat Hardware/software installation Construction of HomePage Devel’t of information system standards Selection of Discussion Group themes Appointment of editorial team Workflow trials Promotion of facility Current Awareness Service Determination of user feedback Training Workshops APAARI meetings Interim reports Final report

12

Appendix E. Logical Framework Matrix Narrative Objectively Verifiable

Indicators Means of verification Assumptions

Goal Agricultural production in the Asia-Pacific increased and improved sustainably through uptake of new technologies at farm level

- modified farmer practices linked to research output - greater agricultural production

- Government reports - National and international crop production statistics

Effective communication channels exist for dissemination of new technologies to farmers

Purpose Productivity of research and development activities and dissemination of new technologies in agriculture improved through regional concertation

- improved output of new technologies at the regional and national levels - greater regional cooperation on R&D

APAARI Reports NARS Annual Reports International and national literature

Regional cooperation enhances R&D output in agriculture

Output - Agricultural technology development and dissemination improved - Research activities on key regional themes strengthed; - Contact between agricultural research scientists within the region improved; - Human resources in NARSs developed;

- research output promulgated more widely and rapidly - design of research programmes improved - numbers of participating scientists, both in Asia-Pacific and outside - number of visits to website

Project interim reports and final report APAARI Reports NARS Annual Reports International and national literature

- national telecommunications infrastructures continue to improve - NARS scientists willing to collaborate

Activities 1. Series of electronic discussion groups on key regional research themes established, with contributions being accumulated into indexed database; 2. Periodic reviews of contributions in the various areas prepared, distributed to discussion groups and posted on APAARI Website; 3. Current awareness service supported by document delivery established for the key selected theme areas; 4. Key events such as conferences, workshops, courses etc within the group themes announced.

1. Discussion groups operational 2. Reviews prepared and published 3. Current awareness profiles delivered 4. News items promulgated

Project interim reports and final reports APAARI Website SDI Output Conference/workshop reports

- national telecommunications infrastructures continue to improve - E-mail connectivity in Asian NARSs continues to improve - NARS scientists willing to collaborate

13