Enhancing coordination among AKIS/RD actors: An analytical and comparative review of country studies on agricultural knowledge and information systems for rural development (AKIS/RD)

Abstract

The Extensions, Education and Communication Service and the Research and Technology Development Service of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conducted ten case studies on Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems for Rural Development (AKIS/RD) in different countries with a view to gaining insights into the operations of these systems, the countries' efforts at integrating their AKIS systems, and the lessons learned. The present study reviews and analyses these case studies, comparing them against a number of indicators, including the nine principles set forth in the seminal text published by FAO and the World Bank in 2000: AKIS/RD: Strategic vision and guiding principles. An AKIS/RD is the entire complex of agencies and institutions that provide rural people with the knowledge and information necessary for promoting innovation in their diversified livelihoods. It can be considered equivalent to an "enhanced AKIS" in that it incorporates both agricultural and non-agricultural knowledge and information services.