The database driven knowledge-management INFONET-BioVision .org provides Kenyan Farmers with information on socially, economically and ecologically sound technologies in crop and livestock production, environmental and human health. Developed by AVALLAIN on behalf of the Swiss BioVision Foundation for Environment and Development, the project draws on rich international experience with challenging e-learning projects.
(Lustmühle, Switzerland) In New methods and scientific results on affordable, effective and ecological methods for the sustainable management of plant-, human- and animal- targeting pests and disease vectors, for adequate nutrition, as well as methods to maintain a healthy and productive environment are continuously being developed.
"The knowledge is available." says Ursula Suter, Managing Director at AVALLAIN AG. "But the knowledge is not accessible for farmers. The formats currently used for capturing the methods are not focused on practical needs of the rural population."
A problem that is now tackled by INFONET-BioVision.org. The internet-based knowledge-management system offers practical, demonstrative edited information on sustainable socially, economically and ecologically sound methods in crop and livestock production, environmental and human health, pest control and income increase for farmers in Kenya. INFONET-BioVision .org is being developed by AVALLAIN on behalf of the Swiss BioVision Foundation for Environment and Development. The project is being funded by the Liechtenstein Development Service (LDS) and BioVision.
An internet-based platform for farmers in
The development of internet-based applications to offer locally relevant information and learning material offers much potential for regions where the internet and computers so far are not in wide use because the impact of innovation can be exponentially higher than in technology-saturated societies. „This is an area where e-learning can do its best – there is an enormous potential to be unlocked by education delivered on information technology. We believe that implementing the best available learning solutions will help to close the digital gap.” says Suter.
Farmers involved in development
Farmer groups have been included in the development of INFONET-BioVision. Their feedback on early versions of the platform has been included to adjust user guidance, handling, structure and presentation of material in a manner that suits the requirements of the target audience.
Despite the fact that INFONET-BioVision is an internet-based offer, established and traditional social structures for the distribution of information are included as well. An offline edition of INFONET-BioVision is installed at central places that can be easily reached by farmers and their supporting trainers. "INFONET-BioVision offers "Eco-Trainers" the possibility to equip themselves with latest information for their consulting and training with farmer groups." says Ursula Suter.
About Avallain:
The Swiss e-learning Specialist AVALLAIN develops innovative computer and internet-based learning solutions for public and private clients. More than 180.000 learners worldwide are currently using e-learning made by AVALLAIN. Several of the projects that have been launched since 2002, such as the groundbreaking Literacy-project ich-will-schreiben-lernen.de, have received prestigious e-learning-awards. In addition to the main business activities AVALLAIN supports innovative projects such as the OLPC-project.
Contact:
Ralf Kellershohn, mail: rkellershohn@avallain.com, mobile: +49 - 172 198 70 34
Further Information:
www.infonet-biovision.org
www.avallain.com
www.biovision.ch
