To make information on improving agriculture accessible for small scale farmers Avallain E4D is refining the "Info Station". It consists of the XO hardware, better known as the "$100 laptop", enhanced with bandwidth-controlled mobile Internet access, solar energy power and a custom software set based on the Ubuntu OS.
The pre-installed INFONET-BioVision software by the Swiss BioVision Foundation for Environment and Development is the core component and can be updated and supported remotely using bandwidth (= cost) saving custom software components.It offers information on socially, economically and ecologically sound technologies in crop and livestock production, environmental and human health. The Info Stations, which provide a rugged and sustainable solution for field work by extension farmers, are being piloted with farmer groups in rural Kenya. "The stations have created wide interest due to their affordability and ease of use. After a recent workshop at the Ministry of Agriculture, the permanent secretary expressed support for a nation-wide deployment to all districts in Kenya." says Ursula Suter, Managing Director of Avallain. The Solar Power solution has been locally sourced.
Find out more about our approach to facilitate development by means of education and ICT at www.avallain.com/e4d
