Blog Post

FARA DONATES AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT TO CSIR-INSTI

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has donated a set Audio of Visual Equipment to CSIR-Institute for Scientific and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI). FARA is the apex continental organization responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research for development (AR4D). FARA serves as the technical arm of the Africa Union Commission on matters concerning agriculture science, technology and innovation. The new strategy (2019-2028) is designed to respond to its Value Proposition, “Africans’ unique partnerships connecting science to agriculture for livelihood impact at scale”. FARA is acknowledged to deliver on this value proposition by providing access to global and regional knowledge and data systems to identify expert solutions and funding opportunities for priority issues such as food security, nutrition, poverty and climate change among other initiatives. In respect of the above, on May 27th, 2022, the Ghana KM4AgD Implementation Joint Team in collaboration with the CSIR-Institute for Scientific and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI) and Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), partnering with The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), held knowledge talks with leaders at CSIR-INSTI. As part of the programme, FARA made a donation of audio-visual equipment to CSIR-INSTI. The purpose of the donation is towards strengthening capacities, outreach and Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) Agenda in Ghana. The items comprise five Samsung Galaxy A5l smartphones, one hand-held projector (DCS 1000) with accessories (solar panel, Bluetooth speaker, keyboard, power bank, tripod stand and a projector screen). It is worth noting that, the equipment donated were procured by FARA through the initiative of Technologies For African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT Africa). During the opening remarks for the ceremony, Dr. Seth Awuku Manteaw Director, of CSIR – INSTI Ghana reiterated that, “There is no doubt that Internet penetration will continue to grow among farm communities. What is perhaps more important for EAS providers, funders, researchers and universities is to provide enterprise mechanisms using the Internet that maximise all technology use.” The Internet remains the cornerstone because it can connect the more educated participants in EAS throughout the world so that these participants do a better job working with farmers. Mr. Benjamin Abugri, who is a lead specialist for Knowledge Management, Learning and Communication at FARA also stated that “The researchers and policymakers are coming up with a variety of solutions to help farmers to manage risks but the outreach and promotion of these solutions need a well-structured and effective medium.” In appreciation for the kind gesture, Mr. Paul Siameh, Director extension directorate of MOFA also mentioned that, digital extension methods have received renewed attention with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our empirical research, videos and podcasts used to deliver information and advice to farmers are key in the effort to make agriculture attractive to the youth and create more jobs”. He further mentioned that, the MOFA extension directorate are most appreciative of the toolbox equipment, which presents an interactive process in which information, knowledge and skills, relevant for development are exchanged between farmers and extension/advisory services”
By: Akua Boateng Agyenim & Patrick Folitse
Director, CSIR-INSTI (3rd from the left) receiving the donation from the team of FARA
21-06-2022
FARA DONATES AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT TO CSIR-INSTI