Objectives and Plan of Action ENRAP II Objectives and Plan of Action We have heard about the first and the interim phase of ENRAP and some project experiences too. Now we will talk about ENRAP II project formulation, its goals, objectives and expectations from it. We will also discuss in detail activities and outputs. We start with some background information….

ENRAP Phase II Planned over 2002-2005: Project Document prepared in Feb. 2002 Based on recommendations of the evaluation & project development workshop, Nang Rong Approved by IFAD Board April 2002 $1,600,000 USD (IFAD: $1,000,000, IDRC: $280,000, IFAD projects: $320,000) Coordination from IDRC regional office, Delhi

Coverage 8 countries in the region: 5 that participated in the first phase: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka 3 new participating countries: Laos, Vietnam and China Other countries and projects are invited to participate but without ENRAP project funding

Goal and objectives The main goal of ENRAP II is to improve the impact of IFAD-funded projects on the livelihood of poor rural communities in Asia/Pacific by strengthening and deepening networking and knowledge sharing at all levels The general objective of ENRAP II is to help IFAD-funded projects in Asia become more effective in documenting and sharing learning and experiences about good practices in rural development, particularly for the benefit of the poor communities, primarily through electronic media. Using new technology to improve impact of rural development programmes or using internet for rural poor Piggy back on available internet infrastructure Digital divide? Linking new technology to traditional

Specific objectives Assess and strengthen as necessary, present technical networking capacity in IFAD-funded projects Build and expand the capacity of community based organisations and rural communities in IFAD-funded project areas (including participating CBOs, NGOs, and line agencies) to integrate the use of electronic media into their day-to-day operations, thereby nurturing a culture of learning and knowledge sharing Communication did improve in phase I but everybody may not have access to same kind of infrastructure, this needs to be assessed and resolved Integrate technology in the whole range of project operation, implementation at all levels including all the stakeholders

More specific objectives Develop the following types of communities for sharing knowledge (including local and indigenous knowledge), experiences and best practices among project stakeholders: - local within-project networks among project stakeholders; - national networks of IFAD-supported projects and those of other collaborators; and, - regional network(s) of national networks; Design and test innovative technical and institutional models and prepare guidelines for IFAD-funded projects to make effective use of ICTs. The recommendation was to work at the National level. But it is important to network well within projects and at the regional level too. An important pillar for regional network would be good national networks. Innovative methods of reaching the people – as we heard before and there are other examples, some of which will be presented here. You may want to tell us of some that you know

First objective on connectivity Each project should be properly connected – will set minimum standard Projects are expected to invest significantly in computer equipment and access to Internet Innovative funding methods will be used (matching of investments in ICT) At least 3-4 persons per project should be trained in knowledge management/information sharing Project stakeholders should be connected Basic connectivity – internet access, access to a computer, individual email address, 28.8K connection… Most projects have computers, utilization and access for internet technology

Second Objective on capacity building… …of project stakeholders to use ICT for knowledge sharing Knowledge Management training at national level Training on Web site design and management of on-line discussions Will use train-the-trainer approach What do you need in terms of capacity building within your country? Use of emails, discussion list, web site design etc. May be training is needed, ENRAP could help with training of trainers, one project taking the lead in each country…?

Within-project networks Should be initiated and lead by the project management unit or project stakeholder Link project stakeholders including line agencies and collaborating institutions Local language Will conduct knowledge mapping - finding where information/ knowledge exists Stimulate discussion and knowledge exchanges Organize stakeholders training Someone from the project who is particularly interested/skilled. Develop project web sites, design innovative dissemination activities based on local needs and information available One of the objectives on this meeting is also specify other activities, to hear from you

National Networks To be initiated/coordinated by one of the country projects - ‘Champions’ or lead projects Stimulate exchange of Knowledge between IFAD projects (e-discussions, meetings) and resource institutions Can be in national language Organize training Champions or lead projects could be rotated Within and among projects and then with other institutions such as national agricultural organisations, lead NGOs, research and extension institutions, etc National language – China, Vietnam etc. National networks should organise training for their members as necessary, may vary from country to country -

Regional network Should be lead by ‘Champions’ who can commit time and efforts “Train-the-Trainers” regional workshop Feeding ENRAP website On-line discussions coordinated by regional coordinator Feeding with information, news, success stories of best practices Discussions on popular topics/key issues in the region, approaches to integrating the gender component in projects, forming and using self-help groups for development, micro-enterprise, agriculture technologies, etc.

Innovative models Will be done by selected projects for demonstration Combination of new and traditional methods to disseminate knowledge 2 - 3 projects will experiment with telecentres Local language use for better impact Experiment with community radio, etc CBNRM – collaboration with IDRC on web-based tools Projects could prepare proposals for innovative ideas and some of these could be tried and tested, for demonstration Using internet with other traditional tools of communication, such as radio Telecentres for market prices, etc. We could further develop this list with your ideas

Key activities and outputs Knowledge mapping at all levels of implementation and establishment of MIS Identification and introduction of appropriate tools for knowledge sharing electronically and otherwise Outputs Documentation and sharing of information within projects, improved planning and reporting, and utilization of knowledge resources Beneficiary-oriented communication, awareness-raising documents and best practice manuals available in appropriate form As in the project document. Some projects may elaborate on these. Some may do a couple of activities, some more and some less. The new countries will probably start a little slowly or could even be faster………….. Projects are different, younger/older, more advanced in IT, etc. More collaboration between all would be useful. Country plans will be discussed tomorrow, you will be formulating plans with your country colleagues

Key activities and outputs… Development of guidelines and recommendations for improved access to information on agriculture extension, markets, banking and social services Knowledge management and sharing workshops at project, regional and international level, exchange visits among projects Outputs Availability of improved information materials and expertise Increased knowledge sharing and learning among IFAD projects

Key activities and outputs… Development & implementation of ICT training/awareness programs for project staff Development & implementation of `helpdesks’ & related communities of practice on ICT tools, KM & selected thematic skills Outputs Staff trained in developing and using knowledge management (KM) systems, and communicating with beneficiaries. Documents on appropriate use of ICT made available Database of good practices assessed by projects and collaborators. Selected learning packaged for project staff, line agencies & rural communities.

Key activities and outputs… Improved ENRAP website &related tools as electronic news letters Development of guidelines &recommendations for IFAD project design processes including attention to KM & use of ICTs Outputs Sharing of thematic information & success stories among projects. Dissemination of relevant materials to communities. Availability of reports of partner research institutions on ENRAP website Guidelines for planning & using ICTs in rural development projects prepared

Thank You