Plan for Establishment of a National Information System for Agricultural Development in Sudan
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Date
1994-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
It is being recognized in an increasing measure that
for faster pace of socio-economic development , it is not
only necessary to promote scientific and technological ~
research and development but also to disseminate
information about the findings and products at a faster
pace targeted at their potential users. Further, it is
also being recognized by many developing countries that
a National Development Plan should include strategies for
developing a national infrastructure for development
information.
This study proposes a plan for establishing a
national agricultural information system for Sudan and a
strategy for its implementation. Questionnaires were sent
to different agricultural institutions/organizations,
research stations/centers in livestock, fisheries,
fore s try, environment and natural resources, etc. in
Sudan to survey the status of agricultural information
faci1ities, and to researchers in agriculture and related
sciences to survey their information needs. Based on the
findings of the survey, Sudan's existing infrastructure
in relation to agricultural education , research,
extension services, organizations and institutions,
documentation and information services and transportation
and communication is discussed. Constraints and
limitations in relation to agricultural research,
extension services and information service facilities are
discussed.
The planning, designing and development of the
national agricultural information system, must take into
account the elements of the environment, namely Sudan.
Further , the information system plan should be compatible
with and eventually integrated into the national socioeconomic
plan. Therefore, information about and
description of the country, especially its geographic
location , climate and vegetation, population, planning
and development, and economic situation is presented.
Nationa1 agricultural information system and
network, their objectives, functions and activities are
discussed. A plan for establishing a national
agricultural information system and its implementation
strategy is formulated. The development of national
agricultural information network with the National
Documentation and Information Centre (NADIC) as a focal
point is suggested. Development of databases containing
sample records on information sources and systems,
experts , institutions , etc . relating to agriculture is
suggested to facilitate referral service on agriculture.
Proposed vocabulary control tools by using computer is
suggested. Finally, a summary, conclusion and
recommendations are presented.
Description
Keywords
Information Science