Objectives of Strengthening Agricultural Information Systems
The development and strengthening of Agricultural Information Systems has
been identified as an important development tool for increasing the effectiveness of
agricultural research, aimed at achieving food security, alleviating poverty and
assuring sustainable development. The development of such systems entails efforts at
three levels: (a) National Information Systems (which include local and corporate
information services); (b) Regional/Sub-Regional Information Systems, through the
collective efforts of a group of countries; and (c) Global Information Systems and
Information Facilities. One of the important aspects that has been identified in all
Regional/Sub-Regional Fora meetings is the key role that should be played by the
National Agricultural Information Systems (NAIS). If the information management
capacity is not strengthened at the national/local level and the national institutions are
not committed, regional and global information systems and facilities will not have
the same impact. Most end-users are reached through NAIS, and through local
information services. The latter play an important intermediary role, even in the
process of accessing information centers or facilities in developed countries or at the
global level. Regional and Sub-Regional Information Systems are playing an
increasingly important role in supporting and interconnecting the NARS, as well as in
sharing information and information facilities among countries with common
interests.