1. Integrated Pest Management for smallholder farmers

Integrated Pest Management is a control strategy that uses all available information to give long-term pest control. Integrated pest management incorporates targeted sustainable and environmentally sound methods. Methods of Integrated pest management (IPM) include education, habitat modification, biological control, cultural control and, where necessary, the use of the least hazardous pesticides. The three E's are a simple way to remember the main principles of IPM. Effectiveness - (How well will the method work?), Economics - (How much will it cost?) and Environment - (Does it include non target animals/organisms?) Integrated Pest Management Assessment The Basis... The basis of Integrated Pest Management is to make a correct assessment of existing pest infestations and forecast likely future pest infestations. The assessment is based on an Integrated Pest Management Survey, including correct identification of any pest species that are present. Practical knowledge of pest behaviour and the effectiveness and risks associated with the available pest control methods. To carry out an effective pest assessment and identification we need a good understanding of the relationship between hazard and risk. Hazard is the potential something has to cause harm. Harm may include a skin rash a cough or in extreme cases even death. Risk is the likelihood that the hazard will cause you harm. Integrated Pest Management assessments should follow a six-point plan: 1. Assess the extent of the problem by undertaking a full survey of the premises. 2. assess if the problems can be solved by good housekeeping alone. 3. Assess if the problem can be solved by the use of non-chemical methods. 4. If the problem cannot be solved by using non-chemical methods what is the most suitable and least hazardous pesticide. 5. Assess post treatment action to reduce risks to both occupiers and the environment. 6. Assess whether future treatment and monitoring visits are required. Integrated Pest Management Survey Techniques The Survey... An Integrated Pest Management survey is one that collects the data required on the pest species, including the distribution and numbers of pest at a given point in time. When surveys are conducted over a longer period they are considered to be monitoring operations. Which are to show us how the pest population changes, so we can check the performance of our control operations. The ability to accurately survey a property is fundamental to the Integrated Pest Management monitoring process. Firstly obtain a site plan and undertake a walk around to familiarise yourself with the premises. Take note of any signs of pest activity this may include droppings and damage to property or products. Ask people who work on the site if the have noticed signs of pests or have had pest problems in the past. Note any housekeeping issues, as all pests need food and moisture to survive. Look for cracks/ holes in walls and broken drain covers. Once the survey is complete you should consider whether you have all the information you require to make a full Integrated Pest Management assessment. Do you need to make another site visit? Consider undertaking a night survey. Integrated Pest Management Monitoring Monitoring... Site visits may not be enough to discover all pest species monitoring traps should be used to assess possible pest activity. Some monitoring devices are designed to attract and trap and kill insects other traps will catch the pest alive such a live catch mousetraps. The presence of pests in a monitoring trap gives us a good indication of the size of the infestation. Monitoring dust is also a useful tool to track and monitor pest activity. Pest Identification Identification... Accurate pest identification of pest species is a critical factor in IPM. Pest can usually be identified from their external anatomy. Occasionally a Specialist in insect identification may need to be used. Pest Control Control... Once the extent of the problem has been identified the best method of pest control can be decided. The most environmentally acceptable methods should always be considered first. Non-chemical methods include proofing to keep the pest out of the infested area. The use of bristle strips and fly screens can be a good solution. Activities such as filling Rodent access holes with rodent proof paste or even better cement will have very good effect. Investigate the possibility of changing the environment to make it unsuitable to the pest to live. Consider trapping methods. Chemical control is the last option you should consider Pesticides come in many forms these include bait, gels and sprays. A good pesticide will be selective in action meaning it will have a good effect on the target but be safe to use where non target animals / organisms.

Saturday, 28 August 2010 | 64 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report

2. Cybervillage: Connecter 100 villages Camerounais à Internet

Promoteur du projet Groupe YOCANET (Groupe d’Initiative Commune Pour la vulgarisation des nouvelles technologies au Cameroun) - Certificat d’Inscription N° LT/GP/30/31/3286 du 08 février 2001 yocanet2001@yahoo.fr Tel. +237 33 08 5272 / 75 22 1980 / 96 85 8375 Contexte et justifications Les technologies de l'information et de la communication (TIC) révolutionnent le monde. Ses effets positifs s'étendent à tous les secteurs de la vie et plus aucun pays ne veut s'en passer. Les pays industrialisés ont suffisamment démontré qu'il est possible de se développer grâce à ces technologies. Certains pays pourtant -les moins avancés à l'instar des pays Africains- ont du mal à s'approprier ces technologies. C'est le cas du Cameroun qui compte un taux important de sous emploi (75,8%) avec un revenu moyen mensuel global de 26 800 francs CFA. Les stratégies misent en place en 2003 dans le document de stratégies de réduction de la pauvreté (D.S.R.P.) sont en cours et donnent une place de choix aux Technologies de l’Information et de la communication, pour la lutte contre la pauvreté. Malheureusement, les décisions, actions et A.P.E. (Avant Projet d’Exécution) entreprissent par les organisations étatiques ne sont pas toujours ressentis par les populations des zones rurales. La fracture numérique n’est pas qu’avec l’occident, mais d’abord et avant tout, en zones urbaines et rurales. Au Cameroun. L’accès Internet est inexistant dans plusieurs villes et village du Cameroun. . Internet au Cameroun est encore malheureusement, l’apanage des grandes villes comme Yaoundé, Douala, Buea et Bafoussam. Connecter le Cameroun tout entier est une des grandes priorités du Gouvernement du Renouveau. Nous voulons donc étendre la connexion Internet aux confins des villages en utilisant les technologies sans fil. Car « notre pays a besoin d’un accès généralisé à l’Internet » comme le disait notre Président Paul BIYA, lors du discours d’investiture de son deuxième septennat. Bien plus, le Ministre d’Etat, Ministre des Postes et Télécommunication donne une place de choix à la connectivité Internet dans les zones rurales. Le Secrétaire Général de L’Union Internationale des Télécommunication déclarait lors de son passage au Cameroun en 2008 : « …notre grand défi maintenant est de fournir l’accès haut débit aux zones rurales ». Cybervill@ge vise le désenclavement numérique par la vulgarisation des technologies sans fil (norme 802.11), de la télémédecine, de l’enseignement à distance, du commerce électronique, du e-Tourisme, du e-agriculutre et de l’énergie solaire en zone rurale. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de mettre sur pied des points d’accès à Internet communautaire, mais d’accompagner les communautés rurales dans l’appropriation de ces technologies pour le développement de leurs différentes collectivités. Ce qui va contribuer à réduire la pauvreté, le chômage et booster l’activité économique du Cameroun en général et des localités cibles en particulier. Description sommaire du projet (Objectifs général et objectifs spécifiques) But du projet : Réduire la fracture numérique en zone rurale en connectant 100 villages à Internet et en formant les collectivités rurales à l’utilisation d'applications liées à l’Internet (télémédecine, e-tourisme, e-agriculture, enseignement à distance ou e-learning). Ce projet vise l’accessibilité Internet et l’appropriation des technologies de l’information et de la communication par les communautés rurales. La première phase va consister à mettre en place l’infrastructure d’accès à Internet – avec le Wifi- et la seconde phase au renforcement des capacités des collectivités locales, par la formation. Il a pour objectifs : La réduction de la fracture numérique Ø L’amélioration des soins de santé et de l’éducation par la télémédecine (assistance aux personnes vivant avec le VIH/SIDA) et le téléenseignement ( E-learning) Ø L’interconnexion des mairies rurales et des écoles qui se trouvent dans leur localité respective (pour faciliter la circulation des informations). Nous voulons appuyer les efforts du gouvernement pour le désenclavement numérique du Cameroun à l’horizon 2015. Nous souhaitons partager connaissances et expériences avec des personnes ou groupes menant le même type de projet.

Saturday, 28 August 2010 | 63 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report

3. CTA Launches the Peoples’ Choice Photo Contest on ‘People, Water and ICTs’

CTA Launches the Peoples’ Choice Photo Contest on ‘People, Water and ICTs’ Take part in the Peoples’ Choice Photo Contest on ‘People, Water and ICTs’ and share your photos with the world. The Grand Prize is a Digital SLR and the opportunity to participate, all expenses paid, to the CTA Annual Seminar in Pretoria, South Africa from 22-26 November 2010. It’s EASY TO ENTER and it’s FREE! Just upload your photos in the following categories: People and water (water use, including ACP coping mechanisms with respect to water or lack of it); Technology and water (information and communication technology (ICT) and information and communication management (ICM); Water and environment (role of water and climate change in agricultural and rural development). For more information on the contest, visit the seminar website to post your photo or, once voting starts, to vote for your favourite photo. See the Contest rules and regulations for details or contact us at ctaseminar2010@cta.int. Don’t forget that Registration, Call for Papers, Exhibition and Sponsorship information are also now available on the seminar website: Register now! Registration for both sponsored and self-sponsored individuals and organisations is available online until 30 September 2010. Sign up before 16 August 2010 to take advantage of the Early Bird discounts. Get online and reserve your place. Send in your Abstracts! The Call for Papers (oral, poster or multi-media presentation) is open until 30 September 2010. Click here for detailed information on the requirements and guidelines on how to submit your proposal or abstract and here to send your paper. Exhibit your products and services to ACP decision makers! Click here to find out how you can present research, products and applications through demonstrations. Participation will be highly rewarding and offers a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation to a highly-targeted audience comprising over 250 ACP decision makers and influencers. Become a Sponsor Click here to take advantage of a variety of sponsorship opportunities to enhance your organisation’s dedication, image and standing in the area of water management. Prominent notice will be given to sponsors on the seminar website, in the exhibition area and in the press releases together with other benefits and promotional opportunities. For more information, visit the seminar website at http://annualseminar2010.cta.int or contact ctaseminar2010@cta.int If you wish to share within your network, find attached the flyer.

Friday, 27 August 2010 | 132 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report

4. The handbook for 1,000 telecentres in Rwanda to be launched soon

  Juriaan Deumer from the Netherlands and Paul BARERA, Executive Director of Rwanda Telecentre Network (RTN), have just completed the handbook for 1,000 telecentres in Rwanda. This book, developed with the support of CTA (Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation), provides details of WHY and HOW 1,000 sustainable telecentres can be deployed in Rwanda. More specifically, the handbook provides answers to the following questions: Why are 1.000 telecentres in Rwanda necessary? What should be done at national level to realize a network of 1.000 telecentres? What should be done at RTN level to realize a network of 1.000 telecentres? What should be done at telecentre level to realize a network of 1.000 telecentres?   This handbook is based on and includes numerous sources of input, such as: A national baseline study, which was conducted country wide with the aim of identifying access gap to ICTs and information need at community level Country visits to India and East African countries to learn from others’ experiences; Firsthand experience in developing and running a telecentre in Rwanda; Input from key stakeholders from Rwanda and from the global telecentre movement; During a one day consultative workshop in Kigali on 20th of August, organized by RTN in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, the book was presented to ICT4D stakeholders with the idea of seeking their input for further improvement. The official launch of the handbook is planned to take place in October this year. For those interested, a presentation containing the highlights of the handbook is available with RTN via pbarera@yahoo.fr. With kind regards, Paul BARERA and Juriaan Deumer.

Wednesday, 25 August 2010 | 262 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report

5. Mobile Learning;Lessons learnt from the eLearning Africa 2010

As mobile phones becomes cheap and accessible by most people in society, it has become the most preferred mode of communication for many. However, the question of how mobile phones can add real value to the student’s learning experience becomes a concern for many .The varied components needed to ensure an appropriate educational design was the main focus of discussion in this session .Applications to new devices and the better use of existing tools were shown during this session. The session was chaired by Richard Niyonkuru,M & E Advisor for ICT ,Ministry of Education ,Rwanda. John Traxler ,Learning Lab ,UK gave the first presentation entitled Learning with ‘Appropriate ‘Technology: PC Labs or Mobile Phones . In his presentation, the speaker stated that It is important and urgent to debate and discuss the issue of ‘development’ in relation to e-learning and the issue of ‘appropriate’ technology in relation to e-learning, and especially to debate and discuss these issues in relation to each other. One specific reason for this debate and discussion is that we need much greater clarity about the perceived tension between those e-learning strategies based on near-universal ownership of mobile devices amongst potential learners on the one hand and those e-learning strategies based expensive large-scale installations of static institutional networked desktop computers on the other. This discussion is also important because it is also a discussion about the balance between the individual and the institution, the community and the corporate, the bottom-up and the top-down and it is vitally important to the issue of sustainability. In his presentation , he emphasized that the social and economic status of a community or the target should always be considered in the design of training , development of software and selection of technologies that are appropriate to deliver the training . He said that mostly the training is designed in terms of software and hardware for developed countries and is adopted without an adjustment and expected to be applied to developing countries without re-considering the mode of delivery that would fit the technologies affordable by the target and or without a proper deployment of the necessary technologies and cultural consideration of a particular target .Therefore, there have to be appropriateness , and sustainability in the design of these systems to ensure the intended benefit is achieved. The second speaker was Paul Birevu Muyinda ,Makerere University ,Uganda with a presentation entitled A model for mobile learning adoption and implementation in Africa (MLAIMA). In his presentation, Mr.Munyinda, stated that handheld devices and internet are presenting unlimited possibilities, in Africa handheld devices such as mobile phones are more pervasive than PCs.He further stated that Africa has 5.4/100 PC internet users as compared to 28.49/100 mobile cellular subscribers (ITU,2007).Mobile phones are supplementing PCs in many ways, more so , eLearning is being supplemented by mLearning . He said that M-learning allows access and learning at anytime and at any place and is expected to have a rapid growth in African institutions . Mr.Munyinda stated that the statistics are good for M-learning to take place but there is limited understanding on how to adopt and implement it. Mr.Munyinda said that the concern of what are key issues for African countries to adopt and implement M-learning animated their need to conduct a research and come up with a model for the implementation of mobile learning in Africa . Some of the results of the research that he stated are that , M-learning can provide ubiquitous student support especially to distance learners with limited or no conventional learning .He further stated that as eLearning facilities can not be used as a stand alone , supplement conventional ,distance learning models . However , eLearning as well as mLearning are not understood by many and therefore raising a need for mindset orientation , re-engineering conventional E-learning practices , fully integrate the use of mobile phones in learning while advocating for and building awareness and capacities of learners and learning providers . Meanwhile , Mr.Munyinda emphasized that policies should be revised , so that students are all levels should be allowed to use mobile phones in school if we are to support M-learning. The third speaker was Petrus Venter ,University of South Africa with a presentation entitled Online forums and mobile phones ….. Can these really drive student performance? The speaker stated that Computers, multimedia and mobile technologies are at the forefront of the education environment. Educators are required to find and apply innovative ways to reach their students and to incorporate technologies into their course offerings. He cited some of the modes delivery of distance learning as correspondence, multimedia, telephone, flexible and intelligent (mobile phones used). He said that each one of these can be beneficial in a way but that concentration would be on whether mobile phones can drive student performance or not. He further stated that M-learning focuses on functionality and mobility , though the provision of education and training becomes a challenge due to limited functionality of mobile phones .He also said that there need to understand the difference between E-learning and traditional learning . However, he stated that E-learning combined with M-learning can be so beneficial and deliver recommendable results. Some of the benefits are: M-learning is more accessible, cost effective, immediate, convenient and reliable and synchronous. “It is not technology with inherent pedagogical qualities that are successful, but technologies available.” Keegan (2005) He further stated that online forums allows students to chat , participate in threaded discussions ,read and post blogs , this which help them to express their views , learn from others ,creating a better platform for knowledge sharing .Digital immigrants engage in several modes of online forums , print out emails , and digital natives have hypertext minds , use short attention spellings and focus on tools they use . This makes them to be motivated , highly value their education and increase their performance. The speaker went on to highlight the results of their research. He said that their research indicated that the communication channels most valued by students, in order of preference, are: 1. Contact with lecturers via the myUnisa online student portal; 2. Mobile phone text messages received from lecturers; 3. Contact with other students via myUnisa online discussion forums; 4. Email contact with lecturers; and 5. Personal contact with lecturers. He further presented the impact of online discussion forums and text messages as follows: Online Discussion Forum Software developers have responded to the need for synchronous and asynchronous collaboration between students and lecturers. Within Unisa, online forums are enabled through the open source learning collaboration platform Sakai, known as myUnisa. The discussion forum is only one of several tools available. Online forums are used to facilitate discussions between students and lecturers, and between students The majority of the topics were initiated by the students themselves (78%). This is different to the experience with undergraduate students, where discussions tend to be initiated by lecturers. Many of the postings offered responses to questions by other students. What was remarkable is the fact that students created their own support units within the forum. While online discussions are popular with students, and highly valued by them, the relationship between online student-to-student communication and student performance is not particularly clear. Text messages Bulk text messages (sms) were used to notify students about new discussion topics on the online forum, changes in course matters, reminders about assignment due dates and motivational messages. This form of communication was initiated by lecturers. E-mail is also highly used, although this was one-on-one communication, typically initiated by students. At this stage, statistical results (see figure 1) appear to support the notion that students benefit more from electronic communication with lecturers than from student-to-student communication. In conclusion, the speaker stated that their answer to the question if online forums and mobile technology drive performance appears to be affirmative, and they confirm that the use of online forums should be a planned event and not just left to chance for the students to initiate. In reflection, have the following recommendations: It is important to encourage participation in the online forums by notifying students when a discussion is started. They found text messages to students to notify them of new discussions very valuable. Secondly, provide regular feedback on the forum. They have found that students often wait for the reassurance from the lecturer that they are on the right track. It is also important to address the student questions posed on the forum. For example: “Please could you advise me on my answer to this question, posted 06/10/09, please could you also tell me if I need more to the answer or less??” Thirdly, give praise where it is due, albeit for answering a question posed on the forum, or for peer collaboration – we have had several cases where a student assists a fellow student on the forum, without the intervention of the lecturer. Text messages are a valuable communication medium. However, the number of characters that can be used is 150. They e have learned the importance of always including the course code in the message. It is also useful to plan text messages in advance and to send these at regular intervals. The idea is not only to use it to communicate changes in assignment due dates or exam criteria, but to use it in motivating students during the semester. The fourth speaker was Niall Winters, London Knowledge Lab,UK , with the presentation entitled Veterinary Training with Mobile phones : A case study from Zanzibar . The speaker started his presentation with citing how learners use mobile phones , such as to actively create content e.g. images ,video,audio , be in constant communication with friends and their wider peer groups , and this technology is always with them unlike desktop computers .He further stated that mobile phones are not being used for disseminating content , but being used by learners as a tool for data collection , content creation, communication , while leveraging the affordance of the device . This helps them to be 21st Century learners Some of the benefits in terms of tutor perspective on student learning are : tutors use this as a window on where students attention was , recording the process of reasoning skills development for each student . He further stated that mobile phones are high contributing in making ICT4D a reality, by providing a dual approach, building local capacities in Africa, highly supporting eLearning, building awareness on global issues e.t.c. The fifth Speaker was Maja Braun, Deutsche Welle Radio, Germany , with the presentation entitled Learning by ear on the go-mobile edutainment for Africa. In her presentation, the speaker stated that Deutsche Welle is delivering informal learning to the African communities through radio . She said that the programs delivered through this initiative are both educative and entertaining as well as authentic .They are educative and entertaining in the sense that they are in an educative and entertaining format radio dramas delivering information , and are authentic in the sense that they are authored by Africans , edited by Deutsche Welle and produced locally . The topics include : politics and society ;political participation ,economy and environment ; climate change ,health and social issues ; malaria , general knowledge ; African history . She said that these are distributed through several channels through short wave where there are listeners , others receive mails and SMS as a way of discussing programs , also delivered through partner stations on which also theatre competitions are done and through the internet ; the programs are downloadable cab be discussed through email . The mobile application is that these are compatible , usable, low budget , simple navigation and is in form of compressed data. http://www.dw-world/l.de This clearly shows that mobile phones should used together with other ICT tools to yield better results in eLearning...... By Wandila Simon Kamukwape

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 | 58 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report