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AUSTRALIAN PARTNERSHIP

THE NORTHERN MINDANAO REGION in Southern Philippines is a fast developing area of the country. Its business base and development potential in small- and large-scale agriculture, fisheries and forestry are linked to the natural resources of the region. Local officials are convinced that, to keep growth sustainable and improve income generation, applied research that can be effectively installed in local agri-business and community livelihood programmes should be an essential element in development programs.

The Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (NOMCARRD) based in Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon Province is leading the region’s efforts to empower its agricultural communities through information and technology. Recently, it became the beneficiary of a training grant from the Philippines-Australia Short Term Training Program (PASTT) with the Course on Web Writing, Database Design and Online Teaching for Effective Agricultural Extension Services for Northern Mindanao conducted by the SEAMEO INNOTECH.

NOMCARRD is made up of 16 agencies involved in coordinating research and development in Region 10. It provides practical information, education and communication (IEC) services to the communities in the region on new approaches to agriculture, fisheries, forestry and natural resources management. Both the Central Mindanao University and NOMCARRD are effectively placed to ensure that the large number of research outcomes and applied technologies developed locally and abroad can contribute to the development of the region.

The consortium recognizes that cost-effective and efficient IEC is the critical element of any successful outreach and community education strategy. Well-produced learning resources and online computer- and media-based reference materials are essential components of any modern outreach initiative to small-scale farmers, community cooperatives and agri-business operations.

One of the key delivery mechanisms for effective IEC in the area is the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS), otherwise known as Techno Pinoy. Techno Pinoy Centres are resource centres which are supported by a pool of experts from the consortium partners. They provide information and technology services in agriculture, forestry and natural resources. The centres operate close to the majority of farmers, processors, traders and entrepreneurs who are not easily and commonly reached by extension services. Information and technology services are made available when needed and in formats appropriate to clients. In partnership with other service providers, Techno Pinoy fast-tracks the utilization of vital information, technologies and services based on the needs and characteristics of its clients.

NOMCARRD sought the support of PASTT to mount a targeted training programme for key operators of its outreach services, including:

1. communication specialists at the front line of IEC services need to develop skills in the analysis of applied research and instructional design to create effective teaching and learning resources for local consumption

2. the regional management infor-mation system operators who require technical upgrading to develop web-based database management skills so that the locally produced materials can be effectively stored and managed

3. IT network operators who need training to ensure the IT infrastructure of the network is effectively managed and maintained to support community services

The general aim of the training is to develop the technical capabilities of consortium staff to design, develop and package high quality IEC technologies using a customized Web-based distribution, storage and retrieval platform.

One group of the participants developed proficiency in web writing and interface design, as well as in updating, maintaining and managing web pages for electronic delivery of research and development outputs to clientele. Another group focused on designing and developing instructional materials for electronic media, as well as delivering IEC activities as an approach for effective information and technology promotion.

Content for the web development component included html authoring and website administration. For the instructional design component, topics included adult learning principles, effective instructional design, analysis of materials for instruction, and writing workshop.

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