This document summarizes a conference presentation about Growing Nations, an organization based in Lesotho that teaches conservation agriculture methods. It discusses how Growing Nations' use of information and communication technologies (ICT), such as gaining broadband internet access in 2010, accessing skills through Skype, using video production and photography, and integrating an online fundraising platform, has helped them expand their impact, communicate their message worldwide, and raise more donations internationally. The presentation concludes that while technology has been very helpful, personal relationships cannot be replaced and remain important for Growing Nations' work.

1. Growing Nations
A Showcase for ICT & Agricultural Development
SANGONet ICT4RD Conference
Wanderers, Johannesburg
2nd November 2011
© 2011 GivenGain Foundation. Private and Confidential

2. Overview
1. Introduction
2. Communication
3. Information
4. Showcase
5. Outcomes
6. Impact
© 2011 GivenGain Foundation. Private and Confidential

3. Introduction
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4. Conservation Agriculture
• Growing Nations is based in Maphutseng, Lesotho
• August Basson aims to transform lives through the
practical teaching of Conservation Agriculture methods
and leadership skills also known as ‘Farming God’s Way’
• Helping to provide food security and hope for the future
for people throughout Lesotho and across Africa.
• Conservation Agriculture is method of no-till farming
that is being adopted by more and more farmers across
the world.
• Since the 1960s farmers and researchers in the Americas
have using a system of growing crops that conserves &
builds-up value organic matter in soils, improves soil
quality and fertility.
• Dramatically reduces negative environmental impacts of
modern-day agriculture such as air and water pollution
as well as wind and water erosion.
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5. Communication
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6. Challenges & Triumphs
• In 1997, it took a drive of 2 hours to get
a place with a cell phone signal
• In 2000, it was possible to pick up a
weak cell phone signal on the farm
• 2010, the farm got access to broadband
“This one event had a significant impact on all
sectors of our internet work and connectivity”
• Skype changed the way to communicate
• It was impossible to to phone people
overseas now we have meetings and
teleconferences!
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7. Information
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8. Access to ICT
Significant Events:
• Team Members
• International Influence
• Video Production
• Professional Photographer
• Donors
Influence:
• Helped us to tell the World the stories
of farmers, the struggles and the joys.
• Helped us to influence people’s
thinking on development.
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9. Showcase: ICT for Fundraising
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10. Fundraising: GivenGain
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11. Fundraising: Website Integration
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12. Fundraising: ‘Activists’
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13. Showcase: Outcomes
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14. Impact
August Basson:
• I am very glad we live in this
(digitally networked) era
• I think we would have been a
very small organization with
local impact
• Today we have impact
throughout Lesotho and
around the World
• Although technology has
helped us a lot it can never
replace the personal
relationship with donors
and people involved.
© 2011 GivenGain Foundation. Private and Confidential 14

15. Growing Nations
A Showcase for ICT & Agricultural Development
Colin Habberton
CEO, GivenGain Foundation South Africa
c: +27 71 401 2434
e: colin@givengain.com
t: @relatomics
or find me on LinkedIn
© 2011 GivenGain Foundation. Private and Confidential