This document summarizes the findings of a study on e-Agriculture policies and strategies in selected ACP and non-ACP countries. The study found that while a few countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Bolivia have initiated e-Agriculture strategies or policies, most ACP countries have not developed or do not understand the need for such strategies. It identifies challenges around stakeholder engagement, infrastructure, and capacity. The document recommends that CTA and partners create task forces, develop policy toolkits, provide awareness and capacity building support, and ensure local leadership and relevance to farmers to help countries develop effective national e-Agriculture policies.
Effect of Fiscal Responsibility Act on Budgeting and Accountability Practice ...ijtsrd
This study examines the effect of the Fiscal Responsibility Act on budgeting and accountability practice in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. Specifically, the study determines the relationship between the pre and post effect of the Reform Act to ascertain if there is any significant difference in the management of the nation's fiscal operations. The study made use of secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Annual Reports and Accounts, the Central Bank Nigeria Statistical Bulletins and report of the Accountant General of the Federation as audited by the Auditor General of the Federation for the period under study. Six research questions and seven hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The data generated for this study were presented in tables, graphs and mean scores and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. The hypotheses were tested using the T test of difference and the Pearson Correlation r . Results revealed among others that the number of months of default on the publication of Federal Government Audited Accounts was reduced in the post Fiscal Responsibility Act era. Again, there is a significant negative trend in the mean corruption index after the introduction of the Act and that actual capital expenditure is more closely related to capital expenditure budget in the post than pre Fiscal Responsibility Act period. Based on the findings, we recommended that budgeting and accountability practice should be made more proactive by imbibing the culture of timely auditing and reporting standards as stated in sections 49 and 50 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. Okegbe, T. O. "Effect of Fiscal Responsibility Act on Budgeting and Accountability Practice in Nigeria" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-5 , August 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd26639.pdfPaper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/accounting-and-finance/26639/effect-of-fiscal-responsibility-act-on-budgeting-and-accountability-practice-in-nigeria/okegbe-t-o
Framework for a set of e-Government Core IndicatorsDr Lendy Spires
Background Information and communication technology (ICT) and its applications offer many opportunities for economic and human development. Within the framework of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), national governments, together with other stakeholders at national, regional and international levels are engaged in conceptualizing and deploying ICT and e-government applications in support of development. Inherent within these approaches is the issue of policy development and monitoring of ICT programmes.
The Geneva phase of WSIS established a set of targets for development of the information society. It included a target to: “Connect all local and central government departments and establish websites and e-mail addresses”. A recent publication by the Partnership (2011) suggested a set of e-government core indicators to measure this target. Many of the standards developed for those indicators have been adapted for this report. Box 1: The Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development Stemming from the mandate of the WSIS, the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development is the collaborative initiative of a number of international organizations.
Its current members are: Eurostat, the International Telecommunication Union, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the World Bank, and four United Nations Regional Commissions (Economic Commission for Africa, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia). Launched in 2004, the key goal of the Partnership is to develop internationally comparable, relevant and reliable ICT statistics for measurement of the information society.
Development and maintenance of a core list of ICT indicators is one of its activities, and the development of e-government indicators is undertaken specifically in this context (ITU, 2010). In 2005, the Partnership launched the first edition of Core ICT Indicators followed by the latest edition published in 2010 (Partnership 2005; 2010). Both publications focused on the feasibility and relevance of these ICT core indicators. The objective was to provide a reliable and accurate understanding of the indicators and the associated statistical standards. For more information on the Partnership, see: http://measuring-ict.unctad.org.
The United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC), at its 2007 meeting, asked the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development to extend the core list of ICT indicators to include indicators on ICT use in government (UNSC, 2007). The Partnership, through its Task Group on e-Govern-ment, has been actively engaged in the development of internationally comparable e-government indicators since 2006.
Effect of Fiscal Responsibility Act on Budgeting and Accountability Practice ...ijtsrd
This study examines the effect of the Fiscal Responsibility Act on budgeting and accountability practice in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. Specifically, the study determines the relationship between the pre and post effect of the Reform Act to ascertain if there is any significant difference in the management of the nation's fiscal operations. The study made use of secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Annual Reports and Accounts, the Central Bank Nigeria Statistical Bulletins and report of the Accountant General of the Federation as audited by the Auditor General of the Federation for the period under study. Six research questions and seven hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The data generated for this study were presented in tables, graphs and mean scores and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. The hypotheses were tested using the T test of difference and the Pearson Correlation r . Results revealed among others that the number of months of default on the publication of Federal Government Audited Accounts was reduced in the post Fiscal Responsibility Act era. Again, there is a significant negative trend in the mean corruption index after the introduction of the Act and that actual capital expenditure is more closely related to capital expenditure budget in the post than pre Fiscal Responsibility Act period. Based on the findings, we recommended that budgeting and accountability practice should be made more proactive by imbibing the culture of timely auditing and reporting standards as stated in sections 49 and 50 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. Okegbe, T. O. "Effect of Fiscal Responsibility Act on Budgeting and Accountability Practice in Nigeria" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-5 , August 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd26639.pdfPaper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/accounting-and-finance/26639/effect-of-fiscal-responsibility-act-on-budgeting-and-accountability-practice-in-nigeria/okegbe-t-o
Framework for a set of e-Government Core IndicatorsDr Lendy Spires
Background Information and communication technology (ICT) and its applications offer many opportunities for economic and human development. Within the framework of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), national governments, together with other stakeholders at national, regional and international levels are engaged in conceptualizing and deploying ICT and e-government applications in support of development. Inherent within these approaches is the issue of policy development and monitoring of ICT programmes.
The Geneva phase of WSIS established a set of targets for development of the information society. It included a target to: “Connect all local and central government departments and establish websites and e-mail addresses”. A recent publication by the Partnership (2011) suggested a set of e-government core indicators to measure this target. Many of the standards developed for those indicators have been adapted for this report. Box 1: The Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development Stemming from the mandate of the WSIS, the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development is the collaborative initiative of a number of international organizations.
Its current members are: Eurostat, the International Telecommunication Union, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the World Bank, and four United Nations Regional Commissions (Economic Commission for Africa, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia). Launched in 2004, the key goal of the Partnership is to develop internationally comparable, relevant and reliable ICT statistics for measurement of the information society.
Development and maintenance of a core list of ICT indicators is one of its activities, and the development of e-government indicators is undertaken specifically in this context (ITU, 2010). In 2005, the Partnership launched the first edition of Core ICT Indicators followed by the latest edition published in 2010 (Partnership 2005; 2010). Both publications focused on the feasibility and relevance of these ICT core indicators. The objective was to provide a reliable and accurate understanding of the indicators and the associated statistical standards. For more information on the Partnership, see: http://measuring-ict.unctad.org.
The United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC), at its 2007 meeting, asked the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development to extend the core list of ICT indicators to include indicators on ICT use in government (UNSC, 2007). The Partnership, through its Task Group on e-Govern-ment, has been actively engaged in the development of internationally comparable e-government indicators since 2006.
Gender Budgeting: Case Studies - Mexico - Alfonso ISAAC GAMBOA LOZANO, MexicoOECD Governance
This presentation was made by Alfonso ISAAC GAMBOA LOZANO, Mexico, at the Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held in Reykjaviik, Iceland, on 18-19 May 2017.
Women's participation in the labour market is dependent on a number of factors. The policies and the budget has to be gender sensitive to create an enabling environment for the women workers. We need to shift from the gender neutral approach to the gender sensitive approach.by asking the right questions during budget preparation.
Gender budgeting and Transparency : Understandingthe National and Sub-Nationa...Paramita Majumdar (Ph.D)
It talks about the importance of budget transparency vis-a-vis Gender Budgeting. Gender Budgeting Statement has emerged as an accountability and transparency tool, But the local governments have not yet adopted GRB as a strategy for empowering women. Recent initiatives in Kerala and by the Ministry of Panchaytai Raj has ushered in a new beginning.
Reflections on the Maputo Plan of Action and the Abuja DeclarationIDS
This presentation was given by Realising Rights partner Chi Chi Undie of APHRC to the Regional Meeting of Parliamentary Committees on Health in East & Southern Africa Health Equity & Primary Health Care: Responding to the Challenges & Opportunities
This presentation was made by Alicia del Olmo , at the 3rd Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held at the OECD Conference Centre, Paris, on 19-20 September 2019
Gender budgeting in Austria - Monika Geppl & Eva Festl, AustriaOECD Governance
This presentation was made by Monika Geppl, Germany, at the 11th Annual Meeting of Central, Eastern and South-eastern Senior Budget Officials (CESEE SBO) held in Warsaw, Poland, on 21-22 May 2015.
Theoretical Background of NIAT written by Jeongwon YoonJeongwon Yoon
This journal was published in 2009 by examining criticality of key success factor for national e-Strategy along the status of economic development. The theory became the core concetps of NIAT toolkit for measuring ICT maturity and readiness of governments
This deck of slides outlines the key aspects of the Open Data Readiness Assessment or ODRA and was presented in the consultative workshop on Rwanda Open Data Policy organized by the Ministry of Youth & ICT (GoR) and the World Bank.
Insights on Problems and Prospects of Data Collection and Distribution in Nig...GBENROAYODEJI
The impact of data in the actualization of higher education goals in Nigeria cannot be understated because data is the management tools for planning and implementing decisions for effective administration. Data generation, collection and dissemination has over the time being faced with manipulation and corruption in higher institutions in Nigeria. However, this study focuses on tackling the challenges that prevent the effective use of data in Nigerian higher institutions.
Lessons from "early champions" in gender budgeting - Mercedes FERNANDEZ CABAL...OECD Governance
This presentation was made by Mercedes FERNANDEZ CABALLERO, Spain, at the Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held in Reykjaviik, Iceland, on 18-19 May 2017.
Presentation by the OECD - Session 2: Assessing the landscape - Workshop on D...Marie-Claude Gohier
Presentation by the OECD on "Assessing the landscape" at the Workshop on Digital Government Indicators 6 September 2016. More information can be found at: www.oecd.org/gov/digital-government/
This presentation was made by Liliana Suchodolska , at the 3rd Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held at the OECD Conference Centre, Paris, on 19-20 September 2019
Gender Budgeting: Case Studies - Mexico - Alfonso ISAAC GAMBOA LOZANO, MexicoOECD Governance
This presentation was made by Alfonso ISAAC GAMBOA LOZANO, Mexico, at the Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held in Reykjaviik, Iceland, on 18-19 May 2017.
Women's participation in the labour market is dependent on a number of factors. The policies and the budget has to be gender sensitive to create an enabling environment for the women workers. We need to shift from the gender neutral approach to the gender sensitive approach.by asking the right questions during budget preparation.
Gender budgeting and Transparency : Understandingthe National and Sub-Nationa...Paramita Majumdar (Ph.D)
It talks about the importance of budget transparency vis-a-vis Gender Budgeting. Gender Budgeting Statement has emerged as an accountability and transparency tool, But the local governments have not yet adopted GRB as a strategy for empowering women. Recent initiatives in Kerala and by the Ministry of Panchaytai Raj has ushered in a new beginning.
Reflections on the Maputo Plan of Action and the Abuja DeclarationIDS
This presentation was given by Realising Rights partner Chi Chi Undie of APHRC to the Regional Meeting of Parliamentary Committees on Health in East & Southern Africa Health Equity & Primary Health Care: Responding to the Challenges & Opportunities
This presentation was made by Alicia del Olmo , at the 3rd Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held at the OECD Conference Centre, Paris, on 19-20 September 2019
Gender budgeting in Austria - Monika Geppl & Eva Festl, AustriaOECD Governance
This presentation was made by Monika Geppl, Germany, at the 11th Annual Meeting of Central, Eastern and South-eastern Senior Budget Officials (CESEE SBO) held in Warsaw, Poland, on 21-22 May 2015.
Theoretical Background of NIAT written by Jeongwon YoonJeongwon Yoon
This journal was published in 2009 by examining criticality of key success factor for national e-Strategy along the status of economic development. The theory became the core concetps of NIAT toolkit for measuring ICT maturity and readiness of governments
This deck of slides outlines the key aspects of the Open Data Readiness Assessment or ODRA and was presented in the consultative workshop on Rwanda Open Data Policy organized by the Ministry of Youth & ICT (GoR) and the World Bank.
Insights on Problems and Prospects of Data Collection and Distribution in Nig...GBENROAYODEJI
The impact of data in the actualization of higher education goals in Nigeria cannot be understated because data is the management tools for planning and implementing decisions for effective administration. Data generation, collection and dissemination has over the time being faced with manipulation and corruption in higher institutions in Nigeria. However, this study focuses on tackling the challenges that prevent the effective use of data in Nigerian higher institutions.
Lessons from "early champions" in gender budgeting - Mercedes FERNANDEZ CABAL...OECD Governance
This presentation was made by Mercedes FERNANDEZ CABALLERO, Spain, at the Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held in Reykjaviik, Iceland, on 18-19 May 2017.
Presentation by the OECD - Session 2: Assessing the landscape - Workshop on D...Marie-Claude Gohier
Presentation by the OECD on "Assessing the landscape" at the Workshop on Digital Government Indicators 6 September 2016. More information can be found at: www.oecd.org/gov/digital-government/
This presentation was made by Liliana Suchodolska , at the 3rd Experts Meeting on Gender Budgeting held at the OECD Conference Centre, Paris, on 19-20 September 2019
Presentation by Mark Bell, Director – International Learning Centre, University of California, Davis
Session: Impacts of ICTs for Agricultural Development Interventions
on 6 Nov 2013
ICT4Ag, Kigali, Rwanda
Presentation by Daniel Chiwandamira from DPC & Associates, at the Regional planning meeting on ‘Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Agricultural Solutions for Cereals and Livestock Farmers in Southern Africa – Building partnership for successful implementation’,13–15 September 2016, Johannesburg, South Africa
Regional planning meeting on ‘Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Agricultural Solutions for Cereals and Livestock Farmers in Southern Africa – Building partnership for successful implementation’,13–15 September 2016, Johannesburg, South Africa
Programme of the Regional planning meeting on ‘Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Agricultural Solutions for Cereals and Livestock Farmers in Southern Africa – Building partnership for successful implementation’. 13–15 September 2016, Johannesburg, South Africa
A regional engagement framework for biodiversity informatics, in response to ...Fatima Parker-Allie
Presentation to the GBIF-Africa Heads of Delegation to the GBIF Governing Board, GBIF Governing Board Meeting 18, Buenos Aires, Argentina (October 2011)
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). 2023. Statistics from Space: Next-Generation Agricultural Production Information for Enhanced Monitoring of Food Security in Mozambique. Component 1. Stakeholder engagement for impacts. PowerPoint presentation given during the Project Inception Workshop, VIP Grand Hotel, Maputo, Mozambique, April 20, 2023
Experience of the Ghana Agricultural Information Network Systems (GAINS)iaaldafrika
PowerPoint presentation on GAINS activities presented at the IAALD Africa Chapter session at the Joint Conference of IAALD, AFITA and WCCA, 24 - 27 August 2008, Atsugi, Japan
Pendant les deux derniers jours du Forum, le Ministère a eu l'occasion d'écouter les recommandations faites par les dirigeants des coopératives et par les experts du développement des coopératives. Voici la présentation synthétisant les réponses fournies par le MIDSP au Forum. Pour plus d'info http://bit.ly/2mMLoo2
Le Dr. Nicola Francesconi, conseiller technique sénior au CTA, a coordiné l'organisation du Forum des coopératives malgaches, qui s'est tenu du 13 au 17 février 2017. Plus d'infos : http://bit.ly/2mMLoo2
Tovo Aina Andriamampionona et Nirina Razafimanantsoa, élus porte-paroles par les membres des coopératives participantes au Forum des coopératives malgaches, ont résumé les principaux problèmes auxquels les coopératives sont confrontées. Plus d'infos : http://bit.ly/2mMLoo2
This document outlines some of the key action points discussed at the workshop held in February 2017. More information about the workshop: http://bit.ly/2lt7Vbf More information about the impact of open data for agriculture and nutrition: http://bit.ly/2lyjJqW
Connector Corner: Automate dynamic content and events by pushing a buttonDianaGray10
Here is something new! In our next Connector Corner webinar, we will demonstrate how you can use a single workflow to:
Create a campaign using Mailchimp with merge tags/fields
Send an interactive Slack channel message (using buttons)
Have the message received by managers and peers along with a test email for review
But there’s more:
In a second workflow supporting the same use case, you’ll see:
Your campaign sent to target colleagues for approval
If the “Approve” button is clicked, a Jira/Zendesk ticket is created for the marketing design team
But—if the “Reject” button is pushed, colleagues will be alerted via Slack message
Join us to learn more about this new, human-in-the-loop capability, brought to you by Integration Service connectors.
And...
Speakers:
Akshay Agnihotri, Product Manager
Charlie Greenberg, Host
Accelerate your Kubernetes clusters with Varnish CachingThijs Feryn
A presentation about the usage and availability of Varnish on Kubernetes. This talk explores the capabilities of Varnish caching and shows how to use the Varnish Helm chart to deploy it to Kubernetes.
This presentation was delivered at K8SUG Singapore. See https://feryn.eu/presentations/accelerate-your-kubernetes-clusters-with-varnish-caching-k8sug-singapore-28-2024 for more details.
Essentials of Automations: Optimizing FME Workflows with ParametersSafe Software
Are you looking to streamline your workflows and boost your projects’ efficiency? Do you find yourself searching for ways to add flexibility and control over your FME workflows? If so, you’re in the right place.
Join us for an insightful dive into the world of FME parameters, a critical element in optimizing workflow efficiency. This webinar marks the beginning of our three-part “Essentials of Automation” series. This first webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to utilize parameters effectively: enhancing the flexibility, maintainability, and user control of your FME projects.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Essentials of FME Parameters: Understand the pivotal role of parameters, including Reader/Writer, Transformer, User, and FME Flow categories. Discover how they are the key to unlocking automation and optimization within your workflows.
- Practical Applications in FME Form: Delve into key user parameter types including choice, connections, and file URLs. Allow users to control how a workflow runs, making your workflows more reusable. Learn to import values and deliver the best user experience for your workflows while enhancing accuracy.
- Optimization Strategies in FME Flow: Explore the creation and strategic deployment of parameters in FME Flow, including the use of deployment and geometry parameters, to maximize workflow efficiency.
- Pro Tips for Success: Gain insights on parameterizing connections and leveraging new features like Conditional Visibility for clarity and simplicity.
We’ll wrap up with a glimpse into future webinars, followed by a Q&A session to address your specific questions surrounding this topic.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your FME expertise and drive your projects to new heights of efficiency.
Generating a custom Ruby SDK for your web service or Rails API using Smithyg2nightmarescribd
Have you ever wanted a Ruby client API to communicate with your web service? Smithy is a protocol-agnostic language for defining services and SDKs. Smithy Ruby is an implementation of Smithy that generates a Ruby SDK using a Smithy model. In this talk, we will explore Smithy and Smithy Ruby to learn how to generate custom feature-rich SDKs that can communicate with any web service, such as a Rails JSON API.
GDG Cloud Southlake #33: Boule & Rebala: Effective AppSec in SDLC using Deplo...James Anderson
Effective Application Security in Software Delivery lifecycle using Deployment Firewall and DBOM
The modern software delivery process (or the CI/CD process) includes many tools, distributed teams, open-source code, and cloud platforms. Constant focus on speed to release software to market, along with the traditional slow and manual security checks has caused gaps in continuous security as an important piece in the software supply chain. Today organizations feel more susceptible to external and internal cyber threats due to the vast attack surface in their applications supply chain and the lack of end-to-end governance and risk management.
The software team must secure its software delivery process to avoid vulnerability and security breaches. This needs to be achieved with existing tool chains and without extensive rework of the delivery processes. This talk will present strategies and techniques for providing visibility into the true risk of the existing vulnerabilities, preventing the introduction of security issues in the software, resolving vulnerabilities in production environments quickly, and capturing the deployment bill of materials (DBOM).
Speakers:
Bob Boule
Robert Boule is a technology enthusiast with PASSION for technology and making things work along with a knack for helping others understand how things work. He comes with around 20 years of solution engineering experience in application security, software continuous delivery, and SaaS platforms. He is known for his dynamic presentations in CI/CD and application security integrated in software delivery lifecycle.
Gopinath Rebala
Gopinath Rebala is the CTO of OpsMx, where he has overall responsibility for the machine learning and data processing architectures for Secure Software Delivery. Gopi also has a strong connection with our customers, leading design and architecture for strategic implementations. Gopi is a frequent speaker and well-known leader in continuous delivery and integrating security into software delivery.
The Art of the Pitch: WordPress Relationships and SalesLaura Byrne
Clients don’t know what they don’t know. What web solutions are right for them? How does WordPress come into the picture? How do you make sure you understand scope and timeline? What do you do if sometime changes?
All these questions and more will be explored as we talk about matching clients’ needs with what your agency offers without pulling teeth or pulling your hair out. Practical tips, and strategies for successful relationship building that leads to closing the deal.
Kubernetes & AI - Beauty and the Beast !?! @KCD Istanbul 2024Tobias Schneck
As AI technology is pushing into IT I was wondering myself, as an “infrastructure container kubernetes guy”, how get this fancy AI technology get managed from an infrastructure operational view? Is it possible to apply our lovely cloud native principals as well? What benefit’s both technologies could bring to each other?
Let me take this questions and provide you a short journey through existing deployment models and use cases for AI software. On practical examples, we discuss what cloud/on-premise strategy we may need for applying it to our own infrastructure to get it to work from an enterprise perspective. I want to give an overview about infrastructure requirements and technologies, what could be beneficial or limiting your AI use cases in an enterprise environment. An interactive Demo will give you some insides, what approaches I got already working for real.
Slack (or Teams) Automation for Bonterra Impact Management (fka Social Soluti...Jeffrey Haguewood
Sidekick Solutions uses Bonterra Impact Management (fka Social Solutions Apricot) and automation solutions to integrate data for business workflows.
We believe integration and automation are essential to user experience and the promise of efficient work through technology. Automation is the critical ingredient to realizing that full vision. We develop integration products and services for Bonterra Case Management software to support the deployment of automations for a variety of use cases.
This video focuses on the notifications, alerts, and approval requests using Slack for Bonterra Impact Management. The solutions covered in this webinar can also be deployed for Microsoft Teams.
Interested in deploying notification automations for Bonterra Impact Management? Contact us at sales@sidekicksolutionsllc.com to discuss next steps.
Transcript: Selling digital books in 2024: Insights from industry leaders - T...BookNet Canada
The publishing industry has been selling digital audiobooks and ebooks for over a decade and has found its groove. What’s changed? What has stayed the same? Where do we go from here? Join a group of leading sales peers from across the industry for a conversation about the lessons learned since the popularization of digital books, best practices, digital book supply chain management, and more.
Link to video recording: https://bnctechforum.ca/sessions/selling-digital-books-in-2024-insights-from-industry-leaders/
Presented by BookNet Canada on May 28, 2024, with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Epistemic Interaction - tuning interfaces to provide information for AI supportAlan Dix
Paper presented at SYNERGY workshop at AVI 2024, Genoa, Italy. 3rd June 2024
https://alandix.com/academic/papers/synergy2024-epistemic/
As machine learning integrates deeper into human-computer interactions, the concept of epistemic interaction emerges, aiming to refine these interactions to enhance system adaptability. This approach encourages minor, intentional adjustments in user behaviour to enrich the data available for system learning. This paper introduces epistemic interaction within the context of human-system communication, illustrating how deliberate interaction design can improve system understanding and adaptation. Through concrete examples, we demonstrate the potential of epistemic interaction to significantly advance human-computer interaction by leveraging intuitive human communication strategies to inform system design and functionality, offering a novel pathway for enriching user-system engagements.
Builder.ai Founder Sachin Dev Duggal's Strategic Approach to Create an Innova...Ramesh Iyer
In today's fast-changing business world, Companies that adapt and embrace new ideas often need help to keep up with the competition. However, fostering a culture of innovation takes much work. It takes vision, leadership and willingness to take risks in the right proportion. Sachin Dev Duggal, co-founder of Builder.ai, has perfected the art of this balance, creating a company culture where creativity and growth are nurtured at each stage.
Encryption in Microsoft 365 - ExpertsLive Netherlands 2024Albert Hoitingh
In this session I delve into the encryption technology used in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Purview. Including the concepts of Customer Key and Double Key Encryption.
Monitoring Java Application Security with JDK Tools and JFR Events
Summary of findings - e-agriculture strategies in the ACP
1. The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)
Background Report
on
e-Agriculture Policies and Strategies in ACP Countries
In preparation of the 2013 ICT Observatory
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This background report reviews the general state of e-Agriculture policies and
strategiesi
in selected ACP and non-ACP countries. It is a desk research that has
been developed in preparation for the 2013 ICT Observatory meeting and only aims
at providing a quick overview on the issue. The nature of the research and the limited
timeframe did not allow for a detailed analysis on the status e-Agriculture strategy
processes in the selected countries.
The report identifies some of the key challenges, target orientations, and key areas of
support for national e-Agriculture policies or strategies development as reported by
the various stakeholders. Consultations with stakeholders took place between
October and December 2012 mainly through Skype and phone calls, and
supplemented with email interviews and analysis of policy documents. Below is a
brief summary of the findings and recommendations (detailed findings and
recommendations of the study are presented in the body of the report).
I: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
A) Overview of national e-Agriculture policies and strategies: The results show
that there are initiatives (at various stages) in a few countries to develop such
strategies or policies. However, the consultation reveals that in most ACP
countries, there were no interests or understanding of the need for e-Agriculture
2. strategies or policies even though the importance of ICT in agriculture is
generally recognized. Reports from some UN organisations such as ITU and
UNECA recognize few progress have been made on e-Agriculture strategies,
whereas e-strategies on other sectors such as governance and health do exist.
Below is the state of national e-Agriculture strategies or policies from countries
examined:
Ghana (Africa): The Ghana ICTs in Agriculture Implementation Strategy was
developed in 2005, certainly as a follow-up to ICT provisions in the 2003 National
ICT for Accelerated Development Policy document, and a draft report on
Implementation Strategy and Action Plans for Modernisation of Agriculture and
Development of Agro-Business Industry in Ghana was released in 2007 for
review and implementation. It was not clear during the study whether the plan
has actually been implemented and evaluated.
Ivory Coast (Africa): A recent development in Ivory Coast shows a joint effort by
the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Post, Information Technology and
Communication to develop a national e-Agriculture policy. According to a press
release on the ministries website, a national strategy document for “e.Agriculture”
has been developed and is currently with the Council of State for approval.
Rwanda (Africa): Consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal
Resources (MAAR) in Rwanda revealed current efforts in formulating a national
strategy to integrate ICTs into agriculture and natural resource management
programs across the country. It is being described as a “Strategic Plan for
Agricultural Transformation” with key component on institutional development of
an agricultural knowledge and management system.
Mali and Burkina Faso: Through contacts made by CTA, it appears that UNECA
has been collaborating with these two countries to develop a cyber-strategy for
agriculture or rural development in 2011 (Note: Mali and Burkina Faso were not
part of the countries selected for the study).
Saint Lucia (Caribbean): In Saint Lucia, there is no evidence of efforts to
develop a national e-Agriculture policy or strategy. However, the study found that
the country’s national ICT policy document has recognised the role of ICTs in the
development of the agricultural sector, which is one of the pillars of its economy.
The St. Lucia’s Agricultural Resource Information System (SLARIS) therefore has
specific target areas for integration of ICTs into agriculture and rural
development.
Fiji (Pacific): No evidence was found in Fiji about the existence of a national e-
3. Agriculture policy or strategy. Analysis of the National IT Policy of Fiji shows no
mention of the agricultural sector. However, one of the goals of the 2011 National
Broadband Policy for the island is to develop lead applications in agriculture and
fisheries to assist in efficient production, marketing and logistics associated with
the primary industries including agriculture.
India (Asia): In India while it has not been specifically described as a national e-
Agriculture policy; there are efforts to create awareness about the need to
develop a “National Agricultural Informatics Framework”. Also, the country has a
national ICT policy within which agriculture is a key component; moreover, in the
national agriculture policy, the role of ICTs for extension and dissemination of
agricultural information is well recognised.
Bangladesh (Asia): Not much progress has been made in developing a national
e-Agriculture policy and a recent initiative between the private and public sectors
to develop a policy guideline for public-private interaction in the area of
agriculture information dissemination has been stalled due to political changes.
The proposed national ICT policy of the country, however, recognised the
importance of ICTs in agriculture and has devoted a comprehensive portion of it
to the agricultural sector. Also with the “Digital Bangladesh” agenda by the
current government, there is the hope for such initiative in the future.
Bolivia (Latin America): In addition to the above selected countries, the study
found that in Bolivia an “ICT Strategy for the Agriculture Sector” was developed
with support from IICD in 2002. But the current status of this document could not
be identified.
B) Issues and challenges: Below are some general experiences shared by
stakeholders that can inform future initiatives aimed at supporting ACP countries
in developing national e-Agriculture policies or strategies.
Policy ownership: Experiences in ICT policy and other sectoral policy
development show that national ownership is critical in the entire process. The
involvement of international organizations, if needed, should be limited, to
awareness creation, technical and financial support.
Multi-stakeholder partnership: The study found that multi-stakeholder
partnership involving the public sector, the private sector, civil society and
international organisations is needed for a successful policy development,
implementation, and monitoring. With respect to the national e-Agriculture
policies or strategies, a strong collaboration between the two key ministries – the
4. Ministry in charge of Agriculture and the one in charge of ICTs is critical at the
national level. A good collaboration between ICT-focused and agriculture-focused
international organisations (ITU, UNECA, FAO, CTA, IICD, etc.) is also needed
on this issue.
Other challenges recalled by the stakeholders include the general lack of
interest or understanding in e-Agriculture policies or strategies by many
stakeholders at the national level; the sheer lack of understanding of the role and
potential of ICTs in agriculture even at the senior official level; issues with
institutional and political structures; regulatory changes in the absence of formal
policies; poor collaboration between Ministries in charge of ICTs and agriculture;
among others. Other implementation challenges mentioned by the respondents
include power non-availability; poor ICT infrastructure; low ICT literacy; lack of
relevant content; non-integration of services; non-availability of advisory services;
issues of localisation of ICTs; and resource mobilisation.
C) Orientations and target areas: Respondents also identified some key target
areas expected to be covered in their national e-Agriculture policies. These
include local content, weather services, farm health management informatics,
infrastructure and equipment, universal access, training and capacity building,
postharvest management, forest management, general production system,
marketing and market research, commodity specific focus such as livestock,
crops fisheries, etc., water resource management, R&D, and risk management.
D) Expected areas of support: Among the few areas identified for support is
capacity building for national actors in the entire policy development process.
While some of the international organizations argued that the financial cost
should not be too much to exceed the capacity of the national governments,
national stakeholders did ask for support in terms of budget in the policy
development, implementation, and monitoring.
II: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CTA AND ALLIED PARTNERS
The key recommendations made for CTA and other international organizations, to be
implemented in partnership when required, are introduced below.
Include discussion of the conclusion of this report and of the ICT
Observatory meeting in the WSIS forum in May 2013: It has been
acknowledged during the consultation that the issue of national e-Agriculture
5. policies and strategies transcends the boundaries of ACP countries. Since the
concept of e-sector policies emerged out of WSIS 2003-2005, a first target for
CTA could be to present the outcomes of this study and the stakeholder
consultation to be held later, for consideration by the global stakeholders at the
May 2013 WSIS forum.
Commission a more detailed case study: It is also recommended that a
broader survey study (this can include a formal survey covering most ACP
countries), and a more detailed analysis of on-going processes in a few countries
be undertaken.
Create a global level task force and national level committees: It is
recommended that a global level task force and national level committees be
created, in collaboration with other regional bodies within the ACP and
international institutions with interest in the sector. These new global and national
bodies shall consist of a network of policy experts from the agricultural and ICT
sectors and shall act as the backbone for developing, implementing and
evaluating the national e-Agriculture policies or strategies.
Build a national e-Agriculture policy toolkit: This toolkit can take the form of a
living and interactive database with various components of e-policy, to enable
countries to explore options based on their specific situation. Lessons and best
practices from other sectors such as health, education and governance shall be
utilised to understand the models, approaches, successes and failures, etc. in
these sectors, to prevent repetition of the same mistakes.
Awareness creation and monitoring of the policy process at national level:
Campaigning and awareness creation should be undertaken by relevant actors to
sensitise stakeholders about the importance of e-Agriculture policies. In the
process, more emphasis shall be directed at implementation and M&E stages
and senior government officials shall be involved from the outset, to ensure a
high level of political endorsement and a pledge for future implementation of the
policies.
Ensure local leadership in the entire process: CTA and allied institutions may
be responsible for raising awareness and providing guidance, but acting upon
these recommendations may rest on the national governments. In doing so,
national governments may be encouraged to allocate the responsibility for e-
Agriculture policy or strategy development to a specific directorate, such as the
Ministry of Agriculture, and then be guided by the national e-Agriculture policy
committee.
6. Factor in the why, which, how, and what questions of e-Agriculture: The
success of the national e-Agriculture policies or strategies program in ACP
countries will depend on the demand for ICTs by actors within the agricultural
value chain. This is very high at the moment across the regions. Therefore in
supporting ACP countries in e-Agriculture policy or strategy development, CTA
shall ensure the policies aim at addressing: why the stakeholders should use
ICTs; what kind of ICTs should be recommended for use; where should ICTs be
applied within the agricultural sector; and how should the ICTs be applied for
agriculture and rural development in these countries?
i
The research aimed to identify the existence of e-agriculture strategy or policy
documents or processes, irrespective of the difference between the two terms
“policy” and “strategy”. This is the reason why either of the term is used in the report.