The institutional partners of Knowledge Networking Towards Enterprising Agricultural Communities (K-AgriNet) program, namely, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Philippine Rice Institute (Philrice), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and PCARRD convened last September 18 at DAP Building, Pasig City to discuss convergence efforts for e-Agrikultura sites.

The e-Agrikultura program, which is managed by DAR, focuses on creating micro-small enterprise communities through social mobilization activities. To date, there are six e-Agrikultura sites under the K-AgriNet Project. These are located in Almuro, Surigao del Norte; Buruwanga, Aklan; Libertad, Bohol; Alen, Northern Samar; Clarin, Misamis Oriental; and Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, all of which have active cooperatives.

The convergence areas identified include building-up the content of databases, providing information in the vernacular on appropriate technologies, and enhancing the delivery of program services to farmers. The possibility of establishing PCARRD-Farmers Information and Technology Services centers in e-Agrikultura sites was also discussed during the meeting.

The Training on Basic Information and Communications Technology conducted by Philrice for the Alipao Multipurpose Cooperative in Alegria, Surigao del Norte last Sept. 27-28 marked the intensification of convergence activities in e-Agrikultura sites. PCARRD staff served as resource persons for in this training to provide farmers the opportunity to learn and explore websites of K-AgriNet member institutions and their services.

The K-AgriNet partners also reached an agreement to meet with state universities and colleges, local government units, and Kalahi Farmers Centers to identify more areas of convergence. (Neri Ann V. Lawas, S&T Media Service)