The Virtual Forum "Mobile Telephony in Rural Areas"

Mobile phones are the success story of bridging the rural digital divide, bringing tangible economic benefits and acting as agents of social mobilization through improved communication. But what are the real challenges that face reaching rural areas, and what are some of today’s most beneficial applications that can help these rural communities, specifically regarding agriculture development?

Thank you to the over 150 community members from over 50 countries who participated in this exciting forum 17-28 November 2008!

This Forum examined the challenges that rural communities face in enhancing the benefits of mobile telephony, and looked at some examples of interesting initiatives and good outcomes from around the globe.

The forum is over, but the discussion continues! We still look forward to your input! Due to demand, we will be keeping the forum open, for you to give your opinion on what you feel is your vision for the future of Mobile Telephony in Agriculture Development.

e-agriculture.org is looking for your suggestion  for new services or improving existing services, and ideas for collaboration going forward.

Click here to join in the discussion! (You must be logged in to see the link!)

ONCE LOGGED IN, YOU CAN READ THE SUMMARY OF WEEK I.

A POLICY BRIEF about the outcomes of the whole forum will be available soon.

Subject Matter experts included:

Pete Cranston, ICT and New Media in Development Consultant

Laura M. Drewett, Partner Director, BusyLab Ltd. 

Jawahar Kanjilal, Global Head of Emerging Market Services, Services &   Software, Nokia

Christian Kreutz, Consultant, Knowledge Activist

AHM Sultanur Reza, Additional General Manager  and Head,  Community Information Center, Grameenphone Ltd. 

Luca Servo, Communication for Development Consultant, Research and Extension Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 

Nigel Scott, Gamos Ltd  

with

Charlotte Masiello-Riome, Communications Expert and e-Agriculture.org Coordinator  

Michael Riggs, Information Management Specialist for the Asia-Pacific region, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 

Register on the e-agriculture platform, if you haven’t already done so. 

To enter the forum discussion, click here. (If you can't see the link, its because you need to log in. Do so, and return to this page to access.)

 

____________________________________________________ 

 

Forum|Community Members by Country|Community Map|Action Groups