18 pages., via online journal., Findings in rural communities prompt authors to recommend a customized policy framework that is responsive to the diversity and uniqueness of local contexts in connectivity and digital inclusion.
Iran: Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 207 Document Number: D13056
Journal Title Details:
V.22, Iss.1
Notes:
20 pages, abstract available in English., Varying forms of ICT is used nowadays to disseminate information and innovations among farmers. The present study investigates the level of access and confidence in various information and communication technologies with respect to pest control (e.g. Sunn Pest). A survey was performed over wheat farmers in Hamedan Province. 203 farmers where selected using multi-level, multi-step sampling. The required data was collected using a questionnaire composed of 35 open and two closed questions. Findings demonstrated that Hamedani Farmers have limited access to modern information sources such as computers, e-journals and e-magazines, and agricultural brochures. Organizational institutions and traditional sources of information such as agricultural extension and service centers, TV, neighbors and friends, Agricultural suppliers and such are increasingly available to these farmers. The findings demonstrates that farmers have high confidence in agricultural research center, Hamedan Agricultural Jahad Organization and regional agricultural service and extension. Given the current situation regarding presentation of specialized information on wheat pests and diseases, particularly the Sunn Pest, Agricultual extensions and Service centers that are highly available to the farmers, pose the most viable choice. There seems to be a significant correlation between area planted, level of production and farmers’ access and confidence in ICT. There is a significant, but negative correlation between farmers’ age and their confidence in ICT. Level of access to and confidence in ICT seems to have significant correlation with level of education, social standing and participation in training courses.
4 pages., Online via publication website., Author addresses a Parks Canada policy that prevented employees from speaking with the media without approval. This follows up on an earlier article, "Parks in the dark," published in The Narwhal and shining "a bright light on how Parks Canada's media relations' practices hinder press freedom."
Environment and Development Organization News and Networking, Asia Edition., Describes the KNOWNETInitiative, an effort to promote sharing of local knowledge through the Internet. Information about the Initiative can be found at: http://www.knownet.org
Costs of transition to digital broadcasting will have a disproportionate impact on rural consumers and systems. Author offers ideas on how to deal with this.
Online by open access., Reports on increasing push by the agriculture industry in various states to restrict free speech and access to information in terms of farm protection laws (also known as "ag-gag" laws).
