Workshop Objectives

Raise awareness on existing potentials for improving agricultural knowledge resources linkages using ICM tools and achieve better understanding of the concept, structure and management of agricultural knowledge network using Digitization and Digital Libraries Module of IMARK (Information Management Resource Kit).
To develop a cadre of national facilitators and trainers (focal points) for further national trainings for human capacity building and development in the information Management tools/systems developed by FAO such as Digitization and Digital Libraries Module and the Management of Electronic Documents Module of IMARK.
To provide participants with training and distance-learning materials for agricultural information management and networking with special focus on Digitization and Digital Agricultural Knowledge Libraries. This training workshop is part of the collaborative programme designed for building the technical capacity of the target groups and stakeholders in the West Asian and North Africa Region in the field of information management systems and technology with special focus on building Electronic Agricultural Knowledge Resources Network (Virtual Libraries Network) for improving agricultural development and food security in the region.
To provide support to combine the IMARK distance learning approach with traditional face-to-face learning in a “blended learning” approach, providing extra value for both learners and teachers. This approach will be applied initially through sub-regional Digitalization and Digital Libraries Module of IMARK proposed training workshop in cooperation with the Recipient Organization of this LOA (AOAD).
To promote of Internet-based community of practice with users of the WAICENT Information Management Resource Kit (IMARK), Digitization and Digital Library Module.
To disseminate (following adaptation and preparation) in member countries and collaborating organizations in the Near East the WAICENT's information management tools (Digitalization and Digital Libraries Module of IMARK). The Recipient Organization will use and/or prepare from existing sources a set of training resource materials for the training workshop in the appropriate language such as the Resource Kit Modules of Digitization and Digital Libraries and the Management of Electronic Documents currently developed by FAO and its partners as a means to introduce and teach concepts, approaches and tools for information and knowledge management and exchange. These tools would also be used in the workshop and distributed to the participants and the Recipient Organization will encourage them to register online with IMARK Enquiries Desk www.fao.org/IMARK as users .
To develop strategic partnership and strengthen collaboration with regional organization such as the Recipient Organization (AOAD) to Support to national capacities in agricultural information management in the Near East .
To support and implement the workshop framework for actions and follow-up activities for the establishment of “Electronic Agricultural Knowledge Resources Arab Network –EAKRA-NET” initiative , that responds to countries' needs and realities. The focus of these activities will be on promoting cooperation in the creation, integration and management of digital agricultural content, integrating the existing national and regional digital resources into a shared digital library (Electronic Agricultural Knowledge Resources Arab Network), promoting new developments and standards for digital agricultural content and digital library system development , building institutional capacity at national, sub regional and regional levels on development of integrated digital library services, Providing a forum where researchers, practitioners, and representatives of interested applications and industries can exchange ideas and experiences; and eventually achieving a significantly higher take up of regional agricultural knowledge online services .

Regional Training Workshop

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