Connect Africa will join around 500 experts in rural development from around the world to discuss issues of global concern as we hurtle towards the 2015 Millennium Development Goals.
Issues on the agenda at the 3rd European Forum on Sustainable Development, held in Palencia, Spain from March 29 – April 1, 2011, include food security and social protection, land issues, efficient agricultural systems for small scale farmers and the role of the private sector in rural development.
Being experts in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Connect Africa’s contribution will focus on how computers, the internet and mobile phones can revolutionize development in the rural areas.
What works and what doesn’t
From mobile phones connections in the rural areas to link small scale farmers with market information to enabling clinics to send out health guidance and advice about HIV / AIDS by text message, the possibilities to expand opportunities both socially and economically are huge.
Yet poor infrastructure and little buying power hinders opportunities available in the majority world, where internet access for example – and even mobile phones – are scant in comparison with more technologically advanced nations.
The forum is the initiative of the European Commission and EU with support from France, Germany, Ireland, the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development and CTA.
Current best practice and successful case studies will be shown to illustrate what currently works in the sector – and could be transferred elsewhere.
There will also be a side-event called: “ICTs Mobilizing Farmers,” which will highlight the importance and potential of ICTs in rural communities for agricultural development, showcasing the experiences of farmers, ICTs specialists and researchers.
From increasing productivity, bringing up-to-date market information and even allowing easier access to finances, Connect Africa will give examples of how our network serves to expand opportunities for small scale farmers in the developing world, and is already doing so.
We hope to see some of you there!