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SITIA Telephone:1-650-833-6020 Email: sitia@sitia.org |
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Why is SITIA needed? Access to pertinent information and the tools to use it increases the rate of sustainable economic development. Agricultural development is now thought to depend on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices which incorporate strong natural resources conservation. Because sustainable agriculture is not practiced in many parts of the world, its adoption will and does depend on the access to and exchange of pertinent information by scientists and information scientists, as well as producers. In many places, this information may be difficult to acquire, especially through traditional national information systems. In addition, some information technologies that have been used considerably in other disciplines have not yet been exploited to a great extent in agriculture. In general, suitable, up-to-date and unique information technologies are not exploited in agriculture. This reduces the rate of agricultural development, slows the adoption of new practices and sustains conditions where natural resources are lost instead of conserved. Agricultural development is the the most significant component in rural development in agriculturally-based communities. A strong rate of rural development ensures there are sufficient educational opportunities for children and non-farming adults in rural societies. Transforming traditional means of information access and dissemination through the use of technology can ensure that the most pertinent information reaches those that need it. This empowers scientists, extension workers and farmers by giving them the ability to participate actively in information flow and to find information that is specific to their needs. Information access and exchange can help to develop sustainable agricultural societies and sustainable agricultural practices. |
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