Information, Outreach & Liaison

A key function of NARI is to provide agricultural information services, extension service support and other technical assistance to the agriculture sector . Agricultural research is a tool that generates agricultural information addressing farmers' problems, needs and aspirations. In order for research to have an impact on the rural community this information has to be passed on to farmers through various channels in a timely and systematic manner. When farmers adopt that information it becomes knowledge that can change attitudes and practices. This function is carried out by the Outreach and Liaison (O&L) units which are located at all NARI programme centers.

The Outreach and Liaison component encompasses three main areas:

(i) Outreach,
(ii) Liaison and
(iii) Information:

Outreaching

promotes NARI's recommended technologies and innovations at public arenas such as agricultural shows, field days, open days, and conferences. In these events we promote various research activities undertaken by the Main Highlands Programme and disseminate the information to the public at large. In addition, the Main Highlands Programme is also actively participating in rural shows and village gatherings by displaying posters of our activities and disseminating our research findings.

Liaison

helps create networking and linkages with stakeholders and partners with the purpose of establishing collaboration through extending NARI's recommended technologies for verification with stakeholders and partners. Current collaborating agencies with the Highlands Programme are:

  1. University of Goroka;
  2. Fresh Produce Development Company;
  3. Provincial Department of Primary Industry and regional Department of Agriculture and Livestock
  4. Women's groups;
  5. Church groups such as the Evangelical Brotherhood Church , the Seventh Day Adventists, the Baptist Church; and
  6. Schools such as the Aiyura National High School, Kondiu and Kabiufa Secondary Schools.

Information

support is mainly to assist researchers to develop effective and relevant research projects. Exchange of information is also an integral part of this activity. We have a library and information centre with activities that include:

Library management:

  1. Coordinate purchase of new library books and replace missing library materials
  2. Maintain the integrity of the NARI integrated information system
  3. Liaise with other libraries for interlibrary loan services
  4. Liaise with external information sources for access to agricultural information to meet researchers' information requirements
  5. Assist researchers in conducting literature search

Highlands Information Centre:

  1. Bibliographic references using the NARI/CIC information database
  2. Access to extension leaflets from DAL, NARI, FPDC, etc
  3. Provision of factual information by specialists on site
  4. Referral and advisory services
  5. Nursery services


For further information, Contact

Information & Outreach
NARI Main Highlands Programme
P.O Box 210, SIL, UKARUMPA
Eastern Highlands Province
Papua New Guinea

Phone: (675) 737 3500
Fax: (675) 737 3516
Email: ipul.powaseu@nari.org.pg or marlene.samar@nari.org.pg