Outreach & Liaison

The Outreach and Liaison (O&L) section of NARI Keravat builds linkages between science, stakeholders (mainly farmers), collaborators and partners in the New Guinea Island region and lowlands of mainland New Guinea . The section acts as a provider of information between farmers and scientists. Farmers from the region shall benefit from the latest results of scientific research work while scientists need the direct contact and feedback to do research in a client orientated direction. To ensure this service reaches its stakeholders in a sustainable way, NARI Keravat organises and implements the following facilities and activities.

Information Centre

The NARI Keravat Information Centre has been in operation since 2001 to serve the public. It provides a wide range of information materials to meet the information needs of farmers in the region. Farmers and other stakeholders are invited to obtain information on various crops and techniques available at the Centre. The facility can also arrange for farmers to get advice on specific problems/issues from scientists.

The O&L activities of the different sections and projects are coordinated and supported by necessary infrastructure and staff. Provision and publication of information, organisation of trainings and shows as well as consultations are also provided.

Library

The library at NARI Keravat provides an opportunity for the public in the Gazelle to access information from:

  1. Up-to-date information material from all NARI programmes, and NARI Keravat's stakeholders and project partner organisations
  2. A public database computer (19 information databases, 15 resource CDs, 3 training CDs of various organisations & volumes
  3. Over 1,800 books on shelf
  4. 230 periodical titles on shelf
  5. 200 trial files in cabinets
  6. 240 document files in drawers

At present a program is being implemented to connect all libraries of NARI research stations in PNG to a Library Network Database.

Regional Research and Development Advisory Committee

The NARI Keravat Information Centre also acts as the nerve centre for the Regional Research and Development Advisory Committee (RRDAC) as a forum at the regional research programme level of NARI. It is one of the mechanisms by which NARI will effectively link research and development through consultation and interaction with its stakeholders, partners, and collaborators. The section organises yearly committee meetings and maintains an active relationship with its members.

Market Days

On a weekly basis, NARI Keravat puts up a stall at the Kokopo market. This is to provide the local communities in the Gazelle with improved planting materials and information on latest techniques for staple crop production and other relevant issues for farmers.

Vanilla Trainings and Field Days through the Agricultural Innovations Grant Facility

Trainings on vanilla cultivation and field days to disseminate information and improved planting materials in the New Guinea Islands region are organised and implemented for 2004 to 2005. This programme acts as the first step to link the remote region closely to NARI Keravat to ensure a direct flow of information and research results to the farmers, where it is most needed and will help to improve the daily life of the islanders - who still heavily depend on subsistence farming. LAES Keravat plans to establish Research and Development Centres in strategic locations on outer islands to ensure sustainability of the information flow and reliability in the technologies disseminated.



For further information, Contact

NARI Wet Lowlands Islands Programme
P.O Box 204, KOKOPO
East New Britian Province
Papua New Guinea

Phone: (675) 983 9145
Fax: (675) 983 9129
Email: nariwlip@nari.org.pg