What we do

We operate three programmes, each addressing one of the following goals:

• increasing the availability of agricultural and rural development information and the awareness of information sources (Programme 1)
• promoting the integrated used of communication channels and greater exchange of information (Programme 2)
• improving the capacity to generate and manage information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies (Programme 3).

The strategy underlying all our programme activities is based on working closely with our ACP partners, ensuring activities reflect our thematic orientation, fostering a regional approach where appropriate and decentralising activities to our partners where possible. And when we are planning programme activities we take into account the four cross-cutting issues CTA is currently focusing on - social capital, ICTs, gender and youth.

PROGRAMME 1

Increasing the availability of agricultural and rural development information and the awareness of information sources

Programme 1 produces and distributes print and electronic publications (including our well-known magazine, Spore) and provides a range of information services (e.g., the many ACP-based question-and-answer services we support). Key strategies are to involve more ACP authors and publishers in the Programme, disseminate information through a variety of channels and decentralise our information services to ACP regions where feasible. Programme 1's main activities are:

• Publications
• Publications distribution
• Rural radio
• Information services (QAS / SDI / CD-ROM and online databases)

PROGRAMME 2

Promoting the integrated uses of communication channels and greater exchange of information

Programme 2's work involves developing ICT-based communication services (e.g., supporting electronic networks on topics of importance to ACP countries) and promoting the use of more conventional channels, such as videos and face-to-face meetings. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging a mix between old and new channels - from seminars and radio to electronic networks and forums - to enable all stakeholders to participate fully in information exchange. Programme 2's main activities are:

• Web portals and e-communities
• Seminars and study visits
• Regional cooperation/partnerships

PROGRAMME 3

Improving the capacity to generate and manage information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies

Programme 3's work has three components - training in ICM skills, support in establishing ICM systems, and identifying ICM strategies to strengthen ACP policy-making on issues affecting the agricultural sector, including science and technology. As much of this work is effected through the partnerships we have with many ACP institutions and community-based groups, this Programme is also responsible for managing these partnerships. Programme 3's main activities are:

• Training
• Science and technology
• Local and national partnerships

PLANNING & CORPORATE SERVICES

Underpinning all three programmes is the Planning and Corporate Services unit. It provides them with management and technical back-up and monitors their work for quality and consistency, focus on cross-cutting issues and integration of activities. A key aspect of the unit's work is to share information and experiences with development institutions, experts and partners; this helps it keep abreast of trends and translate these into plans for future activities.

The unit's main activities are:

• Support to CTA's annual project cycle management
• Socio-economic analysis and awareness raising
• Performance and impact evaluation
• Developing internal IT systems and networks