Theme 3: Incorporating Use of a Mixed-media Information Tool into the Work of Actors Involved in the Development of Livestock Production in Tanzania; Dissemination, User Training, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Impact [Article and Abstract]

Abstract

Access to timely, validated information is problematic for many personnel with direct or support roles in livestock production in rural Tanzania. To address this issue, potential users were trained in the application of the Animal Heath and Production Compendium (AHPC), a mixed-media encyclopedic knowledge base, with the aim of delivering the benefits of the tool to a substantial number of relevant organizations and individuals. Trainee selection, workshop facilitation and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) were achieved with the collaboration of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). Training activities incorporated Actor Linkage Matrix methodology to engage participants in mapping information flows and identifying constraints in knowledge provision to key actors. Continuous mentoring and monitoring, coordinated by COSTECH and supported by CABI, was built into activities planned by the trainees. A final M&E Workshop collected “Most Significant Change Stories” and gathered recommendations for further activities from the participants. The trainees used information from the AHPC in testing and evaluating use of this tool by preparing extension materials, training resources and writing news and feature articles for a farmer’s magazine.  Specific benefits attributed to use of  this information included better decision making by extension and farmers, significant increases in cattle vaccinated against East Coast fever within one ward, improvement in the quality of research papers and proposals, and catalysing partnerships through farmer field schools. The paper identifies the challenge of implementing an effective communication channel among compendia users.