NIWA confirms hosting SCECSAL XXIV in 2020

The City of Windhoek is set to host SCECSAL XXIV in 2020.
[Photo: Justin Chisenga]

The Namibia Information Workers Association (NIWA) has confirmed that it will go ahead and organize the SCECSAL XXIV conference in 2020. According to Dr. Chiku Mnubi Mchombu, NIWA Vice Chairperson, the decision to go ahead with the conference was taken at the organization’s Executive Committee meeting on 23 May 2017; and endorsed by NIWA General Meeting on 20 June 2017.

NIWA was awarded the right to host the 2020 SCECSAL conference on 29 April 2016 in Swaziland at the conclusion of the SCECSAL XXII conference organized by the Swaziland Library Association (SWALA).

This will be the second time NIWA will host the SCECSAL conference. The organization first hosted the SCECSAL conference in 2000 on theme “Information 2000: a Vision for the SCECSAL region”.

SCECSAL XIV, held in Windhoek from 10-15 April 2000, introduced the practice of distributing books containing SCECSAL conference papers to participants at registration, a practice that since then has been adopted at all SCECSAL conferences except in 2014 when the Malawi Library Association failed to do so and distributed the publications almost a year later in 2015.

The SCECSAL XXIV Local Organizing Committee will be chaired by Dr. Chiku Mnubi Mchombu. She informed SCECSAL Forum that more information on the arrangements for the conference will be made available in due course.

SCECSAL social reporters wanted!

Are you in the library, information and knowledge profession? Are you a resident in one of the SCECSAL region countries? Are you a member of your national library and information Association? Are you interested in writing contributions/stories about the happenings in the library and information service (LIS) sector in your country for the SCECSAL Forum?

If your answer is YES to all the questions, send Justin Chisenga [chisenga_j@yahoo.co.uk] a short email to express your interest.

The SCECSAL Forum is the official blog of the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations.  Stories published on the Forum are written by volunteer SCECSAL Social Reporters.

e-forum discussion on ICTs and Open Data in Agriculture and Nutrition

The e-Agriculture Community of Practice, in conjunction with partners, are glad to announce the upcoming online discussion themed, “e-forum discussion on ICTs and Open Data in Agriculture and Nutrition”. 

This online debate will explore the cross roads between ICTs and issues around opening data in Agriculture and Nutrition and its effective use, with a focus on establishing what benefits and possible losses, can accrue to farmers, if technology and open data are used conjunctively.

We would like to get your feedback on what you think on the following topics:-

• The role ICTs play in the use of Open Data in Agriculture and Nutrition for family farmers
• Do you have any case studies that demonstrates the benefits (or damages) of the use of ICTs and Open Data?
• What investments are needed in your opinion to reap open data benefits and how can farmers be protected from the effects of open data?

Information on participation

This online forum will take place from 19^th of June to the 14^th of July 2017 on the e-Agriculture Platform  

·         In order to participate or comment you will have to register (http://www.e-agriculture.org/user/register ) and login at the time of the forum.

·         The discussion will be guided by pre-selected subject matter experts from different organizations and is facilitated by a team representing GODAN, CTA and FAO.

·         The forum can be accessed through the following link: http://www.e-agriculture.org/forums/discussions/e-forum-icts-and-open-data-agriculture-and-nutrition  (Questions will only be activated during the forum)

For any further information please contact us at  e-agriculture@fao.org