Defining E- Agriculture is a very challenging and complex process which requires extensive contributions and consultations involving the widest possible range of stakeholders. The reason for this is that E-Agriculture goes beyond technology, to promote the integration of technology with multimedia, knowledge and culture, with the aim of improving communication and learning processes between various actors in agriculture locally, regionally and worldwide. Facilitation, support of standards and norms, technical assistance, capacity building, education, and extension are all key components to E-Agriculture. Furthermore, E-Agriculture objectives include improving the effectiveness of traditional communication channels and already existing communication practices.
In the months ahead, FAO will be working to establish mechanisms to actively engage all global stakeholders. Activities will include virtual forums, including email and web based discussions, and other consultative activities. We will be collecting case studies and best practices in E-Agriculture, and make them easily accessible. Our primary focus in this first phase is to realize the exchange of views and sharing of effective practices and resources at regional and international levels, and to provide and share, among all stakeholders, knowledge and know-how, related to the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of E-Agriculture and policies.