Networking the development players of the world's widely distributed horticultural community

A key component of the Global Horticulture Initiative will be to establish interactive hubs for gathering and organizing information that will help research and development organizations and farmers to seize new opportunities and solve problems constraining horticulture systems. Since many local partners and stakeholders in the poorest developing countries do not have internet access today, media for information delivery will be diverse and appropriate for local contexts.

This activity includes:

• Set-up, maintenance and animation of a virtual portal of horticultural research for development
• Establishment of partnerships and agreements with data base owners and information providers (FAO, WHO, ISHS, CABI …) for free access to scientific and technical information for South partners
• Stimulating networks and encouraging new ones
• Maintaining networking links during gaps between funded projects (bridge funding)

An expert in the technologies of Information and Communication with experience in setting-up and managing electronic portals has joined the Executive Secretary, to establish strong links with CTA, FAO, ISHS ASHS, e-managers etc.