|
Archives
January 16-31, 2000
BAR
to use the GIS to strengthen its policy influencing
capacity and technology monitoring
by Ricarte Castro
The important role of Geographical Informaion
Systems (GIS) and database management can prove to be
a promising tool for the BUreau of Agricultural Research
iun its effort to strengthen its capacity in influencing
R&D policy direction and orchestrating the National
Agriuclture and Fisheries R&D System. This was discussed
during a meeting of all BAR division heds, ITD software
consultants and IEPD staff on the proposed project on
the utilization of the Geographical Information Systems
in Research, Evaluation, Monitoring and Analyzing Policies
(GIS-REMAP) last January 27, 2000 at the BAR Confernce
Room. Dr. Steve Godilano,International Rice REsearch
Institute (IRRI) Project Scientist and GIS Specialist,
served as the resource person of the said activity.
The GIS is a computer system capable of
assembling, storing, manipulating and displaying geographically
referenced information which enables users for policy
decisions/direction, management and program operations.
Once this is installed, the GIS will become a part of
the R&D National Information Network (NIN) being
maintained by the DA-BAR.
There are four major components identified
under the proposed project: 1) Developing the technology
database, 2) Technology Mapping and Monitoring, 3) Technology
Tracking, and 4) Developing the Electronic Atlas.
At present, BAR is in the first stage
of developing the technology database through the Impact
Evaluation and Policy Division (IEPD) where 1,000 completed
researches have already been inputted. Other relevant
data such as inventory of facilities and equipment,
human resource profile and on-going researches are available
through the IDD and NPD, respectively. However, these
data should be integrated to come up with one consolidated
R&D database.
During the consultation meeting, the bureau
has identified some issues that need to be addressed
to fully operationalize the GIS. These include the need
for a unified digital database format to link research
data and results of the different agricultural agencies,
a database that conforms to the requirements of the
R&D NIN, a comprehensive database and management
among agencies interested and involved in GIS, and the
need for additional fields in the existing databases,
as cited by Mr. Winston Tabada. Moreover, Dr. Godilano
mentioned that although GIS has these capabilities,
its functions are often hampered by poor, inappropriate
data gathering and consolidation, untrained staff, and
unavailable/inadequate software and hardware programs.
As the world enters an era of advanced
information management technologies, the use of GIS
is considered to be one of the effective and efficient
management tools in aiding policy makers from the different
sectors of agriculture, business, transport and other
service organizations in making decisions. With these
potentials, the GIS can be effectual in providing timely
and reliable research information in support to the
Philippine program on food security and alleviating
poverty. 
January 16-31 2000 Articles: ::
Dr.
Ponce talks on continuous professional and personal
development of BAR staff
::
BAR
starts first national team leaders' meeting for CY 2000
::
BAR
to use the GIS to strengthen its policy influencing
capacity and technology monitoring
::
New loan policy to improve credit access of farmers/fisherfolk
::
ITD
conducts Microsoft project training
::: More January 2000 articles :::
|
