Second IAALD Africa Chapter Conference
13 – 17 July 2009
Accra, Ghana

[Pour la version française | English - PDF]

Towards Opening Access to Information & Knowledge in the Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Africa

Although the Open Access Initiative and Open Archives Initiative have great potential to open up and enhance the visibility of the outputs of research from Africa, this has not happened due to a number of reasons, among which is the lack of clear understanding of the concepts and principles of open access/archives. The general concern based on the history of exploitation of indigenous knowledge from Africa by the West and in some cases the absence of a culture of information and knowledge sharing within research and academic institutions on the continent, have to a large extent contributed to the inability by academic and research communities, governments and other stakeholders, to enthusiastically embrace open access and open archives initiatives on the continent. The conference aims to initiate meaningful discussions and debate among the participants and exact commitment to action around open access to information and knowledge in agricultural sciences and technology generated in public research institutes and academic institutions in Africa.

Sub-themes that will be covered by the conference include:

• Access and dissemination of knowledge in agricultural sciences and technology in Africa – mapping the landscape

• Open Access to publicly funded research – views from research scientists, policy makers, development partners/funders of research and information professionals (Panel Discussion)

• Intellectual Property Rights/Copyright and Open Access to knowledge in agricultural sciences and technology

• Open Access initiatives to knowledge in agricultural sciences and technology in Africa and from around the world: institutional repositories, Open Access Archives, Open Access Journals, electronic theses and dissertations, networks for information and knowledge exchange in agricultural sciences and technology, lessons learned, etc.

• Advocating for Open Access to knowledge in agricultural sciences and technology in Africa – the way forward (Panel Discussion).

Proposals for Presentations and Posters

The IAALD Africa Chapter is inviting proposals for oral presentations and posters for the above sub-themes from researchers, academicians, policy makers, information professionals, farmers, publishers and international organizations involved in the generation or management or dissemination or use of knowledge in agricultural sciences and technology in Africa. Individuals and institutions outside Africa, involved in areas related to the theme and sub-themes of the conference, wishing to share their experiences, are also invited to make presentations and participate in the conference.

The Chapter’s Programme and Conference Committee will select the final list of speakers and poster presenters on the basis of submitted abstracts. Presentations are expected to last approximately 20 minutes each followed by a general discussion. A selection of the papers will be published in the special issue of Agriculture Information Worldwide journal.

Submissions

Those wishing to present papers or participate in the panel discussions should send abstracts of about 500 words to Joel Sam (Email: jsam@workmail.com or egy28@yahoo.co.uk) with a copy to Justin Chisenga (Email: justin.chisenga@fao.org). The deadline for submissions of abstracts is 31 October 2008. Final copies of accepted papers are required by 27 March 2009.

Sponsorship Opportunities

There are several sponsorship opportunities available and these include sponsorship for paper presenters, conference delegates, pre-conference workshops and seminars, conference venue, conference cocktail reception, conference diner, simultaneous translation, etc. Organizations wishing to sponsor any aspect of the conference should contact Mr. Joel Sam, CSIR-INSTI, E-mail: jsam@workmail.com or egy28@yahoo.co.uk Tel/Fax: +233 21 763523.

Important Dates

Further Information

Detailed information on final paper submission, guidelines for authors, conference programme, pre-conference workshops and seminars, registration information and fees, conference venue, hotel accommodation, travel, and excursions will be posted on this website.