Recently, choosing a content management systems (CMS) has become a hot topic among the CGIAR digerati. Discussions on Sharepoint vs Drupal, Drupal vs WordPress, custom-built solutions vs Joomla are blossoming in online spaces, like flower buds in the warm springtime sun. We at ICT-KM are frequently asked what CMS we prefer or would recommend. But…
Archive for March, 2011
EU puts heat on making knowledge travel. CGIAR contributes!
A hot air balloon is another way to travel. As more heat is applied, the air in the balloon warms and expands, making the balloon lift, taking its contents with it into the open air. I don’t know if this was what the European Union (EU) had in mind when it created OpenAIRE (Open Access Infrastructure…
Finding the right pathways for making ‘Rice Advice’ Available, Accessible and Applicable
During the week of 15-18 February 2011, I visited the Africa Rice Center in Cotonou, Benin, and found out that they are doing a lot to make ‘rice advice’ available, accessible and applicable. I also discussed additional pathways to make this vital rice knowledge travel. TEST. TEST2. TEST3. TEST4. During the week of 15-18 February 2011, I…
Growing Talents: Youth in Agriculture #11 – Andy Jarvis
Our “Growing Talents: Youth in Agriculture” series of interviews, which puts a face to the youth in agricultural research for development (ARD), hears their voices and obtains an insight into their roles, perspectives, experiences and aspirations, continues with Andy Jarvis. This award-winning scientist talks about the journey that now sees him spearheading a CGIAR Research…
Innovative reporting – you can do it!
Reports serve a very useful purpose in our work. They capture and document meetings, activities, processes, projects and events. They help those involved as well as those who weren’t involved to know what was happening, discussed, shared and decided. But how many of you have seen reports that look like those in the picture, to…

Celebrating Women in Agriculture
Welcome to our special edition newsletter that celebrates the centenary of International Women’s Day. This event, which is held annually on 8 March, recognizes the achievements of women around the globe. Today is a day for celebrating women’s successes while also reminding ourselves that there is still much to be done if we are to…
Growing Talents: Youth in Agriculture #10 – Alessandra Galié
Our “Growing Talents: Youth in Agriculture” series of interviews, which puts a face to the youth in agricultural research for development (ARD), hears their voices and obtains an insight into their roles, perspectives, experiences and aspirations, continues with Alessandra Galié. This social scientist has helped increase the visibility of many of Syria’s women farmers and…
Growing Talents: Youth in Agriculture #9 – Jemimah Njuki
Our “Growing Talents: Youth in Agriculture” series of interviews, which puts a face to the youth in agricultural research for development (ARD), hears their voices and obtains an insight into their roles, perspectives, experiences and aspirations, continues with Jemimah Njuki. This young social scientist talks about her work that is empowering African women farmers. This…
To CGXchange.org users: change to your Google Apps account coming soon
As Google announced a few months ago, Google Apps users will have access to an expanded set of Google services. This means Google Apps accounts will work more like regular Google Accounts (i.e. more tools will be available). CGIAR staff have access to the Google Apps platform at cgxchange.org. The transition will not change the…
Women overcoming the effects of drought and pests through a virtual academy
Back in 2004, as part of our first Investment Plan, we supported an idea from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to establish a system for innovative knowledge sharing with regard to drought preparedness through a Virtual Academy for the Semi-Arid Tropics (VASAT) involving advances in ICTs coupled with Open Distance Learning…