Topic

In the context of enabling development actors to more effectively network, collaborate and exchange knowledge within the scope of their own objectives in the sectors of Agricultural and Rural Development and Rural Resources Management, possibly in the South, three main topics will shape the Conference programme:

• Shared virtual spaces, remote collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Appropriate technologies for online publishing
• Online Information retrieval and access

The three main topics were selected by 500 respondents of a survey administered with 2 789 people based mainly in developing countries, Europe and North America and active in development issues, who participated in a bilingual (English and French) online survey during August and September 2006. Respondents identified their priorities in terms of Web 2.0 tools they see relevant to their work and would like to know more about.

Across the three topics, we will explore the issues that can encourage or stifle adoption and experimentation.

Format

The Conference will give a lot of space to actively work and share on ideas how to apply Web 2.0 tools to rural development. As a starting point, we have set up a few seminars and presentations to introduce Web 2.0 tools and to get inspired by others already using Web 2.0 for development. Incubators sessions and Market Place will provide informal opportunities to meet, discover and try Web 2.0 tools.

The programme consists of the following elements:

Plenary presentations along the themes of the Conference

• Keynote speakers and selected resource speakers will present a broad introduction on Web 2.0 tools in the context of projects on rural development, agriculture and natural resources management;
• Case studies of projects using Web 2.0 tools and approaches, showcases of interesting tools for rural development;
• Interactive discussions

Parallel sessions along the themes of the Conference

• Presentations of resource speakers (invited or selected based on their submissions). Presentations will be based on a combination of Internet-based tools & content (mash-up)
• Case studies/ lessons learned from failures and successes
• Discussions on presentations

Panel discussions

• Debate on one or more cross-cutting issues by a group of panellists with different points of view, with the support of a moderator

Open spaces and incubator sessions

• Speakers and participants build their own agenda and meet to discuss the topics and issues they have something to share about
• Speakers and participants (application providers, project managers and participants with real-life projects) brainstorm on projects, issues, processes that are being addressed with usual tools, but would benefit from using Web 2.0 tools. The projects and approach will be defined by participants and speakers.

Market Place

• Exhibitions, distribution of demos and information materials
• Skills exchange and learning opportunities

Pre-Conference seminars introducing Web 2.0 tools

For those participants who see the potential of Web 2.0, but are unfamiliar with its underlying concept and/or with many of the tools available, an introduction by prestigious application providers will be organised, as well as practical tutorials on Monday 24th of September, in order to take greater advantage of the Conference.

• A session will focus on the meaning of Web 2.0, the general types of tools becoming available, and the ways in which these new tools are affecting the Web and its potential uses.
• More in-depth sessions will be held focusing on specific tools. Participants will receive hands-on computer time to test and experience these tools.  The types of tools covered follow the main topics of the Conference: shared virtual spaces and remote collaboration (remote file sharing, social bookmarking, wikis, and networking sites), appropriate technologies for online publishing (Web publishing, blogging, wikis), and online information retrieval and access (search engines, alert services, open access journals).