Cattle Network Workshop, EAAP 2006, Antalya Results of Group Discussion on “Sector policy and Farming system Information in Transition Countries” Priority problem: Improve understanding about sector development perspectives Purpose: Information required for further development Action orientation: Holistic system/sector analysis with involvement of Producer level, Product Marketing and Processing level Supply industry level Public or Privat support level Policy and Administration level
Difficulties in getting a information support system established through public sector under conditions of financial constraints Specific action areas: Policy analysis (Trade, Price, Quality standards) Identification of sector benefits to national economy, Rural development implications, Production sector situation and development prospects Financial contribution to economy and consequences of sector improvement, Product value chain analysis Institution efficiency analysis
Methodological approaches: Project related data collection with Participatory Rural Appraisal methods involving typical groups of stakeholders across the sector for initial information collection; comparison of information and results among stakeholder (Participatory Action), Development of a conceptual frame for a Sector Information System. Operational considerations: Implementation of an Information system may require a step-wise approach with varying scales of operation in accordance with the financial means available, Financial support initially through: Bilateral Support Organisations (NGO`s, Donors), Scientific Collaboration, Professional Organisations(EAAP), Processing Industry in relation to interest in product quality and availability, Formal involvement of Government institutions. The improvement of Information on status and perspectives of the sector will provide better basis for developing a sustainable livelihood for the whole agriculture and food sector,
improve the sustainable use of production resources and improve resource use efficiency ( society welfare gains) Particular tasks for the Cattle Network: Prove the added value of the cattle sector to the farming community and the whole society Improve human capacities in implementing and operating information systems (methodology training) Organize a registrar of people and institutions/companies and expert groups ( such as IFCN) to be involved in the propagation of the above listed actions.