Arid Lands Information Transfer: Who Knows What ?

Abstract

In the context of existing commercial services, the need for an international arid lands information network to make use of electronic, even satellite, technology, is analyzed, including not only printed abstracts but online services. Questions of cost, how to insure currency as well as quality of input, user response, and filter-down problems of access 0 f information to field level, are addressed. The question of the need to go beyond the mere storage and dissemination of information to information analysis, with a capacity for critical evaluative reviews and recommendations, is raised. It is suggested that regional, integrated, field· level subsidies be seriously considered by the international community, including the private sector, whereby donors provide support for services in those areas where the need is greatest, beginning with the practical option of subscriptions to existing information services, and going on to support for design-stage alternati Yes.