APPLICATIONS AND TRANSFER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN VETERINARY RESEARCH IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES - THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

An overview and analysis of the current status of information technolo gy (IT) and its role in animal health research and development (R&D) p rojects in developing countries have been undertaken. This study is ba sed mainly, but not exclusively, on the Nigerian situation and experie nce, which are considered to be typical of those in the majority of de veloping countries where IT is still in its infancy, and few individua ls and institutions engaged in R&D projects have access to computing a nd modem, reliable telecommunications facilities. The analysis has emp hasised the following: the limited impact of IT on large-scale field p rojects; the major factors militating against its successful acquisiti on, application and transfer; short- and long-term needs and prioritie s for IT; IT inputs for effective implementation of field projects and exchange of R&D information. Of the numerous factors which have hinde red the growth and transfer of IT in much of the developing world, the most important are: (1) weak science and technology (S&T) base; (2) s hortage of highly skilled front-line scientists, technologists and inf ormation professionals; (3) inadequate financial resources. Experience gained from three field projects highlighted the fact that although I T inputs, such as computers, are vital for the efficient management an d rapid communication of research information, careful planning of pro jects, adequate financial and logistic support, availability of skille d manpower and basic infrastructural facilities are indispensable for the effective utilisation of the inputs. A promising and cost-effectiv e method of transfer of IT inputs to those countries which can hardly afford them at present is through the establishment of institutional r esearch links between developed and developing countries. Successful p artnerships usually provide, among other things, computing facilities and manpower training for the latter and opportunity for genuine resea rch collaboration. This form of IT transfer is an important step towar ds increased application of IT inputs in R&D projects, creation of the much needed inventory of databases and information systems on animal health projects in developing countries. Only then can meaningful exch ange of R&D information, in an acceptable format and at affordable pri ce. be realised within and between them. A possible role is envisaged for the major international organisations such as the Food and Agricul ture Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Educati onal. Scientific and Cultural Organization in ensuring the success and sustainability of these developments.