Informing Decisions and Policy: the national agricultural information system of Uruguay

Abstract

Agricultural production systems confront the challenge of achieving sustainable intensification, i.e., increase productivity without affecting the environment in ways that could compromise the development of future generations. In many de­veloping countries the availability of information for assisting public and priva­te stakeholders to achieve this goal is often not a critical limitation. Moving the relevant information from research institutes to extension agents, policy makers, agribusinesses and farmers has been a more frequent limitation.

New approaches, tools and information systems are needed to effectively embed the knowledge generated in the research systems into actual decisions and in the elaboration of public policy. These new approaches and tools must consider, un­derstand and map the existing knowledge networks through which the informa­tion flows and reaches public and private. The new systems should incorporate the scientific and technological advances achieved in the different disciplines and ge­nerate integrated knowledge for effectively assisting actual decisions and policies.

This article describes the process that led to the establishment of an information and decision support system in Uruguay (SNIA) that is being led by the IRI in colla­boration with INIA and the Ministry of Agriculture. The article discusses the gene­ral approach and goals that the IRI and its partners are using for establishing the SNIA, and introduces some of its characteristics, the components and capabilities. Finally, the article contains examples of the information, products and tools that are being included in the SNIA.