TRIP REPORT
Network for the Environment
and
Sustainable Development in Africa (NESDA)
May 18, 1998

A visit was paid to the offices of the Coordinator of the Network for the Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa (NESDA) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with staff the implementation of a new agreement with AfricaLink for information management assistance.

A budget of $15,000 has been established to support various activities within NESDA. These may include:

• Website design and layout by a local firm
• Website hosting on a commercial server
• Web database hosting on a commercial server
• Website maintenance by NESDA staff
• Connectivity assistance for NESDA chapters
• HTML programming training for NESDA staff
• Information resource center management training for NESDA staff
• Information resource center equipment for NESDA (e.g. scanner)

Funds from AfricaLink alone will likely not be sufficient to do all of the above. NESDA staff have agreed to explore prices and determine what items deserve highest priority.

To assist in this process, the AfricaLink Advisor arranged for a meeting between staff of NESDA and a local Internet services firm, Africa Online. Immediately prior to the meeting with Africa Online, the basics of website and database management were reviewed with NESDA staff. At the meeting, NESDA staff then explored options directly with Africa Online. NESDA staff indicated their willingness to explore pricing and options with other Internet firms in Abidjan. The AfricaLink Advisor will explore options with offices and firms in Washington in the event it is decided to undertake all or part of any training in the USA. Upon completing their investigation, NESDA will present a budget to AfricaLink for funding.

Persons Contacted:

• Fatou Ndoye, Administrative Assistant
• Abou Bamba, Technical Advisor