TRIP REPORT
AfricaLink and Togo’s Participation in
Regional Agricultural Research
December 1997

The AfricaLink Advisor traveled to Lomé to visit agricultural research centers where support from AfricaLink/WARDA has been provided. A visit was paid to the Togo Institute for Agricultural Research (Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique, ITRA) where some $13,000 in assistance has been provided.

Monday December 8, 1977

Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique (ITRA)
BP 1163
Lomé
Tel +228 252148
Fax +228 251559
Itra@cafe.tg

A request had been sent by Alassane Diallo of WARDA to Mr. Fousseini ADAM, Director of ITRA, requesting a meeting with the AfricaLink Advisor. Mr. ADAM responded, welcoming the visit, which took place at 4pm.

Two computer systems (CPU, UPS, Printer, accessories) were provided, one each for ITRA centers at Cacaveli just outside Lomé, and at Kpalimé to the north. Internet accounts (PPP full service) were established through the services of Centre d’Assistance de Formation et d’Etude (CAFE). Access was demonstrated by Mr. ADAM during the meeting, and both a World Bank site and a French CIRAD site on the Web were consulted. Mr. ADAM opened Eudora and presented examples of his recent correspondence. Service has been operational since September of this year.

Mr. ADAM accesses the Internet in his office with a laptop and modem purchased through another donor project. The AfricaLink computer is in an adjacent room where a secretary will facilitate access for staff. There are some 60 scientists at ITRA. For the moment, each will present written or disk copies of their messages to the secretary, who will enter them into the networked computer and then distribute printed copies of replies. The secretary and two senior researchers were trained in the use of the technology by CAFÉ using funds provided by AfricaLink.

As the system is still quite new at the ITRA, there are some administrative and organizational problems to be overcome as access is extended to staff. For example, the Director is accustomed to downloading his mail directly from the CAFÉ server. Once the new computer operated by the secretary begins full operations, all mail will be delivered to that computer rather than to the Director's laptop, since ITRA has only one account with CAFÉ. If the Director himself downloads mail, all mail for all staff will appear on his laptop and not on the office computer. A procedure will have to be instituted to clarify how mail will be handled. The Director was encouraged to consult with technicians at CAFÉ. If the Director does not want his mail appearing on the general office computer, a second account may be required.

Another problem likely to be encountered has to do with Web browsing. The secretary’s computer will be accessible to staff for this purpose. Some system of regulating use will be necessary. Fortunately, according to the Director, there is no time charge on local calls to the CAFÉ server. Thus staff can browse for hours without incurring telecommunications charges. However, there is a five-hour limit on access to the CAFÉ server, after which usage charges apply. And of course by occupying a telephone line with Web browsing, that line is not available to handle calls.

The communications situation at ITRA prior to access to the Internet was quite problematic. Due to cutbacks in government support, only local outgoing telephone access is permitted. While the ITRA can receive international telephone and fax messages, it cannot send them. With email, it can both send and receive. Mr. ADAM expressed appreciation for the technology, which has permitted his staff to rejoin the international community. He notes that his is probably the first office in all the Togo ministries to have direct access to the Internet.

Mr. ADAM expressed concern about how costs will be paid after the six-month period paid under the AfricaLink grant. He agreed that the various projects at ITRA can be tapped to contribute a share of the costs. This, too, is an administrative problem to be addressed in the near future.

Persons Visited:

• Fousseini ADAM, Director
• Mary Beth Leonard, US Embassy
• Yaovi Atohoun, USAID/Cotonou Leland Coordinator