Strategic Objective 3: End User Applications

Country Assessment and
Implementation Strategy: Mozambique

Leland Initiative: Africa Global Information
Infrastructure Gateway Project

Executive Summary

Assessment

Over the course of two weeks in Mozambique, the assessment team interviewed approximately 35 institutions relating to the Strategic Objective areas of USAID/Maputo and established country-level and institution-level findings. At the country level, full Internet service is currently available in the country through the Center for Informatics at the University of Eduardo Mondlane (CIUEM) and through the firm, Teledata; however, CIUEM's full service operates slowly and Teledata does not yet offer services commercially, so access is limited. CIUEM maintains over 1,000 email accounts, so this application is more widely known.

The policy environment is generally favorable to Internet service provision, and most people are anxious to learn more about this technology. The telecommunications infrastructure is good in Maputo and improving in the provincial capitals, but rural access will be longer in coming. Alternative solutions to full Internet access in rural areas should be examined. Particular emphasis should focus on email connections.

At the institution level, commercial organizations and international PVOs are the furthest along in exposure to and use of Internet applications. They also are generally well equipped with computers and modems. Exposure and awareness at the national government level varies, but local government exposure, like the rest of the rural areas, is virtually non-existent. Local NGOs also have little exposure and lack resources to purchase equipment. All levels would benefit from training.

Implementation Plan

Activities to support improved awareness of and access to Internet applications could include:

1. An Internet Training Workshop for local development partners;

2. Support for email connectivity for local NGO partner organizations;

3. World Wide Web homepage development for select organizations;

4. Assistance to Mozambique Government, particularly the National Assembly, to build awareness of and access to Internet applications;

5. Establishing a small grants program to support proposed Internet-related activities of local partners;

6. Support the development of a Mozambique chapter of the Internet Society;

7. Encourage Media Use/Promotion of the Internet; and

8. With other donors, support the development of Public Internet Demonstration Centers/Information Technology Resource Center(s).

Background

The Leland Initiative has three strategic objectives (S.O.):

1. Foster a favorable policy environment for Internet connectivity and access;

2. Introduce or enhance full Internet connectivity through the provision of requisite technologies and the strengthening of a private Internet Service Provider industry; and

3. Achieve broad-based utilization of the Internet and other information and communications technologies within USAID's development partner community to promote sustainable development in Africa.

The Academy for Educational Development's Research and Reference Services (R&RS) Project, funded through USAID's Center for Development Information and Evaluation, has been asked to do the country assessments for the Strategic Objective Three area -- internet end user issues. Based on interviews with relevant institutions, these assessments examine local institutional capacities in terms of:

1. Information resources produced;

2. External information resources used;

3. Information needs and demands not being met; and

4. Technological capacities

Methodology

Since the Leland Initiative is geared toward working within the mission's current project structure and following the established priorities and Strategic Objectives of the mission, we relied upon the mission to identify the institutions we should meet. We provided the following criteria for the Mission to use as guidelines in identifying these organizations:

1. Key institutions the Mission works with in their SOs;

2. Institutions the Mission feels could benefit from effective use of information on a local, regional and international level;

3. Potential organizations or individuals to form a network for sharing information, ideas, and collaborative working methods around a common theme or sector;

4. Donors who are providing assistance in the telecommunication and electronic networking arena, as well as recipients of their funding;

5. Major collectors or producers of information in country, such as libraries or government sponsored statistical organizations; and

6. Private sector organizations who currently make effective use of modern communication technologies, such as satellites, electronic networks, or the Internet.

Visits and Interviews

Survey Used as Guide

1. Institutional Information Resources and Needs Includes institutional objectives; current projects; print publications and electronic databases produced; information resources used; information needs; and communication technology status.

2. Internet End-User Issues

   Includes telephone availability and cost; cost and availability of computers, modems and service; and other perceived barriers to Internet access on a country wide level.

General Findings

Country-Level Findings

The Internet has been available in Mozambique for some time through the Informatics Center of the University Eduardo Mondlane (CIUEM). Full Internet access is available, but only through a modem speed of 9600 bytes per second (CIUEM's connects through South Africa), rendering World Wide Web access virtually unusable. The group Teledata, partly operated by the national telecom, TDM, has begun providing some full Internet services through an arrangement they have through Portugal, but they do not offer these services commercially yet, and the number of their users is quite small (about 30). Electronic mail, however, is pretty widely available, through the services of CIUEM primarily (about 1,000 email accounts), but also through proprietary networks of some international PVOs or through a couple of different store and forward networks.

Besides CIUEM and Teledata, two or three other groups appear to be viable, potential Internet service providers including Micronet and Tropical BBS. Others have expressed interest in becoming providers, but this will have to be monitored under SO 2 of the Leland Initiative. NASA's Tony Villasenor has already made an initial visit to the country and has met with some of the potential ISPs. It remains to be seen how many ISPs the market actually will be able to support.

What is the level of Internet awareness?

Because of the email services and other activities of CIUEM and other ISPs, word of mouth, and the media (including publicity of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Mozambique and USAID for the Leland Initiative), there is fairly good general knowledge about the Internet and its benefits as an information and communication resource. Still, most people have never seen the Internet in use and could benefit from further exposure. Most people are hungry for information about Mozambique and the world and anxious to share information about their groups. They are looking forward to learning more about how they can get access to the Internet and are waiting for it to become more widely available.

Is the policy environment conducive to Internet growth?

The Government of Mozambique seems very interested in ensuring that the Internet flourishes in the country. The signing of the Leland MOU is probably the best indication of the country's readiness to move ahead with Internet at a policy level. TDM has agreed to allow open and fair access to the Internet satellite node that USAID will set up at their facilities. A post-MOU-signing policy visit is scheduled for December 1996 to address other issues.

Is the infrastructure capable of supporting Internet growth?

According to what we have read and heard, TDM has been making important investments in improving the telephonic infrastructure for the country, particularly in converting to digital connections. Connections in Maputo appear to be the most robust, although some people expressed frustration in trying to obtain new or additional lines for their offices. Access in rural areas to full Internet will be slower in coming, but email connections can be made available just about anywhere through alternative solutions such as store and forward systems and the use of high frequency radio signals. For full Internet access to be viable in cities outside of Maputo, arrangements need to be made to allow users to pay for a local phone call when making their connection to a service rather than having to call Maputo. Again, these issues fall mostly under SOs 1 and 2 and should be followed there in discussions with TDM.

What other Internet initiatives are active in the country?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Network Programme (SDNP) officially began activities in August of this year. SDNP seeks primarily to establish better networking and sharing of information (through email and a bulletin board service) among institutions concerned with sustainable development in Mozambique. The main participants include the Ministry of the Environment (MICOA -- Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs), CIUEM, and UNDP/UNEP (United Nations Development Program/United Nations Environment Program). The project steering committee includes: the World Bank, TDM, LINK (a NGO umbrella group), and MediaCoop (a journalist's cooperative), among others.

SDNP is being coordinated currently by Teresa Alfaro from MICOA, although she is looking to hire a full-time coordinator who will function similarly to the Leland Coordinator being sought by USAID/Maputo. At our meeting with Teresa, she told us that the main SDNP node will probably be placed at the Center for Technology Transfer in Maputo where a communications center is being established. The relay node for email connections will be maintained by CIUEM. They are planning on placing other nodes in Beira and Nampula that will be connected to CIUEM.

A large part of this program will focus on email training and the supply of appropriate equipment, usually simply a modem, so that trainees can immediately have access to email upon completion of their course. The first training class took place during the first week of November 1996 and involved representatives of some local NGOs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Rural Development Institute, and MICOA.

The goals of the SDNP complement those of the Leland Initiative quite well. It would seem logical for SDNP to take advantage of the more sophisticated Internet connections that will become available through Leland. Since SDNP builds largely on the Agenda 21 issues that arose out of the 1994 Rio Conference on the environment, and since MICOA is the lead agency in the country for this initiative, it would make sense for the environmental officer at USAID/Maputo to monitor these activities and see where coordination might take place.

Institution-Level Findings

As mentioned earlier, we visited institutions that work in the areas relating to USAID/Maputo's three strategic objectives: increased rural income/economic growth; democracy and governance; and health. Some institutions' activities cut across sectors.

We met with eight international PVOs and/or US contractors; four government ministries, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court; four local NGOs or NGO groups; eleven commercial or economic growth entities; and ten other groups from other sectors.

To successfully use full Internet applications, institutions need to have, at least, the appropriate technical capacity (phone lines, a 486 computer or better, and a modem) as well as the appropriate know how (basic training in how to use various applications). Most of the institutions we interviewed are fairly well equipped technically with the exception of local NGOs. Twenty-two of the thirty-nine groups with whom we met have email connections. Most institutions, though, need, and have expressed interest in receiving, training on the Internet once full services become more readily available.

What are the biggest barriers to using Internet that institutions will face once service starts?

1. Lack of Understanding and Training

   Institutions will need to learn where they can get Internet service and how the service can benefit their work. Almost all of the groups we met expressed the need for training on how to use the Internet effectively once it is widely available. Those with prior computer experience will need less guidance than those with little or no computer experience.

2. Costs

   For most institutions, this will not be a problem as those that currently have email accounts should be able to get full Internet for the same cost or less once the new services come online. Those who don't even have email yet will be able to cover the costs of service with the money they will save through reduced phone and fax bills. Most local NGOs and some other groups will need financial assistance to purchase necessary equipment.

3. Rural Access

   Internet services will be concentrated in Maputo initially. Most groups need to communicate and share information with counterparts in other parts of the country. If those other areas cannot at least gain access to email, then the benefits of Internet service will escape them. Access to full Internet outside of Maputo will not be feasible for institutions if they have to connect to a provider in the capital. Regional nodes are necessary to allow people to make local calls to gain access.

4. Slow Speed/Poor Quality of Phone Lines

   This should not be a problem for most people in Maputo, but it may be a problem for those in other areas. TDM will need to maintain its commitment to high quality and wider access to the telephone infrastructure.

Implementation Plan

An exact time frame may be difficult to draw, but here's the situation as we see it in December 1996 looking ahead to the new year:

1. USAID/Maputo should consider hiring a coordinator for the Leland Initiative in Mozambique.

   At the time of our TDY in Mozambique, the mission was already in the process of assessing several candidates for the position of Leland Coordinator and was a few weeks away from choosing one person for the job. Implementing pilot activities in the country will demand a great deal of time and attention from mission staff, so having a dedicated point person to coordinate these projects will be crucial to their success.

   USAID/Accra and USAID/Antananarivo have already hired local Leland Coordinators and developed some guidance on their roles. USAID/Maputo can follow up on these contacts through the Leland SO 3 e-mail contact list developed by the R&RS Leland Team.

2. USAID/Maputo may wish to consider staff Internet training to get up to speed on this new technology

   The USAID Mission in Maputo already has full Internet access through its own VSAT link. The experience of the staff in using the Internet varies -- some are quite advanced in using the Internet to support their work, and others have not ventured very far at all.

   Development Information and Communications Training in USAID/Maputo The Internet aptitude of the USAID/Maputo staff is vital to the success of SO 3 of the Leland Initiative because they will need to learn how to incorporate Internet resources into their programs and how to serve as advocates of the Internet to their development partners. Formal training provides staff with the chance to learn about the history of the Internet, and its many potential uses and contributions to sustainable development. The Center for Development Information and Evaluation Research and Reference Services Project has designed a workshop for USAID field Missions on "Development Information and Communications Training." This workshop has been successfully implemented in USAID field Missions looking to integrate information and communications more effectively into their programs (most recently, USAID/Kingston and USAID/Jakarta). The five-day workshop can be customized to meet the needs of particular Missions, but typically includes training in USAID information sources and various Internet applications as they apply to meeting the information and communication needs of Mission Strategic Objective teams. Workshop sessions have also included discussions of how to incorporate technical assistance in information and communication technologies, such as the Internet, into development projects (this element could be a special focus of the training in USAID/Maputo), as well as how to assist USAID development partners in the design of institutional communications strategies. The mission could invite a few key institutional partners to participate in this training exercise. These institutions would then serve as models for others in the country.

3. Encourage development of ISP association or consortium.

   As discussed by Tony Villasenor in his report on the technical aspects of the Leland Initiative in Mozambique, it is important to consider some kind of forum through which ISPs can communicate and cooperate on various issues that affect their industry. Tony reported that the ISP representatives with whom he met prefer a more informal arrangement through an association rather than through a consortium. All expressed a willingness to work together to create a proper environment for the success of the Internet. USAID/Maputo's encouragement of continued communication among this group would be helpful, especially in the time leading up to and during the installation of equipment.

1. USAID/Maputo should sponsor an Internet Training Workshop for Local Development Partners.

   After the Leland-supported national Internet node is in place and ISP's are ready to begin offering services, the mission can then concentrate on encouraging local development partners to use the Internet by helping to arrange an Internet Training Workshop. Properly organized, such a workshop could serve the multiple purposes of introducing organizations to the utility and power of the Internet, providing them with information on how to get Internet access through existing ISP, and teaching them the basics of Internet use.

   It is essential that this type of workshop be held in a facility that allows for effective demonstration and training. The facility should have space for plenary sessions and several breakout sessions for the various conference tracks. Electrical wiring should be sound and reliable and, clearly, the potential for establishing Internet connectivity at demonstration and training workstations will be critical. The TDM training center, located near the USAID offices in Maputo, is an excellent facility for this type of workshop.

   The workshop should include a large main session, where attendees are informed of the general services available through the Internet, as well as smaller breakout sessions on topics such as e-mail use, researching via the Internet, and file management basics (how to download data files).

   The workshop should include the following elements:

   1. ISPs or other service providers should be present to offer their services; alternatively, participants should be given clear information about how to get these services, including information about the kind of equipment they will need and where they might be able to obtain it;

   2. Each participating local NGO should be given a modem, purchased locally, as part of the conference so that they will be prepared to access the Internet from the moment they leave the workshop;

   3. The workshop should include hands-on use of the Internet. Each participant should be able to spend at least some time "surfing the Web."

   The workshop could begin with lectures on the Internet in general and the basics of connecting to the Internet. Subsequent breakout sessions could be targeted to a number of issues, including:
   1. Development Sectors

      This session would cover using the Internet for specific development sectors. For example, a session on democracy and governance could highlight use of Internet for newspaper publishing, while a session on economic growth could highlight on-line advertising and commerce. For these breakout sessions, mission personnel could be tapped, along with speakers from organizations that are using the Internet for development-related purposes.

   2. Document Delivery

      This session would cover maximizing document delivery through the Internet. It could focus on advanced e-mail features such as document encoding and the basics of attaching files, file compression (which all users should definitely know about, since it can dramatically reduce the size of files, speed up transmission and cut costs), and uploading/downloading files to and from servers. A representative from CIUEM might be a good candidate for heading this session.

   3. Creating Listservs

      This session would cover creating listservs and virtual conferences via the Internet. Topics could include the basics of setting up and configuring servers, tips on maintaining lists, guidelines for moderating listservs, and strategies for increasing web presence.

   4. Publishing via the Internet

      This session would cover the specifics of publishing Web pages through the Internet. It could include basics of Web design (with specific focus on efficient page design for low bandwidth/low speed networks, which are currently the norm in Mozambique), determining what information and documents to include on a Web page, introduction to hypertext markup language (HTML) code, and an introduction to commercial Web page software (such as Microsoft's FrontPage or Adobe's PageMill). If they are willing, a speaker from Pangolim could be tapped for the "publishing on the Internet" session to discuss their development of Web pages, how they are used, and what problems have been encountered.

   5. Internet as a Research Tool

      This session would cover techniques for finding information on the Internet. Speakers for the breakout sessions could be identified from key Mozambican institutions that have been using the Internet for this purpose for some time.

   It is difficult at this time to estimate the budget for such a workshop. Facility and equipment rental fees will have to be explored, as will the possibilities of corporate sponsorships and assistance/cooperation from other international donors which may wish their development partners to participate in the workshop. Participation will be limited by the capacity of the training facility, but a fee structure for participants could be explored as well. The Leland Initiative SO 3 in R&RS could work with USAID/Maputo information resource management staff to investigate the arrangements and local costs for such a workshop. USAID/Maputo Senior Management could explore with other donors their possible interest in collaborating on such an effort.

2. E-mail connectivity between local NGO partner organizations should be nurtured as a first step to helping them utilize the full power of the Internet.

   For organizations in Maputo that have adequate equipment, a decent telephone or direct connection, and a real need for it, the World Wide Web will be an excellent tool for them once new ISPs are offering this service. Many of the smaller NGOs we surveyed, however, simply do not have the resources to currently justify having their own Web access or a clearly-defined reason for having it. For these organizations--and for those that are in remote regions, where the poor quality of telephone lines would make surfing the Web an arduous process--email makes more sense. (For more details on a plan for improving e-mail connectivity, see the Annex entitled "Electronic Networking in the Internet Age". Although prepared for the USAID Regional Center for Southern Africa in Gaborone, the same themes apply to Mozambique).

   Listservs, or discussion groups, could be started in USAID's program areas--a listserv for child health, one for AIDS awareness, one for agricultural export marketing, and others, for example. Through these listservs, e-mail connected organizations can:

   1. Glean who is working in similar areas;

   2. Start regular correspondence with like-minded individuals and organizations;

   3. Exchange full-text documents (including any that Web-connected members download from the Internet), obviating the need for costly faxes.

   Any of the ISPs should be able to provide the technology to run a listserv. USAID mission staff may wish to establish listservs just for their direct partners, and then participate in wider listservs that include other national and international actors. The Leland SO 3 team can provide information on existing international listservs of interest in different sectors.

   LINK seems to be the obvious choice for serving as a central point for the creation of listservs that serve the local NGO community. They know who the key actors are, have the means to organize these actors, and have the ability to train users. In order to make the listservs as useful as possible, the mission could support one or more full Internet connections for LINK. If necessary, the mission may wish to consider utilizing new technologies, such as wireless data transfer, to circumvent the poor Web performance resulting from inadequate local telephone lines. LINK staffers could then field research requests received via e-mail from Mozambican NGOs, use the Internet where possible to gather the requested information, and send that information to the requester via e-mail. In this way, partner organizations throughout Mozambique can benefit from the Internet's full capability without having to deal with the performance limitations resulting from poor telecommunications infrastructure.

3. World Wide Web homepages could be funded for select organizations.

   In the course of our interviews, several organizations stood out as being able to clearly benefit from having their own Web presence. Web pages could be funded for the following groups:

   1. Cashew Working Group

      Cashew nuts are a key agricultural export for Mozambique, and an Internet presence for the Working Group could help the expansion of exports into existing or new markets. The Executive Secretary for this group, Irene de Souza, has taken advantage of her Internet connection through Teledata and already has invested valuable hours looking at other WWW sites devoted to cashews from other countries. With a small amount of support and training, she could probably develop a page herself for this group.

   2. U.S.--Mozambique Chamber of Commerce (COC)

      They would like to be able to offer full Internet service at the Chamber for use by members and to improve connections and promotions with the United States. A COC Web Page could highlight Mozambique business opportunities.

   3. LINK

      Rather than attempting to provide Web pages for individual NGOs, a central Web site could be maintained by LINK. This site would post Web pages for member NGOs. This would be a more cost-effective and speedier way to introduce Mozambican NGOs to the world development community. Furthermore, any e-mails that come through these Web pages could then be effectively forwarded to the NGOs and relevant listservs.

      Pangolim is the only company we met that currently provides high-quality, professional web page design services. Others may develop as the Internet expands in Mozambique.

4. Assistance to the Mozambican Government should be explored.

   Better Internet connections for the various ministries and divisions of the Government of Mozambique (GOM) could vastly increase the ability of public officials and civil servants to do their jobs more effectively. The GOM recognizes the potential of the Internet as indicated through the strong support given to expediting the negotiations surrounding the Leland Initiative.

   The government's recognition of the importance of the Internet is a significant step for Mozambique; at this time, however, only small pockets of the government appear to have much of an awareness of the technology and how it can help. As the coordinating government agency for the UNDP Sustainable Development Networking Program, the Ministry of the Environment (MICOA) seems to be the furthest along in terms of awareness of the Internet and in taking steps toward training people in how to use it (limited right now to email use). The Office of Internal Commerce in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism would like to set up a network to connect its offices in Maputo with its offices around the country, but it doesn't have the means at this time. Still, this shows the office is thinking strategically about its communication and information needs. The Ministry of Agriculture, on the other hand, according to the representative we met, needs to develop a more open culture of information sharing in which the Internet could play an important role. Support from the highest levels of the ministries and other government groups is needed to encourage investment in this new technology. Support will only come when key decision makers become aware of the benefits of the Internet.

   USAID/Maputo's SO 2

   Government and civil society are effective partners in democratic governance at the national and local levels --focuses on civil society, the National Assembly, and elected local assemblies and does not directly address the judicial or executive branches of government. Despite this arrangement, USAID/Maputo should consider sponsoring, perhaps with the support of other donors, a separate Internet training workshop for the government to which decision makers from the three branches of government could be invited. This type of workshop should be designed to introduce decision makers to the communications and information advantages of the Internet. This could serve as a catalyst for further national and/or donor investment in expanding information technology capabilities for the government. The workshop would follow a similar structure to the one outlined earlier for development partners. The UNDP/SDNP has already started to sponsor some training activities for government officials which might serve as a useful model. This training has been provided through CIUEM. Incorporation of other ISPs would be desirable.

   USAID/Maputo might also consider approaching the GOM about establishing some form of national information infrastructure (NII) plan, similar to the framework established by the U.S. government through its Information Infrastructure Task Force (IITF). Another valuable reference for NII plans is an article by Celine Walker entitled "Telematics for Development: A Caribbean Perspective on National Information Infrastructure Planning" (Appearing in International Forum on Information and Documentation, vol. 20 no. 2, April 1995). Through USIS, we met with the Director of Mozambique's Gabinete de Informaçao, Arlindo Lopes, who expressed interest in exploring the establishment of a more formal NII plan. He may be a good reference for looking into this proposal. The Leland SO 3 team can provide further reference on the concept of a NII plan as needed.

   The National Assembly

   USAID/Maputo already is involved with support for the National Assembly through a project managed by SUNY. Other donors (Danish and Dutch, in particular) have begun to investigate needed communications and information reforms at the Assembly focusing largely on infrastructure needs. In conjunction with these other donors, USAID/Maputo could seek to support the establishment of a local area network (LAN) with an Internet connection at the National Assembly Headquarters. The Internet then should be accessible from any computer connected to the LAN.

   The Assembly is not ready for these connections at this point, so a long term plan should be explored in which infrastructure, equipment, and training needs are defined more explicitly. Long term goals should include connections in rural areas that would allow members of the Assembly as well as the general public to stay informed about pressing issues or general information through the development of an Assembly Web Page. Several parliaments from countries around the world have developed this capacity and can serve as models.

5. Small grants could be distributed.

   To encourage and promote Internet use among institutions who may not have the financial and/or technical capacity, USAID could establish a proposal-based small grant mechanism for new users to buy equipment and training and or explore Internet-related projects.

6. A Mozambican Internet Society should be started.

   USAID could facilitate the creation of a professional discussion/support forum for new users, perhaps involving the Internet Society. This type of forum could do much of the marketing and awareness raising that will need to occur in Mozambique as long term follow-up to the national workshop.

   The Internet Society (ISOC) has begun to explore setting up national level Internet Society chapters. A local chapter in Mozambique could perform numerous functions, including:

   1. Information Clearinghouse

      The Mozambican ISOC chapter could serve as a clearinghouse to fill Internet-related jobs with qualified applicants. It would be relatively easy for job descriptions to be kept on file for jobseekers to examine. At the same time, these listings could be placed on the Society's Web page--the perfect place to look for Internet-related work! The chapter could also maintain rosters of computer/Internet training courses, computer/telematics equipment and software suppliers, and e-mail/Web addresses for local and regional Internet users.

   2. Organizational Tool

      Perhaps the greatest advantage offered by a local Internet Society would be its ability to organize the Mozambican Internet community. Acting as a united front, Mozambican Internet users could more effectively promote their goals in the political process, giving them more leverage to effect changes such as lower tariffs on computer equipment and lower phone fees. The chapter would also provide a convenient mechanism for group purchases of computer equipment and software, which can make possible quantity discounts from vendors. Finally, the solidarity made possible by a local chapter would allow Mozambique to be better represented at international and regional Internet conferences.

   3. Higher-Level Advice/Problem Solving

      Much as technology resource centers could provide advice and problem solving services for Internet end-users, Mozambique's ISOC chapter could provide advice and troubleshooting services for higher-level Internet-related organizations. These services could include information on how to become an Internet service provider, technical information about setting up local area networks, and government-targeted information such as the pros and cons of specific telecommunications policies.

   Although Mozambican Internet users can and should be offered advice and support to start a local chapter, the success or failure of the undertaking (and whether it is even undertaken) ultimately will rest on their shoulders. The impetus to start a local chapter can come from informal meetings at Internet conferences, where Mozambican participants can get together to begin discussions on the matter.

   The Internet Society provides some guidance for establishing local chapter, including organizational requirements, funding obligations, reporting requirements, and so forth. These guidelines can be found on the Web at http://info.isoc.org:80/chapters/chapter-guide.txt and http://info.isoc.org:80/chapters/chapter-policy.txt. As the guidelines state, the first step for a prospective ISOC chapter to take is to contact the international ISOC. At that point, ISOC will determine the feasibility of a local chapter and will suggest next steps.

7. Media use/promotion of the Internet should be encouraged.

   In the United States the media have played a substantial role in raising the level of public awareness about the Internet. While one could question the focus of much of this coverage, it is clear that the media are largely responsible for making "Internet" a household word in the U.S. Newspapers, radio stations, national television networks and local television stations have carried stories about the types of information available on the Internet and the contribution the Internet is making to social, political and economic trends. For those who already have Internet access, this media coverage often points out interesting Internet resources of which users may not have been aware. For those without access, the media provides a sort of indirect, though clearly incomplete and sporadic access to Internet resources, and serves as an indirect "marketer" of Internet access by raising public awareness and interest. The media (i.e., newspapers, television and radio) in Mozambique can serve these same functions.

   In an informal meeting at the USAID mission with representatives from local newspapers and a radio station, the SO 3 team demonstrated examples of how the media currently use the Internet in other countries. The team also raised the possibility of "advertising" the Internet through print and radio format. While the representatives seemed to be genuinely interested in both using the Internet and raising Internet awareness among the public, they raised an important question: "What are the financial incentives for providing their services over the Internet or for advertising Internet services?" This is a valid concern, and the answer to it may be that the mission could provide some computer hardware support (which the representatives mentioned they need) in exchange for promoting the Internet through their various media.

8. Public Internet Demonstration Centers/Information Technology Resource Center(s)

   Ongoing demonstrations of the Internet and other information technologies and access to these tools could be provided through the establishment of two different types of centers: Public Internet Demonstration Centers (PIDCs), and Information Technology Resource Centers (ITRCs). PIDCs generally would serve as sites where people could learn about the Internet and its different applications through demonstrations and small seminars. The U.S. Information Service (USIS), for example, has expressed keen interest in serving this capacity for the general public (USIS also expects to provide some research service, but it remains to be seen how well they could meet demand). The National Library, although our team did not visit here, might also serve this function.

   ITRCs would serve the above functions as well, but they also would provide fee-based services for those who lack the resources to purchase their own computer equipment and full accounts. The Best Practices study prepared by R&RS Project staff for the Leland Initiative indicates that these types of centers can serve several important purposes:

   1. Provide free Internet and other information technology demonstrations to raise awareness on an ongoing basis;

   2. Provide access, on an equitable, fee-based system, to technologies which are typically unaffordable; and

   3. Extend access to information technologies to rural and remote communities.

   Specific types of services that such centers could supply to users include:
   1. Free Internet and other technology demonstrations;

   2. Fee-based Internet accounts and access to Internet workstations;

   3. Fee-based Internet and other information technologies end-user training;

   4. Fee-based Web page development and related training;

   5. Free communications strategy consulting; and

   6. Free proposal development consulting for Internet and other information technology activities.

   In a competitive ISP market such as the United States', many of the above services are provided by ISPs as a means of building a customer base. One can anticipate that ISPs in Mozambique may also begin to offer some versions of these services as their businesses grow. CIUEM already offers some public access to Internet email at the University for a fee.

   Fees for the services provided in these centers would be designed to recover costs of operation and maintenance. Different fee structures could be set for non-profit and educational/health institutional users as opposed to business and for profit corporate users. While the centers will need initial investments to acquire adequate space, equipment and trained staff, they should be able to become self-sustaining within twelve to eighteen months of opening for business. Equipment should consist of standard office communication and information technology tools, including typewriter, telephone, fax, and computers with Internet email and, if feasible, World Wide Web access. Staffing could likely be maintained at one or two persons and the centers could have limited hours (designed to accommodate as best as possible the schedule of the majority of users) to save on operating expenses. Again, the private sector and other donors with an interest in extending Internet access may wish to collaborate on the initial start-up of these types of centers.

   It is doubtful, though, that local ISPs or other groups will extend these types of services to rural and remote communities on their own initiative since there is little to gain financially in doing so. The establishment of regionally based demonstration and information technology resource centers could extend access to rural and remote areas where such needs exist. The areas most likely to benefit from these types of regional centers include rural areas of high population concentrations and agricultural areas where growers and buyers need access to up-to-date market information.

   Project SCOPE is a non-profit organization that has begun to develop community access centers in several developing countries. For more information about their experience, see their web site http://www.tiac.net/users/xur/. Also, in the summer of 1996, the World Bank sponsored an electronic conference on the topic of community communication centers. The discussion through this conference provides valuable insights to the process of establishing centers and associated issues. The conference archives can be viewed at http://www.vita.org/technet/cccarch/.

It will be important to monitor and evaluate the various activities throughout the implementation phase of the Leland Initiative in Mozambique. Not only is this important to ensure that Leland Initiative and USAID/Maputo funds are being used to achieve maximum results, but it will also be important because Mozambique is among the first USAID countries to implement Leland Initiative activities and as such will serve as a testing ground for the activities and a model for other USAID countries.

1. Proposed Indicators

   Suggested indicators of whether Leland Initiative SO 3 is being met in Mozambique include:

   1. Number of Internet Users

      This indicator would measure the increase in the number of institutions with Internet access in Mozambique. It need not be limited to development-related institutions as a whole, since wider Internet use by commercial organizations, government agencies, and other groups also can benefit society as a whole.

   2. Internet Presence

      An organization's Internet presence refers to its posting of Web pages, the existence of links to these pages at other Web sites, its hosting of listservs or virtual conferences, and any other activities that make the organization "visible" to other Internet users. Although it would be prohibitive to monitor all these activities for Mozambican organizations and institutions, a suitable proxy would be simply tracking the number of Mozambican Web sites.

   3. Comprehensive Use of Internet

      Although e-mail alone is a very useful Internet tool, the goal should be to prod users to take advantage of a range of the Internet's features. This indicator would measure the amount of time spent using advanced functions of the Internet such as the World Wide Web or listservs.

   4. Coordination and Outreach Via Internet

      This indicator would be used to assess the degree to which organizations are using the Internet for communication purposes, which for many is the Internet's most powerful and useful feature. The indicator could cover participation in listservs, numbers of e-mail messages sent and received, and participation in virtual conferences.

2. Measuring the Success of Implementation Activities

   Some of the activities proposed within this report lend themselves to fast and easy appraisal. For example, short tests of Internet skills and knowledge could be administered to a sample of participants at the Internet workshops both before the workshops begin and after they end. Both tests would be identical and would be administered to the same participants. Results of the tests could then be compared to determine how much participants learned at the workshop. In this way, areas of weakness within the program could be identified and adjustments could be made. Statistics regarding the number of Internet users, the number of local Web pages, and the existence of listservs should be readily available from the ISPs in Mozambique.

   Other statistics, such as the level of Internet awareness and the degree of advanced Internet use, will be more problematic to gather. To determine the level of Internet awareness in Mozambique, a polling firm could be enlisted.

   To determine how organizations use the Internet, the Internet itself would make an ideal tool for gathering the information. Emails containing short questionnaires could be sent out to specific organizations on a periodic basis. Sample questions include "Does anyone in your organization participate in a listserv?"; "How often do you use the World Wide Web?"; and "How many hours, on average, does your organization connect to the Internet per week?" Most of the answers to these questions can be quantified--even more subjective questions, such as "How satisfied are you with the quality of service provided by your ISP?" could be quantified by dictating a "1-5" response (i.e., "5" means "very satisfied and "1" means "not at all satisfied"). Therefore, user responses to such a questionnaire would lend themselves well to comparison across organizations over a period of time and could be easily stored in electronic format.

Annex--Regional Cooperation in the Age of Internet:
A Framework for Improved Communication and Cooperation

Introduction

1. Getting key regional stakeholders to search for new ways of promoting regional cooperation;

2. Creating new ways to identify and respond to important unmet needs of underserved stakeholders;

3. Mobilizing financial and technical resources from many sources;

4. Developing innovative program management and implementation arrangements; and

5. Enticing increased collaboration amongst regional stakeholders, between regional stakeholders and USAID constituent groups, as well as increased collaboration between USAID and other donors.

Benefits of/Barriers to Internet Use

1. Improved communication, administration, and logistics;

2. Ability to share experiences and lessons learned;

3. Ability to create a regional knowledge base;

4. Improved cooperation for solution to regional problems; and

5. Ability to disseminate research and publications relevant to regional joint projects.

1. Poor telecommunications infrastructure/telephone lines;

2. Outdated (or simply obstructionist) telecommunications policies, often advanced by a state-owned telecommunications company that stands to lose from liberalization;

3. High telecommunications costs, often resulting from "b" above;

4. Lack of/high cost of telecommunications equipment;

5. Lack of technical knowledge for installation and maintenance of computer systems and hardware;

6. Countries--as well as organizations--at vastly different levels within the region. Existence of computer "haves" and "have-nots;"

7. Lack of widespread experience with and use of computers; and

8. Lack of an "information culture" within society (i.e., widespread lack of appreciation for the value of information or an understanding of how it can be used effectively).

Step One: E-Mail Connectivity

1. The mission should identify key SADC partners that would be the best candidates for basic E-mail. There are scores of organizations across the twelve ISA countries and four SOs, so only select organizations will be able to receive assistance. Assistance could be provided on all four SO fronts at once, or one specific SO could be targeted as a "test bed" for initial efforts. Lessons learned could then be incorporated into subsequent work in the other SO areas. The following criteria could be used to make selections:
   1. Selected organizations must have the basic computer infrastructure, in terms of machines and human skills, if they wish to use e-mail. USAID needs to target organizations that can "hit the ground running" and that can help other organizations once they are up to speed. It may not be cost effective to supply computers and basic training for E-mail connectivity, but if an organization would appear to benefit enough from E-mail alone, providing computers might be worthwhile.

   2. AfricaLink is the best resource for this activity; however, in the interest of getting as many organizations access to E-mail as quickly as possible, the mission should not hesitate to use other projects such as "Toolnet" and "Healthnet."

   3. One possible target to aim for would be to hook up one organization in each SO in each ISA country, yielding about 50 organizations to be connected--this seems like a reasonable number to strive for in, say, six months.

2. Once the 50 or so groups have E-mail access, there must be ways to ensure that:
   1. They (or at least one person in the organization) know how to use the system;

   2. They use their E-mail instead of letting the system gather dust;

   3. They know how to contact one another and have access to useful applications (like discussion groups, etc.)

3. One organization or even individual should operate as an electronic communications "clearinghouse". Its functions could include:
   1. Maintaining a directory of current E-mail users, adding new users/organizations to the directory as they come on-line. This list could be distributed--via E-mail of course--to all SADC participants on a weekly basis or as needed;

   2. Maintaining a "listserv" on general issues germane to SADC members. This listserv could be general at first, generating interest in the concept. As demands for additional listservs arise, other groups/individuals could take on the responsibility of maintaining those (i.e., an NGO focussed on agriculture could maintain an agricultural listserv);

   3. Serving as a central "help desk" for E-mail related questions (hopefully, most of these questions could come via E-mail);

   4. Maintaining a repository of electronic documents on the general use of E-mail, listservs, etc.

Step Two: Building on the E-Mail Foundation

"Full" Internet Applications

1. Local access of remote databases and the ability to retrieve files from those databases. For example, a user in Gaborone could use the Internet to identify "servers" (remote databases) dealing with sorghum research. With a click of the mouse, the user could then choose a server from the list and connect to it--let's say this particular one is at the USDA offices in Greenbelt, Maryland. He or she could then search the database for occurrences of specific "keywords"--let's say he or she is looking for documents on "drought resistance". The remote server would then search all the full-text documents that reside in its database for the occurrence of those two words. It would then fetch the relevant documents and send a list of the applicable documents to the searcher in Gaborone. The searcher could then retrieve one or more of these documents--the document now resides on the user's computer in Gaborone. The user can now do whatever he or she wants with it--print in out, send it via E-mail to another person, load it into WordPerfect and manipulate its contents, etc.

2. The ability to "publish" documents on the Internet. The flip-side to getting information as described above is making one's own information available to other Internet users. Publications can be disseminated in a highly-polished form through the use of "Web pages". Especially with the advent of commercial software packages designed for formatting documents for this purpose, posting documents on a Web page is simple once the proper hardware is in place. With a Web page presence, organizations can not only make their research available to the tens of millions of other users on the Internet, but can also advertise their presence as well.

3. Provide searchable directories of data and information. The Internet's World Wide Web feature can be used to solicit information from users and put this information into database format. For example, a web site could utilize the web's "forms" feature to gather general information on related organizations. When the form feature is invoked, an electronic form appears with blank areas where the user can type in appropriate information (name, phone number, address, etc.). When the user clicks on the button labelled "done", the info he or she has placed on the form is automatically stored in the appropriate database; since the information is already categorized, the database's contents can be easily manipulated, transmitted, and printed. This represents an extremely powerful tool for generating user directories, mailing lists (E-mail or otherwise), and so forth.

4. In the long-term, the Internet will certainly be commonly used for "teleconferencing". Long-term actually means now in certain parts of the world where bandwidth can support the application. In Southern Africa, the capacity for this is probably at least two years away, but when it becomes available, it will offer considerable cost savings (from reduced airfare) for organizations willing and able to make the investment.

Once ISP networks are in place, SADC partners can be given the assistance they need in connecting to the Internet. Technical assistance could take the following forms.

First Steps for Internet Connectivity and Use

1. Identification of ISPs within the partners' geographic areas. To connect to the Internet, an organization must first contact a business that offers Internet connectivity. Preferably, the ISP will be within range of a local phone, thereby reducing phone charges while connected to the Internet. In some cases, however, Internet connectivity may be worth a long-distance phone call to a neighboring country if the service is not available locally. Whatever the case, if only one ISP exists, then the choice is simple. However, if the partner has the luxury of choosing from more than one ISP, then choosing the best service could be complicated as ISPs typically offer a number of different pricing/service packages to satisfy a range of needs.

2. Provision of basic computer hardware. Again, as with E-mail connectivity, it may not be feasible to provide new computers to organizations for Internet access alone--this is especially true for full Internet use, since Internet use beyond E-mail generally requires a 486-class machine or above. However, modems might be a good investment if they are the only barrier to a partner connecting to the Net.

   Dealing with hardware problems will be an ongoing issue since servicing is unavailable, inadequate, or relatively expensive in much of southern Africa. There are currently no easy answers to this issue--considering maintenance problems, however, the choice of relatively simple (i.e., with few "bells and whistles," such as CD-rom drives, sound cards, microphones, etc.) machines of good reputation and with external modems (easier to access and send off for servicing than internal modems) would be desirable. Laptop/notebook computers can be good choices in terms of maintenance, since they can be shipped off for repair easily and cheaply relative to much heavier and larger desktops.

3. Training and improvement of end-user applications. Getting connected is simply the first step. The Internet's eclectic nature can also make it daunting to use, especially for individuals and organizations with little prior computer experience. New software, such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft explorer, go a long way towards alleviating this problem through their ease of use and intuitive control panels. These programs could be likened to "Windows" software for the Internet--just as the difference between Windows and DOS is huge, so is the difference between using Netscape to surf the Web and doing the same with UNIX line commands. Even so, finding the information you need can often be like finding a needle in a haystack. There is simply a vast, vast amount of information available on the Internet, and new users would benefit greatly from learning about the best strategies for sifting through all this information.

Step Three: Getting the Most from the Information Superhighway

1. It has been using E-mail for some time and incorporates its use as an important daily tool.

2. It has an extensive portfolio of routine E-mail contacts and knows how to seek out organizations/individuals for which it doesn't already have addresses.

3. It knows what organizations in its field of interest are "teleconnected," how to contact them via E-mail, and what they have to offer.

4. It has a certain level of understanding of what the Internet has to offer. Staff members know it exists and some feel comfortable with "surfing" the Web. At this stage, there will probably be a small number of "technology embracers" on staff who are enamored of the technology, but in general the Web is used for simple file downloads and for news.

The series of steps described above is not always applicable. Unlike most of the developed world, where information technologies such as computers and E-mail have been in use for some time and where progress in information utilization has generally occurred as soon as the technology becomes available, most of Africa is only now beginning to take advantage of this technology. While lack of computerization certainly represents lost opportunities thus far, it does have a bright side.

With the advent of Internet, southern Africa countries can "leapfrog" the incremental steps towards computerization that have occurred in the developed world. This means that partners not only gain the most advanced information tools at once, but--since many are only now beginning to computerize--they also can buy the most appropriate hardware to do so right now, thus avoiding the hardware "obsolescence" that organizations in developed countries now grapple with.

Progressing to the "Second Level"

Using the Internet to its fullest becomes mainly a question of training and organization at this point. Most users have developed a general familiarity with the technology and are comfortable using it. In other words, "first level" barriers--connecting to the Internet, learning how to use its basic applications, and getting as many staff as possible to use it--have been overcome.

Addressing "second level" applications is more complicated. These second level applications include using the World Wide Web as a powerful research tool, harnessing the Internet's power for management/organizational improvement, disseminating organizational information and publications to other Internet users (effectively creating an Internet "presence." These applications are more problematic for two reasons:

1. Unlike first level applications, higher-level Internet uses can be as varied as one's imagination. Accordingly, each institution must decide for itself how it will use the Internet most effectively. Something like videoconferencing may be extremely useful and cost-effective for one small business, yet may represent a waste of money for another. Moreover, an organization would benefit from an information/communications strategy that is broader than the Internet alone (but which should certainly include the use of Internet to its fullest).

2. Since second-level applications are typically much more targeted to particular "special interests," appropriate training and resources are less widely available than for first-level uses such as E-mail. Accordingly, it is vital that information/communications strategies and procedures be "institutionalized". In other words, an organization's effective use of Internet and information technologies should not depend upon or reside in one individual alone. If this happens, then the organization's effective use of information may vanish as soon as that one individual leaves. Thus, it is vital that advanced Internet/information technology use become a daily routine for as many users as possible rather than simply a mandate forced from somewhere above.

   Fortunately, once individuals and the organization as a whole realize what the technology offers, it will become an integral part of the daily routine because in the long-run it makes everyone's job easier and makes the organization more efficient and effective.

An Agenda for Action

1. Work closely with the AfricaLink project to provide SADC partners with E-mail connectivity. Consider providing funding, if necessary, to assist in this step. Enlist the aid of organization such as Toolnet if the demand for E-mail connections requires. Internet connectivity beyond E-mail, as stated before, depends on a variety of factors. A number of donor efforts to bring full Internet to sub-Saharan Africa are underway and, combined with movement towards telecommunications liberalization by several SADC countries, will hopefully lead to widespread Internet availability within a few years.

2. Designate an organization(s) or individual(s) as coordinator(s) for E-mail/Internet users. There could be one coordinator for all four ISA strategic objectives, a coordinator for each of the four SOs, or even a coordinator or coordinators for some or all of SADC's seven foci. The point is, coordination of this effort is critical; otherwise, partners' utilization of their e-mail connection attain its maximum potential.

3. Make the coordinator's first priority the identification of SADC partners' Internet status. The coordinator can do this in coordination with USAID missions, the AfricaLink project, the Leland Initiative and by using published mailing lists, and other resources--all this could be done via the Internet as well. The next step could be to bring these organizations together by sending directories of SADC E-mail/Internet users to all users, by soliciting and disseminating announcements of upcoming events and meetings, by forming listservs, and by providing helpful information on Internet service availability, training resources, etc.

4. Ensure that the coordinator's role remains a fluid one. In other words, although E-mail coordination and utilization will be important and useful initially, the need for this basic service should eventually decline or become self-sustaining. From that point, the coordinator's role could evolve into that of an Internet facilitator. The coordinator would then move into helping out with the "second level" applications and issues discussed earlier. SADC partners' transition from first level to second level Internet applications should be much smoother and more fruitful if they receive guidance throughout the process.

5. Provide assistance in the form of training/funding for training for Internet users. The Leland Initiative will address this area for full Internet users, but there are a number of current E-mail users who could benefit from this at present.

Potential Internet Applications by Strategic Objective

1. Newspapers can publish on the Web, thus reaching a much larger potential audience and spreading word of democratic injustices quickly and broadly.

2. Constitutions, legislation, and judicial rulings can be made available over the Internet. The information can be released essentially at once and at little cost. Furthermore, it will be much more "searchable" and user-friendly than reams of hardbound text are.

3. Special interest groups can organize and advertise via the Internet, making their existence known to users worldwide and disseminating the information they feel is valuable to millions.

4. The Internet could prove invaluable as a coordinating tool for regional and intracountry initiatives concerning human rights, voting, and so forth. It could also serve to make the monitoring of human rights, voting, etc. much easier and quicker. Instances of human rights abuses can be widely reported quickly and forces can be marshalled to deal with the situation quickly.

1. Businesses and associations can "advertise" for capital using the World Wide Web. In fact, many innovative SMEs in the United States and elsewhere have found the Web to be a useful tool for advertising their wares (as doing a search for "ostrich farm" on the Web will prove). Investors world-wide are surely beginning to appreciate the power of the Internet as a research tool, so having a presence there could prove fortuitous.

2. The World Wide Web provides an ideal vehicle for marketing and selling goods. In the short-term, it would be relatively easy for even the smallest of businesses to post a Web page. In the longer-term, with the availability of "secure transaction" lines (allowing for safe use of credit cards for Web purchases), businesses could even take orders on the Internet and ship products to consumers worldwide.

3. Business associations can benefit from the communications, research, publications, and organizational/administration capabilities of the Internet. Broad use of the Internet by association members would cut down on costs previously incurred by faxing/phoning long-distance, as well as travel costs. The association can make its publications available to members on a Web page. The Internet could be used to gather and process general information on member activities. Finally, the Internet can be used as a research tool for designing association activities and policies.

1. The Internet would prove valuable to agriculture research organizations in a variety of ways. It could be used for basic research on crops and livestock, since many other agricultural research organizations make their publications and research available on the Internet. The Internet could be used to coordinate agricultural research--a single Web page, for example, could serve as a central depository for relevant organizations' research, thereby allowing instant access to--and feedback from--similar organizations within and without the SADC network.

2. The Internet could be used as a powerful monitoring and reporting mechanism. Data from far-flung regions could be electronically sent to a central site for synthesis and analysis. Furthermore, if the data is of a time-sensitive nature (such as weather reports and information on disease outbreaks), use of the Internet offers a considerable advantage over any other method of data delivery.

3. Smallholders themselves would benefit from information readily available on the Internet. A few examples of available information include weather information (even satellite images); current international prices for commodities of all types; projections and analysis for commodity prices (although much of this information would surely be fee-based); information on innovative farming techniques; information/alerts on disease and pest infestations; and many others. Considering the isolated nature of farming, the Internet represents an ideal way to bring the outside world to a smallholder's remote corner.

1. Telecommunications infrastructure and the Internet are obviously closely related. Improvements in Internet access would itself constitute an improvement in telecom infrastructure and vice-versa.

2. Shipping can be coordinated via the Internet. Whether by rail, road, or water, the Internet's advantages in terms of speed and (in the near future) ubiquity will make it a first choice for identifying the most efficient means of transporting goods and tracking those goods as they cross check-points en route to their destination, however far away that may be and regardless of a change in modality (for example, if the product is transferred from the road to rail at some point). This can be particularly important for many agricultural goods, where spoilage can result from bottlenecks in distribution. Furthermore, if southern Africa is to harness the power of "just in time" manufacturing techniques (also known as "lean manufacturing"), the Internet should be enlisted to enable the precision timing and coordination critical to the process.

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