The rising interest in knowledge brokering
initiatives has been fuelled in recent years
by advances in information and communication
technology, and increasing interest in research
communication. New initiatives are now emerging
from different sectors, with differing drivers,
paradigms and logics.
These new knowledge initiatives draw on a range
of traditions and approaches to develop often
quite hybrid functions. This is driving the
emergence of a “new generation”
of intermediaries, who don’t quite fit
existing definitions or professional networks,
and may consequently be working in isolation
while facing similar challenges.
Turning the focus on intermediaries raises
many questions. What are the key features of
knowledge and information intermediary roles
in development contexts? Who are the organizations
and groups playing this role and who is planning
to? What are the similarities and differences
in how the role is played? How can and do intermediaries
contribute to better development outcomes? Would
answering these questions help intermediaries
make a greater contribution? In a very practical
sense, could bringing a group of intermediaries
together generate useful learning about knowledge
and information intermediary roles in development
and offer practical support for their work?
K4D, one of a premier community service of
Open Forum is an initiative to use the power
of voice as the primary means of information
dissemination. K4D facilitates exchange of information
among the marginalized communities such as it
helps in improving their quality of life. It
aims to provide connectivity, content and capability
via a phone-based service. The pilot phase of
K4D is concentrating on the sector which is
mentioned in the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) by providing information related to the
query raised by the grassroots and unprivileged
communities. K4D has adopted a multi stakeholder
approach spearheaded by Open Forum with private
sector providing the technical support, Civil
Societies supporting in implementation, government
supporting with its thematic expertise and above
all communities supporting in building the knowledge
base. Initiatives like K4D demonstrates that
if all stakeholders in the society join hands
to form multi-stakeholder partnerships, a successful,
just and equitable knowledge based information
society can become a reality today.
Background
India, over the past decade, has become a test
bed for innovations in information and communication
technologies (ICT) serving the rural user. Various
reasons explain this emergence. India is largely
rural with more than 6 percent of our population
dependent on agriculture and allied activities.
Ecologically sound agriculture is knowledge
intensive. Telephones remain the most powerful
mass medium for reaching large numbers. It is
an important tool for the rapid diffusion of
important messages on various issues and provides
a platform for expression of views, concerns
and perceptions. Telephone is a tool that can
be used to develop community cohesion and solidarity.
Community involvement is fundamental for the
successful use of Telephone with diversified
thinking process on various issues, like health,
education, nutrition, socio-cultural taboos
and so on. Presently, no doubt, content through
Information, Education and Communications programme
are reaching to the communities, but not sustaining
at that level. Government, Non-Government Organizations
are doing their best to empower the communities
with knowledge, but their withdrawal leaves
the vacuum behind. The K4D Call Centre is one
answer to the prevailing condition of uneven
and unequal access to information and communication
technologies in rural and or remote areas. This
approach believes in helping individuals and
communities to address social needs.
