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Information and communication technology (ICT) has become a mission-critical element for success in modern agricultural research around the globe. In that sense, ICT has become like the “oxygen” for ag research. Just as we cannot have life on this planet without oxygen, today’s agricultural researchers cannot carry out highly effective research programs if they don’t have access to robust ICT connectivity and toolsets. 

Unfortunately, ICT connectivity and utilization at agricultural research institutions and universities throughout Sub-Saharan Africa lags far behind those at counterpart institutions on other continents. And although fiber-based connectivity is pouring into Africa from every direction, not enough attention is being directed to improving ICT connectivity and bandwidth at Africa’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS) institutions. 

Webinar panelists from National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across Sub-Saharan Africa and other ICT field experts will join Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) Lead ICT Researcher, Paul Hixson to examine the serious nature of Africa’s connectivity problems and explore the best path forward. SIL’s ICT Connectivity Program suggests that the NRENs emerging in each country should be the first place NARS institutions turn to when trying to lower ICT costs and increase their ICT bandwidth.

Register now for SIL’s webinar, ICT Connectivity: The Oxygen of Today’s Agricultural Researcher taking place Thursday, June 18 at 9am CDT.