Prof. F. Sonaiya [fsonaiya@oauife.edu.ng] wrote:
>We have an integrated teaching and research farm on approximately
>1400 ha farm land which was established in 1967. .......(cut)......
>I have just secured funding from the University to resusticate all the
>farming operations......(cut).....

As I am thinking of developing means of cooperation between your University
farm and IBSnet, I came up with an idea of setting up an IBS Farm Network
as a sub-network of the Integrated Bio-Systems Network.

My initial thoughts are and I welcome improvement of this idea:
that IBSnet launch a new effort that would create the IBS Farm Network. The
elements of this network would be that
(a) to establish communication linkages with farms that practise IBS
(b) such a Network would foster exchange of ideas, experience and
facilitate problem-solving
(c) IBSnet can dedicate a web site area for IBS Farm Network members so
that they can make available information on their activities and for "virtual visits".
(d) IBS Farm Network will also enable farm workers to travel as exchange
guests. This can also keep "consulting costs low" and enable greater
opportunities for development of cooperative relationships/partnerships via Internet
(e) IBS Farm Network can also assist in the start-up of new IBS farms via
feasibility studies, as what I have done in cooperation with Simon Appleby
for the BCDRC-BIMPC in Bali.

As this mailing list has specially gathered people with special interests
on IBS Farms, this would be an ideal place to elaborate the idea further. I
therefore would like to have your comments on how you may find the IBS Farm
Network useful and please also suggest the types of resources and
activities we could develop via Internet as well as physical activities
(e.g. farm internships).

This process will also add information to the public discussion on
large-scale farms which started on 13 March on this mailing list.

I look forward to your contributions.

regards
Jacky Foo
coordinator of IBSnet
http://www.ias.unu.edu/proceedings/icibs/ibs/ibsnet