1.    What is the goal of IMARK?

To improve the overall effectiveness of programmes in agricultural development and food security by enhancing access to information by key stakeholders.

2.    Who is developing IMARK?

FAO in collaboration with a partnership of organizations and individuals with a common vision and purpose

3.    How will IMARK achieve its goals?

By bringing together the necessary resources from international, regional and specialized agencies who are facing the same challenges in capacity building in information management to:

• build institutional capacity at national and local levels to manage and share agricultural information more effectively;
• increase awareness, understanding and skills of the individuals responsible for information management in agricultural agencies, institutions and networks;
• facilitate the development and adoption of internationally accepted standards and guidelines in agricultural information management;
• adding value to face-to-face training activities in agricultural information management;
• supporting educational initiatives in agricultural information management and information management in general; and
• building electronic communities and networks through open and efficient sharing of information resources and knowledge.

4.    What does IMARK provide?

In-service training for information professionals to develop and improve their capacity to manage agricultural information through e-learning, combined with appropriate tools and methodologies for information management.

5.    Who needs IMARK?

Individuals responsible for information management in agricultural agencies, institutions and networks.

• information specialists;
• scientists and academics;
• technical professionals;
• extension workers; and
• policy and decision makers.

in the following organizations:

• ministries and governmental agencies;
• academic / research institutions;
• NGO's;
• electronic communities and networks; and
• international organizations.

6.    What constitutes IMARK?

A series of computer-based distance learning modules delivered on CD containing specialized curricula and resources for agricultural information management.

An online community of practice on the Internet for contributors and learners, allowing them to share and exchange information, and to collaborate with other information management professionals.

7.    How will IMARK help?

IMARK will enable learners to:

• document, manage, archive, retrieve, link and re-purpose information;
• implement information management and dissemination strategies using new technologies;
• solve information management problems by using IMARK as a reference resource;
• benefit from continuous professional development.

8.    How does IMARK deal with a wide range of learning needs?

Learners can create their own personal learning path based on their interests and needs.

9.    What do IMARK modules contain?

A detailed curriculum consisting of a series of lessons focused on a specific subject area of information management which introduce basic concepts and describe specific workflows and topics.

The lessons are supplemented by learning aids including:

• links to online resources;
• additional reading;
• illustrative case studies;
• self-study tutorials;
• technical glossary;
• search function;
• and a series of non-proprietary software and methodological guides specific to each module.

10.    How is IMARK being offered?

IMARK modules are being distributed free of charge and contain only non-proprietary resources. They are being made available in up to five languages.

11.    How are learners supported?

The Modules are mainly designed for self-paced learning, with no personal instruction.

A comprehensive "getting started" tutorial is available to orient learners to show them how they can create a customized course to meet their specific learning needs.

FAQ's are available on the module CDs and update on the IMARK online website

12.    How will IMARK be disseminated?

Directly through FAO and other IMARK partners.

Indirectly through the uptake and redistribution by:

• national, regional and international agricultural organizations;
• distance education faculties and universities; and
• selected development projects and programmes.

13.    Does IMARK offer a certificate of completion for the various modules?

We regret that there is no possibility of offering a certificate in relation to IMARK at present. The feasibility of offering this has been discussed, and the IMARK Steering Group is considering ways in which to do so. Any developments in this area will be announced on the IMARK website.