The Research Data Alliance (RDA) Council recently approved the transition of the Interest Group on Agricultural Data (IGAD) to the “Improving Global Agricultural Data” Community of Practice (CoP). To ensure a continued ease of accessibility and collaboration for current and future members, RDA has merged the original  Interest Group on Agricultural Data (IGAD) page to now be the IGAD Community of Practice page, here: https://www.rd-alliance.org/groups/agriculture-data-interest-group-igad.html.  

 

For members that have already joined through the original Interest Group on Agricultural Data (IGAD) page, no action is required. The URL remains the same, while the page includes updated information about the transition to the Improving Global Agricultural Data CoP. Current members will also continue to receive email communication on updates, events, webinars, etc. through the same mailing list.

 

The new CoP will create a space which will allow members to collaborate on a global scale on related areas of interest. Many will benefit from the new CoP including agricultural data practitioners and the organizations they work for, due to better alignment with global practice, opportunities to form partnerships on specific projects, better ability to impact stakeholders via improved data systems and practices, and mutual learning from exchanging experiences.

 

One of the main priorities of the new CoP is to create a robust network of non-RDA communities by utilizing our inclusive strategies to attract new members, particularly researchers and stakeholders from low and medium-income countries. The establishment of a larger network will help to expand the outreach of RDA deliverables and benefit agricultural data practices worldwide.

 

Find more information or join the CoP here: https://www.rd-alliance.org/groups/agriculture-data-interest-group-igad.html.