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This project utilized a network of 300 agricultural specialists, a network of
rural radio stations, and an Internet backbone agricultural
information archive to develop an innovative new agricultural and rural development
communication system for Russia. Experts
were encouraged to share their research findings and field recommendations with
the project, and in return they received a quarterly
packet that included similar recommendations from the other experts. Rural radio
stations were given raw scripts or taped program
materials via CDs or Internet links for local broadcasting, and in return were
asked to send the project copies of local scripts they
developed and broadcast. The overall project was coordinated by Moscow State University,
but also collaborated with and shared
radio script information with the Press Video Center of the Ministry of Agriculture.
By the project’s fifth year, the Internet site was
receiving more than 1 million site visits per month. One innovative aspect of
the project was a feedback form placed into each quarterly
packet. Responses were received from 30 percent of recipients. Project staff found
that recipients were willing to fill out very
detailed feedback forms if they perceived that this would influence future materials
they would receive.