The Novateca Program and the National Agency for Rural Development (ACSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding underscoring the cooperation between ACSA consultants and Novateca libraries that has been developing for more than a year.

Under the Memorandum, both parties agreed to facilitate the initiation of specific programs and services adapted to the needs of farmers from the local communities. The memorandum also aims to diversify and increase the efficiency of library services designed for citizens interested in the field of agriculture and entrepreneurship, and to create a system by which local librarians could request support from ACSA consultants on behalf of users.

ACSA consultants in the regions have the knowledge to support farmers, but often lack the space and tools (such as computers and internet) to reach interested citizens effectively. Therefore, the partnership between librarians and ACSA consultants is a natural and mutually beneficial one.

“The modern library is a platform for learning, exchange, and research,” outlined Novateca Program Director Evan Tracz. “The partnerships between the libraries and ACSA consultants were created locally, responding to the needs of the library users and community members.”

Deputy Director of ACSA, Eugeniu Revenco, highlighted the importance of Novateca in the process of library modernization and expressed his gratitude for the program’s contribution to creating sustainable communities.

The nut growers club in Bravicea is one example of the fruitful cooperation between the two parties. Using resources found in the library and the involvement of ACSA consultants, farmers from the region can now master the processes of planting, maintaining and increasing the harvest of walnuts. In the village of Taraclia de Salcie in the Cahul raion, 16 farmers interested in the growing grapes have received trainings and professional advice through the new library service “Info terra Club.” After a series of seminars, participants applied their knowledge in the field under the guidance of the ACSA specialist.

The Novateca Program, financed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in cooperation with USAID and administered by IREX is a five-year national program that helps Moldovans attain a higher quality of life through access to relevant information and modern services in public libraries. Over the past 3 years, Novateca has extended its network to more than 600 public libraries, donated over 2500 computers and accessories and trained more than 700 librarians to use modern information technologies and to develop new library services.

ACSA is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization that ensures sustainable development of rural communities by setting up and developing a professional network of information, consultancy and training service providers for agricultural producers and rural entrepreneurs. More details about ACSA can be found at http://www.acsa.md/ .