'handholding' training needs to go on for some time (up to 2 years in some cases) to enable trainees to grasp the complexities of the programmes; and
training must cover skills other than those needed to operate the system (eg. general communication, editing and design principles).break
Selected Bibliography
Low Cost Communications Systems for Educational Purposes in Third World Countries . 1979. UNESCO .
Stringer, R. and H. Carey. 1993 . Desktop Publishing − A new tool for agricultural extension and training . FAO, Rome .
range of agricultural applications.
Types of Expert Systems
An Expert system is one in which the user asks the system a question and is given an answer with minimum dialogue between user and system
In the Colleague system the user consults the system and chooses whether or not to accept the expert's advice. If the advice were not acceptable, the user will provide additional information to the system for further processing .
The Advisor system is where a user consults the system for advice or confirmation of a decision. Typically the system would provide several alternatives to answers to a problem .
How Does It Work?
Decision Support Software that incorporates an expert system needs three components.
1. Knowledge base
The base consists of rules and facts which the system will use to guide the decision making process. These will be based on the knowledge of experts on the subject.break
2. Inference mechanism
This controls the selection of facts and rules. Rules are searched and deductions made as to which rules apply, and further information needs are identified before and answer is provided.
3. Interface
This is the method by which the user and the system communicate. In most cases it will use a computer and a keyboard for interaction.
Advantages of Decision Support Software
Decision Support Software enhances the users capabilities to make timely and knowledgeable planning, management, and analysis decisions. These applications can automate routine decision activities, or organize collected information in a more meaningful manner. They can provide expert advice to field users, or aid in organizing complex activities. Some of the benefits of decision support software include:
non programmers may develop expert systems using inexpensive software "shells";
improved decision making and problem solving;
automation of routine decision making;
development of expertise in less experienced staff;
How Does It Work? 60
improved staff productivity;
improved user efficiency or effectiveness;
wider distribution of scarce expertise;
faster problem diagnosis;
faster response time; and
consistency in decisions over a period of time.break
Using Decision Support Software in Agriculture Extension & Training A range of functions can be accomplished in agriculture extension using this software. Activities can range from farm management expert systems to accounting or record keeping. These applications increase the information available to the user and assist in the decision making process. Programs can be used to solve statistical problems, to evaluate data, simulate activities, or track costs. Software has been developed for crop and livestock management. For example the calculation of nutritional intake of a cow based on the animal's weight, calculation of pregnancy probability based on weight at breeding, and forecasting calf weight. Programmers can determine how much fertilizer to use, how often and how much to irrigates crops, how much pesticides to use, the expected value of harvests and the best marketing or storage strategy for crops .
Requirements
1. Hardware and Software
Hardware requirements may vary from program to program. Basic requirements are:
640K or RAM (random access memory) computer
monochrome or color monitor
hard disk with at least 5 megabytes of space
Some Decision Support Software programs that are available include the following:
Accounting: DACEasy (DAC), $100; and Quicken (Intuit), $70.
Expert System Shell: Expert 4 (BioSoft), $299; VP Expert 2.2, $49; and MacroMind, $ 495.
2. Skills
A general knowledge of the subject area is required. Documentation is provided an provides adequate instruction.
Requirements 61
An expert system can be created using an expert system shell. Most shells have built in inference mechanisms.
However the programmer has to provide the rules and facts that the shell has to obey.break
The "Synapse" Expert System
Canada's International Development Research Center (IDRC) supported by researchers at the National University of Singapore and Total Recovery Systems International have developed an Expert System shell that captures the expertise necessary in low technology industries that depend on experience. The shell, called "Synapse" can be learned in minutes, even by users unfamiliar with computers
Users "draw" the process that they are familiar with (expert on) on screen by selecting various shapes and symbols from an extensive menu of "icons". In this way hot air blowers, thermometers, valves, etc. are represented. Next,
experience is transferred by users specifying which instruments require monitoring by the computer. In response to the system's prompts, the facts are inputed .
Currently Synapse is being tested in tea factories in Sri Lanka which have quality
and consistency problems in the processing of green tea leaves. It is envisaged that the system can be used for soap makers, cheese producers and other industries where maintaining quality control is a must. It is suitable as well, for overseeing instruments used in fisheries, agriculture, environmental monitoring, research and health care .
Bibliography
Expert Systems in Developing Countries . 1992. Edited by Charles K. Mann & Stephen R.
Ruth. Westview Press, Boulder Colorado .
Libowitz, Jay. 1988 . Introduction to Expert Systems . Mitchel publishing, Santa Cruz, California
Wentling, Tim L. & Rose Mary Wentling. 1993 . Introduction to Microcomputer Technologies . FAO, Rome .