Project Description
This is a network that allows the economically disadvantaged to share their knowledge, learn from other communities and create a database of their own. So as not to limit their reach to only the literate population, the project emphasizes the use of multimedia.

Project Objectives
It aims at connecting those with ideas to those with the power and funds to implement the ideas. Creation of a database in the local language involves contributions by people from all over the world. This content is meant to provide a reference base for future users.

Intended Beneficiaries
The network is directed at low-income, knowledge rich communities.

Partners Involved
The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad has played a significant part in the development of the concept. SRISTI (Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions), a voluntary organization, is involved at the grassroots.

Impact: Costs and Benefits
The project has helped demystify ICT and used it to empower the rural communities. The knowledge rich can share their knowledge without fear of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) violations. The network has also helped inspired farmers and innovators and exposed them to the world.

Lessons Learned
An important lesson that has been learnt is that person to person learning in India can be strengthened only if content and communication are in local languages.

Constraints/Challenges
Participation by women remains low as the database lacks a sizeable contribution of women's innovations. Another major problem is that of Intellectual Property Rights. It is very difficult for contemporary innovators to get their ideas patented, as costs are very high. Moreover, validation of the patent in successive years costs extra.

Sustainability Factors
The next step in scaling up the network will be the generation of an interactive system so that local operators can get feedback, comments, intellectual property rights protection etc.

Recommendations
The concept can be replicated in other communities.

Project or Related URLs:

http://www.digitalpartners.org/honey.html