A Toolbox is a set of CD-ROM or web-based documents and other materials designed to provide information that supports the needs of a specific set of users. This toolbox is aimed at those working with poor livestock keepers in developing countries, and is targeted at at specific audiences – including civil society practitioners, extension agents, researchers, and policy makers.
This toolbox forms a resource for use by NGOs, extension workers and others involved in livestock development. The primary purpose is to provide those institutions or individuals that inform or interact with resource-poor farmers, groups of livestock keepers or farmer organizations and extension services, with appropriate information in a readily accessible manner to assist in tackling some of the problems they face.
A tool is therefore defined as a set of information that assists the user to gain a better understanding of a particular topic. This contrasts with and should not be confused with a physical tool, e.g. a device that aids in accomplishing a task. These information tools include technical interventions, husbandry advice, policy change guidelines and empowerment suggestions. The toolbox also provides background information and reference documents that assist the user to more fully appreciate the wide range of issues involved in Smallstock development - and hopefully to approach individual problems from a holistic perspective. The overall aim is to improve the management of knowledge generated by research and generally improve the communication between the research institutions and those working with farmers.
