The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) is a digital, offline database developed by Mann Library at Cornell University that offers access to over 350 full-text journals and 500,000+ articles in agriculture and allied sciences. From 2014 to 2016, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation engaged Sathguru to install TEEAL in Bangladeshi research institutes to enhance agricultural research and productivity.
Challenge
Academic and research institutes in developing countries often struggle with limited access to current agricultural research materials and the expertise needed to utilize e-resources effectively. This gap poses a significant barrier to agricultural innovation and productivity, which are vital for achieving food security.
Approach
Sathguru executed the project by installing the hardware and software for TEEAL in 21 institutes across Bangladesh, providing offline access to the database for over 45,000 users. Collaborating with premier educational bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Sathguru facilitated the adoption of TEEAL by conducting extensive capacity-building programs, including orientation sessions and train-the-trainer workshops for researchers, academicians, faculty members, postgraduate students, and library staff. Additionally, Sathguru ensured the signing of MoUs with over 25 important peer-reviewed research journals and formalized user license agreements between Cornell and the participating institutes.
Impact/Result/Client Benefit
The TEEAL project significantly boosted agricultural research and innovation in Bangladesh by providing critical resources to access global research and innovation and developing the local capacity. This initiative has strengthened the research capabilities of numerous institutions, fostering a collaborative environment for agricultural advancement. The implementation of TEEAL helped –
- Accelerate agricultural innovation in Bangladesh by providing access to crucial research materials,
- Strengthen relationships with UGC and BARC, leading to widespread adoption and effective utilization of TEEAL,
- Train over 800 personnel, enabling continuous capacity building and broader dissemination of TEEAL’s benefits,
- Establish a robust two-tier support system for technical assistance, ensuring uninterrupted access to TEEAL and
- Enhance research capabilities in major agricultural research institutes, contributing significantly to the goal of food security.