Knowledge Services, Innovations and Delivery

LifeLines in Agriculture

LifeLines India, an innovative yet simple-to-use phone based service is helping improve the lives of rural farming communities with access to technology and information.

Developed by OneWorld International Foundation in collaboration with OneWorld South Asia, British Telecom, CISCO, TARAhaat and ISAP, LifeLines India bridges the digital and information divide by providing advice and guidance to farmers, connecting them with global markets, and ultimately supporting their families.

Launched in September 2006, Lifelines India caters to 700 villages in North and Central India, benefiting over 40,000 farmers. More than 400 calls are received daily. A database of 90,000 ‘frequently asked questions’ is in operation.

The service allows farmers to record and receive answers to their queries in local language through a simple IVR interface, using a mix of telephony and web applications.

LifeLines for Education

The success of LifeLines in agriculture has led to its extension in the field of Education, with resources and expertise support from USAID, British Telecom, CISCO, and in partnership with QUEST Alliance and Vikramshila Education Resource Society.

LifeLines for Education rolled out in January 2008 in Bardhaman district of West Bengal, covering 13 Panchayats, 164 villages and benefiting 2,000 teachers in 571 schools. LifeLines Education seeks to provide rural teachers with pedagogical and academic support by linking them with a network of educational experts. Over 3,000 queries from teachers have been received till date – reflecting the enthusiasm for the service.

Also in the offing are ideas of new multi-stakeholder partnerships to explore the potential of the platform for other applications and create sustainable rural e-services in India and beyond.