Dear research team members, Hope you are all fine, sorry for the sending the mail late in the evening. Based on the feedback gathered as regards the choice of topic, it is resolved that most members favor the topic: *Open data for the welfare and empowerment of marginalized groups and communities (e.g. data for small farmers)* Having agreed on the research area, we now need to immediately start work by choosing a case study in the assigned area, effectively become our topic….suggestions are welcome before Monday because time is limited. In the meantime as we forge ahead order, members are hereby assigned the following roles in formulating the concept paper that we shall be reviewing by 1st September (next week Saturday ):…so please kindly create time and dedicate some hours daily to work on this. *Task 1:** * - Abstract - Background and Justification (including a brief description of the open data initiative, governance issues to be studied and expected outcomes and impacts) -Research objectives (including a statement about how the case study addresses the priorities of the call) ****All members of the team are to be involved in this task since this forms the fabric of the research * *Task 2:* - Methodological considerations and identification of anticipated risks - Expected results and dissemination activities (including information on how the case is likely to inform the specific context) ****Proposed members* · *Davis Onsakia* · *Liz Orembo* · *Ronald Ojino* *Task 3* - Collaborations or additional activities planned as part of the research (e.g. awareness raising, capacity building, technical assistance etc.) - Preliminary schedule - Tentative budget (as per IDRC eligible expenses) * * **** Proposed members* - *Wangari Kabiru* - *Daniel Otieno* - *Richard Otieno* Remember, to please read the call in order to adhere to the outlined guidelines and the breakdown of the weighting of the criteria. NB: The primary considerations in selecting projects will be the scientific merit of the research proposal and its potential for development impact, including capacity building. At the same time we can share skype/gmail contacts (can be mailed to me or then il distribute to other members to facilitate discussions) Also note that the members proposed have proved active in this but the door is still wide open for others to join in. Bonne chance mes freres et soeurs!! Best regards, Ronald Ojino -- Faith is a living and unshakable confidence. A belief in God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.