DVI twinning
Digital Villages initiative (DVI)
Description
Twinning is a cooperation model involving both formal and informal structures at local levels, bringing together local communities (villages, local stakeholder groupings and alliances, or other local structures such as Local Action Groups) that share common areas of interest. DVI twinning facilitates horizontal linkages, cooperation and mutually beneficial exchanges of knowledge between peers, while reducing gaps in knowledge and digital imbalance, fostering the transfer of good practices, and encouraging cooperation with a view to reducing the digital rural divide. DVI twinning was initially piloted in 2022 between three rural communities - Përmet (Albania), Rahovec (Kosovo*) and Lormes smart village (France), leading to the creation of linkages, cooperation and knowledge-sharing. Several online workshops were held to introduce the local actors to each other, to understand the contexts of the three villages and their developmental needs, to exchange good practices and to identify actions with the potential to formalize twinning programmes in the future. DVI twinning has also been initiated between Lolazor, the pilot Digital Village in Tajikistan, and the Novkent and Yuksalish pilot Digital Villages in Uzbekistan, formalized through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding after a week of exchanges during which a delegation from Tajikistan (village leaders, farmers, university officials, students and practitioners) visited Novkent and Yuksalish. During the visit, the members engaged in a series of activities and brainstorming workshops aimed at identifying common problems and sharing good practices. *All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).
Technology
The communities of Përmet in Albania, Rahovec in Kosovo and Lormes in France developed their twinning relationships during several online Zoom meetings, where several good practices from Lormes were discussed, including the local Digital Hub, the first fibre optic Internet connection in the region and the establishment of a smart tourism initiative. The Hub comprises a team of rural digital experts who provide strategic digital support and free training to all levels of local government to aid the development of digital strategies. Furthermore, Lormes adopted the country plan related to digital development, initiating the deployment of an FTTH network to replace the copper network. Of particular interest to Përmet and Rahovec were the digital tourist trails established in Lormes. To support the DVI twinning of the three rural communities in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, a Telegram group was established to encourage the continuation of the established dialogue, allowing exchanges of agricultural best practices and news, and supporting the exploration and planning of potential areas for cooperation.
Target
The DVI twinning programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible, offering participation without any associated fees. The exchanges of the communities in Albania, France and Kosovo* have been conducted in a virtual environment, with support provided by such institutions as FAO in their facilitation. In Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the workshops and study visits have been hosted in the village administration building and on farmers' premises. FAO offered financial support to cover the travel and accommodation expenses of the Tajik rural community representatives for their visit to Fergana.
Business model
For Përmet, Rahovec and Lormes, the mutual discovery phase laid the groundwork for potential future cooperation, fostering the development of relationships between local actors, including government representatives and grassroots champions, and facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of developmental needs and challenges. Overall, the twinning model has proven to be an effective tool for mutual discovery, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and cooperative future for the three distinct communities. In Uzbekistan and Tajikistan community members can now actively participate in discussions and exchange information on regional weather patterns, and can provide updates on farming activities, share best agriculture practices, and discuss potential collaboration opportunities and more through a Telegram group. Moreover, DVI twinning has played a key role in the establishment of cooperation between Fergana State University and Tajik Agrarian University, and plans are already in place for a visit of representatives of Tajik Agrarian University to Fergana State University in December 2023 where they will deliver lectures as part of the established cooperation.
Impact
For Përmet, Rahovec and Lormes, the mutual discovery phase laid the groundwork for potential future cooperation, fostering the development of relationships between local actors, including government representatives and grassroots champions, and facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of developmental needs and challenges. Overall, the twinning model has proven to be an effective tool for mutual discovery, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and cooperative future for the three distinct communities. In Uzbekistan and Tajikistan community members can now actively participate in discussions and exchange information on regional weather patterns, and can provide updates on farming activities, share best agriculture practices, and discuss potential collaboration opportunities and more through a Telegram group. Moreover, DVI twinning has played a key role in the establishment of cooperation between Fergana State University and Tajik Agrarian University, and plans are already in place for a visit of representatives of Tajik Agrarian University to Fergana State University in December 2023 where they will deliver lectures as part of the established cooperation. FAO has financially supported the pilot Digital Villages project in Tajikistan as well as the activities of the Tourism Development Centre.
Partners
European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL); Tajik Agrarian University; Fergana State University; AKIS Uzbekistan; Local municipality representatives of Përmet, Rahovec, Lormes, Lolazor and Novkent
Four Betters
Better production
Better life
