Our History

2016 - alin_admin

2016

ALIN rolls out a social enterprise, Sokopepe focusing on farm records and access to markets with support from USAID/Kenya Feed the Future Program.

2012 - alin_admin

2012

ALIN Maarifa concept is scaled up in a project called Internet Now! -a partnership between ALIN, Oxfam Novib, Samasource and Inveneo covering northern Uganda

ALIN is a co-winner of UNESCO IPDC Prize for Rural Communication for reaching to many rural communities using the Maarifa centre model.

2011 - alin_admin

2011

ALIN wins the 2011 Access to Learning Award given annually by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for conceiving and bringing to life the Maarifa concept.

ALIN Regional Director, James Nguo was honoured as an Ashoka Fellow in recognition of the Maarifa centre concept

2010  - alin_admin

2010

ALIN opens Uganda office in a new Strategic Plan

2009 - alin_admin

2009

ALIN launches the first containerized Maarifa centre in Isinya, Kenya.

ALIN start the use of web 2.0 applications at the community level.

2008  - alin_admin

2008

VSAT installation at 3 Community Knowledge Centres; Nguruman, Mutomo and Marigat in collaboration with the University of Michigan

2007  - alin_admin

2007

ALIN integrates GSM technology to support internet connectivity at Maarifa centres.

2006 - alin_admin

2006

Community-based Access Points become Community Knowledge Centres (Maarifa centres) with more ICTs and field-based activities.

The Community Information Volunteers (CIV) programme is launched to support the work of Maarifa centres.

2005 - alin_admin

2005

ALIN implements an online information service for non-chemical pest management in the tropics (OISAT).

ICT4D book is published.

An exchange visit is organized for Ethiopian members in close collaboration with CARE Ethiopia.

2004 - alin_admin

2004

ALIN publishes a natural resource management manual Ngitili and the 2nd Baobab CD-ROM covering articles published between 1987 to 2003 1st External Evaluation of ALIN ALIN starts computer refurbishment program

2003  - alin_admin

2003

ALIN pilots the Open Knowledge Network (OKN) in collaboration with Oneworld, UK and joins other reputable networks such as APC, PELUM.

2002 - alin_admin

2002

ALIN gets funding to implement ICT projects using the WorldSpace satellite technology. CD ROM on Drylands agriculture practices is developed with support from CTA. ALIN publishes the Drip irrigation extension manual.

2001 - alin_admin

2001

ALIN is formally registered in Kenya as an NGO

2000 - alin_admin

2000

ALIN HQ moves to Nairobi after the closure of the Dakar office.

East Africa Regional Office becomes ALIN HQ.

1999 - alin_admin

1999

New East African Regional Coordinator – James Nguo – takes over from Bob Wagner in Dakar Senegal.

Partnerships increase and ALIN undertakes Research for World Space Foundation in satellite broadcasting.

1996 - alin_admin

1996

Founding coordinator, Ced Hesse, departs ALIN after nearly 9 years.

Search for new Director begins.

ALIN receives financial support from Charity Projects, UK.

1995  - alin_admin

1995

ALIN receives first major grant from Dutch donor, Novib and opens a small satellite office in Kenya in collaboration with ITDG now Practical Action.

1993  - alin_admin

1993

The Arid Lands Information Network/Reseau d’Information des Terres Arides (RITA-ALIN) is registered as an independent UK Charity with headquarters in Senegal

1991  - alin_admin

1991

ALIN relocates to Senegal

1990 - alin_admin

1990

Arid Lands Unit in Oxfam GB becomes ALIN

1988 - alin_admin

1988

The first Issue of the BAOBAB appears [‘no title’ issue] Network begins to take shape

1987  - alin_admin

1987

Oxfam GB hosts a major cross-regional workshop on knowledge exchange and The Arid Lands Information Network/Reseau d’Information des Terres Arides (RITA-ALIN) is born – in Benin

END