Global talks for Water Day hosted on Twitter

“The internet is allowing us to invite the whole world to our event to discuss water issues in rural Africa,” said Kevin Quigley, president of the National Peace Corps Association. “Using micro-blogging as the platform we are holding a discussion that is conducive to people throughout Africa and around the world.”

ARC spearheads discussion

In honour of World Water Day and as part of the 2010 ideas competition kick-off, ARC, which solicits ideas from around the globe on helping rural African communities, is spearheading the discussion on water's role in agriculture and rural development in Africa. The Twitter discussion will be open to everyone with a computer or mobile phone.

The centre of the online event will be a live discussion at the Local 16 bar in Washington from 6.30pm to 8.30pm (EST) featuring academics, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and others who have lived or worked in Africa. Participants at the event will share their ideas through a live Twitter feed displayed on a screen, where other users around the world will be able to add their perspectives virtually.

ARC annual competition

ARC launched its second annual competition on 15 March 2010 and will award cash prizes each round to the best ideas submitted by users on how to help rural Africa. The prize money is then used to help implement their proposals. One of last year's winners received money to build an innovative rabbit-fish farm in Kenya that could be used to boost profits.

“Africa Rural Connect is excited to kick off its second contest with this discussion in Washington and around the world,” said Quigley. “Twitter is advancing our conversation on helping farmers in rural Africa in new and innovative ways.”

To join the Twitter discussion, follow www.twitter.com/IdeasforAfrica and post a tweet using the hastag #ideasforafrica.

For more information, go to www.AfricaRuralConnect.org