Scope and Commitment

• The main goal of a DSP rollout is to build or expand the advisory services in the local context.  Two of the key efforts required to successfully rollout the DSP include 1) identifying information needs and 2) building quality messages to be delivered to the beneficiaries.
  

• A key step during the initial stages of a DSP rollout is to identify and obtain commitment from stakeholders or partners that are willing to provide skills, funds, information, and related support for the DSP rollout.  For example, is there a local telecommunication provider that is willing to reduce DSP usage costs for farmers?

• It should be clarified to relevant stakeholders that FAO manages the core global DSP platform (i.e., hosts the platform, performs maintenance updates), while the operating organization manages the content delivered to the beneficiaries.

• When deciding on possible information sources, it is important to factor in the availability, reliability and timeliness of the information provided.

• DSP comes preloaded with ready-to-go theme templates as well as a Theme Factory to create new themes when needed.  Business leaders with local partners can decide which combination of themes best address the needs of the local context.
  

• DSP messages can be accessed using smartphones via the DSP mobile app.  The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, or from a website of choice. For feature phone users, seasonal and warning messages can be received via SMS delivery.
  

• DSP supports SMS broadcasting but at a higher cost than that of messages delivered over standard internet connections.  DSP rollouts planning to enable SMS broadcasting will benefit from a clear understanding of the total volume of SMS messages that are expected, as well as the commitment from the operating organization to pay for them.
  

• Are messages targeting a village, regional or national audience?  There are no technical limitations for the size and reach of messages, but determining their scope requires a good understanding of the capacity for local partners to build relevant content in a sustainable manner.
  

• Some DSP rollouts may benefit from having a dedicated FAO coordinator – a person familiar with local stakeholders/partners and knowledge of the objectives driving the rollout.
  

• DSP rollouts will also benefit from having dedicated focal points from participating organizations.  Each focal point will be assigned to a specific thematic area, while also having the authority to allocate resources as required throughout the rollout. This structure can help streamline activities, especially in the initial efforts to create key messages.