ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book identifies a range of roles for expert systems (ES). It addresses one of the key challenges in developing an ES: the effective extraction of knowledge from experts. The book provides a checklist of procedures to help elicit from the fanner information on how he or she perceives and approaches various problems. It describes how questions to users are formulated, the system advice options that depend upon answers to these questions, and provides a representative decision rule within one of these options. The book presents a comprehensive framework within which to consider the generation of information technology and its transfer and use within developing countries. It demonstrates in concrete terms how a research subsidy can support the development of an ES to help train and support village health workers.
