Terms of Service

Terms of Service for Start Them Early Program (STEP) Online Community

Last Updated: 12/09/2024

Welcome to the Start Them Early Program (STEP) Online STEP Online Community. By accessing or using this platform, you agree to comply with these Terms of Service (the “Terms”). Please read them carefully before participating in the STEP Online Community. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use or access this platform.

1. Acceptance of Terms
   By using this STEP Online Community, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. These Terms apply to all users, including STEP Online Community members, moderators, and guests.
2. Purpose of the STEP Online Community
   The STEP Online Community aims to provide a platform for individuals interested in agriculture and agribusiness to share knowledge, experiences, and resources to promote modern farming practices, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the agricultural sector, particularly among youth.
3. User Conduct
   By participating in the STEP Online Community, you agree to:
   – Act respectfully and professionally towards other users.
   – Avoid posting harmful, offensive, or illegal content.
   – Not engage in any form of harassment, hate speech, or abusive behavior.
   – Avoid spamming, advertising, or self-promotion unless specifically allowed by the administrators.
   – Share only content that is relevant to the purpose of the STEP Online Community.
   – Ensure that any content you post is your own or you have the right to share it.
4. Content Ownership and Licensing
   You retain ownership of the content you post on the STEP Online Community. However, by posting content, you grant STEP a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display your content within the STEP Online Community for the purpose of promoting, improving, or operating the STEP Online Community.
5. Prohibited Activities
   You may not use the STEP Online Community to:
   – Promote or engage in any activity that is illegal under Nigerian law.
   – Violate the intellectual property rights of others.
   – Distribute viruses, malware, or other harmful software.
   – Collect or store personal data about other users without their consent.
6. Moderation and Enforcement
   The STEP Online Community is moderated to ensure a positive and safe environment. STEP reserves the right to:
   – Remove or edit any content that violates these Terms.
   – Suspend or terminate users who engage in prohibited activities or violate these Terms.
   – Issue warnings, limit access, or permanently ban users based on the severity of the violation.
7. Privacy Policy
   Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our privacy policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in connection with the STEP Online Community.
8. Third-Party Links
   The STEP Online Community may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by STEP. We are not responsible for the content or practices of any third-party sites or services.
9. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
   – The STEP Online Community is provided on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis. We do not guarantee that the STEP Online Community will be free from errors, interruptions, or inaccuracies.
   – STEP is not responsible for any content posted by users. Any reliance on user-generated content is at your own risk.
   – We will not be liable for any damages arising from your use of or inability to use the STEP Online Community.
10. Changes to the Terms
    We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of the page. Your continued use of the STEP Online Community after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.
11. Termination
    We may terminate or suspend your access to the STEP Online Community at any time, without notice or liability, for any reason, including violation of these Terms.
12. Governing Law
    These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any disputes arising from or related to the STEP Online Community shall be resolved in the courts of Nigeria.
13. Contact Information
    If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at iita-step@cgiar.org.

By participating in the STEP Online Community, you agree to adhere to these Terms of Service. Thank you for contributing to a positive, enriching, and supportive STEP Online Community for all members.