Developments
News items relevant to the policy dialogue on S&T for Development.
2009-10 Africa-wide women and young professionals in science competitions
The finals of CTA/FARA/AGRA/RUFORUM/ANAFE/NPCA 2009-2010 Africa-wide science competitions were held in Burkina Faso from 19-20 July 2010 as a side event during the 5th African Agricultural Science Week and FARA General Assembly. The 'Women in science' competition was won by Dr Sarah Lubanga Mubiru of Uganda for her work on the Development of the ‘ENDIISA’ decision support tool for improved feeding of dairy cattle in Uganda. Other winners were Dr Theresia Luvuno Munga of Kenya, Ms Esperance Benedicte Zossou of Benin, Mrs Lalini Unmole of Mauritius and Ms Eunice Wamuyu Githae of Kenya. The Young Professionals Competition was won by Ms Sandrine Nguiakam of Cameroon for her paper on « Cours des matières premières, recettes budgétaires et croissance économique: Cas de la Cote d’Ivoire ». Other winners were Mr Kevin Zowe Mganga of Kenya, Ms Aneeza Soobedar of Mauritius, Dr Robert Kajobe of Uganda, Ms Wendkhoumi Sabine Marie Flore Doamba of Burkina Faso and Mr Michael Kwabena Osei of Ghana. Read the booklet of abstracts.
17/08/2010
Online courses on knowledge management
The FAO and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have signed a cooperation agreement to deliver jointly a series of online courses on knowledge management and web 2.0 technologies for developing countries. The UNITAR/FAO interactive tutor-facilitated online courses will be certified using internationally recognized quality standards schemes, and will be based on self-paced e-learning materials developed by FAO and partners as part of the Information Management Resource Kit. (Source: FAO Media Centre, 14 July 2010)
16/08/2010
ILRI warns rapid losses of Africa’s native livestock threaten continent’s food supply
At the 5th African Agriculture Science Week, hosted by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) experts from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) told researchers that urgent action is needed to stop the rapid and alarming loss of genetic diversity of African livestock, the livelihood of 70 percent of rural Africans and a treasure-trove of drought- and disease-resistant animals. On the basis of a new analysis, the scientists were urged to expand their efforts to identify and preserve the unique traits, particularly in West Africa, of the continent's rich array of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs developed over several millennia but now under siege. ILRI's push to preserve Africa's indigenous livestock is part of a broader effort to improve productivity on African farms through what is known as 'landscape genomics'. Landscape genomics involves, among other things, sequencing the genomes of different livestock varieties from many regions and looking for the genetic signatures associated with their suitability to a particular environment. (Source: ILRI News, 21 July 2010)
16/08/2010
Could boxes of water help reforest the world?
From the land of dams and canals comes a new device billed as the saviour of agriculture and reforestation in drought-plagued areas. The ‘Waterboxx’, an invention of Dutch businessman Pieter Hoff, collects rainwater and condensation and funnels it to the plant. Experiments with the device are now under way in Kenya, Morocco, Spain and the United States. To start, the farmer fills the box half with 2 gallons of water. Any condensation or rain is theoretically enough to keep the box filled and supplying enough water to the plant via the wick. The device is stoppered with a siphon to prevent evaporation. The box has to be oriented in such as way that the oblong opening in the center points east-west and shades the plant from the sun during the hottest part of the day. The box is removed after the plant’s roots have reached the groundwater. The ‘Waterboxx’ can be used over and over again. (Source: Scientific American, 1 July 2010)
16/08/2010
Model shows 'waves’ of forest degradation
An international team of researchers from Tanzania, UK and USA has developed a model that suggests degradation of tropical forests occurs in series of ‘waves’. The team hopes the model will help manage forests as vital carbon sinks and limits the loss of biodiversity. The researchers said an economic theory was used to provide a general model to predict patterns of tree loss. The team also developed their model to gauge what impact forest degradation had on ‘public good’ services, such as carbon storage and biodiversity. They did this by recording what species of trees were in a particular area of the study, and what size the individual trees were. The model can be used to understand the impact of forest degradation in other sub-Saharan nations in Africa. (Source: BBC News, 3 August 2010)
16/08/2010
Can science feed the world?
In its editorial of 28 July 2010, Nature online asks what role science has to play in securing food for the future and argues that science by itself is not a panacea for world hunger since poverty is the root cause. A second green revolution based on a wholesale realignment of agricultural research priorities is urgently needed and a call is made for new high yielding crop varieties which use less water, fertilizers or other inputs and crops that are more resistant to drought, heat submersion and pests. Lower-tech research on crop rotation, mixed farming, soil management and curbing postharvest losses are also considered as ‘equally crucial’. Research agendas should focus more on the needs of the poorest and most resource-limited countries where population growth will be greatest in the upcoming decades. Nature notes that investments in agricultural research in China, India and Brazil have been exponential and that these countries seem set to become the key suppliers of relevant science and technology to poorer countries. Increases in public and private spending on agricultural research and public-private partnerships that respond to the needs of poorer countries are more than justified. (Source: Nature News, 28 July 2010).
16/08/2010
July Launch of CTA/CCST/CARDI/UWI Caribbean-wide science and agriculture film and video competition
Caribbean agriculture is underperforming and the region is finding it difficult to respond effectively to the multiple complex challenges; climate change, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity and high food imports. At the same time, the Faculty of Science and Agriculture of the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, recorded a 7% reduction in the intake of students for the BSc General Agriculture programme over the period 2004-2009. A Caribbean Agriculture and Science Film and Video Competition will be launched in July 2010 to promote the importance of science, technology and innovation for improving agricultural performance and supporting economic development. The Awards ceremony will be held in July 2011. The competition encourages the participation of creative, technology savvy young professionals (persons 18-35 years) with passion for communicating ideas and an interest in leveraging the full potential of science and technology for agricultural and economic development. The winning film or video pieces are expected to contribute to increasing public awareness and engagement in science, technology and innovation for overcoming the challenges facing Caribbean agricultural and rural development and encouraging young professionals to consider training and careers in science and agriculture. (deadline: 31 October 2010)
13/07/2010
African Dryland Alliance for Pesticidal Plant Technologies
ADAPPT is a project supported by a European Union grant through the ACP Science and Technology Programme to establish a network of scientists and agricultural technicians, from NGOs, agricultural institutes, ministries and universities from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom with a focus on pesticidal plants as environmentally benign and safer alternatives to synthetic pesticides. ADAPPT will establish an intra-African network with linkages to international networks; build capacity to assess research needs to facilitate the formulation and implementation of research policies associated with pesticidal plants and to prepare and submit project proposals for new funding opportunities, and; enhance the research capacity and incentive of the network partners and so increase the quality and impact of research results and disseminated outputs.
30/06/2010
Europe launches major joint research effort to ensure food security in the face of climate change and rising demand
The EU Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change involves twenty European countries overall and is jointly led by France, through its National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and the UK, through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). It will bring together researchers, improve the effectiveness of national funding totaling over a billion euro annually, share existing research results and coordinate future work to avoid duplication and maximize value for money. The JPI on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change aims at targeting joint research to achieve a shared vision: to secure a safe and sustainable food supply, whilst reducing the impact of agriculture on climate change. (Source: CTA Brussels Office Weblog, 10 June 2010)
30/06/2010
COMESA and EU sign a 20 million Euro Agro Input Project
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the European Union have signed a 20 Euro million contribution agreement to support the COMESA agro inputs project known as (COMRAP). This will contribute to improving rural household food security and livelihoods in the COMESA region. More specifically, over the next two years, the project will improve smallholders' access to agro inputs and will improve the regional legal frameworks so as to increase agricultural productivity. The project will alleviate the constraints faced by smallholder farmers who want to access seeds, fertilizers and financing in order to increase the volume of their staple crop production. (Source: Comesa, 31 May 2010)
30/06/2010
EU-LAC summit ends on positive note for CARICOM
The more than sixty leaders who met in Madrid, Spain on 18 May 2010 agreed on a slate of measures aimed at strengthening trade and improving European relations with Latin America and Caribbean. They will realize this by establishing a joint investment agency and a foundation – the EU-LAC Foundation - to promote social development within the Caribbean and Latin America. The issue of Climate Change and its effects on the Caribbean was more poignantly brought home when CARIFORUM presented the case of Haiti: the summit underlined the importance of strengthening the partnership in tackling the effects of climate change and expressed solidarity with Haiti and Chile following the recent natural disasters suffered in both countries. (Source: Caribbean Net News, 21 May 2010)
30/06/2010
EU-LAC summit promotes cooperation on science
The European Union, Latin American and Caribbean regions have agreed on the implementation of a joint initiative for research and innovation. On 18 May 2010 the EU-LAC Ministerial Forum on Science and Technology adopted the proposal for an EU-LAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation, put forward by the Senior Officials Meeting in Buenos Aires, 25-26 February 2010. The initiative is intended to help make progress on the road to the EU-LAC Knowledge Area. It entails priorities for boosting bi-regional S&T cooperation and making high-level dialogue a permanent feature of the relationship. It is expected to strengthen cooperation and monitoring of implementation. (Source: Council of the European Union, 18 May 2010)
30/06/2010
The tipping point
by Audia Barnett, Scientific Research Council, Jamaica The concept of a tipping point sees a tiny pebble making numerous ripples. A glance at some Caribbean countries will reveal similar trends. St. Lucia for example, a country with a population of a mere 160,000, has produced two Noble Laureates! Trinidad and Tobago is the US’s largest supplier of Natural gas. Nations all over the world seem to be promoting “Innovation” as an excellent “tipper”. The concept of Innovation is highly acclaimed by President Obama who in promoting his Innovation Strategy. Therefore, as Jamaica boldly embarks on the tortuous journey of economic recovery, an innovation strategy, hinging on the triple helix relationship between researchers, private sector and the public sector appears to be a lucrative option.
11/06/2010
SPC supports climate change initiatives in the region
Climate change, the erosion of biodiversity, and land mismanagement in the Pacific are real problems, and addressing them is everyone’s business. Initiatives taken by governments — with assistance from the international community — to address these problems have been commended by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Closing a week-long Pacific Media Planning seminar in Nadi, Fiji l, SPC’s acting director for the organisation’s Land Resources Division, Inoke Ratukalou, said that food security and nutrition security are major issues facing the Pacific Islands region as its population continues to grow. Knowledge and information are essential to enable people to successfully respond to these challenges. Ms Oumy Ndiye, Manager of the Communications Services Department, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CTA), said that these challenges could be better handled through effective partnerships between different stakeholders including media, NGOs and the government.
8/06/2010
PNG: National drought preparedness project
Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenouc launched a national drought preparedness project during the 2010 Agricultural Innovations Show hosted by NARI at its Alan Quartermain Hall at Bubia outside Lae. The project, funded by the PNG Government and titled “Preparing rural communities for frequent and prolonged El Niño-induced drought events”, is aimed at equipping resource centres in more than 40 drought vulnerable districts throughout PNG to help communities cope with severe drought conditions in a few years time.
8/06/2010
Preparing PNG for Drought and Climate Change
A major stakeholder forum on “Preparing PNG for Drought and Climate Change” was organised by NARI for key stakeholders in agricultural and rural development. The occasion took place at NARI’s Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre at Bubia near Lae on May 5 as part of the 2010 Agricultural Innovations Show. The aim of this forum was to raise awareness on drought nationally and to debate on how best to prepare rural communities for drought conditions.
8/06/2010
Morobe Government to fund Biotechnology Centre at NARI
Morobe Governor Luther Wenge has pledged K1 million towards the funding of a Biotechnology Centre at the NARI headquarters at Bubia near Lae City. The funding will come from the 2011 budget of the Morobe Provincial Government. Mr Wenge said the Biotechnology Centre will be a central facility that would enhance NARI’s research for development capacity and provide support services to the agriculture sector in the country. It will also house various offices for researchers and provide offices/rooms for the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the National Agricultural Information System (NAIS).
8/06/2010
University of the West Indies Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne, Reappointed for a Second term
The Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Sir George Alleyne, was re-appointed for a second seven-year term, with effect from October 1, 2010 by the institution’s highest governing body, the University Council.
8/06/2010
Africa revives hardy, local rice against Asian cousin
Scientists are reviving long-ignored African rice varieties, to cut dependence on Asian varieties that may be less able to withstand the impacts of climate change on the poorest continent, a report said on 21 May. Historically, scientists have focused on breeding useful traits such as disease resistance from African rice into Asian rice. Now the focus is on the reverse – using African rice as the basic crop and improving it with Asian genes. ‘African rice was initially ignored by mainstream research’, said Koichi Futakuchi, a scientist at Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) in a statement. ‘Now, for the first time, we're reversing the gene flow.’ (Source: Reuters, 21 May 2010)
31/05/2010
New marine centre to study continent's climate challenges
A new collaboration between Norway and South Africa will collect oceanic data to help better understand and cope with the effects of climate change across Africa. The Nansen-Tutu Centre for Marine Environmental Research was launched on 20 May 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. It will gather information on the three oceans surrounding southern Africa – the South Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean. The centre will carry out systematic and long-term measurements of the oceans and will also develop new methods of data integration. The research will focus on modelling the state of the oceans, the marine environment and ecosystems, and the relationship between climate anomalies in different parts of the world. (Source: All Africa, 21 May 2010)
31/05/2010
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