Knowledge for Development

K4D e-Newsletters

In this folder you can download the current and past issues of the Knowledge for Development e-Newsletter.


March/April 2015 K4D Newsletter

Dear Colleagues:We are pleased to present the March/April 2015 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. Changes are coming to the K4D web portal and this is the final K4D newsletter. We have, therefore, chosen to capture some of the new thinking and changing dynamics on science, technology and innovation (STI) in agriculture. This is only fitting as STI was the genesis and raison d’être of K4D since it was launched in early 2004. The future looks bright for STI for agriculture and rural development if the momentum is sustained and STI policy and practice are further mainstreamed into national systems which are adequately resourced. Let us, therefore, hope that Queen Elizabeth or some other highly respected national or world leader does not have to ask the experts in the not too distant future ‘How did you get it wrong?’; ‘How did you miss the signals?’ if agricultural sector performance does not improve or perhaps drops and millions of smallholder farmers are further impoverished and their families malnourished and displaced.

16/03/2015


January/February 2015 K4D Newsletter

  We are pleased to present the January/February 2015 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we feature three new articles. The first article is by Professor Emeritus Hewett, New Zealand, on Is horticultural science in crisis? Secondly, Dr Kariuki, Kenya, discusses What is the future of horticultural science in Africa?’ And, Professor Gurib-Fakim, Mauritius presents a New Agenda for New Times.  The authors confirm that agricultural transformation does not occur in a vacuum and that, while priorities may change, science is fundamental to agriculture-led growth and the development of industries and societies.

19/01/2015


November/December 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the November/December 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we place emphasis on: (i) Agro-food processing capacity, (ii) food safety issues, specifically aflatoxin and (iii) seed systems, science and policy, among others. We also wish to highlight the growing consensus on the need for strengthening the agriculture-nutrition nexus and encourage you to visit the website of the ICN 2 conference “Better nutrition better lives” which was held in Rome from 19-21 November. Please remember that you can download the full pdf e-newsletter by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. 

1/12/2014


September/October 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the September/October 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we place emphasis on; (i) the dairy value chain with a focus on small-scale processing, and (ii) traditional knowledge, indigenous crops and livestock especially in the context of food and nutrition security and climate smart agriculture among others. Food and nutrition security and climate change are complex global challenges and our thinking and approaches must evolve if we are to make any inroads in addressing them. Please remember that you can download the full pdf e-newsletter by clicking the link below. 

3/11/2014


August/September 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the August/September 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we place emphasis on; (i) the rice value chain with a focus on indigenous varieties and low carbon production systems, (ii) capturing economies of scale through university networking, and (iii) science and innovation for food and nutrition security among others. We hope that you appreciate the transition to the new K4D e-newsletter format and email delivery system. Please remember that you can download the full pdf e-newsletter by clicking here or on the image to the right (some email clients block pictures automatically, make sure to download them).

22/09/2014


July/August 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the July/August 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we place emphasis on (i) sorghum research and value chain development, (ii) extension policy and, (iii) emerging issues in trans-disciplinary research and academic publishing among others. We have also adopted a new format for the K4D newsletter and a new email delivery system using mailchimp which we hope you appreciate. 

30/07/2014


May/June 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the May/June 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we place emphasis on (i) improving nutrition outcomes and, (ii) reducing postharvest losses. Effectively tackling malnutrition (under- and over-nutrition) and postharvest losses are challenging policymakers, researchers/academicians, the private sector including farmers, civil society organizations and the development community. If we ask the wrong policy and research questions and invest resources in applying solutions without fully understanding the context, having adequate evidence and evaluating the cost effectiveness and efficacy of the possible options, no significant progress will be made. Linking agriculture and nutrition requires crossing scientific, engineering and sectoral boundaries and herein lies the challenge for policy- and decision makers, scientists/researchers/engineers and the private sector. 

2/07/2014


April 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the April 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we put the spotlight on (i) the new K4D dossier “Research Collaboration in a Globalised World”, (ii) the impact survey on Africa-EU food security research cooperation and (iii) extension policy.

22/05/2014


March 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the March 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. We draw attention to; the changing landscape for science and innovation, building innovation capability of farmers, African women and young scientists and strengthening the research and analytical capacity of technical staff responsible for science, technology and innovation (STI) policy.

14/04/2014


February 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the February 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue we shine the spotlight on the disconnect between science, policy and society. The new lead articles and related documents demonstrate that the disconnect cuts across several programmes and must be addressed if science and innovation are to contribute to the attainment of societal goals. A quote from Bob Marley’s song ‘Rat Race’ “…….In the abundance of water; the fool is thirsty. Rat race…….”, sums up the problem that we are having.

12/03/2014


January 2014 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the January 2014 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In our last message, we asked the question “How will we measure the future success of our endeavours in science and innovation?” 2014 is a critical year for K4D, our partners and readers. We need to better demonstrate how science, technology and innovation can further support the agricultural transformation agenda, especially for the benefit of smallholder farmers and agro-based economies. 

10/02/2014


November-December 2013 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the November/December 2013 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter.  As 2013 ends and planning for the new year begins, we continue to be challenged to generate new knowledge, optimize existing knowledge, provide leadership, increase the momentum and innovate for achieving the desired agricultural transformation. Is there more that we can do individually and collectively? How will we measure the future success of our endeavours in science and innovation? We hope this issue of the K4D newsletter triggers such critical reflections and guides future actions. For more in-depth reading, please click on the links provided to access the full text of all the articles. We thank you for your loyalty during the year and look forward to your continued support in 2014. As usual, we welcome and value your feedback.   Wishing you all the best for the Season and success in the New Year.

20/12/2013


October-November 2013 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the October / November 2013 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we feature a new dossier on “Seed Systems” and a range of other topical material.

2/12/2013


August-September 2013 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the August / September 2013 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we feature two new lead articles on the hot topic of sustainable intensification as well a range of selected material highlighting current developments in science, technology and innovation to inform policy and practice.

23/10/2013


June-July 2013 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the June/July 2013 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we place the spotlight on the changing landscape of international cooperation in science and innovation, reducing postharvest losses, sustainable intensification and optimizing indigenous genetic resources and knowledge.

20/08/2013


May-June 2013 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to share the May/June 2013 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we want to place the spotlight on ‘Remote Sensing’; ’Nutrition and agriculture’  and ‘Good evidence?’. We encourage you to read the new feature articles on “Remote Sensing” by Paul Geerders and the CTA commissioned report on “Nutrition Trends and Changing Dietary Patterns in the Caribbean” by Pat Thompson.  

5/07/2013


April 2013 K4D Newsletter

In this issue, we place the spotlight on food and nutrition security, which can be considered as one of the “hot topics” on the national and global agendas of policy and decision makers. We need to broaden and deepen our analysis and reflections on food and nutrition security issues to be better able to provide policy options and take actions that can demonstrate measurable impact. 

24/05/2013


March 2013 K4D Newsletter

We are pleased to forward the March 2013 issue of the CTA and S&T Knowledge for Development (K4D) e-newsletter. In this issue, we feature two lead articles written by Professor Norman Uphoff, Cornell University and Professor Calestous Juma, Harvard University and his co-author Prof Yee-Cheong Lee. These should cause us to reflect on how we provide advice on, as well as embrace and apply, science, technology and innovation (STI) for solving global, national and local challenges.Download the newsletter below.

18/04/2013


February 2013 K4D Newsletter

In this issue, we feature two lead articles which were written by Professor Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and myself in commemoration of Women’s day on 08th March. As you read the e-newsletter, I encourage you to reflect on how the pursuit of science, the merging of various scientific disciplines and harnessing of the collective knowledge and potential of all actors can spur innovation and create new enterprises. Of course, we must continue to consider the enabling policy environment that is needed to support science and development. Get the newsletter here.

13/03/2013


December 2012 / January 2013 K4D Newsletter

Download the December 2012 / January 2013 K4D newsletter here below. The focus of the two new lead articles which are now featured on the K4D website and the e-newsletter, is on re-engineering tertiary education in agriculture to respond to the challenges of our time.

12/02/2013