Young professionals rule!

Don’t count the youth out of agricultural research for development. Photo: CIMMYT

The Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD 2012) brought together all groups of stakeholders: from researchers to donors such as the FAO, EC or IFAD, to farmers organizations or the private sector.

The surprise at the conference co-organized by GFAR and the CGIAR Consortium was the recognition of the role that young professionals play in AR4D. For the first time in such a high level event, an international organization by youth for youth had the opportunity to be “the voice” of young professionals in this field of expertise. GCARD 2012 was the place where YPARD (the Young Professionals’ Platform for Agricultural Research for Development) was given the opportunity to organize both a full day pre-conference meeting on “Engaging with youth and working with them to shape the future of ARD” and participating in a live webcasted session on “Individual Learning and the Empowerment of Women and Youth” where YPARD had the possibility of presenting its opinion on the aging population in ARD and the measures that should be taken in order to involve more young professionals in both agriculture and agricultural research.

WHO’s Listening? – Youth. Women. Empowerment.

Women and youth can talk amongst themselves about the need for empowerment, but leaders need to take an active part in the conversation, too. Photo: Neil Palmer (CIAT)

It’s EVERYWHERE! At the GCARD2 success stories, inspiration and motivation are all plentiful for the young Social Reporters. Several youth, present at the event can relate and share experiences, particularly in the discussions on: Individual Learning and Empowerment of Women and Youth, of the Enhancing Capacities thematic area.

Most invigorating was Ms. Courtney Paisley, Young Professionals’ Platform for Agricultural Research for Development (YPARD) coordinator who effectively presented the outcomes of the YPARD pre-conference meeting . She emulated the voice of professional agri-youth, highlighting our needs and the passion that we all share for sector and its various aspects.

I want to be the President! – Lessons learned by GCARD2 social reporters

GCARD2 social reporters are honored by a visit from Uruguayan President José Mujica.

The Social Reporters of the GCARD event should all feel accomplished and proud after having the honor of experiencing a private meeting with the Uruguayan President, the Honorable, Jose Mujica. And proud we are!

As a young professional in agriculture from a small developing country, I was moved by the gesture extend by his Excellency to interact with us, young people, from all around the world. Such an experience is highly motivating to us, all of whom in a multitude of ways are seeking careers, livelihoods and development in agriculture.

Partnership: The key to food security and poverty eradication

There are ways to formulate research so that the needs of a multitude of stakeholders are taken into account. Photo: Neil Palmer

From pre-conference meetings, to opening ceremony and plenary sessions, it was clear from the speakers and participants at the second Global Conference for Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2), that partnership is the key if we want to improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers and increase food production by 70% to feed a population of 9 billion in 2050. But what are the partnership models that we have and what can we learn from them?

How’s our driving?

Incorporating user feedback ensures that agricultural research actually gets used for development – that it is appropriate, effective, and useful. Photo: Neil Palmer

Imagine if we were to ask the same question, only with a twist: How’s our researching?

The challenge of making user voices heard is not a new one in agricultural research. The concept of feedback loops, that is, information coming from the end users of a research product to inform the development of further research, is making strides to turn agricultural research for development into a demand-driven process.