The CGIAR world is currently in a whirlwind of workshops coinciding with the launch of various large research programs or of specific sub-sets of activities under these programs. From 12-14 June, 2012, the Tribe Hotel in Nairobi hosted one such workshop dedicated to the specific activities of the ‘Rainfed systems‘ strategic research program (SRP) and ecosystems … Continue reading
In its RIO+20 Call-to-action, CGIAR called for knowledge sharing systems that engage with smallholder farmers to improve the management of their crops, livestock and natural resources in order to increase production as well as minimize negative environmental impacts. Four CGIAR knowledge management specialists share their experiences on AlertNet: Peter Ballantyne (International Livestock Research Institute – … Continue reading
In 2010 the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) started making photofilms to capture event highlights and to tell stories about people who depend on livestock for their livelihoods, food, income and cropping. What are photofilms? A photofilm combines (mostly still) photographs and audio recordings in a multimedia product, usually just a few minutes in length. … Continue reading
The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) last week convened a workshop on communication and social learning in climate change. How did we tackle to challenge of facilitating a ‘social learning’ process with a room full of facilitators and communicators? CCAFS seeks to “overcome the threats to agriculture and food … Continue reading
The Knowledge Management and Information Services (KMIS) team at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) recently facilitated a regional workshop on ‘Research design for Mechanization Entrepreneurship to Leverage Sustainable Intensification in Rainfed Areas of Eastern and Southern Africa (MELISA)‘. From 10 to 13 April, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) organized this workshop … Continue reading
Yesterday, Judy Payne (USAID e-Business Advisor) and Amol Jadhav (GSMA Development Fund) convened an informal meeting of people in Addis Ababa with an interest in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture. The aim was to share ongoing United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and GSMA (the trade association for mobile industries) Development Fund … Continue reading
Human, livestock and environmental health are inextricably linked, Sixty-one per cent of all diseases are ‘zoonotic’ –that is, transmissible between animals and humans. Continue reading
Expert opinion agrees that the best way to tap into the potential of the drylands is to build on the foundation of their livestock economies rather than ignoring them or seeking to replace them. Continue reading
Making smallholder production more competitive is a powerful tool to reduce poverty, raise nutrition levels and improve the livelihoods of rural people in many developing countries Continue reading
Mixed crop-and-livestock farms will, more than the traditional breadbaskets and rice bowls of the past, feed the developing world over the next few decades Continue reading
Maarifa - Communications and Knowledge Management 