Archive for September, 2010

September 27, 2010

GTZ: Discussion “Green Sahel”

copyright: Seyllou / AFP

copyright: Seyllou / AFP

When we think of the Sahel zone, we generally think of drylands, drought and hunger. But there seem to be some positive developments taking place in the Sahel, too. In fact, according to some experts, a re-greening process is happening in the Sahel. The reasons for this have been the subject of controversial debate. Certain experts link this phenomenon to an increase in rainfall. Others argue it is due to changes in land and tree use legislation which have incentivised farmers to plant and maintain tree stocks. But just how far-reaching an impact do grass-roots initiatives of this kind actually have – and will they really make the Sahel green again?

When: Thursday, 28 October 2010, from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm

Where: Gustav-Stresemann Institut (GSI), Bonn, Langer Grabenweg 68

Several speakers will present their take on the situation in the Sahel.

The two keynote speakers at this event are:

  • Dr Hannelore Kußerow (Institute of Geographical Sciences, Berlin University)
  • Dr Chris Reij (Center for International Cooperation, VU University Amsterdam)

After the presentations, we would like to engage in a debate about possible fields of action for development cooperation. We are looking forward to some interesting presentations and a lively discussion. If you would like to be a part of the event, please confirm your attendance at the following email address: adelheid.humer-gruber@gtz.de
Please note that the discussion will be held in English.

Programm Green Sahel – Invitation_Green_Sahel

September 16, 2010

Future of Agriculture – the documents

Plenum:

Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun: The Future of Agriculture
Dr. Shenggen Fan: Investing in Agriculture and Social Protection for Halving Hunger and Poverty
Dr. Sebastien Treyer: Scenarios and challenges for feeding the world in 2050
Prof. Erik Millstone: A view from the UK: predictions, foresight or policy choices – and the Global Food and Farming Futures Project
Dr. Juan Gonzalez-Valero: Working towards a vision for a sustainable production system
Dr. Monika Zurek: Views from the Agricultural Development Program of the B&M Gates Foundation

Windows to the regions: Brasil, Laos, Vietnam, Kenya, Chad

Theme 1: Partnership farming – linking smallholders to commodity markets

Idsert Jelsma: The NESP Ophir Project:A smallholder success story from West Sumatra, Indonesia
Martina Fleckenstein: Linking Smallholders to Commodity Markets – Role of Certification & Standard
Yotsawin Kukeawkasem: Partnership Farming: Towards Sustainability of Oil Palm Smallholders in Thailand
Ron Pal: Partnership Farming – Linking smallholders to booming commodity markets
Thomas Breuer: Partnership farming – linking smallholders to commodity markets

Theme 2: New Technologies for Agriculture in 2050: Vertical Farming
Agrotechnological Innovations and Smart Foods

Evi Gruber/Andreas Blüthner: SAFO Strategic Alliance for the Fortification of Oils and other Staple Foods
Prof. Joachim Sauerborn: Skyfarming: Multi-story crop production to improve food-security?
Prof. Dr. – Ing.Till Meinel: New technologies in Agricultural Engineering

Theme 3: Efficiency – coping with scarcity of natural resources in agriculture

Dr. Joachim Lammel: New technologies in Agricultural Engineering
Dr. Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein: Efficiency coping with scarcity of natural resources in Agriculture
Dr. Ferdinand Schmitt: Efficiency of Livestock

Theme 4: The commons and their governance as paradigm for the 21st century

Jutta Schmitz: Governing CPRs
Silke Helfrich: The Commons –  a framework for agricultural practices & policies?

Photographs of the event can be found on flickr.

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