Enhancing rural livelihoods in Africa
April 30, 2014
Enhancing rural livelihoods in Africa through Australian research partnerships – Young agrifood professionals and student networking event
As a part of the Crawford Fund’s goal to encourage young professionals and students into agricultural research careers, and following on from our 2013 ‘Bread from Stones’ Conference with the Australian Africa Research Forum (AARF), the Fund’s WA Committee partnered with AARF to host a networking event in mid-April for young agrifood professionals and students. The focus for the event was developing markets for agricultural products in a range of African countries.
The theme of the talks by Murdoch University representatives was ‘Enhancing rural livelihoods in Africa through Australian research partnerships’. John Howieson, an internationally recognised expert in sustainable agriculture, spoke on the linkage between mining and agriculture in Mozambique and Nigeria. Davina Boyd, who has over 10 years’ experience in capacity building, community development, international development and sustainability, explored innovative ways to build the capacity of smallholder farmers to connect to markets.
A structured networking session was held afterwards to give the participants an opportunity to exchange details on their work and study interests.
Universities were well represented amongst the forty attendees, with people from Murdoch, Curtin and Adelaide Universities and the University of Western Australia. Individuals from government, private consultancies, Freemantle Port and the Crawford Fund also attended.
