“Nuanced and thought-provoking insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead” – Scholar Reflections from WA

September 24, 2024

The Crawford Fund’s Annual Conference was held last month in Parliament House, Canberra.  As well as bringing together the world’s leading experts in agricultural science, research, policy, development and industry to address the conference topic, the Crawford Fund is committed to encouraging the next generation in international agriculture for development to the event via scholarships awarded through our State and Territory committees and scholar supporters.

Chaiyya Cooper, Sudarshan Kharel  and Jane Brownlee (left to right) were our 2024 scholars from WA. They are pictured here with WA Committee Chair Mark Sweetingham and WA Committee Coordinator Lynette Abbott. 

Our conference scholarship program started in 2010 in the hope that by experiencing the Crawford Fund conference and network, our special program of activities around the conference and being mentored by inspirational experienced researchers, young researchers would be inspired and energised to be more involved. The results have been fantastic, with a great mix of youth and experience at our flagship event each August and a growing and enthusiastic conference scholar alumni approaching 450.

Our competitive Conference Scholarships are offered to young people with a genuine interest in international agricultural research and development to attend the conference and a special set of activities that we have developed since the program commenced in 2010.

Our other activities to encourage university students and early career researcher include highlighting opportunities in volunteering for projects overseas through the Australian Volunteers Program;  our work with Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID), and our special international student awards to enable students to be involved in overseas projects as part of their university study.

One of the requirements of the scholarship is that each scholar provides us with a reflection on their experience. We will be providing these reflections over the coming weeks, grouped by State.

Once again, we would like to thank our wonderful mentors, mentioned alongside the scholar they supported, who volunteer their time and offer valuable guidance, support and insights to the scholars throughout the conference.

Three scholars supported by our WA Committee attended the 2024 Crawford Fund conference. Highlights of their experiences have been captured below:

Jane Brownlee, University of Western Australia/CSIRO

“One of the key benefits I gained from the conference was the opportunity to expand my knowledge on the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and technology. The diverse range of presentations highlighted the critical role of scientific research and innovation in enhancing food production while ensuring environmental sustainability.” 

Chaiyya Cooper, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

“One of the highlights of the conference was the final panel discussion, featuring four inspiring and influential women. They provided nuanced and thought-provoking insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly the importance of inclusivity and diverse leadership in driving meaningful change.”

Sudarshan Kharel, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

“One of the most compelling sessions was led by Dr Uday Bhaskar Nidumolu from CSIRO, who shared his work on sowing time in India. What stood out was how this research was communicated to farmers through music and song, making it both accessible and engaging. This approach exemplifies the importance of context-specific communication strategies in agriculture, which can bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application.”

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Read on for the full reflections of each WA scholar:

Jane Brownlee, University of Western Australia/CSIRO

Mentor: Leigh Vial

Attending the Crawford Fund Conference was an invaluable experience that provided me with a deeper understanding of global food security challenges and the innovative solutions being implemented to address them. It is an honour to have been chosen as a conference scholar and be offered a unique platform to engage with experts, policymakers, and fellow professionals. The conference and scholar day activities fostered an environment of learning and collaboration around international agricultural research for development.

One of the key benefits I gained from the conference was the opportunity to expand my knowledge on the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and technology. The diverse range of presentations highlighted the critical role of scientific research and innovation in enhancing food production while ensuring environmental sustainability. This reinforced the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional farming practices to achieve long-term food security.

The conference also emphasised the significance of international collaboration, hearing from speakers who have successfully implemented cross-border initiatives highlighted that tackling global food security issues requires cooperation across nations and disciplines. This message resonated with me, as it stressed the need for a coordinated global response to food-related challenges.

Some key message I will take with me include Dr. Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni talk on the importance of first understanding the social and cultural barriers that are creating gaps that we hope research will address and that reflecting on this is important so we do not reinforce colonial practices and continue to cause harm. Hussein Tadicha Wario’s idea to prioritise the understanding of existing local practices and governance processes that exist outside external interventions also resonated with me.

A particular highlight of the conference was the panel discussion on climate change and its impact on agriculture. The insights shared by the panellists illuminated the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on food systems. The discussion around climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices provided practical examples of how the agricultural sector can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Another key takeaway was the emphasis on the role of youth in shaping the future of agriculture. The sessions dedicated to young professionals showcased inspiring examples of how the next generation is driving change in the agricultural sector. Presentations from young peers at RAID and ACIAR left us enthusiastic and eager to get more involved.  This focus on empowering young leaders reaffirmed my belief in the importance of supporting and mentoring emerging talent in this field.

Overall, the Crawford Fund Conference was a transformative experience that not only broadened my perspective on global food security but also inspired me to contribute more actively to this crucial area. The conference’s key messages of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability will continue to guide my work and professional development moving forward.

Finally, I would like to thank my mentor Leigh Vial, the Crawford Fund WA committee, RAID Network, ACIAR, CGIAR and DFAT for creating a good experience and network. I am more committed to global food security and international agriculture research for development.

Chaiyya Cooper, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Mentor: Lynette Abbott

I am truly grateful to The Crawford Fund for sponsoring me to attend the 2024 conference, Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership, and Co-Design. Going into this experience, I had few expectations and a limited understanding of The Crawford Fund’s work. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the scholarship was organised for young researchers and agriculture students, and by how much I learned about the international agricultural research for development being led by Australia.

The conference broadened my perspective on the crucial work being done in Australia to improve food security, not just domestically but also internationally, particularly in developing countries. It was inspiring to see so many dedicated individuals working to solve the food security challenges that I have always been passionate about. Understanding the global impact of this research has given me new insights that will undoubtedly inform my own work in the Western Australian grains industry, helping to improve grain crop yields.

One of the highlights of the conference was the final panel discussion, featuring four inspiring and influential women: Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Dr. Line Gordon, Karen Mapusua, and Professor Wendy Umberger. They discussed achieving transformational outcomes in international agricultural research for development, focusing on Australia’s role and the gaps in women’s leadership within this field. The panel provided nuanced and thought-provoking insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly the importance of inclusivity and diverse leadership in driving meaningful change.

My favorite part of the scholarship experience was the activities organized by the RAID network, both before and after the conference. These events provided a unique opportunity to connect with the other brilliant scholars from across Australia, as well as the mentors who generously volunteered their time and expertise. The camaraderie and shared passion among the scholars created an environment where we could learn from each other and build lasting professional relationships. I was fortunate to have Lyn Abbott as my mentor during the conference. She played a crucial role in helping me navigate the event, introducing me to key individuals, and advising me on whom to network with based on my interests. The activities also allowed us scholars to engage directly with some of the conference presenters, deepening our understanding of the topics discussed.

One of the most memorable pieces of advice from the conference was about the importance of approaching collaborations as opportunities to learn from others. This was particularly emphasized in the context of Australia partnering with developing nations in the Indo-Pacific region. The point was made that when engaging in these partnerships, it’s essential not to adopt a “white savior” mindset, but rather to respect and value the knowledge that collaborators have of their own countries. This advice resonated with me deeply, as it is applicable not only to international collaborations but also to all relationships, both professional and personal. Understanding that every partnership is an opportunity for mutual learning will guide me in my future work, ensuring that I approach all collaborations with humility and openness.

Attending The Crawford Fund conference was an invaluable experience that has left a lasting impact on my perspective as a researcher. The insights gained, the connections made, and the inspiration drawn from the event will continue to influence my work as I strive to contribute to the global effort of improving food security.

Sudarshan Kharel, DPIRD

Mentor: Dr Peter Wynn

I had an exceptional opportunity to attend the 2024 Crawford Fund Annual Conference, which revolved around the theme of “Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership and Co-Design”. The conference was an enriching experience, particularly due to the diverse range of research and science communication work being conducted by attendees from developing countries. I was especially inspired by the discussions on innovative approaches to engage with farmers both in Australia and overseas. A key takeaway was the significance of viewing these interactions as opportunities for a two-way exchange of knowledge and ideas, allowing mutual learning to occur.

One of the most compelling sessions was led by Dr Uday Bhaskar Nidumolu from CSIRO, who shared his work on sowing time in India. What stood out was how this research was communicated to farmers through music and song, making it both accessible and engaging. This approach exemplifies the importance of context-specific communication strategies in agriculture, which can bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application.

The conference was overwhelming, given the abundance of exciting developments in agriculture. A crucial lesson I took away was the need to shift our mindset when interacting with farmers, whether in Australia or in developing countries. Often, we approach these encounters with the intent to teach, yet seldom consider the value of learning from the farmers themselves. This reciprocal learning process is something that I believe needs to be emphasised more in our work moving forward.

Being part of such a diverse scholar cohort further enriched the experience. I gained valuable insights from fellow scholars, learning about their unique backgrounds and experiences. It was truly inspiring to engage with like-minded individuals who are early in their careers yet so passionately committed to advancing food and nutrition security. These interactions underscored the importance of collaboration and the sharing of knowledge across different regions and disciplines.

Moreover, the conference highlighted the broader responsibilities we carry when communicating with stakeholders. When representing our research, organisation, or even our nation, it is essential to remember that our words and actions reflect more than just our personal perspectives. This awareness is crucial for fostering constructive and respectful dialogues that can lead to meaningful change.

I look forward to attending again and thanks to Em Professor Lyn Abbott for encouraging me to apply for the conference and Adj Professor Peter Wynn for mentoring me.