Call for Abstracts: ´Feeding 1 billion in Africa in a changing world´.
The CTA/ FARA/IFS/ ANAFE/ RUFORUM consortium, in collaboration with AGRA and NPCA, is pleased to announce the launch of its 2012-2013 Africa-wide women and young professionals in science competitions. With a population of approximately 1.03 billion in 2011, and a growth rate of 24 million per annum, Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050. The continent needs to increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner as well as find endogenous solutions to respond to the challenges. Africa’s investment in science and innovation remains low; and only one African university is listed among the top 500 in the world. Women are under-represented in all areas of policy, education and research and many of Africa’s youthful population; 70% aged 30 or younger, do not see a future in agriculture or science. The continent faces a knowledge and skills gap as ageing scientists and academicians retire.
The 2012-2013 Africa-wide competitions will evaluate, recognize and reward the contributions of women and young professionals who are involved in: (i) Pioneering and innovative research; (ii) Communicating their research results and technological developments; and (iii) Advocating for policy change as well as influencing policy processes through their research. They will also raise awareness of the need for valuing and sustaining the engagement of women and young professionals and facilitating their contribution to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
Any science, technology and innovation (ST&I) related research and development activity linked to the theme “Feeding 1 billion in Africa in a changing world” which has been undertaken within the last five years and shows measurable impact (potential or demonstrated) on agricultural development or rural livelihoods in Africa, is eligible. Entrants are required to submit an extended abstract (1000 – 2000 words) that clearly details the ST&I project and passport page showing proof of age and citizenship to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and copied toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Abstracts received by May 14th, 2012 will be evaluated by a panel of experts including scientists, policy makers, farmers, gender and information and communication experts. The top 20 semi-finalists in each competition will be announced on 11th July, 2012. They will be sponsored to attend a scientific writing and communication workshop which will be held in conjunction with the 3rd RUFORUM biennial conference, in September 2012 in Uganda.
The top 10 finalists in each competition will vie for the top five places during the Finals which will be held at the FARA GA in Ghana in 2013. Prizes include trophies, cash awards (US$ 500 to US$ 5,000) plus electronic equipment (e.g. computers) and book prizes. All papers which are accepted will be edited and published.
Get here the women and young professionals in Science competition announcement.
See the competition poster for women and young professionals in Science.
Click here to download the concept note of the competition.