paisley working towards a new generation of young professionals in agricultural research for...
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Working towards a new generation of young professionals in Agricultural
Research for Development
Courtney Paisley, YPARD CoordinatorPresented at: Young People, Farming and Food: Future of
the Agrifood Sector in Africa
A global platform of young professionals under 40 years of age active in Agricultural Research for Development (ARD)
A movement by youth, for youth, for agricultural development
What is YPARDWhat is YPARD?
Ageing ARD populationAgeing ARD population Age distribution by agency and gender, 2007 (calculated by
headcount)
At these three agencies, the large majority of researchers were over the age of 40 in 2007. Over half were between the ages 51 and 60. This aging pool of well-qualified researchers, many of whom will retire in the next decade, is a major area of concern.
Sources: Calculated by authors from ASTI-AWARD 2008/09.
Why YPARD?Why YPARD?Insufficient participation of young professionals
in dialogues addressing critical development issues
• Limited access to professional opportunities for youth
• Absence of a support network or platform to voice young professionals’ ideas, opinions and concerns
• Declining interest in agricultural education among youth
• The need for sustainable ARD
Our StakeholdersOur Stakeholders• Universities• Research Institutions• Donor organizations• NGOs/CSOs• Government agencies• Farmer organizations• Private sector
Distribution:Distribution:
2000 members from 117countries2000 members from 117countries
1. To facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge among young professionals across disciplines, professions, age and regions
2. To broaden opportunities for young professionals to contribute to strategic ARD policy debates
3. To facilitate access to resources and capacity building opportunities
4. To work towards a future for agriculture with young professionals• Collect data on the declining interest of young people in agriculture and
develop concrete steps for addressing some of these issues.• Youth must be involved in this discussion and development of these strategies.• Assess the new skills that are needed for emerging young professionals to
contribute effectively to an improved ARD.
ObjectivesObjectives
Curriculum that responds to a Curriculum that responds to a changing agriculture changing agriculture
• Skills of graduates do not meet the needs of the agriculture sector
• New multi-disciplinary approaches• Enrolment in agricultural studies lagging• Shifting frameworks and emerging trends• New areas of growth and opportunities
**cartoon found on cartoon found on www.teachingcitizenship.org.uk
ObjectivesObjectives
Include youth inputInfluence curriculum development
and education policy. MethodSurvey to young professionals
starting their careers and recent graduates as well as employers.
Networks: YPARD, IAAS alumni and Ruforum
Competence GroupsCompetence Groups
The highest score is the least important competence group
Research CompetenciesResearch Competencies
Business and Economic Business and Economic CompetenciesCompetencies
So…now what?So…now what?
Focus on ag-entrepreneurship and soft skills development for YPARD
Share information with capacity development organisations
Share information with University networks
Thank YouThank You
Sign up now ! @ www.ypard.net
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