Biosciences for Farming in Africa

Media Fellowship Programme

Round 2

Training Course Outline

Welcome

Dr Bernie Jones

B4FA Project Director

B4FA – The Project

• 3 years long

• Encourage dialogue and understanding

– Biosciences

– Farming

– Africa

Funders

• John Templeton Foundation – focus on the big questions of human purpose and ultimate reality. The

Foundation takes a particular interest in how major advances in genetics might serve to empower individuals, leading to spiritually beneficial social and cultural changes.

• Malaysia Commonwealth Studies Centre – focuses on affordable education, affordable healthcare, sustainable

development, food security, mitigating climate change, the promotion of electoral democracy and good governance.

Sir John Templeton 1912 – 2008

• As a pioneer in both financial investment and philanthropy,

the late Sir John Templeton spent a lifetime encouraging open-mindedness

• In 1999, Money magazine called him -

"arguably the greatest global stock picker of the century"

• Sir John's passing was marked by Nature: Templeton was a deeply spiritual, although unorthodox, individual. He lived a life firmly rooted in the Christian traditions of modesty and charity. Yet he was also a great admirer of science....which led him to form his foundation in 1987

But first…

A welcome from the leader of our project…

Professor Sir Brian Heap FRS

Project Rationale

• Philanthropic objectives of our funders

• Global factors • Population growth, climate change, food security

• National importance of agriculture in Africa

• Opportunity for socioeconomic development

• “Missed” green revolution

What green revolution?

What’s happening on the ground?

• Lots of • Research Initiatives

• Development Projects

• But • Low/irregular funding

• Little dialogue and public understanding

• Disinformation

B4FA

• Insights

• Media Development Fellowships

• Series of studies on agricultural extension services and innovation farms

• Finding synergies with others

Course Expectations

• Introduction to plant breeding, genetics, and agricultural biotechnologies

• Networking and dialogue with African experts and practitioners

• Discussion of the regulatory and commercial aspects of biotech and crop improvement

• Practical sessions and field trips

• Reminder of fundamentals of science journalism

• Opportunities to practice journalistic techniques and skills in mentored environment

Follow-up

• After this training course?

– Fellowship is ongoing!

• Our expectations of you?

– Engage in discussions, networking and other activities

– Write/broadcast more about the issues, and let us know about it

Housekeeping

• Format of each day

• PLEASE no mobiles or emails in sessions

• Be on time – we cannot wait

• Attend all sessions

• Expenses settlement on final afternoon

• Prizes awarded at end of course

• Use free time for interviews, discussions etc

Introductions

Over to You!

2013 fellows, 2012 alumni, experts, staff