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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