The Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program (Borlaug LEAP)

Transcription

1 The Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program (Borlaug LEAP) Susan Johnson, Program Director, Borlaug LEAP College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences International Programs

2 Borlaug LEAP Fellowship program to enhance the quality of thesis research of graduate students from developing countries who show strong promise as leaders in the field of agriculture and related disciplines. Two mentors: US university and CGIAR 12 month internships, $20K awards Funded by USAID through Feed the Future Managed by UC Davis and CIMMYT

3 Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program Program designed by Dr. Borlaug, CIMMYT, Texas A&M, USDA, & UC Davis. Influenced by Dr. Borlaug s experiences at both US universities & CGIARs Differing perspectives that have positive influence. BIFAD Long-Term Training Initiative Dr. Borlaug s challenge to government - Norman E. Borlaug International Science and Technology Fellowship Program (USDA & USAID)

4 Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program Dr. Borlaug s Values & Principles Mentor a new generation of agriculture scientists and educators who can sustain scientific innovation for development. Hands-on training is essential. Set young scientists on path to see new ways of doing things. Keep research and extension inseparably connected. Train individuals to transform institutions. International interaction networking.

5 Borlaug LEAP Fellowships LOP Total Awards: 145 (123 PhD) 15 CG Centers (All CGIARs) 42 US Universities 97% sub-saharan Africa

6 CGIAR & US University Collaboration Connection is through student and shared interest in research. Most of the relationships are new. Currently 75% of the students are enrolled at African universities and use the funds to spend time at both the CGIAR and the US University.

7 CGIAR & US Universities Strengths: Opportunities for networking, training in two different systems with international exposure. CGIARs offer opportunity to conduct research in developing country environment. US universities offer state-of-the art labs. Both offer world-class scientists. Challenges: Movement of CG researchers, cost of CG engagement, funding for continued joint research, time.

8 Bernice Waweru University of Eldoret, Kenya MS student on study leave from KALRO Thesis research on mapping of resistance genes to stem rust disease in wheat Mentored by Dr. James Anderson, University of Minnesota Training cutting edge genomics techniques Supervision of mapping work Experience on USDA and mentor s other US projects Mentored by Dr. Sridhar Bhavani, CIMMYT Made available populations used for study Supervised field work Applied knowledge gained in US on CIMMYT projects

9 Charity Mutegi recipient of 2013 Borlaug Award for Field Research for her work on aflatoxin. Mariam Otoo specializes in ag/sanitation issues at IWMI LEAP Fellows 80% on study leave 40% Higher Ed. 40% NARI & Government BORLAUG LEAP ALUMNI Gerardine Mukeshimana takes the oath of office as Rwanda s new Minister of Agriculture. Chris Chibwana is a program specialist at USAID/Malawi Fulgence Mishili is a professor at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Ag Economics and Agribusiness Dept. Peter Aikpokpodion leads the cocoa transformation agenda at Nigeria s Ministry of Agriculture.

10 Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program Education and training are critical to scientific innovation Exposure to new ideas, ways of thinking, ways of working -- getting people out of their comfort zone Look for best and brightest leadership potential Train for the future

11 Thank you to Dr. Borlaug, USAID, USDA, CIMMYT, UC Davis and all the students and US university and CGIAR mentors!!