An Eye on Change through Agricultural Science

The CGIAR turned 35 years old in 2006, and to celebrate this event, CGIAR Center staff were invited to participate in a photo competition. Awards were given at AGM06 the first week of December.

Advances in agricultural science over the last several decades have made an enormous positive difference in the lives of millions of people in developing countries. Agricultural growth and improved livelihoods have resulted from better crop varieties and use of genetic resources; new practices for sustainable management of crops, livestock, fisheries, and natural resources; stronger organizations; and more favorable policies for agricultural development.

Yet, in the face of persistent hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation, agricultural science must continue to prove and apply its power as an instrument of change. Toward this end, thousands of staff of the Centers supported by the CGIAR are working on numerous fronts all across the developing world in laboratories, experimental plots, farmers fields, and rural communities.

Staff who had an eye on change, and who made an effort to capture images reflecting those changes, were invited you to participate in a CGIAR photo contest – and shared their vision of the difference agricultural science is making.

Evaluation of Submissions and Winners:

Great care, enthusiasm and respect were exercised during the 6 hour evaluation process led by a panel of four professional photographers from the National Geographic Society, the Washington Times and an independent photographer. An attractive display of the top 24 entries was one of the highlights in the Exhibition Hall during AGM06 and drew many visitors. Winners of the 2006 CGIAR photo competition are: