Youth Speak Out!

It all began during a small gathering of young scientists attending the European Forum on Agricultural Research for Development (EFARD) in Zurich earlier this year. "If science and agricultural solutions are to continue delivering results 30 years from now, then why are most people in this hall, on average, above the age of 55?" said Balasubramanian Ramani, a young Indian scientist as he chatted with a group of young EFARD participants at one of the sessions.

Since then, Bala, as his friends and colleagues call him, and a core group of dedicated young professionals have created a "Young-People Platform for Agricultural Research for Development (YPARD)."

On December 4, 2005 the first-ever Youth Forum associated with a CGIAR Annual General Meeting was held at the Moroccan Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA) in Marrakech. The side-event was cosponsored by CGIAR and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR).

Over 70 youth participants from more than 20 countries discussed the problems faced by young professionals working in agricultural research for development (ARD), and created a blueprint that aims to increase young people's voices and improve career opportunities for young agricultural researchers.

"It was inspiring to hear how young people working in agriculture are struggling with similar issues," said Andres Tschannen of the Swiss Center of Scientific Research, working in Côte d'Ivoire. "Lack of resources and funding, insufficient communication between young researchers and mentors, and limited institutional support are problems that affect us all."

Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General designate of the Beijing-based International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Hamid Narjisse, Director General, INRA and Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director addressed the Youth Forum.

"I really enjoyed interacting in the discussions because I felt more comfortable expressing my ideas. The facilitators made sure we all participated in a fun and inclusive way" said Naima Taqarort, a doctoral student from the University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.

Naima was one of 30 participants who arrived on a bus arranged by Tarik El Kabbage, the Wali, or Mayor, of Agadir. Moroccan participants included female researchers from INRA scientists who volunteered and helped facilitate the discussion groups.

"The support received from our Moroccan colleagues at INRA was instrumental for the success of the Youth Forum" said Kristina Roing, a student at the Swedish University of Agricultural Services (SLU).

At a concluding session, participants agreed to continue efforts to strengthen YPARD, including launching a new website, an online learning network, and ensuring the participation of young researchers in international meetings. For more information on these forthcoming activities, please contact Balasubramanian Ramani at balamarch13@yahoo.com.

Participants also attended various sessions at the Annual General Meeting, and appreciated the opportunity to meet scientists working in different fields of specialization, opening doors to new knowledge. "This kind of inclusion is exactly what we hope to achieve with YPARD," concluded Salma Daoud from Ibn Zohr University in Agadir and Keltoum Rh'rib from INRA, Morocco.