FAO and IFS sign agreement to support agricultural research in developing countries

FAO and IFS sign agreement to support agricultural research in developing 
countries
 

5 March 2004, Rome - Young scientists in developing countries will benefit 
from grants offered by the International Foundation for Science (IFS) and 
from FAO's wide technical information in the fields of agriculture, forestry 
and fisheries thanks to an agreement recently signed by the two 
organizations. 

Building scientific capacity in developing countries and the provision of 
support to young scientists from poor countries are the main objectives of 
this agreement. Joint activities will be launched by the two organizations to 
foster greater technology awareness and enhance research efforts in 
developing countries. 

IFS is an independent NGO that identifies promising young scientists from 
developing countries and supports them in their early careers. In 2003, IFS 
offered 238 grants to young researchers in 35 developing countries. 

Michael Stahl, IFS Director, said his organization encourages young 
scientists in low-income countries to apply for grants, especially in very 
poor countries that can provide only limited or no access to funding for 
research projects. 

He indicated that IFS grants are provided on a competitive basis to young 
researchers in low-income countries for a maximum of $12,000. Research topics 
include agriculture, forestry, water resources, fisheries and medicinal 
plants. 

Speaking on behalf of FAO, Isabel Alvarez, Chief, Research and Technology 
Development Service, said the agreement establishes a strong and effective 
base for collaboration and ensures maximum harmony and synergy in the work of 
the two organizations. "The common goal is to strengthen the research 
capacity of the developing countries," she said. 

Career development 

Olanrewaju B. Smith was in his mid-thirties when he received a grant from IFS 
for his research work on how to expand livestock feeds through the 
utilization of crop residues and agro-industrial by-products. He is now 
working in FAO for the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR). 

"I was teaching at Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife, Nigeria). The grant 
contributed to advancing my career at the University and it also gave me the 
opportunity and ouverture to other funding possibilities," Mr. Smith 
explained. 

With the help of FAO, the strategy of IFS is to identify young researchers to 
support the early phases of their career development at home to prevent brain 
drain from developing to developed countries. A grant can make the 
difference, thus contributing to sustainable development in poor countries. 

The FAO-IFS agreement includes the following:

Development of joint activities to address issues of mutual interest, 
designed to foster and promote greater research and technology capacities in 
developing countries;
Promotion of synergies and elaboration of collaborative programmes;
Harmonization of relevant existing databases;
Fostering adaptation and adoption of appropriate technologies;
Co-sponsoring and organization of seminars, workshops and expert 
consultations;
Institutional strengthening and capacity building for research and technology 
for development.

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Contact: 
Pierre Antonios 
FAO media relations officer 
email: pierre.antonios@fao.org 
Tel: (+39) 06 57053473 

 
Related links

SDRR web page
http://www.fao.org/sd/sdrr/index_en.asp
Agricultural Research Funding Guide
http://www.fao.org/sd/2003/KN0104_en.htm
International Foundation for Science
http://www.ifs.se
 


SOURCE: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome