This new PhD program at Göttingen University, in Germany, covers disciplines relevant to the diversification of agriculture and use of neglected crops. There are 20 places to be awarded, starting 1st October 2011. This seems open for applicants from developing countries. It might well be worth a try and applicants can always explore the opportunity by contacting the faculty.

Research on biodiversity is a core academic element at the Georg-August-University in Göttingen. The aim of the PhD programme is to discuss the protection and use of biological diversity from the social scientific point of view. Read the rest of this entry »

A news item we picked up from Rural 21

Award-winning Quinua cookery book by Peruvian women

“El Camino de la Quinua” was awarded the second prize in the category Best Latin World Cookbook at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, the most important cookery award in France with 136 participants.

The cookbook contains information on nutritive value, cropping and processing and easy-to follow recipes for meals and desserts contributed by Peruvian women from the Regions Puno, Ayacucho, Cusco, Cajamarca und Huánuco. Peru and Bolivia are the main producers and exporters of Quinua followed by Ecuador and Columbia.

The renowned Gourmand World Cookbook Award has “Oscar” status in the world of cooking and wine literature and since 1995 has awarded prizes to the best new publications worldwide. The prize was initiated by Edouard Cointreau, of the Cointreau liquordynasty.

Download book (Spanish only) by clicking here

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About the Movimiento Manuela Ramos and from the International Women’s Health Coalition web site

Founded in Lima, Peru in 1978, Movimiento Manuela Ramos (Manuela Ramos Movement) has grown from a small grassroots organization to a regional leader in promoting women’s health and rights. Movimiento Manuela Ramos focuses on promoting gender equality and sexual and reproductive rights, stopping violence against women, and enabling women to become economically independent and politically active.

The Economic and Social Research Council

The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) are partnering in a new programme on economic growth in developing countries. The DFID/ESRC Growth Programme will fund scientific research on issues relating to inclusive economic growth in Low Income Countries (LICs), with high potential for impact on policy and practice.

There are three themes under the call, of which the first  is most relevant to the community of researchers of neglected and under-utilised species: Theme 1: Agriculture and Growth. This theme will focus on developing understanding of the relationship between agricultural development and broader economic growth, and on the impact of policies on agricultural productivity. It is widely observed that agriculture is a key sector of many low income countries, and there is broad consensus that policies that stimulate agricultural output and productivity will deliver wider economic benefits, for example via lower food prices, increased food security, improved nutrition and health outcomes, and higher domestic demand for manufactured goods and services.

The Deadline for applications is 26 May 2011. The programme is allocating £8.91M for research projects under this call for proposals.  Minimum proposal value is  £100,000, and it is expected that up to 30 research projects with an average size of £370k will be funded. Proposals need to be submitted  via the UK Research Council’s Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S) system. For further details about applications, see this articles.

Deepa Dwivedi, Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Plant Science, Ambedkar University, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, has sent us this interesting factsheet on barhal (Artocarpus lakoocha), a poorly known tree of the humid sub-Himalayan regions of India with edible fruits of an intense yellow color, and peculiar taste reminiscent of citrus. The genus Artocarpus is well-known for the pantropically distributed breadfruit (A. altilis) and jackfruit (A. heterophyllus), but the genus contains some 50 species, several of which are used for their edible fruits. Here in Malaysia, cempedak (A. integer) is a common sight in supermarkets. Cempedak fruits combine the texture of jackfruit with hints of durian flavour.

Prof Dwivedi describes the food and medicinal uses of barhal, and has identified factors that have possibly constrained the wider use of the species. The tree has comparatively low yields, its fruits are highly perishable and are irregularly shaped, which is said to result in poor market acceptability. We look forward to further research to address how these constraints can be overcome: perhaps through the selection of superior genotypes with better yield and fruit types, or convenience products with better shelf life? Apologies to Prof Dwivedi for the delay in posting her very interesting material!

Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) and Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships (ALAS) are offered to individuals of partner countries of the bilateral aid program, to undertake tertiary studies in Australia in areas relevant to the development needs of their country.

Scholarship benefits
- Return flights
- Establishment allowance
- Full tuition fees
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
- Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Pre-course English (PCE) fees (if required)
- Supplementary Academic Support / Tutorial Assistance (if required)
- Leadership Development Program (ALAS scholars only)

How to apply
1. Check if your country of citizenship/residence is of one of AusAID’s participating countries -
www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/eligiblecountries.cfm

2. Find out when applications close in your country -
www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/pdf/open-close-dates-allcountries.pdf

3. Follow the application process specific to your country -
www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/how-to-apply.cfm

More information
AusAID Scholarships website: www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar