International Symposium on Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Development

Bioversity International and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences will be organising the ”International Symposium on Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Development”,  03-04 June 2013 in Beijing, China.

The symposium will focus on the important role of agricultural biodiversity in agroecological intensification for supporting productive and resilient farming systems to improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The symposium will also aim to understand the local cultural values in enhancing productivity through the use of traditional crop varieties, traditional farming practices and climate change response strategies.

Please read this PDF document or contact the organising committee directly at email hidden; JavaScript is required for more information. Participants need to submit this registration form to the organisers before 30 April 2013. The local costs of accommodation and food will be covered by the organisers for registered participants presenting scientific posters.

Chepangs are an indigenous ethnic group living in central and southern Nepal. Amongst other agricultural systems they practice shifting cultivation and live in the proximity of forests, depending upon it for food and other livelihood needs.

This publication brings together the traditional knowledge of the Chepang people regarding the wild edible and neglected plant species. Similarly, the proximate nutrient analysis of these plant species could be of great importance to demonstrate the value addition feasibility of these species. Description, uses, distribution and availability of wild edible plants gathered by this community is a first step towards the understanding and appreciation of the value of these neglected and underutilised forest resources.

Click here  to downlaod Chepang Food Culture

A publication written by Sergio Giani and Rokia Sanogo dedicated to the integration of traditional medicinein health systems has been published in the latest issue of Universitas Forum.

The abstract is copied below. Following this link it can be found in English, French and Italian along with the link for downloading the full publication in French

Reflecting on their experiences in Mali, the authors argue that the action-research methodology (AR) is particularly suited to promoting traditional medicines, for three main reasons: systemic approach, flexibility and stakeholder participation. The aim of AR is also the creation and the appropriation of knowledge by local actors: it is not the acquisition or the transmission of knowledge, but the mastering of the process of knowledge creation. Thus, participation in AR is also formative for all participants, including researchers. The authors also underline the importance of dynamic exchange and intercultural communication, gender analysis and the empowerment of local actors. The use of the methodologies and approaches
illustrated has achieved some positive results in various fields, such as: promoting good care during pregnancy and safe delivery, traditional treatment of trauma and malaria, and also strengthening of local health systems, safeguarding of biodiversity and improving the work of herbalists.

AIDEMET is a Malian based NGO involved with TM, improving livelihoods and much more.

To read more about this organisation and the work it is doing click on the links below

• La Valorisation de la Médecine Traditionnelle et les Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication
• Aidemet Ong: Aide au Développement de la Médecine Traditionnelle
• Ethno-pharmacology, traditional medicine and the effort that Aidemet, a Malian based NGO is making!
  Read about it in French and in English

Apart from the classical horticultural themes addressed, this congress will also include “Food Security” and “Indigenous African crops”.

Key Dates:
Deadline for abstract submission for oral presentations: 15 October 2011.
Early bird registration closes on 30 of September 2011.
Late registration closes on 15 November 2011.

Congress website | Congress brochure

Las tierras del oriente de Guatemala tienen sed y sus habitantes tienen hambre. La sequia termino con la cosecha, la falta de visión y de políticas agrícolas a largo plazo no ayudo, pero no muy lejos de oriente, en el departamento del Petén, nace la esperanza y su nombre es Ramón.

El Ramón es un árbol que crece en el Petén. Es de rápido crecimiento, su follaje es excelente alimento para le ganado y de sus nueces sale una harina altamente nutritiva. Gelio Cuellar, agronomo petenero, cree fervientemente en sus bondades y cree que podrían ser aplicadas en todo el país, porque al Ramón le gusta toda Guatemala. Gelio cree que el Ramón es la respuesta, no solo a la hambruna, sino a la deforestación y el subdesarrollo económico.

Se puede mirar el video aquí: http://www.entremosleaguate.net/