Description
Livelihoods of a billion poor people depend on grasslands. Dedicated and trained experts are needed to support grasslands’ sustainable development under increasing pressures in the future. For some grasslands scientists, a career in international agriculture is the principal focus from the start of their education. For others, interest in international agriculture emerges during their careers. All require international opportunities to ensure that their efforts are focused on important priorities, that they understand the environment they work in, and that their professional networks are up to date. This paper reflects on ways for grassland scientists to be engaged in international agriculture based on the author’s 30 years of experience in international agriculture, mostly in agricultural development, but also in research. Approximately two thirds of the career has been spent working from a base in developing countries, mostly in Africa (12 years in West Africa, four in Southern Africa).
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Preparing Grasslands Scientists for Careers in International Agriculture
Livelihoods of a billion poor people depend on grasslands. Dedicated and trained experts are needed to support grasslands’ sustainable development under increasing pressures in the future. For some grasslands scientists, a career in international agriculture is the principal focus from the start of their education. For others, interest in international agriculture emerges during their careers. All require international opportunities to ensure that their efforts are focused on important priorities, that they understand the environment they work in, and that their professional networks are up to date. This paper reflects on ways for grassland scientists to be engaged in international agriculture based on the author’s 30 years of experience in international agriculture, mostly in agricultural development, but also in research. Approximately two thirds of the career has been spent working from a base in developing countries, mostly in Africa (12 years in West Africa, four in Southern Africa).
