On January 27th, the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) was pleased to host delegates from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Global Affairs Canada to discuss: 1) The importance of rural-focused development in developing countries and, 2) Opportunities for collaboration with faculty and students from Rural Planning and Development and the University of Guelph more generally.
Representing IFAD, Dr. Paul Winters, AVP of the Strategy and Knowledge Department, and Dr. Thouraya Triki, Director of Sustainable Production, Markets, and Institutions Division, highlighted some of the rural-specific challenges faced across the Global South and the need for innovative research with the inclusion of academia and the private sector. As one of IFAD’s most important funding agencies, Stephen Potter, Director of Agriculture and Food Systems for Global Affairs Canada, contextualized the role that Canadian academic institutions have in global rural transformation.
SEDRD students represented the U of G well giving presentations, answering questions, and assisted in ensuring the event was well received.
Thank you to all who attended.
Contact:
Silvia Sarapura, Assistant Professor, SEDRD, sarapura@uoguelph.ca [1]
Leith Deacon, Assistant Professor, SEDRD, Leith.Deacon@uoguelph.ca [2]
