Jimmy Smith led an ILRI delegation to the Second High-Level Meeting of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (HLM2 GPEDC), which was held in Nairobi, Kenya 28 Nov–2 Dec 2016 (photo credit: ILRI/Susan MacMillan).
Engagement in Global Platforms
During this time, ILRI has been involved in important discussions on the development agenda, including:
The UN Committee on Food Security
The Global Panel on Economic Development
The Expert Group Meeting on SDG2
The High Level Political Forum on the SDGs
Smith participated in a panel discussion highlighting the essential role of business in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and providing guidance for how governments and development partners can support responsible, inclusive and sustainable business.
Jimmy Smith, left, takes part in a panel discussion chaired by USAID.
Donor Strategy
Addressing the long term shortfalls in development assistance for livestock is also important. Although livestock represents 40-60% of the agricultural GDP in most countries, it receives on 4% of development funding. This is despite the fact that livestock is often an early portal of entry to food production. While access to land for fields may often be expensive or difficult to obtain, having a cow or a chicken can mean food for the household and regular income without waiting for harvest. With this in mind, we prepared a donor strategy for the GLAD project that intersects with the pressing issues of climate change, women in agriculture, and social stability.
DFID/UKAid fund British, ILRI, African genetics research to advance African livestock development
‘. . . International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt announced the new UK aid research, which is being carried out by international organisation, CGIAR, during a joint visit to the University of Edinburgh with Bill Gates.
‘The Bill & and Melinda Gates Foundation is an important partner in international research and announced further investment in UK based livestock R&D during the visit. . . .
Unpredictable flooding, plant diseases and drought are threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of farmers in Africa who struggle to grow enough crops to put food on the table—the urgency of the task is clear.
That’s why UK aid is supporting British scientists to develop new crops that are more productive, more nutritious and more resistant to droughts and flooding, as well as creating new medicines to protect cattle and poultry from devastating disease.
This transformative UK aid research will not only stop diseases from destroying the livelihoods of African farmers, it will also help control livestock diseases on British farms.
—UK International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt
‘New ideas, cutting edge science and innovative partnerships with organisations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help Britain create a healthier, more secure and prosperous world for us all.
With a passion for creativity, marketing and communications, Stefanie contributes to Emerging’s online communications and brand management, develops graphic visuals, and provides communications support to Emerging and its valued clients. Stefanie has grown up in a family with a long history in agriculture. Her family roots and exposure to farming and agri-business has nurtured a natural love for the industry and the wonderful people who work in it. Prior to joining Emerging, she has gained career experience working with Parks Canada in a Promotions and New Media role and developed skills including videography, advertising, marketing, social media and graphic design. Stefanie is a Canadian national and speaks both French and English. She graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, with a Bachelors Degree of Design. Stefanie attended the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology where she specialized in Sustainable Communications which included sustainable design, communications and marketing. Stefanie has spent time living in both Denmark and Rome, and is currently based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The UN Food Systems Summit took place on September 23rd-24th, 2021 under the auspices of the UN General Assembly. Billed as “The People’s Summit” and “A Solutions Summit,” it recognizes that food systems touch all of society, and all stakeholders.
SAWBO is a science-based civic education program based out of the University of Illinois which works to create accessible videos into a diversity of languages from around the world. Our work is to help guide them in best practices and strategies to promote these videos to the necessary audiences.
As I’ve said before, never underestimate the importance of what you do. In the long view of history it would be extraordinary to see the ripple effect of the subtle but significant influence you have over the future of agriculture.
Wayne Dredge, Nuffield International Ambassador
I was absolutely blown away by your dedication, organisation, and, not least, your energy!
Craig Hardie, Director, Longevity Development
Robynne Anderson was able to assimilate many industry issues into a comprehensive strategic plan that accurately reflected the strategic needs of the (seed industry) membership.
Wayne Gale, President, Stokes Seeds
Robynne helped us immensely in our lobbying efforts with the federal government. She is strategic, organized, very well connected and delivered the results we were hoping for. A real pleasure to work with such an outstanding professional.
Rick White, Canadian Canola Growers Association
I know that whatever you put your weight on, we the farmers always yield positive results.
Rose Akaki, Uganda Farmers Federation
Robynne and her team have been delivering an excellent job for the multiple private sector stakeholders, notably farmers out there.
Thiago Masson, Confederação da Agricultura e Pecuária do Brasil (CNA)
Robynne and her team have done amazing work for POGA in an awareness campaign to include oat products in the diets of Mexican consumers. Their work with a website showing the latest oat recipes, and their work with the Mexican Diabetes Federation and Mexican Ministry of Health, has helped see major increase in oat exports to Mexico. Thank you!
Art Enns, President, Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA)
Congratulations team Emerging Ag for being so ambitious and delivering in spades!
Andrew Jacobs, Managing Director, Poortman
The entire EmergingAg Inc. team is composed of extremely focused and client-oriented professionals. The team’s industry acumen, attentiveness, and network is really top-notch and it is always a pleasure working with the team, even under timely, and often, complicated undertakings.
Keith Polo; Managing Director, CNFA Europe; Start-Up Director, CNFA Capital