We’re doing that talking thing again. Lots of good intensions. Even some great examples. But how do we push all the clever research and lively anecdotes outside the room we’re in? How do we reach the young to convince them to go into farming? And how do we touch decision makers to convince them to act on all the clever research out there on climate and sustainability?
Here are a few ideas that came up during this morning’s “Youth: The Future of Sustainable Landscapes” session at the 2013 Global Landscapes Forum in Warsaw, Poland. The young presenters at this session were chosen as promising future leaders from a pool of 150 inspiring youth candidates. They were chosen because they are not just speakers – they are doers.
How to reach the potential young farmer
So what do some of our most influential young people say as to how we can encourage young people to choose farming as a profession, rather than leaving the countryside for low paying jobs in the big cities?
First, tell the good stories! Farming is no longer the task of ancients; farming is also technology and innovation. There is more to farming than just producing. Indeed, the supply chain is broad, diverse and interesting.
Second, there’s money to be made in farming. Clever farmers must be clever businessmen. They may not wear suits and ties, but they can be just as high-powered as any CEO.
Finally, remember the reach and appeal of social networking tools such as Facebook. One of our young entrepreneurs started the Facebook page “Mkulima young,” where young farmers could share tips, tricks, challenges – and photos of them all! – with their colleagues. In a short time the page gathered a network of 23,000 young farmers and supporters.
How to reach decision-makers
And how about that all-important goal of every key international scientific conference? What do our youth say we can do to help get quality existing research on climate and sustainability to be used and brought into action?
Perhaps most importantly, research and scientific evidence must be communicated in a medium acceptable for decision makers. No one – and especially a busy policy maker– wants to read long reports. Hey – maybe we should try more blog posts? Researchers should team up with a good communicator (or learn to become one themselves!) to achieve this goal.
Of only slightly less importance, is to ensure that research is demand driven. Research for research’s sake is important for posterity, but it won’t get put into policy action. Our youth speakers recommend that researchers get to know the development and investment plans in their region and consider taking their research and communications efforts in that direction. Furthermore, don’t try to do it all yourself, researchers! Get aligned with partners who already have extensive on-the-ground networks to ensure your research has a long reach.
The eight inspirational young speakers from this morning’s session are not the only ones out there taking action for the future. Over a hundred more applied for the competition, and their wonderful entries are all here on the Global Landscapes Forum blog.
Blog by Mette Rousøe (University of Copenhagen), a social reporter for the GLF.
Photo: N. Palmer (IWMI)
