Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) include hundreds of locally domesticated and wild species, which are rich in nutrients and adapted to low-input agriculture. They play a key role in supporting rural livelihoods, and can help alleviate the effects of climate change. Because the food markets tend to narrow down to just a few crops, diversity of NUS and the associated local knowledge is rapidly lost. Thus research on NUS needs strengthening.In the framework of a project on building human and institutional capacity for enhancing the conservation of NUS, Bioversity International, together with partners, is organizing the following courses:Scientific Writing and CommunicationDates and venue: 25-29 November 2013, BeninWho can apply? Scientists under 40 years old Benin, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and SenegalDeadline for applications: 28 October 2013Effective writing and communication skills can help improve the current situation of many research results being published in the journals with limited circulation or not being published at all. Increasing the rate of published research results on NUS crops can contribute to converting research into innovation by bringing it into use.The course will develop knowledge and skills for:
Bioversity International- use of electronic resources for literature research
- finalization of manuscripts for scientific journals
- peer-review and editing scientific manuscripts
- communication of research results to 'popular' target groups
- multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder approaches to value chain analysis and upgrading
- problem-based learning that puts emphasis on using participants own research experiences
- lessons learned from field visits in local markets
- lectures on key topics
- Assess agricultural biodiversity from a nutrition perspective on farm
- Understand how to use food composition tables
- Measure diet diversity and quality
- Understand nutritional status of populations
- Undertake multi-sectoral food systems approach to research
- Carry out a rapid field assessment of an improved food and nutrition system
- Promote a food-based approach to nutrition