Awaits You! - University of Namibia

Namibia
Awaits You!
October 2010 Volume 28 Number 3
October 2010 Volume 28 Number 3
In This Issue
World Conference 2011 2
Namibia Collaborations 3
Our Partners 4
Registration 6
Sneak Peak 7
Pre-Conference Tours 8
Post-Conference Tours 10
Stay Connected 12
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Association for International
Agricultural and Extension Education

2010-2011
Faces of AIAEE
President
David Lawver
david.lawver@ttu.edu
President-Elect
James Lindner
j-lindner@tamu.edu
Past President
Gary J. Wingenbach
g-wingenbach@tamu.edu
Secretary
K. S. U. “Jay” Jayaratne
jay_jayaratne@ncsu.edu
Treasurer
J. Mark Erbaugh
erbaugh.1@osu.edu
Board Member-at-Large
Barnabas Dlamini
bmd@africaonline.co.sz
Student Director
Jon Treloar
jon.treloar@usask.ca
Journal Executive Editor
Kim Dooley
k-dooley@tamu.edu
Journal Managing Editor
Brenda Seevers
bseevers@ad.nmsu.edu
World Conference 2011
Jack Elliot, Texas A&M University
jelliot@tamu.edu
World Conference 2011 — This won’t be your average, run-of-the-mill conference!
We’re excited to be bringing together members of four premiere associations to
experience Namibia. You’ll learn more in this issue of The Informer about our partner
organizations AGRISSON, IAALD and INFITA. This conference will be the first of its
kind, bringing together members of all four associations in a truly international setting.
We’re putting together an action-packed conference agenda that will allow you to
experience Namibia as well as network and connect with peers and friends. Plan some
extra time before and after the World Conference to explore some of the natural
wonders of Namibia. Pre-conference tour options will be available to tour ranching
operations and communal farms, or participants can attend professional development
workshops on a variety of topics. Get out of your hotel post-conference and explore
Namibia North or South with some great tour options. We’ve worked to make sure
there are options for everyone’s budget. Learn more about pre-conference and postconference
activities on pages 7-11.
If you’re on Facebook, please search “World Conference 2011-Windhoek, Namibia”
and join our group to keep up-to-date on conference developments and information.
We’ll keep you up-to-date on items to help you prepare for the World Conference,
from fare sales on airlines and travel hacking advice to immunization needs and
registering with your embassy.
Conference registration and housing are now open and posted on the AIAEE
website at http://aiaee.tamu.edu/conferencereg.html. Early registration ends March 1,
2011. Don’t delay in making your plans to attend the World Conference!
Pictured above are just some of the exotic wildlife you will see
in Namibia, as well as the gorgeous sunsets across the desert.
Our Work in Namibia
Namibia Agricultural Education Moves to Becoming NICE
A multi-university proposal between Texas A&M University and the University of
Namibia was presented to an Africa-U.S. Higher Initiative Partners Conference in
Accra, Ghana, August 26-29, 2009. Professor Jack Elliot (Head of Texas A&M
University’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and
Communications) and Dr. Martin Schneider (Acting Executive Dean of UNAM’s
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources) traveled to Ghana to present an
ambitious 10-year strategic plan that aims to enhance agricultural education in
Namibia. Work on the project entitled “Namibia Agricultural Education:
Increasing Small Business and Rural Community Incomes through New Approaches to Agricultural Value Chain
Education” started in 2008 with the involvement of various departments and stakeholders from both countries.
The center of the proposal aims to create a Namibian International Centre of Excellence (NICE) for Value Chain
Economic Development that will generate an integral system to reduce poverty by increasing value within all stages of
the production to market. A NICE Board of Directors will provide advice and guidance for this 10-year project.
Eminent International Academics Visit UNAM
Two eminent academics from Texas A&M and the Borlaug Institute came to Namibia
to hold talks with the Departments of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences as well as the
Research and Publications office to look at ways of strengthening existing
cooperation between UNAM and Texas A&M University.
They are Professor G. Wingenbach and Professor J. Derr from Texas A&M University
as well as Dr. C. Clement from the Borlaug Institute. Discussions revolved around
ways of taking advantage of the U.S. Government-funded study abroad program,
which aims to increase scientific capacities and collaboration between faculties through student exchange programs and
post-graduate research initiatives.
A working group under the auspices of the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources has been
set up. Staff are encouraged to develop research projects and submit concept papers to the committee.
President of AIAEE and FANR Management Meets Minister of
Agriculture, Water and Forestry
The President of the Association for International Agriculture and Extension
Education, Professor David Lawver, together with the Executive Dean of the
Faculty of Agriculture and National Resources, Dr. M.B. Schneider and Deputy
Dean Prof Omoregie, met the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Hon.
J. Mutorwa and Permanent Secretary A. Ndishishi. Discussions revolved around
the UNAM-planned conference to be hosted July 3-8, 2011, in Windhoek ahead
of the 2011 World Conference on Sustainable Value Chain Agriculture for Food
Security and Economic Development. The conference partners include the Agricultural Scientific Society of Namibia
(AGRISSON), University of Arizona and the International Federation of Information Technology in Agriculture (INFITA).
Professor Lawver expressed the importance of the conference towards research in agricultural education and extension.
He also encouraged active participation by ministry staff to further strengthen joint research activities with UNAM. The
conference presents an opportunity and platform for scientists to publish and present research findings.
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Meet Our Partners
AGRISSON
Our host country partner, the Agricultural Scientific Society of Namibia (AGRISSON), is a non-profit society that strives to promote the application of agricultural scientific principles within Namibia by means of active interaction between individuals and
institutions associated with the agricultural sector.
AGRISSON was founded in 1987, with 51 people attending the meeting. Amongst those present were persons from agricultural institutions, scientists and farmers. The society was founded to create a body that would serve to exchange scientific
knowledge and to promote agricultural sciences.
For its members and the local agricultural community, AGRISSON objectives include the following:
• To promote the agricultural sciences by stimulation of thought, mind, studies and discussion
• To promote the application of agricultural scientific principles
• To protect the status of the profession
• To promote the professional interests of agricultural scientists
• To act as official mouthpiece and representative of all agricultural scientists in Namibia
• To promote the awareness of agriculture as a field of study and job by studying youth as well as the public
• To communicate with internal and external organizations and individuals who can contribute meaningfully toward achieving the society’s objectives
The membership and leadership are pleased to welcome the members of AIAEE, IAALD and INFITA to our country and look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience next July.
http://www.agrisson.iway.na/
IAALD
The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD) is a professional non-profit organization with over 50 years of service to the information profession. The organization was formed in Ghent, Belgium, in
1955 to provide networking and sharing opportunities for agricultural librarians and documentalists and to create products and services to further the dissemination of agricultural information. Over the years, the all-volunteer
organization has been instrumental in producing information tools such as World Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Abstracts, now part of the CABI Database, and three editions of Agricultural Information Resource
Centres: A World Directory, a publication pulling together information on over 4,000 agricultural resource centers around the world. The organization also has produced a major serial publication during the past 50 years. The
Quarterly Bulletin of IAALD began as a member newsletter, and by 1970, had evolved into a professional journal that became peer reviewed in 1990. In 2008, the journal changed its focus and scope and became an electronic, open
access journal entitled Agricultural Information Worldwide (http://journals.sfu.ca/iaald/index.php/aginfo).
Today, IAALD continues to be an active and engaged organization that connects agricultural information specialists from all over the world. In its 50-plus year history, it has held 13 world congresses on six of the seven continents,
multiple regional conferences and training sessions. IAALD does not publish information on agricultural topics — we enable our members to better serve their communities by providing access to this information. IAALD continues to create, capture,
access and disseminate information, but our methods have changed. We engage our members through social networking and provide services such as AgInfo News (iaald.blogspot.com), an online newsfeed highlighting current agricultural information
activities and initiatives on a global level. IAALD has a network of members in over 60 countries with chapters in Africa and China. The organization collaborates and partners with organizations such as AIAEE to facilitate educational opportunities across
agricultural information communities.
http://www.iaald.org/
The International Federation of Information Technology in Agriculture (INFITA) is a consortium of multidisciplinary organizations focused on the use of computer and communication technologies to improve outcomes in agriculture, including the
production of food and food supply chains, the communication between agriculture, food production and consumers, the protection of the environment in rural areas, and the organization of regional, national or international trade.
INFITA
INFITA is composed of the following international organizations:
• Asian Federation of IT in Agriculture (AFITA)
• European Federation of IT in Agriculture (EFITA)
• PanAmerican Federation of IT in Agricuture (PanAFITA)
• International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
• International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR)
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-KCE)
INFITA seeks to develop partnerships with organizations focused on improving agriculture and associated industries, particularly in geographic regions where IT organizations are lacking. In joining with AIAEE for the meeting in Namibia, INFITA’s focus is
to support AIAEE activities in Africa as well as to build the necessary relationships to increase the number of agricultural IT professionals in the region.
http://www.infita.org/
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Pre-Conference Programs
June 30 - July 2/3
Conference participants will have three pre-conference programs to choose from (at an additional charge). Take a four-day field trip
to visit different types of livestock production and rangeland management techniques; take in the sites of Namibia while visiting
communal farms; or spend some time writing proposals with staff from FAO.
Not able to attend a pre-conference tour? Arrive by Sunday and spend the day at the Gocheganas Nature Reserve and Wellness
Center (http://www.gocheganas.com/). We’re working on special spa and wildlife tour packages for our attendees.
Pre-Conference 1: Namibia’s Ranching Areas June 29 - July 3, 2011
Cost: 8,000 NAD per person, double accommodations; 10,000 NAD per person, single accommodations
This field trip will give you a first-hand look at many aspects of the Namibian and African situations concerning food security and
rural development. Join us for this four-day trip and visit agricultural enterprises specializing in different types of livestock production
and applying different rangeland management techniques. Talk to the ranchers face-to-face and get firsthand impressions of the
challenges and potential that Namibia’s livestock ranching community faces. The tour is led by Dr. Axel Rothauge and Horst Stahn.
To make your reservation, email info@thokai.com
Pre-Conference 2: Northern Namibia’s Communal Farms July 1- July 3, 2011
Cost: 2,417 NAD per person, accommodations will be provided by the Ogongo Campus Hostel
The University of Nambia’s Ogongo Campus will host this field trip, and you will gain knowledge about the technology that is suited
for dryland and irrigated cropping in Namibia. At the Etunda Project, you’ll see research being conducted that could alleviate food
security issues by increasing production. In addition to farm projects, you’ll see some of the sights that Northern Namibia has to
offer with wildlife viewing in the Etosha National Park before returning to Windhoek. The tour will be led by Dr. Luke Kanyomeka.
To make your reservation, email lkanyomeka@unam.na
Pre-Conference 3: Professional Development Workshops June 30 - July 2, 2011
Cost: TBD, accommodations will be on your own
Join us for intensive sessions on research proposal writing, academic writing, scientific paper teaching techniques and leadership
development. Sessions will be led by Dr. Barbara Hutchinson, Dr. Jim Knight, Dr. Kristina Ricketts and many others.
Conference Programs
July 4 - July 7
Spend your free time on Monday morning and early afternoon exploring Windhoek before joining us for the opening session.
Following the opening session, attendees and guests will experience “A Taste of Namibia” at the opening reception. Distinguished
guests from around the world will be in attendance, and we’ve even had a media request to attend!
On Tuesday, we’ll head to the University of Namibia (UNAM) for the research sessions. That afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel for
committee meetings and the poster session.
Wednesday, we’ll begin our day at the hotel with plenary sessions and then travel to the UNAM-Neudamm campus for campus tours,
carousel presentations and a special evening BBQ, hosted by UNAM-Neudamm. Bring your appetites!
On our final day of the official conference, we’ll begin the morning with individual business meetings for each of the participating
associations before joining together for a roundtable session. Following the roundtable, we’ll end the conference with an awards
luncheon.
Post-Conference Programs
July 8 - July 11/13
Just because the conference ends doesn’t mean your Namibian experience has to as well. Join fellow attendees on two
post-conference adventures in Namibia North or Namibia South and see some of the beauty that the country has to offer.
Post-Conference 1: Namibia North July 8-12, 2011
Cost: 9,500 NAD per person, double accommodations; 10,590 NAD per person, single accommodations
Begin your post-conference educational experience with a tour of Namibia’s north. Two spectacular areas will be visited. We’ll start at
the UNESCO world heritage site at Twyfelfontein before journeying to the Etosha National Park to view an abundance of wildlife.
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World Conference Sneak Peak
Post-Conference 2: Namibia South July 8-10, 2011
Cost: 5,750 NAD per person, double accommodations; 7,140 NAD per person, single accommodations
Endless widths, the highest dunes and sunsets that will make you yearn for just one more chance to relive the beauty that Namibia
has October offer! 2010 If you have Volume a little 28 less time Number to spend 3 in Namibia, join us post-conference for a tour of Southern Namibia and a trip into
the heart of the Namib Desert.
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Pre-Conference Package #1:
Namibia’s Ranching Areas
Pre-Conference Package #2:
Northern Namibia’s Communal Farms
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Post-Conference Package #1:
Namibia North
Post-Conference Package #2:
Namibia South
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Stay Connected!
Stay up to date on World Conference 2011 by joining our Facebook page. Just search
“World Conference 2011-Windhoek, Namibia” and select the “Like” button.
Then, invite your friends to “Like” World Conference as well.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/2011-World-Conference-Windhoek-
Namibia/116211948434323?ref=ts
Visit our conference blog to help you plan your trip to Windhoek. From tricks on using frequent flyer
miles and pre/post-conference activities to paper submissions and conference breakouts, we’ll keep
you up-to-date on all you need to know.
http://worldconference2011.wordpress.com/
Registration and hotel reservations for World Conference 2011 are open and posted on our
website. Remember, it’s not too early to begin thinking about your plans for Namibia.
http://www.aiaee.org/
The Informer
October 2010 Volume 28 Number 3
www.aiaee.org
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October 2010 Volume 28 Number 3