Innovations to Improve Smallholder Livelihoods
Event Description:
The United Nations has created a framework of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which outline a universal, integrated and transformative vision for a better world. The first of these goals is to end extreme poverty by 2030 -- an ambitious goal requiring the support and collaboration of country governments, the private sector, NGOs and individuals. Smallholder farmers are integral, yet often overlooked actors in ending extreme poverty and hunger. When farmers prosper, their communities do too. Reducing food insecurity, eliminating waste, and bringing progress to rural communities are just some of the benefits these food heroes offer our world. However, they face numerous risks to their agricultural production and livelihoods on a daily basis. Devex and CropLife International invite you to join us for a conversation exploring how new innovations can help to boost smallholder livelihoods and, in turn, work to achieve SDG 1.
This action-oriented event will kick off with an inspiring TED-style talk by Julie Borlaug. Adva Saldinger, Associate Editor at Devex will then lead a discussion with experts from the farming, science, and global development communities on how improving smallholder livelihoods are essential to ending hunger and poverty.
Program and Speakers:
- Opening remarks: Peter Haas, Senior Advisor and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy and Negotiations in the Bureau of Economic Affairs, U.S. Department of State
- TED-Style Talk: Julie Borlaug, V.P. Communications & Public Relations, Inari Agriculture Inc
- Panel: Innovations to Improve Smallholder Livelihoods
· Vimlendra Sharan, Director, FAO
· Robert Bertram, Chief Scientist, USAID's Bureau for Food Security
· Jim Gaffney, Global Regulatory Strategy Lead, Pioneer Dupont
· Motlatsi Musi, Farmer, South Africa
- Closing remarks: Howard Minigh, President & CEO, Croplife International