Effective linkage between Research and Policy Making in the Area of Soil Sustainability: Building the Capacity of Youths and Women via Collaborative Mentorship/Training.

Abstract

Poor capacity limits youth involvement in research and policy for sustainable soil and environment management. The global outcry for environmental sustainability and climate change seem to elicit no reaction, because the major part of the work force in agriculture, which consists of youth and women, do not have the capacity to contribute reliably to research, policy and practice. Contribution to research becomes unrealistic when understanding of the issues are lacking. The knowledge of the soil processes is very essential to its appropriate use so as to maintain the balance in the ecosystem. Unsustainable farming practices and land use, including land abandonment, have adverse impact on natural resources and climate. This study examined workshop training programme on principles and applications of soil physics to development challenges in West Africa organized by the collaborative effort of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy; the Nigerian Special Program on Agriculture and Food Security of FAO; the Soil Science Society of Nigeria; and Ahmadu Bello University. The purpose of the workshop was to build capacity in soil physical processes among young, researchers catalyze a sub-regional network of scientists working in the area of soil physics and closely related disciplines and to open avenues for collaborations and partnerships. The paper examined modalities/strategies for selection of youth and cost sharing formulae with respect to accommodation, transportation, feeding, registration and workshop materials. The programme developed youth capacity to carry out research on soil and water management amidst climate change scenarios, and other factors. The paper also considered effective strategies to create viable and adequate linkages between the young researchers and policy makers so as to effectively engage their research output in the developmental plans in the developing countries. Furthermore, the linkages to donor agencies, professional bodies and government agencies were highlighted. The paper concluded by examining the need to continue this type of capacity building and evolve even more all-inclusive forums for all developing countries, especially Africa to ensure rapid development from within.