Comments for Get Involved! http://blog.susiladharma.org Blog for Susila Dharma International Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:10:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Does SDIA need a Food Security Network? by Solen http://blog.susiladharma.org/2009/08/29/does-sdia-need-a-food-security-network/comment-page-1/#comment-240 Solen Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:10:26 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=101#comment-240 "Is There Enough Food Out There For Nine Billion People?" asks Bradford Plumer in The New Republic. "Sometime around 2050, there are going to be nine billion people roaming this planet—two billion more than there are today. It's a safe bet that all those folks will want to eat. And that's... an incredibly daunting prospect. Right now, an estimated one billion people go hungry each day. So add two billion more people, a limited supply of arable land, plus the fact that rising incomes will boost demand for meat and dairy products, plus the fact that many key natural resources (fisheries, say) are already being overexploited… and it's hard to see the situation getting better. And that's before we get into the fact that the planet's heating up, which is expected to wreak havoc on agricultural yields...." Read the full article here! http://www.tnr.com/node/72936 “Is There Enough Food Out There For Nine Billion People?” asks Bradford Plumer in The New Republic.
“Sometime around 2050, there are going to be nine billion people roaming this planet—two billion more than there are today. It’s a safe bet that all those folks will want to eat. And that’s… an incredibly daunting prospect. Right now, an estimated one billion people go hungry each day. So add two billion more people, a limited supply of arable land, plus the fact that rising incomes will boost demand for meat and dairy products, plus the fact that many key natural resources (fisheries, say) are already being overexploited… and it’s hard to see the situation getting better. And that’s before we get into the fact that the planet’s heating up, which is expected to wreak havoc on agricultural yields….”
Read the full article here! http://www.tnr.com/node/72936

]]> Comment on Does SDIA need a Food Security Network? by Solen http://blog.susiladharma.org/2009/08/29/does-sdia-need-a-food-security-network/comment-page-1/#comment-228 Solen Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:13:49 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=101#comment-228 Sabariah Van der Beek has sent us a really interesting link to a newsletter filled with material relevant to this discussion. It´s the IPS (Inter Press Service)news special with a focus on food security. Of special note: there is a FAO summit on food security on 16th-18th November - coming up fast, and can be followed via webcasting: http://www.fao.org/ Here is some of the IPS newsletter, with links to the complete articles: IPS News Special - FEEDING THE FUTURE ===================================== More than 1 billion people suffer hunger today, according to the UN. A crucial part of this complex problem is food production and distribution. Is it possible to increase food production in an environmentally and socially sustainable way? Can modernisation, research and investment enhance food security? Is there anything to learn from traditional knowledge? How do trade and energy policies affect the equation? And gender? Where and when is food aid really needed? Can the upswing of commodity prices be positive for some countries? How are farmers coping with climate change? IPS finds the stories behind the current food crisis to understand local and global causes of shortages and rising prices, and their long-term effects. Rome, where the largest global food organisations - FAO, IFAD and WFP - are headquartered, is the venue of the World Summit on Food Security (Nov. 16-18). The situation couldn't be more momentous. ========================================================================= DEVELOPMENT: Land Grabs for Food Production Under Fire By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS (IPS) - A move by governments and rich investors to raise food crops on farmland purchased in some of the world's poorer countries is coming under fire. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48979 ***** DEVELOPMENT: More Food May Not Mean Less Hunger By Paul Virgo ROME (IPS) - Achieving ambitious Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) production targets to meet growing world demands will not suffice to feed the world, and focusing too much on churning out crops may even be damaging, experts warn. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49050 ***** DEVELOPMENT: More Than a Billion Going Hungry By Eli Clifton WASHINGTON (IPS) - The global economic crisis has led to an historic increase in hunger and undernourishment in the world's poorest countries, with broad consequences for political security and stability, according to two reports released for World Food Day, observed Friday. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48898 ***** DEVELOPMENT: For a Greener Green Revolution By Paul Virgo ROME (IPS) - A new Green Revolution that is truly green is needed to prevent efforts to eradicate hunger colliding with climate change goals, environmentalists say. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49003 ***** DEVELOPMENT: For-Profit Seeds Hurting Farmers, Biodiversity By Haider Rizvi UNITED NATIONS (IPS) - Large biotechnology firms are not only depriving poor farmers of inputs essential for their livelihoods, but are also pushing up food prices, according to a new U.N. report. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48976 ****** Read More IPS Coverage of the Food Crisis from around the world: http://www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/feedingfuture/ Sabariah Van der Beek has sent us a really interesting link to a newsletter filled with material relevant to this discussion.

It´s the IPS (Inter Press Service)news special with a focus on food security. Of special note: there is a FAO summit on food security on 16th-18th November – coming up fast, and can be followed via webcasting: http://www.fao.org/

Here is some of the IPS newsletter, with links to the complete articles:

IPS News Special – FEEDING THE FUTURE
=====================================

More than 1 billion people suffer hunger today, according to the UN. A crucial part of this complex problem is food production and distribution. Is it possible to increase food production in an environmentally and socially sustainable way? Can modernisation, research and investment enhance food security? Is there anything to learn from traditional knowledge? How do trade and energy policies affect the equation? And gender? Where and when is food aid really needed? Can the upswing of commodity prices be positive for some countries? How are farmers coping with climate change?

IPS finds the stories behind the current food crisis to understand local and global causes of shortages and rising prices, and their long-term effects.

Rome, where the largest global food organisations – FAO, IFAD and WFP – are headquartered, is the venue of the World Summit on Food Security (Nov. 16-18). The situation couldn’t be more momentous.

=========================================================================

DEVELOPMENT: Land Grabs for Food Production Under Fire
By Thalif Deen
UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – A move by governments and rich investors to raise food crops on farmland purchased in some of the world’s poorer countries is coming under fire.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48979

*****
DEVELOPMENT: More Food May Not Mean Less Hunger
By Paul Virgo
ROME (IPS) – Achieving ambitious Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) production targets to meet growing world demands will not suffice to feed the world, and focusing too much on churning out crops may even be damaging, experts warn.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49050

*****
DEVELOPMENT: More Than a Billion Going Hungry
By Eli Clifton
WASHINGTON (IPS) – The global economic crisis has led to an historic increase in hunger and undernourishment in the world’s poorest countries, with broad consequences for political security and stability, according to two reports released for World Food Day, observed Friday.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48898

*****
DEVELOPMENT: For a Greener Green Revolution
By Paul Virgo
ROME (IPS) – A new Green Revolution that is truly green is needed to prevent efforts to eradicate hunger colliding with climate change goals, environmentalists say.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49003

*****
DEVELOPMENT: For-Profit Seeds Hurting Farmers, Biodiversity
By Haider Rizvi
UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – Large biotechnology firms are not only depriving poor farmers of inputs essential for their livelihoods, but are also pushing up food prices, according to a new U.N. report.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48976

******
Read More IPS Coverage of the Food Crisis from around the world:
http://www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/feedingfuture/

]]> Comment on Does SDIA need a Food Security Network? by cassidy http://blog.susiladharma.org/2009/08/29/does-sdia-need-a-food-security-network/comment-page-1/#comment-205 cassidy Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:22:12 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=101#comment-205 Hadrian brings up the issue of Traditional Farming Methods vs. Science. I don't think that such a conflict exists. Rather, the conflict is between Traditional Agriculture and the pressures of the market economy and it's technology. Amartya Sen has shown pretty conclusively that famine is almost never a result of a lack of available food, but is instead a matter of dysfunctional economic forces preventing the proper distribution of food and causing destruction of local ecosystems. It's a mistake to confuse current global economic forces and capital intensive technology with Science. Hadrian brings up the issue of Traditional Farming Methods vs. Science. I don’t think that such a conflict exists. Rather, the conflict is between Traditional Agriculture and the pressures of the market economy and it’s technology. Amartya Sen has shown pretty conclusively that famine is almost never a result of a lack of available food, but is instead a matter of dysfunctional economic forces preventing the proper distribution of food and causing destruction of local ecosystems. It’s a mistake to confuse current global economic forces and capital intensive technology with Science.

]]> Comment on Does SDIA need a Food Security Network? by hadrian http://blog.susiladharma.org/2009/08/29/does-sdia-need-a-food-security-network/comment-page-1/#comment-204 hadrian Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:41:58 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=101#comment-204 Cassidy asks what a "Food Security Network" is, to me it seems it would have two aspects to it. 1) A voluntary group of people discussing and ultimately working towards food security within their own country, and networking within their own country. 2) A network between these groups in these various different countries seeing how they can work together to promote food security worldwide, seeing what works in other countries, and deciding whether it can work in their own. Food security issues do of course, differ hugely between countries, and although people are of course concerned about food security at home, the reality of globalisation means food security throughout the world is interdependant and complex. Hence the two approaches. These are of course very broad approaches, and i think that is then when Iljas' comments come into play... 1. A network with links to SD projects, working with people in the country who know the situation, supported by those without but who might have an insight or unique perspective. 2. A specialised publication about SDIA food security products. 3) Publicise the Right to Food and other issues by writing articles, networking, blogging... 4) Establish a project addressing Food Security issues... although I'm not so clear what Iljas means by this? I suppose i see it as a process of talking to people in different countries, seeing who wants to get involved, or who may already be involved in other similar networks. Once a basic network is established, start identifying specific causes/problems within a country. Some may have the potential to be solved on a national level, some may require the use of the international network to find a solution. I'm aware this is all very optimistic, and I'm assuming everything is possible. I'm not so naive, but a network like this has to start somewhere. Let's use what is unique to us, in this case, the SD projects and people as well as others on the outskirts. I also believe it's important to pay attention to what other networks or organisations are doing in the area. An example of a particular issue that could be researched, written about, and publicised is the issue of Traditional Farming Methods Vs. Science. In this case, it seems the only way to approach this is on a case by case basis within a country. Traditional methods are, I think most would agree, good. They have been developed over generations and there are reasons why it is the way it is. However that is not to say that science cannot improve those methods... what doesn't work is the two fighting to better one another, rather than working together to find the best way. In the ideal world every country would produce what it can, distribute it locally first, then internationally. Food is for the people first, not for profit. I doubt I'll see such a world, but it's aiming in the right direction. I'm also interested in finding out what a 'protein bank' is, so far I’ve only come up with 'protein data bank' which seems to be something completely unrelated. Cassidy asks what a “Food Security Network” is, to me it seems it would have two aspects to it.

1) A voluntary group of people discussing and ultimately working towards food security within their own country, and networking within their own country.
2) A network between these groups in these various different countries seeing how they can work together to promote food security worldwide, seeing what works in other countries, and deciding whether it can work in their own.

Food security issues do of course, differ hugely between countries, and although people are of course concerned about food security at home, the reality of globalisation means food security throughout the world is interdependant and complex. Hence the two approaches.

These are of course very broad approaches, and i think that is then when Iljas’ comments come into play…
1. A network with links to SD projects, working with people in the country who know the situation, supported by those without but who might have an insight or unique perspective.
2. A specialised publication about SDIA food security products.
3) Publicise the Right to Food and other issues by writing articles, networking, blogging…
4) Establish a project addressing Food Security issues… although I’m not so clear what Iljas means by this?

I suppose i see it as a process of talking to people in different countries, seeing who wants to get involved, or who may already be involved in other similar networks. Once a basic network is established, start identifying specific causes/problems within a country. Some may have the potential to be solved on a national level, some may require the use of the international network to find a solution.

I’m aware this is all very optimistic, and I’m assuming everything is possible. I’m not so naive, but a network like this has to start somewhere. Let’s use what is unique to us, in this case, the SD projects and people as well as others on the outskirts. I also believe it’s important to pay attention to what other networks or organisations are doing in the area.

An example of a particular issue that could be researched, written about, and publicised is the issue of Traditional Farming Methods Vs. Science. In this case, it seems the only way to approach this is on a case by case basis within a country. Traditional methods are, I think most would agree, good. They have been developed over generations and there are reasons why it is the way it is. However that is not to say that science cannot improve those methods… what doesn’t work is the two fighting to better one another, rather than working together to find the best way.

In the ideal world every country would produce what it can, distribute it locally first, then internationally. Food is for the people first, not for profit. I doubt I’ll see such a world, but it’s aiming in the right direction.

I’m also interested in finding out what a ‘protein bank’ is, so far I’ve only come up with ‘protein data bank’ which seems to be something completely unrelated.

]]> Comment on Does SDIA need a Food Security Network? by cassidy http://blog.susiladharma.org/2009/08/29/does-sdia-need-a-food-security-network/comment-page-1/#comment-87 cassidy Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:51:03 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=101#comment-87 Food security is an important issue, and a discussion group sounds like a good place to start. I have two questions: first, what is meant by "Food Security Network?" — in other words, what does such a network do and what are its goals? — second, I know what a "seed bank" is, but at the Amanecer meeting the term "protein bank" was also used. What is a protein bank? Food security is an important issue, and a discussion group sounds like a good place to start. I have two questions: first, what is meant by “Food Security Network?” — in other words, what does such a network do and what are its goals? — second, I know what a “seed bank” is, but at the Amanecer meeting the term “protein bank” was also used. What is a protein bank?

]]> Comment on Colombia work retreat – help it be a success! by kevcosta http://blog.susiladharma.org/2009/02/23/colombia-work-retreat-help-it-be-a-success/comment-page-1/#comment-99 kevcosta Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:19:19 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=284#comment-99 Ms. Woodward: I am very interested in participating in the "volunteer working camp" at Amanacer, June 12 to July 12, 2009. I am not a "youth" in years, only in heart. And while I am interested and have experience in ALL of the work projects you've identified, I am especially interested in the "designing and executing English workshops with the children." To this end I am currently producing a small and very helpful book for both Spanish AND English-speakers to learn the other's language. I was thinking maybe it could be a fund-raiser for YOUR projects????? I currently reside in Costa Rica, so hey...I'm "half-way" there ! And I've been wanting to go to Amanacer for a LONG time now. I look forward to your receiving your thoughts on this, at your earliest convenience. Thank you ! Kevin Ms. Woodward:

I am very interested in participating in the “volunteer working camp” at Amanacer, June 12 to July 12, 2009. I am not a “youth” in years, only in heart. And while I am interested and have experience in ALL of the work projects you’ve identified, I am especially interested in the “designing and executing English workshops with the children.”

To this end I am currently producing a small and very helpful book for both Spanish AND English-speakers to learn the other’s language. I was thinking maybe it could be a fund-raiser for YOUR projects?????

I currently reside in Costa Rica, so hey…I’m “half-way” there ! And I’ve been wanting to go to Amanacer for a LONG time now.

I look forward to your receiving your thoughts on this, at your earliest convenience.

Thank you !
Kevin

]]> Comment on Does SDIA need a Food Security Network? by iljas http://blog.susiladharma.org/2009/08/29/does-sdia-need-a-food-security-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46 iljas Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:01:02 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=101#comment-46 I would be very happy if a food security network was to be established. It would be good to hear more about the projects "under the SDIA umbrella" that have a food security component. Some of the things we might do: 1. Provide advice to the projects 2. Create a special publication about SDIA food security projects 3. Publicize the Right to Food by writing articles etc. 4. Establish a project addressing food security issues. I am currently designing an undergraduate level course called World Hunger and the Right to Food and would be happy to share resources with anyone. I would be very happy if a food security network was to be established. It would be good to hear more about the projects “under the SDIA umbrella” that have a food security component. Some of the things we might do:

1. Provide advice to the projects
2. Create a special publication about SDIA food security projects
3. Publicize the Right to Food by writing articles etc.
4. Establish a project addressing food security issues.

I am currently designing an undergraduate level course called World Hunger and the Right to Food and would be happy to share resources with anyone.

]]> Comment on Through a Microscope in Paraguay by Solen http://blog.susiladharma.org/2008/12/05/through-a-microscope-in-paraguay/comment-page-1/#comment-44 Solen Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:41:00 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=92#comment-44 This is just the kind of experience we hope people will have when they volunteer. Great article, thanks Myroslava! This is just the kind of experience we hope people will have when they volunteer. Great article, thanks Myroslava!

]]> Comment on Young offenders and dance – local volunteering by cassidy http://blog.susiladharma.org/2008/11/27/young-offenders-and-dance-local-volunteering/comment-page-1/#comment-40 cassidy Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:00:37 +0000 http://blog.susiladharma.org/?p=85#comment-40 What an interesting experience that must be. I hope you keep us posted here on how these classes develop. I look forward to it. Cassidy Sterling What an interesting experience that must be. I hope you keep us posted here on how these classes develop. I look forward to it.

Cassidy Sterling

]]>