IDRC and DFATD announce three new international research projects to address world hunger

OTTAWA, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) have announced three new projects to be supported under the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF).

The three new partnerships announced today will receive between $2.2 and $4.2 million in funding to advance applied research in food security.

"Canada is pleased to support innovative research projects through the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund that promise to improve the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers and their families in developing countries," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie. "Leveraging the expertise and innovation of the private and public sectors is essential to deliver real development results and break the cycle of poverty for those most in need."

A $124-million fund, CIFSRF works to increase food security in developing countries by funding applied research in agricultural innovation and fostering collaboration between developing-country researchers and Canadian experts. The research results aim to help governments, institutions, private enterprises, and farmers adopt better food security policies and practices.

"Hunger is one of the most pressing issues in the developing world today," said IDRC President Jean Lebel. "By investing in research and innovation in small-scale agriculture, IDRC is working to improve access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. This work also helps to reduce poverty and promote economic growth."

The CIFSRF Selection Committees have chosen the following new projects for funding:

• The University of Guelph, Canada and Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development, Nepal are testing a series of innovations for terrace farming and their commercial distribution through agricultural kits in Nepal. These kits have the potential to support women farmers and promote entrepreneurship throughout South and Southeast Asia. Read more
• In Tanzania, the Mennonite Economic Development Associates of Canada are working with the Sokoine University of Agriculture to test the potential of sunflower oil fortified with vitamin A to improve nutrition. Product testing and an electronic vouchers system to jumpstart demand will increase vitamin A intake for women and children. Read more
• The Centre National de Recherche Agronomique and the Université Nangui Abrogoua, in Côte d'Ivoire, and Sporometrics, Canada are researching ways to reduce coconut crop losses from Lethal Yellowing, a disease that is devastating plantations in West Africa. A better understanding of the disease, plant breeding, and replanting will help to preserve the livelihoods of Côte d'Ivoire's coconut farmers. Read more

Today's announcement brings to 24 the number of projects funded under CIFSRF since 2009. CIFSRF has supported researchers from 14 Canadian institutions and private companies and 28 developing-country counterparts, who are carrying out research in 22 developing countries.

CIFSRF research results stand to significantly increase food production and improve nutrition. They include the use of nanotechnologies to develop packaging that delays the ripening of fruit in India and Sri Lanka, new vaccines to protect livestock against multiple diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, and more nutritious and disease resistant potato varieties in Colombia.

More information on CIFSRF is available at www.idrc.ca/cifsrf

For information about results, read the CIFSRF Achievements Brief

About IDRC
A key part of Canada's foreign policy efforts, IDRC supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting solutions that aim to improve lives and livelihoods.
www.idrc.ca

About DFATD
The mandate of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) is to manage Canada's diplomatic and consular relations, to encourage the country's international trade, and to lead Canada's international development and humanitarian assistance.
www.international.gc.ca

Image with caption: "International Development Research Centre. (CNW Group/International Development Research Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141215_C7793_PHOTO_EN_9500.jpg

SOURCE: International Development Research Centre

Media Contact: Marianne Goodwin, Senior Media and Public Affairs Advisor, Email: [email protected], [phone], @IDRC_CRDI

Related Links

http://www.idrc.ca