IPS TerraViva 2010 FANRPAN Regional Dialogue

Inter Press Service (IPS) Africa teamed up with the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) to provide editorial coverage of the Annual High Level Regional Food Security Policy Dialogue, with the theme of “Livestock & Fisheries Policies for Food Security and Trade in a Changing Climate”, recently held in Windhoek from August 30 – September 03.

FANRPAN is a regional policy research and advocacy network whose operations are informed by major regional policy frameworks and processes in Southern Africa.

Prior to the main event, IPS hosted a two-day training session for selected journalists on how to better report on issues of food security, trade and climate change in Africa, which included a field trip to livestock holdings in the capital Windhoek on the final day of the workshop.

Dr. Lindiwe Sibanda (FANRPAN CEO) during the media training workshop.

The media team produced independent coverage of the Dialogue and related issues of agriculture, farming and food, which was subsequently published on IPS Africa’s interactive multimedia TerraViva website. More than 250 printed TerraViva newsletters were distributed amongst delegates at the 2010 FANRPAN Regional Dialogue. An electronic copy can be downloaded here.

IPS Africa also produced and distributed copies of a special TerraViva newsletter amongst delegates on the final day, as well as circulated a series of email newsletters to update those unable to attend the Dialogue.
“A majority of Africans live in rural areas and depend on farming for their livelihoods. Yet their voices are seldom heard – and what they say is ill-understood by city-based reporters in a hurry to meet deadlines,” said Terna Gyuse, IPS Africa regional editor.

Terna Gyuse, IPS Africa regional Editor.

“Achieving development goals of reducing poverty and malnutrition, improving public health, and managing resources in a sustainable manner requires a clear understanding of the central role that agriculture plays in Africa,” added Gyuse.