Insights: Doing things differently?

Insights: Doing things differently?

Raymond Erick Zvavanyange

(Note: All quotes are from the author's blog and extension articles with and/or without input from persons in the acknowledgement section) 

Scientific research…

Progress and change demands a rare breed of academia, scholars and researchers. This pursuit depends on what they learn and strive to do, who they become in the process and their earnest contributions to the scientific field.

(A Letter To Scholars )

Interestingly, research however, depends on the processes of finding a problem and solving it in a systematic or logical manner, period. Nothing to do with equipment, gadgets and possessions… Research should be innovative enhancing our understanding of what we seek to investigate. Focusing on research processes will yield helpful insights as to why it was conducted in the first place.

(To What End Is Research? )

In any science, discipline, and practice there exist guiding principles that remain constant under whatever circumstances.

(Fundamentals of Agricultural Extension)

Properly trained animal scientists and researchers can help advance scientific research in livestock production.

(Training for practical animal husbandry)

New researchers may have difficult finding a footing in scientific research, but however, as experience shows, everything is worth a try, as long as the protocols and procedures are followed.  The future and breakthroughs in science belongs to those who take the challenge.

(Re-Inventing the Wheel: Principles in Scientific Research)

Research is not a mass event or activity. The goal of research is not the soliciting of views and opinions. Research is a practical subject; trials, tests, and experiments should be conducted and findings explained logically. When research protocols and procedures with or without improvements are observed, making the connection from the laboratory to the field becomes a manageable task.

(Leveraging African Research Output in Global Research Forums)

Agricultural Research, Education and Extension…

Emphasis should not only be on the adoption numbers but on how many farmers actively design new farming methods as a result of the show cased demonstrations. I envisage this puts the farmer as the center in demonstrations, creates a platform for innovation and feed back and re-connects research and extension disciplines.

(Demonstration in extension and rural advisory services)

Technical language involving terms such as dosing, dipping and vaccination is only understood by personnel with training and exposure in the relevant fields.

(A concise dictionary of dairy terms part 1)

Learners and learning institutions share responsibility drawing the future map. It is learners who become experts, specialists, professionals, consultants and losers as well.

(Niche, Learners and Learning Institutions)

To become effective ecoagriculture strategy should attract investment. It is an equally competitive project with positive returns. Policy makers should facilitate through enabling policies to promote this strategy.  In addition, there is an absence of the critical mass of farmers, scientists and policy makers to propel the enthusiasm and drive generated by innovation practices, a characteristic of the ecoagriculture strategy. This leads to the conclusion that even though the ecoagriculture ‘voice’ is heard this is often misplaced by lobby groups and organizations. As a consequence it is ignored, rejected and overshadowed in favour of opportunistic priorities. 

(Opportunistic Priorities Hindering Progress in Ecoagriculture)

Young Professionals including Youths…

Innovation and entrepreneurship are both appealing and acceptable to young people in Africa because they are excited about the idea being the first one to do something new…The minimum requirement for use of Web 2.0 and social media is to be a consistent user, and to acquire relevant tools, applications and skill. Once the synergy is created, it could improve the way we debate issues, facilitate economic growth, academic exchange, and remote collaboration of experts with young professionals. With the help of Web 2.0, a development revolution could become inevitable and opportunities manifold.

 (Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Opportunities for Youths in Africa in Web 2.0 and Social Media)

A vital piece for young agricultural professionals is remaining current with the information available in their specific field. With all the research and information available it is paramount to know the latest breakthroughs to ensure the knowledge is relevant. Young professionals should continuously ask themselves what skills they need, how they should use and apply them.

 (Paradigm Shift For Young Agriculture Professionals) 

Information and Communication Technologies…

New pathways for networking and collaboration have been opened up with Web 2.0 and Social Media but methodologies should be designed to evaluate the extent of usage, impact and coverage of knowledge acquired.

(The future looks bright in agriculture in ICTs )

In the same vein, a different terrain exists; a different assignment awaits practitioners across the African continent; they should navigate the public procurement and entrepreneurship terrain. It is a terrain because the platform is not inclusive; only “experienced” captains can navigate safely using the guiding equipment and the reach the destination! In Africa, policy and measures to safeguard initiatives slacken with the setting of the Sun. It is increasingly becoming difficult to address any issue on a single platform.

(Navigating Africa's Public Procurement and Entrepreneurship Terrain)

Acknowledgement: 

APPERI (USA), Jami Willard (USA), Madeline McCurry Schmidt (USA), Tzy-Ling Chen (Taiwan), Jen Wen-Luoh (Taiwan), Sebastian Chakeredza (Zimbabwe), Benjamin B. S. Madondo (Zimbabwe), Marina Cherbonnier (Italy), Karien Slabbert (South Africa), Fidelis Zvomuya (South Africa), Karin Espag (South Africa) and Judi Wakhungu (Kenya)