August 23, 2022
Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab holds 2022 Annual Meeting in Cambodia with Representation from Across the Globe
The Feed the Future Lab on Collaborative Research for Sustainable Intensification (SIIL) at Kansas State University held its 2022 Annual Meeting, June 23-25, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. There were over 100 participants in attendance including research partners and funding recipients of the SIIL, along with nine representatives from distinct United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Missions and D.C.
In addition, there was leadership from the Ministry of Cambodia, Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), private sector entities and other projects including the American Soybean Association, as well as the SIIL External Advisory Board (EAB). Participants included individuals from 13 countries across the globe.
During the first day, each project and consortium had a promotional video and a presentation highlighting their research on sustainable agriculture innovations followed by a question-and-answer session. This provided time for engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration between the various projects and consortia.
The second day was called the “International Delegation Day and Knowledge Sharing,” hosted at the RUA. There were multiple panel discussions that included delegates from external partners of the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Agriculture Intensification and Nutrition (CE SAIN), faculty and students of RUA, West Africa and various USAID Mission from Guatemala, Haiti and West Africa. These discussions reflected on the development and success of CE SAIN from these various perspectives.
Additionally, the last day of the meeting included traveling to visit different Agricultural Technology Parks, where participants could view several innovations that are being showcased in Cambodia while having time to engage and collaborate with other partners in SIIL’s other focus countries.
The President of K-State, Richard Linton, provided welcome remarks on the “International Delegation Day and Knowledge Sharing,” day of the meeting. He expressed gratitude to USAID and SIIL for their commitment to making positive impacts on the environment.
“Through our continued partnership with USAID, the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab will forge a path that utilizes innovative research and extension approaches to secure a better future for small holder farmers,” Linton said.
Charles Taber, provost and executive vice president of K-State, spoke about the importance of the innovations and research that the SIIL executes.
“New innovations and discoveries in research and policies are needed to improve production and access to nutritious food to all,” Taber said. “The SIIL has contributed many innovations which are relevant and needed, and many are shared during this annual meeting and field visits.”
David Rosowsky, vice president for research commented on the dedication of SIIL at K-State to its goals.
“The Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab is a strong example of K-State’s commitment to high quality research and innovation, providing tangible, positive impacts to smallholder farmers,” Rosowsky said.
“The activities of the SIIL fit the mission and values of the College of Agriculture at K-State,” said Ernie Minton, Dean, College of Agriculture and Director, K-State Research and Extension. “We will continue to support the work being done by the SIIL and look forward to the ways in which our partnership will continue to yield positive results around the globe.”
Vara Prasad, University Distinguished Professor and Director of the SIIL, highlighted the collaboration and commitment of SIIL’s goals across the globe.
“We have the ability to identify problems, solutions and options through research and translate those into appropriate innovations for smallholder farmers.” Prasad said. “The SIIL has formed networks and established partnerships and collaborations with different organizations in host-countries around the world to identify innovations and technologies that will have positive impacts on livelihoods of people, and also helps to build human, institutional and social capital.”
Comments from USAID partners included appreciating the immensity of the SIIL portfolio, the positive engagement through the meeting and the dedicated work to find innovative ways to combat global food and nutritional security.
The SIIL was fortunate to have a face-to-face meeting again after having last year’s meeting virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you would like to view all presentation and highlight videos from each project and consortium, you can sign up for the SIIL newsletter by emailing siil@ksu.edu.