Agriculture in Lao PDR

This week we travel virtually to Lao People's Democratic Republic in southeastern Asia. We explore the countryside and agriculture projects being implemented via the video linked below. We encourage you to utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations with others around the globe!

Agriculture Projects in LAO PDR

Discussion Points

• As you watch the video how does agriculture in Lao PDR and your local area share similarities and differences?
• Training and education are mentioned often throughout the video. How would a lack of training impact these initiatives and why?
• Of the six initiatives shared which one do you feel can have the greatest positive impact and why?
• What can you take and/or learn from this video and utilize in your local area?

World's Largest Pig Farm

The world's largest pig farm is being constructed in China and is projected to produce around 2.1 million hogs per year. With this come challenges and opportunities. We encourage you to explore the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Chinese Hog Producer Builds World's Largest Pig Farm

Discussion Points

• What factors have contributed to producers in China building larger and larger pig farms?
• What in the article surprised you and why?
• Identify the opportunities and challenges that are being created by these larger and larger operations.
• How might this farm and trend impact hog producers in your local area as well as others around the world?

Water and Agriculture

 There are so many important aspects to agriculture, but water is by far one of the most important. Travel around the world in the video linked below to discover the challenges and opportunities facing us around water and agriculture. Utilize the discussion points below to strike up conversations with others around the globe.

Overcoming Water Challenges in Agriculture

Discussion Points

• In the video several factors are shared that are leading to scarcity or higher pressure on water systems. What are these factors and which one do you feel creates the largest challenge and why?
• Likewise, several opportunities or solutions are provided as well. Identify the top solutions and explain your reasonings?
• Does water usage in agriculture look different around the world? What are those in agriculture doing to conserve and protect water in your local region? How does this differ in other parts of the world?
• Agriculture can sometimes be blamed for environmental/waters problems. How do we make sure that agriculture is part of the solution and that this story is told?

Coronavirus and Mink

Coronavirus has been greatly impacting the mink industry around the globe. Towards the beginning of the month there was news out of Denmark that caused concern and there are now other areas who have been impacted. We encourage you to read the linked pages and articles below. We have provided discussion points to encourage further discussion with others around the globe.

WHO Release - Denmark - November 6th

Video on Denmark Mink and Coronavirus

Coronavirus and Minks in Greece - November 13th

Discussion Points

• What are the concerns with coronavirus in relation to mink production? Are these concerns warranted? What are the different views from around the world?
• What does mink production look like globally? How will this impact the market and future of production? (Conduct additional research if needed.)
• What countries to date have been impacted by coronavirus in mink?
• Imagine that you are the Secretary/Minister of Agriculture in a country where coronavirus is impacting mink. What would your plan be to tackle the challenge? What policies and procedures would you suggest/implement and why?

COVID-19 and Kenyan Agriculture

COVID-19 has impacted everyone around the globe including those in Kenya engaged with agriculture. There have certainly been challenges, but also success stories involving innovation and determination. Three stories from around Kenya are shared below. We encourage you to watch all three short videos and engage with others utilizing the discussion points provided. 

Mwatate Smallholder Tomato Farmers

Taveta Smallholder Banana Farmers

Voi Smallholder Farmers and Micro Gardens

Discussion Points

• What are the challenges facing smallholder farmers in Kenya as a result of COVID-19?
• How are smallholder farmers in Kenya being innovative to overcome challenges they are facing due to COVID-19?
• As a result of watching the videos what surprised you? What did you learn? What were your big takeaways?
• Is COVID-19 impacting farmers and agriculture in your home area? How does what you are seeing (or not seeing) in your area relate to the situation in Kenya?

United States Soybeans to Brazil

Many reports have shown that in May of 2020 Brazil overtook the United States as the number one soybean producing country in the world. With this being the case why is Brazil importing soybeans from the United States? The article linked below provides some answers. We encourage you to explore the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Brazil-Bound U.S. Soybean Vessel Loading at Gulf Coast Terminal

Discussion Points

• Why is Brazil turning to the United States for soybeans?
• What did you find most surprising from the article and why?
• Trade relations can have intended and unintended consequences that impact many around the globe. What are some examples within this article? 
• What are the trade relations with your home country and the world? What do you see as the future?

Innovative Technology for Farmers

Highlighted below you will find a video (4 minutes) sharing the utilization of technology around the globe by farmers to increase efficiency and productivity. This includes solar pumps in India, farming apps in Nepal, and improved crop varieties in Nigeria. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion questions to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Innovative Technology Helping Farmers Around the World

Discussion Points

• Discuss the three innovations highlighted and share the impact that each has had in their respective locations.
• Of the three examples shared (solar pumps, farming app, and improved crop varieties) which do you feel had the largest impact and why?
• Could your local region benefit from these or similar innovations? Why or why not?
• Brainstorm additional innovations that you could see having a positive impact in your local area as well as around the world. Explain the benefits projected from these innovations. 

Empowering Women in Agriculture

 Women are essential to the success of agriculture, but yet face many boundaries and challenges in agriculture. At the Borlaug Dialogue as part of the World Food Prize last week H.E. Gilbert Houngbo (President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development) shared the following, "If women were to have the same productive resources, in agriculture, as men we would have 150 million less people suffering from malnutrition and hunger." Below is a video that was shared a couple days ago by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations celebrating International Rural Women's Day. We encourage you to watch the video linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Pakistan International Rural Women's Day

Discussion Points

• What did you notice from the video? Could be visual footage or text.
• What is your main takeaway from the video? What surprised you or did not surprise you?
• What role do women play in agriculture in your local area? What are the attitudes towards women in agriculture in your local area? Compare and contrast women's roles in agriculture from different parts of the world.
• It what ways can women in agriculture be empowered locally and globally? 
• As the woman in the video asks, "What do you say?"

#FoodPrize20

 It is World Food Prize week! In past years leaders and experts in agriculture, food, and nutrition from around the globe gather in Des Moines, Iowa (USA) in mid-October. In our current times we are called to gather in a virtual community. This year, like past years, has provided an excellent opportunity to learn from one another and create positive change in the world around us at home and abroad. We encourage you to discuss some of the impactful quotes shared throughout the week, so far, and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations with others around the globe. 

Discussion Points

• Of the quotes shared below, which quotes grab your attention and why?
• Identify a quote (or a couple quotes) from below that apply to you currently (or you can relate to). How and why does this quote/quotes apply to you and/or your local community?
• Are there any quotes that you disagree with or would like to challenge further? Explain.
• Pick a quote to explore further. Let the quote lead you to further research. Share your findings with others. 

Translating Climate Science to Action

• "The climate crisis is here right now. It is getting worse. We have the solutions. It is already drastically impacting farmers. You all, particularly the young people, give me hope, that we can and we will solve the climate crisis." Al Gore, Former Vice President of the United States
• "Humans are the mirror image of the land we live upon." Dr. Rattan Lal, Distinguished Professor at The Ohio State University

Carbon Sequestration, Sustainability in Agriculture, and the Rise of Carbon Markets

• "When I harvest, I harvest the crop, I harvest information, and I harvest CO2 from the atmosphere. That is a win-win-win, not just a win-win." Gabriel Carballal, Farmer from Uruguay
• "Farmers are the world's largest group of land stewards." Sally Rockey, Executive Director of Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

Investment Innovations for Food Systems Transformation

• "I believe that finance and investment has got to come from all sources." Ted McKinney, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign agricultural Affairs, US Department of Agriculture
• "The people need the planet; the planet doesn't need people." Hillary Barry, Founder and Secretary General, LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Engagement in Food Systems

• "Disseminating science has never been more challenging than in the current landscape." Alex Lamm, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia
• "We are all consumers of information and media and we must train ourselves to distinguish reliable sources from unreliable information and sources." Adam Roberts, Midwest Correspondent with The Economist

Safe, Affordable, Nutritious Food Year Round: Global Aspirations to Local Application for Nutrition

• "In order to feed, in order to produce food, for 10 billion people by 2050...what the world needs is to add an additional 450 million hectares of planting nutrient dense foods and 630 million less hectares of nutrient deficient foods." Pedro Sanchez, 2002 World food Prize Laureate
• "Poor diets are not simply a matter of personal choices. Many people cannot access or afford nutritious food." Renata Micha, Chair of the Independent Expert Group, Global Nutrition Report

Keynote: H.E. Gilbert Houngbo

• "If the women were to have the same productive resources, in agriculture, as men we would have 150 million less people suffering from malnutrition and hunger." H.E. Gilbert Houngbo, President of International Fund for agricultural Development
• "Economic and environmental development must go hand in hand." H.E. Gilbert Houngbo

Remarks from 2020 Laureate

• "Science is useless if it does not serve humanity." Dr. Rattan Lal
• "I believe that helping people, plants, animals, and ecosystems is one and indivisible." Dr. Rattan Lal

Do not let the conversations end here. Jump on social media using #FoodPrize20 to engage further!

Brazil: Single Line Cotton Harvester

 This week we highlight innovation created in Brazil to assist small farmers in cotton production. We encourage you to watch the video linked below and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe.

Single Line Cotton Harvester

Discussion Points

• In what ways does this new technology help farmers in Brazil? 
• Does innovation have to involve technology? Explain. Does this look differently around the world?
• Think about agriculture in your home area/community. What innovations could be developed to help small farmers, large farmers, and/or the agricultural industry?
• What other innovations could you see as beneficial around the globe and outside of your local community/home area? Explain the need and potential benefits?

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

Earlier this week (September 29, 2020) the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Environmental Programme, and their partners recognized the first International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. In the linked article below food loss and waste issues, facts, solutions, and more are shared. We encourage you to read the linked release and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Food Loss and Waste Must Be Reduced

Discussion Points

• Explain the difference between food loss and food waste. How does food loss and food waste look similar or different around the world?
• What surprised you the most from the article and why?
• Some solutions to reduce food loss and waste were shared in the article. Of these solutions which do you believe could have the greatest impact on reducing food loss and waste? Justify your reasoning.
• What can you do, where you are at today, to reduce food loss and waste?

Rooftop Farming in Asia

 The largest rooftop farm in Asia is highlighted in the link below. This rooftop farm can produce over 20 tons of food annually. We encourage you to explore the piece linked and be sure to click on the cluster of images that will take you to a slide show with further information. We have provided discussion questions below to spark conversation with others around the globe.

Asia's Largest Organic Rooftop

Discussion Points

• What was most surprising and/or intriguing regarding the rooftop farm and why?
• Describe the different environmental benefits of this featured rooftop farm?
• Would a rooftop farm like this be accepted in your home country, state, or city? Why or why not?
• How could you take various concepts from this rooftop farm and utilize in different settings around your local community and/or around the world? Get creative!

Global Agricultural and Food Markets

The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launches September 23rd. In leading up to it's launch a couple personnel with the FAO highlight some key points and challenges facing us. We encourage you to watch the linked videos below and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Interview with Maximo Torero

Interview with George Rapsomanikis

Discussion Points

• After watching the two videos what stuck with you? What was alarming? Why?
• What were some of the food/hunger challenges mentioned in the videos?
• Why is global trade so important to our food systems? What is the benefit of reducing trade barriers for the food system?
• If we reduce trade barriers for the food system is there the possibility for unintended consequences? Does this look different depending which country you call home? Explain your thoughts?

Feeding a Growing or Declining Population?

 Is our world population on a trend to increase or decrease? Many models show an increase, but some models show a decrease in the long run. Linked below is a story that includes text and a video from the U.S. Farm Report that highlights these discrepancies. We encourage you to explore the text and video linked and utilize the discussion points provided to engage with others in conversation around the globe.

Is agriculture feeding a growing or declining population?

Discussion Points

• What are your initial reactions/thoughts?
• What factors mentioned in the article could cause an increase or decrease in world population? What are other factors that were not mentioned in this piece? Share reasoning with your thoughts.
• Do the different models potentially change the way we look at things in agriculture and food production? Explain your thoughts.
• With data shared and additional research what do you predict our world population to look like in the near and distant future? Why?

Small Island Developing States Food Systems Struggle

COVID-19 is impacting everyone around the world, but some of the hardest hit areas are small island developing states. A video shared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlights the struggles these small island developing states are facing. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points to engage with others around the globe!

Small Island Developing States Hit Hard

Discussion Points

• Why are small island developing states being so heavily impacted by COVID-19 and how does this create a domino effect that impacts the food supply system?
• Watch the video twice. One time focus on the text and the other time focusing on the images. What surprises you or do you notice when focusing on the text and then the images? 
• Towards the end of the video we are challenged. It's stated that, "Now is the time to transform our food systems and our future." 
• Do you agree this is a need and why?
• If you agree, how do we go about transforming our food systems? Does this look different in small island developing states versus your local community (explain your reasoning)?

China Suspends Meat Imports from Some Processors

 There is no doubt that COVID-19 has disrupted our food systems. This week we take a look at the global impact that is occurring. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to further guide your conversations around the world.

Why is China suspending imports?

Discussion Points

• Why is there a concern for some meats being imported into China? 
• Is this a valid concern? Do some further investigating...what does the science say? Share your sources with your findings.
• How could these import suspensions impact the global meat supply? 
• Will these actions impact your home community or country? Why or why not?

World Crop Production

We often hear that agriculture has a global impact, but do we take time to dig into things deeper? This week we highlight the monthly report from the United States Department of Agriculture looking at World Agricultural Production. Past reports can be found here. We encourage you to look through the linked report below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe!

World Agricultural Production May 2020

Discussion Points

• What piece of information or graph did you find most interesting/intriguing and why?
• The tables towards the end of the report highlight 16 different crops being produced around the world. Of the 16 crops, 12 crops are seeing an increase in production. Take a further look at these tables. What factors could be contributing to these increases? What does this mean for global markets? 
• The report shows increased production for many crops. In reality, most parts of the world (but not all) produce enough food to feed their country and collectively feed the world. If this is the case why do we find individuals that are food insecure everywhere in the world? What can we do to combat these challenges?

Food Security and COVID-19

This week we highlight a video from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs featuring Roger Thurow. This is part of their "Wait Just a Minute" series. We encourage you to watch the linked video, on food security, and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Wait Just a Minute: Roger Thurow on Food Security

Discussion Points

• How has COVID-19 impacted food security at home and abroad?
• Why is hunger an ignored issue in the USA? If you live outside of the USA is hunger an ignored issue in your home country? Why or why not?
• Share your ideas on fighting food insecurity both locally and around the globe.
• The final question asked of Roger is, "What gives you hope?" What gives you hope personally in regards to food security?

Meat Industry and a Pandemic

Lately there has been great discussion in the agriculture world revolving around meat packing plants, COVID-19, and the food supply chain. This is such a complicated web that deals with the food supply chain, worker health, and animal health. Below we have shared several articles and releases to view regarding our current situation in the United States. Please look through the links provided and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations with others.

USDA Press Release

Pig Farmers Continue Life's Work

Food Supply Chain is Breaking

Discussion Points

• Over the past weeks what has happened in the meat packing and processing industry?
• Why is this such a complex issue? Why does it impact so many different individuals and groups?
• What does the executive order issued by President Trump mean for the meat industry? Do challenges still exist?
• While we are facing tough times in the meat industry this is an opportunity to learn and make improvements. What can we learn and how can we improve (food supply chain, worker safety and health, animal safety and health, etc.)?
• Further research: Are all countries around the world facing these same challenges? If yes, how are they handling things? If no, what did they do differently?

Danish Dairy Insight

This June we were planning on traveling with a group of students to learn more about agriculture in Denmark as we did in June of 2019. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 this, along with other study abroad courses, has been cancelled. If you have been following our social media platforms you have noticed we have virtually been exploring the globe over the past couple of days. In response to our virtual travels Karolina Sikala from the Green Academy in Aarhus, Denmark shared several videos with us. Our post this week will highlight one of the videos she shared from the Danish Agriculture and Food group. Utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Dairy Barn Equipment and Welfare

Discussion Points

• What are your main takeaways from the video and why?
• How would you compare practices showcased in this video from Denmark compared to how things are done in your home region? Compare and contrast to other parts of the world as well.
• Why is it important (or not important) in agriculture to explore how agriculture and farming practices differ and/or are similar around the world? Can this practice of learning how things are done differently or similarly around the globe be carried over to areas outside of agriculture?

Developing a Market in Oldonyiro

You can produce an abundance of an agriculture commodity, but if there is no market for your product there can be major problems. This week we take a look at a project by USAID in Oldonyiro, Kenya to empower others through the development of a market. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to engage with others in conversation around the globe via Zoom, Skype, phone calls, email, etc.

A Place to Trade

Discussion Points

• What do you notice from the video? How do you purchase food and livestock in your home area? What are the similarities and differences?
• Explain the benefits that have followed the development of this market. Of the benefits which do you feel has had the biggest impact and why?
• In regards to the Sustainable Development Goals which goals are or have been addressed due to this project?
• How might the current situation with COVID-19 be impacting this market? 

American Leadership, Agriculture, and a Global Pandemic

This week's blog comes in the form of a vlog! The video below is a recap of a webinar that Brad Kinsinger, director of the Global Agriculture Learning Center, attended organized by the United States Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). The USGLC is a bipartisan group that promotes international development and diplomacy as part of the international affairs budget. Below the video link I will summarize some of the areas to further analyze as suggested in the video.

American Leadership and a Global Pandemic

Discussion Points

• "The economic crisis is just starting." What does this look like to the agriculture world? How has the agriculture economy been impacted or will it be impacted by COVID-19?
• "As long as there are cases in the world this is a United States issue." Why is this?
• "This global pandemic will magnify the global food crisis as well as regional and domestic food challenges. Long term investment in food security is so important." Why is long-term investment in food security so important? Explain.
• "When America leads, others follow. There is no substitution for American leadership. Science based and data driven global leadership is needed from the United States." Do you agree with this? Why or Why not? Does your view of this statement change if you are from different parts of the world?

COVID-19 and Food Safety

We are in unprecedented times fighting an ongoing global pandemic. Recently a group of academic professionals shared input on the risk of COVID-19 transmission through food and food packaging. We encourage you to read the linked article from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe.

No Evidence COVID-19 Is Transmitted Through Food and Food Packaging

Discussion Points

• What is the overall consensus from the article? What are your initial thoughts/reactions?
• It shares that the information provided is gathered from many agencies and organizations from different parts of the world. Do you feel the message is more valid coming from diverse groups from diverse locations? Why or why not?
• There is so much information out there regarding COVID-19 (and many topics for that matter). How do you decipher reliable and valid sources versus those that are not?

*This is an educational blog for educational purposes. Any information shared in this blog is not meant as medical or legal advice from the Global Agriculture Learning Center, Hawkeye Community College, or any employees or volunteers of the fore mentioned.*

Organic and Conventional Agriculture

The debate between organic and conventional agriculture is looked at very differently around the globe. Linked below is a recent article discussing this very topic with some input from several researchers in Europe. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations with others around the globe (virtually of course)!

How we look at organic vs. conventional Ag

Discussion Points

• Explain what the Life Cycle Assessment is and how it is utilized?
• What is the argument of these researchers regarding the Life Cycle Assessment and how it is currently used?
• More than likely we all have biases that are shaped by our environment and upbringing. Could you make an argument that these researchers have a bias due to where they live and work? Do you have a bias on organic versus conventional agriculture? Explain your thoughts.
• While in Denmark many years ago I asked an organic farmer why she produced organic products. Her response, "Because of the premium price. I do not see why there is so much controversy between organic and conventional producers. We all need to produce quality, safe food in order to feed the world. There is room for all types of producers." 
• What is your response to this quote?
• Is this how people view organic versus conventional in your local community? Explain.

Clam Harvest in Tunisia's Gulf of Gabes

Harvesting clams is no easy task. It is early mornings and intensive labor. The video linked below tells the story of women harvesting clams in Tunisia's Gulf of Gabes. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the world.

Backs bent, but chins held high

Discussion Points 

• Explain clam harvest in this region. What are challenges that are faced?
• Identify the different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are addressed in this video and why they are important. Click here to view SDGs
• What can be done to expand the successes highlighted in this video and keep moving forward?
• Agriculture is very diverse and different around the globe. Do individuals in agriculture within your home region face the same challenges as those highlighted in the video? How are challenges similar and different in Tunisia's Gulf of Gabes and your home region?

Refugee Farmers Excel in Costa Rica

When times are tough farmers find ways to push forward and thrive. This is the case for a group of farmers from Nicaragua who now find themselves in Costa Rica. Linked below is there story. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe.

Nicaragua Refugee Farmers Carve Out Existence in Costa Rica

Discussion Points

• What has caused these farmers to gather in Costa Rica leaving Nicaragua behind?
• What sticks with you from this article and why?
• It was noted that these farmers would love to return to Nicaragua. Do you feel this is possible? What will it take in order for them to return?
• Often times farmers are known as resilient and hard working. How is that showcased in this story?

Plant Health is Key

Plant health is vital to feed our growing world. This week we share a short video that shares the importance of plant health and steps governments can take to ensure plant health. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations around the globe!

What Governments Can Do to Protect Plant Health

Discussion Points

• Why is plant health so important to our future?
• Six strategies were shared that governments can do to promote plant health. Of the six points shared which do you feel is the most important and why?
• One of the steps mentioned the IPPC. What is this an acronym for and what does this group do?
• Towards the end of the video it states that plant health is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). Which SDG's can plant health help achieve and how? Link to SDG's

Locusts? There's an App for that!

A couple weeks ago we shared a piece on locusts swarming the horn of Africa and threatening major damage. This week we highlight an App that is addressing the problem. We encourage you to read the linked article below and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe.

Farmers to Tackle Locust Swarms Armed with New App

Discussion Points

• Explain how this newly developed App is helping farmers battle locust swarms. 
• Can this same or similar technology be used to benefit other areas of agriculture and the world? Explain your thoughts.
• Apps are an everyday part of many people's lives. If you could create any App that would benefit agriculture share what the App would do, how it would benefit the agricultural world, and why it is needed. 

Farming Kenya Style

Julia Dieckman from Muscatine Community College and myself are exploring opportunities in Kenya. Check out the video below to see what we are up to in Kenya and for the challenge we have for you to discuss in coffee shops, classrooms, and communities around the globe.

Recap of challenge questions from video:

• If you were starting a demonstration farm in Kenya what is the first thing you would do and why?
• Do some research! What are innovative practices and techniques you could share at a demonstration farm in Kenya or a tropical agriculture setting?
• How might a demonstration farm look in your home area? What are the similarities and differences you might find when comparing to a demonstration farm in Kenya?

Coronavirus and Agriculture

The coronavirus news is everywhere from TV to social media. Several food and agriculture organizations are joining in and pledging their commitment to help others with the impact of the cornavirus. Linked below is an article highlighting this work and commitment. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe.

UN Food Agencies Offer Support to China Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Discussion Points

• Why are food and agriculture agencies getting involved with the coronavirus assitance and investigation? What is the agriculture impact?
• There is so much going around about the cornavirus it is hard to decipher fact and fiction. How do we determine reliable sources, regarding the coronavirus, and give some examples of reliable sources to gather credible information. 
• Utilizing the reliable sources, discussed previously, further investigate and discuss with others facts discovered. Consider any further impacts on agriculture. 

Locust Attack

Desert Locusts are swarming parts of Africa. They are causing threats that have not been seen at these magnitudes for years. Below you will find links to a written story and video highlighting the situation. We encourage you to explore both links and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations around the globe.

Article: Alarm Over Desert Locusts Increases

Video: Alarm Over Desert Locusts Increases in Horn of Africa

Discussion Points

• What is the impact that desert locusts are having in Africa currently? What is the outlook?
• What information shared in the article and/or video is most alarming in your opinion and why?
• The last thirty seconds of the video highlights action items. Of the action items shared which do you feel could have the greatest potential impact to combat the locusts and why?
• How might this locust infestation in Africa impact you in your local region?

Fukushima Dairy

When people think about the Fukushima area in Japan they often remember the earthquake and tsunami that caused a nuclear crisis in 2011, but one couple is trying to change that reputation with their Jersey cattle. Linked below is a story about Daisuke and Nana Shimizu's farm. They discus their challenges and successes in the article. Within the article there is a six minute video that showcases their farm and how it operates. We encourage you to read through the article, watch the video, and utilize the discusion points to guide conversations around the globe.

Couple Dreams of Revitalizing Fukushima with Jersey Milk

Discussion Points

• What challenges do the Shimizu's face on their farm and with consumers? What are they doing to overcome these challenges?
• What are the similarties and differences when you compare dairy production at Farm Tsubasa compared to your home region?
• What did you find most interesting from this story? What is your big take away? Explain.

Fighting Desertification

There is a need in different parts of the world to restore drylands and degraded lands. There is a project being orchestrated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that is tackling this challenge. The linked video below explains what is being done and some of the results. We invite you to view the video linked below and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe!

Action Against Desertification

Discussion Points

• Explain desertification.
• What is being done to stop desertification across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific?
• Why is it important to stop desertification? Is it only beneficial at a local level or to all around the globe? Explain your thoughts.
• Even if you are not from Africa, the Caribbean, or the Pacific are their techniques and lessons that you can take from this video in your home area? What are your takeaways?

Soybeans Across Africa

Soybeans are a crop growing around the world with great potential over the continent of Africa. Linked below is a blog post from The Chicago Council on Global Affairs regarding soybean production and maximizing yields across Africa. We encourage you to read the linked post and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe.

Maximizing the Yield Potential of Soybean in Africa

Discussion Points

• How has soybean production across the world and Africa changed in the past 30 years?
• What is "input bundling" and why is it important?
• What pests and challenges face soybean production across Africa? Do you find the same pests/challenges in your home region?
• If you were the leader of an initiative to increase soybean production across Africa what initiatives and plans would you implement? How would you increase yields and production in Africa? What challenges might you face and how would you overcome them?