Global Collaboration

Global collaboration can often provide great benefits, but unfortunately does not always happen. This week we share a short video from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlighting cooperation between countries to improve rice value chains. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations with others around the globe. 

Republic of Korea South-South Cooperation 

Discussion Points

• The following quote is shared at the beginning of the video: "Sharing of knowledge, experiences, technologies, and resources among countries in the Global South is vital to achieve more sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems."
• Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
• While it mentions the Global South do you believe collaboration is needed or useful for countries not considered part of the Global South? Explain your thoughts.
• Does your home country collaborate and share agriculture information with other countries? 
• Do you think your home country could benefit from greater collaboration and sharing of information? Why or why not? 
• Can you think of examples outside of agriculture when cooperation, collaboration, and sharing of knowledge between countries has improved world conditions? 

Lao PDR Rice and Fish Production

Rice and fish may or may not be common agricultural commodities produced in your home region. Whether rice and fish production are common in your area or not there is a great chance that we all can reflect and learn from farmers in Lao PDR (Lao People's Democratic Republic). We encourage you to explore the linked story below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Tapping into aquatic resources to lift rice production

Discussion Points

• The following quote was shared in the article. "In the past we used to farm in harmony with the environment. But now we have more pests, and we do not know how to cope with them." Do you agree with this statement? Would you respond differently in different parts of the world? What about your home region?
• The linked story mentions that diversification in agricultural production is good for the environment and helps reduce poverty. Why is this the case in Lao PDR? Do you think agriculture in your region could benefit from an increase in diversification? Explain your reasoning.
• The story shares how farmers benefited from sharing information. Do you see those in agriculture in your home area sharing data the way farmers have in Lao PDR? 
• What are your final thoughts regarding this global agriculture story? What are your main take-a-ways?

Rice and Drought in Asia

Currently there is a drought impacting Asia due to the El Nino weather pattern. It is causing havoc for farmers and drying up rivers in Asia. While the drought has impacted rice production there has not been a big change in rice prices. These details are discussed in the article linked below and discussion points have been provided to guide conversations in your classrooms and communities around the world.

Rice Prices Stay Sideways Despite Drought

Discussion Points

• Why is this region that is being affected by drought so important to rice production?
• Why has there not been a big change to rice prices in Asia despite the drought?
• What is the impact of construction of hydroelectric dams in this same area?
• Will this impact growers and/or rice prices in the United States? Explain.
• At what point do you believe rice prices could be impacted in Asia? Explain your reasoning.
• How would a severe drought impact your local agriculture economy?