Source: Harald Noedl
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August 3, 2010
Capacities for research and diagnosis in the Bandarban Sadar Hospital in the South of Bangladesh
Limited medical diagnostic capacities in resource-poor
environments are one of the main factors determining
mortality in the poorest countries of the world. The main
goal of this project was to improve the sustainable
diagnostic capacities at a district hospital in one of the
most remote areas of one of the poorest countries of the
world. All objectives as proposed for this project have
been achieved. Routine diagnostic and research
laboratories have been established and the diagnostic
capacity has been expanded not just to improve access to
routine medical care but also to allow for a variety of
studies and training activities.
Download:  Report 258.11 kb
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Source: Michael Engl, Christof Prugger
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August 3, 2010
Evidence-based malaria interventions in a conflict zone in Northern Uganda
Presumptive treatment of malaria is the clinical reality in a wide range of African countries. In regions with high transmission intensity, this approach results in substantial overtreatment and accelerated emergence of antimalarial drug resistance. Since the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), presumptive treatment of malaria is additionally associated with a considerable financial burden for health systems in Africa. The aim of the present project was to achieve a sustainable improvement of malaria diagnosis and treatment in a conflict zone in Northern Uganda. Evidence-based intervention strategies were implemented to attain a substantial reduction of antimalarial drug use in clinical practice and to delay the development of drug resistance.
Download: Report 262.46 kb
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Source: H. P. Rauch
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May 20, 2010
Plants for civil engineering structures: Analyses of selected criteria for sustainable soil protection in Southern Brazil
The structure of the agricultural system of the province of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) is based on family-run farms. Many farmers have problems with eroded river banks which also cause erosion problems of agricultural land. Consequently the farmers are interested in sustainable stabilised river banks to protect their farmland and provide a stable economical foundation. Erosion control of river banks and agricultural land enters public awareness when natural hazards damage infrastructure facilities.
In Brazil the technique of soil bioengineering using living plant material for civil engineering structures could be a helpful implement for civil engineers to take into account not only technical but also ecological, sustainable and socio-economical aspects. However for successful applications special local conditions must be considered. Success is directly linked to the knowledge of technical and biological properties of the plants which are used locally as a construction material for civil engineering structures.
The Federal University of Santa Maria (Brazil) and the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (Austria) have been cooperating in the field of soil bioengineering since 2003.
Download: Report 854.37 kb
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Image: Johannes M. Waldmueller
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May 11, 2010
Inter-Culturality and Research
'It was only recently (in terms of philosophical measuring of time spans) that European academic philosophy discovered its own non-European roots, namely African and ancient oriental thinking, and started to question wholly any universal claim of its notions and approaches. Suddenly, the scope of examination changed and focused on African philosophy, Indian philosophy, Chinese thinking and indigenous approaches in Latin America, while sometimes trivially ignoring all borders between folkloric depiction of myths and traditions and serious research.'
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and
Humanities" the blog article by Johannes M. Waldmueller is now online.
The author was born in Vienna (Austria), holds degrees in Philosophy and International Development from University of Vienna, including exchange periods in Berlin and Lausanne. He is currently enrolled as doctoral student in Philosophy (Univ. of Vienna) and as PhD-candidate at the Institut de Hautes Études Internationales et du Développement / The Graduate Institute (Geneva).
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Source: A. Mentler
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April 15, 2010
Food security in local markets of Kathmandu valley - Validation and quality control of methods for pesticide analysis - Nepal
The fresh fruits and vegetables which are supplied in Kathmandu have their origin from Kathmandu valley, districts of Terai and also from neighbouring countries like India, Bhutan and China (Tibet). There is excessive use of agrochemical particularly pesticides, which leaves residues in the food products and leads to the contamination of soil, water and environment and to the public health with the long-term toxic effects. Availability of quality and safe food directly improve the health of public and help in eradicating the poverty.
Download: Report 1.98 mb
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Source: H. Vacik
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April 15, 2010
Identification of criteria and indicators for a sustainable management of community forests - a research project based on community forestry in Nepal
Using Criteria and Indicator sets has become a very common way to assess or evaluate aspects of Sustainable Forest Management. Various sets of criteria and indicators (C&I) for the sustainable management of tropical forests have been developed by scientists and organizations all over the world. Community Forestry (CF) in Nepal has already passed its infant stage of development and now has entered in to its young stage of development. However, several problems relating to its sustainability has been realized. Although, CF program has been able to restore the degraded landscape of Middle Mountain of Nepal since handing over of the forests to local communities, despite having the most innovative policies to promote community-based resource management program is unable to provide a significant contribution to the livelihood of poor and marginalized people and equitable use of forests products such as fuel wood, fodder, timber and other non-timber forest products within the community has not been clearly demonstrated.
Download: Report 1.27 mb
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Photo: U. Cokl
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April 01, 2010
The Education System in Bhutan & Austro-Bhutanese Development and Research Co-operation
by Ugyen and Ulrike Cokl
Excerpt:
"The Bhutanese education system – understood as a means for the passing on of values – is based on the unique notion of Gross National Happiness (GNH) which assumes that for
the wellbeing of a people, it is essential to include their spiritual and cultural needs in the process of development."
Ordering: For a free hardcopy please send an e-mail to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
. (In print!)
Download: Fact Sheet Series
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Image: Miriam Ebner
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March 02, 2010
About Cultural Clash or Tangible Culture
'However, the sheer “reality” finally hit me just few weeks ago, and since then I am not longer able writing a sentence without putting everything into question marks.'
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and
Humanities" the blog article by Miriam Ebner is now online.
Miriam Ebner was born in Linz, Austria. Currently, she is working on her Master thesis in the field of development studies in Uganda.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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March 02, 2010
Promoting biodiversity conservation in Cambodia - Cambiodiversity
The project Cambiodiversity is intended, on the one hand, to analyse the current pre-eminent position of rice in Cambodian agricultural system and to assess, on the other hand, the probability and conditions for a further diversification.
Download: Report 1.01 mb
Download: Summary Report on Recommendations 91.88 kb
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Wilhelminenstrasse 11,
1160 Vienna
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February 10, 2010
KEF office has moved
Our new office premises are located in the former building of the first Austrian cogwheel factory. In the loft-like upper floor we share the space with Elke Stinnig - an OeAD colleague who is in charge of the new appear programme. (Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education & Research for Development)
New office, new team member: We cordially welcome Silke Hofer in our team!
KEF team:
Andreas Obrecht, head of the team
Maiada Gassan Hadaia, project assistant (Project: Researchers on the Move)
Silke Hofer, team assistant
Matthias Schlögl, freelancer (organisation of events, website)
Matthias Weissgram, information and knowledge management
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December 28, 2009
The annual report 2008 for download.
Since 1989 the Commission has been publishing annual reports. In concise form they summarise the most important positions, budgetary development,
as well as events and activities (commission meetings, conferences) within the reference period and describe the contents and objectives of KEF projects.
Details: Download here 360.52 kb German only
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November 4,2009
Large survey among Austrian parliamentarians
In August 2009 the team of the KEF (Commission for Development Studies) conducted an online survey on
development co-operation among Austrian parliamentarians on the occasion of the presentation of the
evaluation of the Austrian development co-operation carried out every four years by the Development
Assistance Commitee (DAC) of the OECD. The DAC report was not positive; in particular the
project-specific funds have decreased distinctly in the last few years although the Austrian government
had indicated an increase of the development co-operation expenditure. For the KEF it was thus
interesting to sound out the parliamentarians’ positions on development co-operation. 37 parliamentarians
used the opportunity to give their opinions on the topic of development co-operation anonymously.
We apologise but the results of the survey and the comments of the parliamentarians are only available in German!
Details: Summary of the survey and comments of the parliamentarians
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Image: KEF
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October 30,2009
Eliminating Cultural Obstacles - Interculturalism in Education Part 2
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities" the second part of the blog by Stella Omoregie is now online.
She writes about cultural awareness, differences and education.
"If we take a look at what culture is and how it influences our everyday activities, we will see that culture touches many, if not almost all facets of our lives."
Stella Omoregie was born in Nigeria and is living in Austria since 2004. She teaches English and French in private coaching.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogwebseite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Image: KEF
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September 22, 2009
Eliminating Cultural Obstacles - Interculturalism in Education Part 1
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and
Humanities" the first part of the blog by Stella Omoregie is now online.
Stella Omoregie was born in Nigeria and is living in Austria since 2004. She teaches English and French in private coaching.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Photo: Tirhas T. Habtu
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August 17, 2009
Globalization, Inter-Culturalism and Research in Austria Part 2
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and
Humanities" the second part of the blog by Tirhas T. Habtu is now online.
She reflects on globalization, inter-culturalism and research in Austria.
The author is an Eritrean PhD student in African Studies at the University of Vienna.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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August 12, 2009
Intercultural Dimensions in Sciences and Humanities
Four radio broadcasts including interviews, reports and public opinion surveys will constitute yet another aspect
of this KEF-project.
A cut of the broadcast is now available: listen to the stream or download the cut as mp3-file.
Topic: Interculturality and Research in Palestine
We hear that the world has become a global village, but still, meaningful communication and exchange between individuals and cultures have not beeen given.
In adressing the conflict priorities science appears to play a secondary role at best - is this really the case?
What about Palestine, a region in political crises? How meaningful is science to the people there?
Mohammad, a PhD candidate and lecturer at the Birzeit Universitiy in Ramallah, is going to answer some questions.
Mohammad Abualrob is 24 years old and a lecturer of media at Birzeit University. He received the award of the Palestinian American Research Center-PARC- last year for his work in media research about "the role of Aljazeera in shaping Qatar international relations".
Recently he started to prepare for the PhD in Media at the University of Vienna about: "Preaching Islamic Televisions and the computation towards public opinion”.
The broadcast was moderated by Maiada Gassan Hadaia (KEF).
Date: July 30, 2009, 1pm-2pm
Station: Radio Orange, 94.0 (Vienna-area)
Download, Webstream: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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July 23, 2009
Prof. Dr. Andreas Obrecht
Prof. Obrecht is the new KEF-coordinator since the beginning of July.
In his new role he likes to address a few words to you:
Dear KEF-partners and colleagues,
It is since the beginning of the month that I have received the honour to coordinate the “Commission for Development Studies” and to build up a new focus area for “Development Co-operation” within the organizational structure of the OeAD Ges.m.b.H. Due to the fact that KEF has left the Austrian Academy of Sciences and become part of the OeAD by January this year, internal restructuring and reorientation processes have become necessary. Prof. Gerhard Glatzel, former chairman of the commission, and my predecessor Birgit Habermann have done an excellent job together with the entire KEF-team – Beatrix Summerer, Maiada Gassan Hadaia, Matthias Weissgram – to strengthen the awareness for the importance of development studies in national and transnational scientific contexts and to empower academic research for development. Thanks to all of them, and in particular thanks to the members of the commission, whose engagement and interest have guaranteed relevant research and open scientific discussions at a high academic level. The work of all the people involved in the past - and hopefully in the future – has provided an excellent basis for further research activities.
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself briefly. I studied at the University of Vienna to become a sociologist and a social and cultural anthropologist. After nine years as an assistant professor at the University of Vienna I worked for many years as an independent researcher and consultant for various national and international organizations and agencies – mainly in the field of Development Co-operation and Development Research. After my Habilitation in Sociology – with special focus on Development Research – I have been in charge of the “Interdisciplinary Research Institute for Development Co-operation” (IEZ) of the Johannes Kepler University in Linz/Upper Austria, where we were able to realize quite a number of interesting research programmes in collaboration with international partners in the areas of development studies, appropriate technologies, socio-cultural transformation processes and cultural globalisation. Starting my own research activities by the end of the 1980s in Melanesia (Papua New Guinea), I continued during the 1990s by working in African countries, especially in the sub-Saharan zone (Tanzania, Senegal, Republic of South Africa, Namibia) and from the year 2000 on, in South-Asian and South-East-Asian regions (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Lao, Bhutan). The interconnection between the theoretical foundation, which is obligatory for any responsible research, and reliable qualitative and quantitative surveys based on relevant and “grass-root” related problems and questions, has always been a special challenge for me - no matter in which organizational or institutional context the research is embedded. Another matter of concern for me is the visibility of the research – not only for the scientific community but also for the broader public. Making development research activities and the connected development political issues accessible to a broad general public can be seen as precondition for higher awareness and also for the increase of the national political importance of the issue. In recent years I have produced more than 20 hours of radio programs based on sociological and ethnographic material from various regions of the world.
I am looking forward to the cooperation with our colleagues, partners and friends within the KEF-network. Due to the tense economic situation that affects most parts of the academic sectors, the KEF-budget has decreased and for the rest of the year only a few further research activities can be funded. Nevertheless, we are optimistic for the future and we are confident that we will strengthen the institutional basis for development research together with our partners within Austria and abroad.
Andreas Obrecht
KEF-Team: http://www.kef-online.at/en/wer-wir-sind/kef-team.html
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Photo: Tirhas T. Habtu
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July 9, 2009
Globalization, Inter-Culturalism and Research in Austria Part 1
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and
Humanities" the first part of the blog by Tirhas T. Habtu is now online.
She reflects on globalization, inter-culturalism and research in Austria.
The author is an Eritrean PhD student in African Studies at the University of Vienna.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Image: Radiofabrik
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June 16, 2009
Intercultural Dimensions in Sciences and Humanities
Four radio broadcasts including interviews, reports and public opinion surveys constitute yet another aspect of this KEF-project. Tune in and listen to the third broadcast via web stream or download the file from the blogsite of the project.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Photo: Fida Shafi
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April 30, 2009
Researchers on the move… Part 2
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities" the second part of the blog by Fida Shafi is now online.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Image: M. Weissgram
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April 20, 2009
Intercultural Dimensions in Sciences and Humanities
Four radio broadcasts including interviews, reports and public opinion surveys will constitute yet another aspect of this KEF-project. Tune in and listen to the second broadcast on April 23, 2009 - live over your radio or via web-stream.
The broadcast will be moderated by Maiada Gassan Hadaia (KEF).
Date: April 23, 2009, 1pm-2pm
Station: Radio Orange, 94.0 (Vienna-area)
Live-Webstream: http://o94.at/live/
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Photo: Fida Shafi
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April 9, 2009
Researchers on the move… Part 1
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities" the first part of the blog by Fida Shafi is now online.
She writes about here time in occupied Palestine, how she came to Austria and about personal experiences.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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March 31, 2009
Agro-biodiversity for a sustainable development in Cambodia
Dr. Chuong Sophal
,
Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia)
Date: April 15, 2009, 5:30 pm
Venue: SR 09, Schwackhöfer Haus, Peter Jordan Straße 82, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna
Panelists:
Dr. Chuong Sophal, Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia
Prof. Dr. Rainer Haas, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences
Prof. Dr. Ralph Gretzmacher, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences,University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences
Dr. Angela Meyer,Board Director, Organisation for International Dialogue and Conflict Management
Moderation:
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Glatzel, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences,University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna
Registration:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Organised in cooperation with IDC - Organisation for International Dialogue and Conflict Management.
Folder, high quality 1.4 mb
Folder, low quality 411.94 kb
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Photo: M. Weissgram
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March 25, 2009
Online: reports and videos on the workshop from March 3, 2009
On March 3, 2009, the first workshop on the KEF-project “Researchers on the Move. Intercultural Dimensions in Sciences and Humanities” took place in Vienna.
The keynote speeches by Alicia Cabezudo and Helen Naquimbugwe inspired approx. 40 participants to discuss in "World Café"-rounds.
Speeches, pictures, videos and reports are available for download and reading on the following website.
Website: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Photos: FH Kufstein
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19.02.2009
Conference: Internationalisation and development policy dimensions at Austrian Higher Education Institutions
Discussions, lectures and workshops with international participants
As co-organizer we would like to draw your attention to the conference "Internationalisation and development policy dimensions at Austrian Higher Education Institutions".
Discussions, lectures and workshops with international participation will extend the (Austrian) discussion about internationalisation to the field of development cooperation
and strenghten relations between the scientific community and stakeholders in development cooperation by focusing on the perspective of partner countries.
The conference addresses stakeholders and interested persons with academic background, from service organizations, public or private development related organizations as well as guest lecturers and scientists, scholarship holders and interested students.
Venue: University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), 1180 Vienna, Austria
Date: April 16 - 17, 2009
Folder: Download 228.02 kb
Details and registration: http://www.oead.at
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Image: Photocase, User: Uarewhatulove
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February 18, 2009
Workshop
The Commission for Development Studies is pleased to invite you to the workshop "Researchers on the Move. Intercultural Dimensions in Sciences and Humanities".
More and more we hear that the world has become a global village, and yet, intense and meaningful communication and exchange between individuals and cultures is still not self-evident.
For students, scholarship holders and researchers traveling and working internationally has become the norm rather than the exception. However, what position do science and research take in this?
It is the aim of this workshop to enable the participants to discuss and elaborate on better methods for understanding scientific cooperation in an intercultural context.
To provide the background for these discussions, two invited guests from Argentina and Uganda will talk about their very personal experiences und observations:
Helen Nakimbugwe, Uganda: Agriculturalist, focus on animal science/breeding, studies (Diplomstudium) and PhD at the Vienna University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences - BOKU (2005)
Alicia Cabezudo, Argentina: Social Scientist, focus on education for peace and global learning, PhD at the University of Buenos Aires (1991)
Goals:
- Develop a clearer picture on synergistic effects regarding intercultural communication
- Demonstrating the potential of interculturality in sciences and humanities
- Building networks between different actors attending the workshop
Topics:
- What is the added value of intercultural research teams?
- What is the potential of academically trained persons with migration background in Austria?
Target group:
Individuals from different countries with academic background, university staff, students, scholarship holders, entrepreneurs and private business representatives, journalists and people with a general interest in the topic.
Venue: 1160 Vienna, Neulerchenfelderstrasse 83
Time: March 3, 2009, 11am - 5pm
Further Information:
Participation: free
Language: English
Registration: e-mail to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Deadline: February 27, 2009 (participation limited to 30 people)
The team of the Commission for Development studies and the partner organisations Südwind Agency, Paulo Freire Center and Researchers without Borders are looking forward to your participation.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Image: L. Olang
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February 16, 2009
Research and Inter-culture: An experience - Part 2
Within the KEF-project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities" the second part of the blog by Luke Olang is now online.
He writes about some challenges for foreign research scholars, academic supervision and personal experiences.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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Image: M. Weissgram
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25.01.2009
Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities
Four radio broadcasts including interviews, reports and public opinion surveys will constitute yet another aspect of this KEF-project. Tune in and listen to the first broadcast on January 29, 2009 - live over your radio or via web-stream.
The broadcast will be moderated by Maiada Gassan Hadaia (KEF).
Date: January 29, 2009, 1pm-2pm
Station: Radio Orange, 94.0 (Vienna-area)
Live-Webstream: http://o94.at/live/
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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January 14, 2009
Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities
The second blogger started and published the first part of his article within the project "Researchers on the Move - Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities".
Luke Olang talks about research, interculturality and personal experiences.
You are invited to participate by posting comments and joining the discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
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January 12, 2009
Improving Healthcare through Teledermatology in Uganda
Apurimac is a region in the South of Peru, and it is one of the poorest regions of the country.
The majority of its 485.000 inhabitants depend on small-scale farming. Therefore landrights
are a crucial issue for the people of Apurimac. Jean-Jacques Decoster and his colleagues in
Peru have been working on the documentation of indigenous landrights in Apurimac for more
than 10 years. A project supported by the Commission for Development Studies at the Austrian
Academy of Sciences (KEF) enabled the project team to conclude this project with a series of
workshops and the publication of the documentation in two volumes.
Discussion moderated by Prof. Gerhard Drekonja (University of Vienna).
Panelists: Prof. Rene Kuppe, Dr. Ulrike Bechthold, Dr. Jean-Jacques Decoster
Summary, low quality 173.54 kb
Summary, high qualityg 1.33 mb
KEF R4D-Roundtables
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November 17, 2008
The (missing) social protection for older people in Tanzania. A comparative study in rural and urban areas.
Tanzania will be affected by a dramatic demographic change in the next decades. It is estimated that the absolute numbers of older persons aged 60
and above will increase from 1.95 millions in 2005 to 7.16 millions in 2050. Social and economic disintegration processes like urbanisation and rural-urban migration coupled with
the breakdown of traditional family support networks tend to exclude a high number of older people from social participation and expose them to highly vulnerable living conditions.
This mid-term report provides a summary of the activities of a joint
research on the (missing) social protection for older people in
Tanzania. The SOC-PRO AGED project received an approval for
funding by KEF in April 2008.
Details: Download here 32.77 kb
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Image: Paulo Freire Zentrum
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November 19, 2008
Growth, Environment and Development
This event tried to bridge different epistemological communities of environment and development, with a focus on NGOs. The Austrian Development Conference is a triennial event organised
by the Paulo Freire Centre, Vienna, and is supported by the Austrian development-political NGOs and the scientific community in development studies.
What made this event particularly intriguing was the attempt to bridge the gap between actors in environment and development. Climate change and the role of agriculture, especially in
East Africa, were at the centre stage of the debate. Becky Malay (Phillipines) and Fred Kabuye (Uganda) reported from their respective regions about challenges and success stories, especially in organic farming.
Whilst H. Leuenberger (UNIDO) asked for more efficiency in energy consumption, Prof. H. Kromb-Kolb emphasised the fact that in limited systems there is no more scope for unlimited growth. She argues for a change
in life style and for each one of us to think about the way materialism has made us unhappy in spite of the fact that we appear to be so rich in material goods.
Ch. Bals made an interesting presentation about the historical development of the growth paradigm, and how the Western societies built their success in industrial development on the use of fossil fuels.
It is very ironic that in spite of our long knowledge about the detrimental effect of our life style we continue to emit more and more CO2 per GDP rather than reducing it. We have entered a detrimental
path dependency that makes it even harder for us to go back to a more sustainable life style - the fact that there are no more public telephones makes us fully dependent on mobile phones for example.
Fred Kabuye emphasises that in the East African States agriculture is still more subsistence than commercially oriented. However, the yields are declining, malnutrition among children is prevalent and
the population lacks purchasing power.
Sustainable agriculture has progressed from the mid 90ies. Fred calls it the ability of farmers to produce food without causing irreversible damage to ecosystem health. However it has a stronger focus on
micro than macro farming systems and organic farming in particular. High tech agriculture: is developing, but there are still many unresolved IPR issues. East African agriculture is also at the cross-road
between GM or not GM application, at a crossroad between high tech or small systems that are more subsistence oriented farming. He asks if Africa is losing out on the biotech era? Or is it providing an
opportunity for the future with a larger gene pool and maintained biodiversity?
The conference discussed many of these issues, and some of the discussants very much emphasised the questions of which way to go, who decides, and for whom? Michael Hauser says it clearly: There will
be no other possibility other than investing into agriculture and rural development. You have to meet people where they stand. However, many decisions are made on business class flights or
Sheraton hotels, so he says, and the decision makers have not been to villages in a long time. Food security however is an issue of empowerment and self-determination.
This may mean intensification of agriculture, in order to be able to feed a growing urban agriculture. We may not like everything the future will bring, however it is not our place to decide.
Agri-culture has to do with people and culture. Sovereignty and empowerment are required for better future for African agriculture. Farmers have to be able to decide what they want to grow,
and consumers have to be able to decide what THEY want to eat. Not everyone agreed with Michael (I do, incidentally!), however an interesting though surprisingly tame discussion followed
this intervention.
More lively discussions took place in the focus groups and working groups. The summary of the focus groups will be presented in another article.
Birgit Habermann, Vienna, November 18, 2008
...read more >>> Part 2
Website: http://www.entwicklungstagung.at
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November 17, 2008
Popular Education today - Reflecting on and articulating of the Brazilian Experience in fostering solidarity economy and political participation
Political participation and solidary economics are social innovations from Brazil, which constitute an efficient approach to the fight against poverty.
These innovations require a better embedding into pedagogical reflexion and interdisciplinary research.
Details: Download here 251.92 kb
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November 14, 2008
Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities
KEF has embarked upon a new project in collaboration with NGOs as a follow-up to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008.
“Researchers on the Move. Intercultural Dimensions in Science and Humanities” is a project which facilitates critical discourse about interculturality in science and at the same
time creates an opportunity for researchers from different backgrounds and nationalities to meet and exchange their views. The project began in October 2008 with an online forum
in which scientists from so called developing countries and internationally active researchers from Austria have been invited to contribute articles and to create a personal blog. Radio
programs with interviews, reports and public opinion surveys will constitute yet another aspect of this work. Finally, two workshops in Vienna and in Salzburg will further
develop and address issues related to intercultural dimensions in science.
The first blog-article is online and you are invited to participate by posting comments and starting a discussion.
Blogsite: http://www.researchers-on-the-move.net
Folder: Download here 818.27 kb
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October 16, 2008
Invitation: Dialogue of Austrian Stakeholders on Development Research
In March 2008 a couple of Autrian stakeholders joined together in order to improve networking and communication.
Members of the group are:
Global Studies an der Universität Graz, Paulo Freire Zentrum, Mattersburger Kreis für Entwicklungspolitik an den Österr. Universitäten, Kommission f. Entwicklungsfragen bei der Österr. Akademie d. Wissenschaften,
Research for Development Forum – DEV-FORUM, Projekt Internationale Entwicklung – Universität Wien, Österreichische Forschungsstiftung für Internationale Entwicklung – ÖFSE, Studium Internationale Entwicklung an der Universität Wien
On November 14, 2008, a meeting will take place in Innsbruck. The work of the group will be presented and future possibilities of dialogue will be discussed.
If you would like to contribute your ideas, you are invited to join!
Date:November 14, 2008
Venue:Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, Dekanatssitzungssaal der Theologischen Fakultät (Rokoko-Saal), Karl-Rahner-Platz 1 / 1st floor, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Details: Invitation 128.87 kb
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October 13, 2008
Assessment of soil bioengineering and conventional methods used in road side slope stabilisation work in Nepal
In a mountainous developing country such as Nepal, the deforestation of steep slopes for the expansion of agrarian cultivation areas, extensive clear cutting
for wood production, as well as roads, railways, artificial dams and mining activities on a large scale, are the most important anthropogeneous causes for soil
erosion and landslides. With regard to sustainable technical, ecological and socio-economic strategies, the solution to these problems requires a
multidisciplinary approach. For the development of infrastructure projects, various factors have to be considered and implemented by engineers and
authorities in the planning and execution.
Details: Download here 2.08 mb
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October 6, 2008
The annual report 2007 for download.
Since 1989 the Commission has been publishing annual reports. In concise form they summarise the most important positions, budgetary development,
as well as events and activities (commission meetings, conferences) within the reference period and describe the contents and objectives of KEF projects.
Details: Download here 748 kb
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Image: M. Weissgram
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Update: October 28, 2008
September 11, 2008
Global Research Cooperation and Partnership: Pathways for the Future
Please see below for workshop-presentations, resources and links!
Venue: BMWF Kommunikationsräume, Palais Harrach
Freyung 3, 1010 Vienna
Date: October 8, 2008
Details: Folder 188 kb
Workshop Presentations:
This list will be updated within the next days!
Rychen, D. S. (2008) Research and science for development
Download here! 708.02 kb
Schenker, E. (2008) Science in developing countries? How to do best?
Download here! 69.14 kb
Molenaar, H. (2008) Global Research Cooperation and Partnership: Pathways for the Future
Download here! 21.42 kb
Resources:
Habermann, B. (ed) (2006) Proceedings of the KEF-MDG+5-Workshop, Nov. 29, 2005: A Critical Look at the Role of Research in Achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Downloadlink: http://www.kef-online.at/en/download/event-summaries.html
Habermann, B. and Langthaler, M. (2008) Missing the way? Taking a critical look at the multiple roles, functions and aims of development research in Austria. Working Paper.
Downloadlink: http://www.kef-online.at/en/download/diverse-publikationen.html
Maselli D, Lys J-A, Schmid J. 2006: Improving Impacts of Research Partnerships. Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries, KFPE.
GEOGRAPHICA BERNENSIA, Berne, 96 pp.
Downloadlink: http://www.kfpe.ch/key_activities/impact_study/index.php
Stamm, Andreas (2008): Development studies - development research: Germany's position in international perspective.
Downloadlink: http://www.die-gdi.de
Links:
German Development Institute (DIE)
WOTRO Science for Global Development, The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
Swiss National Science Foundation - International Co-operation (SNF)
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC
DFID Research Strategy 2008, UK
Department for Research Cooperation (SAREC), SIDA, Sweden
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September 17, 2008
Interview with FWF-President Kratky
Univ. Prof. Dr. Kratky studied chemistry at the University of Graz.
In 1995, after years of working abroad, he became Professor for physical chemistry at the University of Graz. Since 2005 he is President of the FWF.
Details: Link to interview.
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September 11, 2008
Project 146: Evidence-based malaria interventions in a conflict zone in Northern Uganda
The St. Mary´s Hospital Lacor lies in the North of Uganda, about 4 km away from Gulu, close to the Sudanese-Ugandan border. During the riots over the past
decades, it has been the only functioning and continuously accessible structure within the region. Attached to the hospital there are health stations in two
refugee camps with 60,000 people each (Opit, Pado). On the basis of local experiences, it can be said that malaria is one of the main causes for diseases,
especially for children, and that there are reasons to believe that the blood parasite Plasmodium falciparum has already developed a resistance against the
currently practiced combination of therapies.
Download: interim report, German only 44.21 kb
Project 154: Capacities for research and diagnosis in the Bandarban Sadar Hospital in the South of Bangladesh
Due to its deep poverty, Bangladesh is one of those countries suffering most from malaria and contagious diseases. Despite recent success in malaria control,
there was a clear increase in the number of cases of malaria in Bangladesh over the past years. Especially the spread of resistances towards medication and
the consequent increase in the failure of therapies as well as actual deaths have become a growing problem. In order to counteract these developments,
Bangladesh is in urgent need of new, cost-efficient intervention strategies, based on current research results from the fields of resistances and epidemology.
Download: interim report, English 366.26 kb
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August 21, 2008
Post your own comments on our website!
Maybe you already noticed it in the categories KEF News and R4D News? For a few weeks now, the commentary system was on test run. Henceforth you have the possibility to
add your own comments to most of our articles. In case no comments have been posted to an article, it will say underneath “No comments”. If comments have been already posted,
then these will be visible below the article:
Example
To post your own comment please fill in the input form:
Email (will not be published): your e-mail address will not be publicly displayed.
Name: the name you enter here will be displayed above your comment after posting.
Title: please enter a subject to your comment – similar to the subject line of an e-mail.
Comment: the most important field – please post your comment here.
Anti-spam protection: to avoid automated spam entries we have implemented a query field: a combination of symbols which have to be entered into
the field underneath. Shouldn’t you be able to read one of the symbols clearly please click on the symbol with the two arrows. Thereby a new combination
will be generated.
Post >: please click on this word on the lower right hand corner of the form in order to post your comment.
Please note: the comments will not be displayed immediately. We are responsible for the content of the website – including your comments.
For that reason all comments will be activated after they have been checked by us.
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August 19, 2008
Agrofuels between Sustainability and Development
This Fact Sheet is now available in English!
Download: English Low Resolution 371.08 kb
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June 3, 2008
R4D Roundtable: Malaria in a conflict zone in Northern Uganda
Details: Roundtable 2008-5-8
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May 29, 2008
Workshop-Review: May 12th to Mai 24th
Details: Boku Top-Story
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Review on a workshop concerning the ÖAW-KEF project ”Food Security in Kathmandu Valley/ Nepal – Validation and Quality Control of Methods for pesticide Analysis”
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Unfortunately there is no english version available yet.
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Unfortunately there is no english version available yet.
KIÖS - KEF Veranstaltung: Vom Waldessen und Waldbrennen´
Fotos, Berichte, Pressemeldungen
http://www.oeaw.ac.at/kioes/veranstaltungen.htm
Entwicklungsforschung. Sichtweisen und Perspektiven Vortagung zu Symposium in Mattersburg
Fotos, Zusammenfassung
http://entwicklungsforschung.at/
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Press Release
