A brand-new week unfolds for Mzansi’s bustling agricultural sector with Food For Mzansi as your guide of choice.
We look forward to session hosted by the United Nations food and agricultural organisation (FAO) who will explore the global framework on water scarcity in agriculture on Tuesday.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) celebrates 75 years of research contribution with it first-ever two-day biennial conference to be hosted online.
Applications for a postgraduate diploma at the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) are open and close on 30 November 2020.
And of course, it is Monday. Mzansi Flavour Digest goes live at 12:00 with your full-course meal needs sorted with our weekly recipe mailer.
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Global framework on water scarcity in agriculture
According to the global framework on water scarcity in agriculture (WASAG) there is a link between water scarcity, land management, biodiversity and vegetation cover that impacts on agriculture and food security on the African continent.
The webinar is the eleventh in a partnered series with the food and agricultural organisation (FAO) land and water division of the United Nation and takes place on 10 November 2020.
FAO and WASAG brings you a digital dialogue that is set explore water scarcity and land restoration. This edition will address measures to reduce overgrazing, land use changes, unsustainable agricultural practices and excessive pressure on water resources.
The webinar will focus on the linkages between proactive land restoration, such as through the Africa’s Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI), and the resulting improved ecosystem goods and services that it provides, putting the lens more on water resources for agriculture.
Also building on the lessons from the GGWI, the webinar will explore the opportunity for a similar Great Green Wall for similar regions of the world which are facing similar challenges.
The digital event is scheduled to start at 16:00 this Tuesday via Zoom link.
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Science and tech on display to assist ailing SA economy
Celebrating its 75-year contribution towards research, development, and innovation in Mzansi, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will host its 7th Biennial conference virtually on 11 and 12 November.
Celebrated under the theme “touching lives through innovation” the digital event will explore several topics including advanced agriculture and food, chemicals, health, next-gen enterprises, smart mobility and institutions.
According to the CSIR, South Africans and their economy have been directly impacted by the national load-shedding that resulted in disrupted electricity supply and rolling blackouts.
Through a series of online talks and interviews the CSIR will reveal its perspective on the likelihood and extent of load shedding over the next three to five years and provide some practical options for mitigation. To be a part of the exploratory webinar series, register here.
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Calling all graduates and starved minds
Applications for postgraduate diploma at the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) are open.
Undergrads and post-graduate students have until 30 November to apply.
The Postgraduate Diploma in PLAAS is a unique programme offered by the institute at the University of the Western Cape and is the only programme in the land and agrarian studies field offered at a South African university.
The PG Diploma is designed for passionate and committed working professionals such as policymakers, planners, managers and fieldworkers. It will benefit those working in government departments, local government bodies, NGOs, private sector companies and consultancies.
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree, with an average of 60% in the final assessment of the exit-modules in relevant courses such as sociology, history, economics, political science, agriculture, public administration, geography and/or environmental studies, together with at least three years’ relevant experience in the areas of poverty, land reform and sustainable natural resources management.
For those applicants without a first degree, recognition of prior learning (RPL) procedures will apply to candidates with extensive work experience of at least ten years in land and agrarian reform, rural development, natural resources management and gender issues. Preference will be given to students with good English writing abilities.
Interested students may apply here or send queries to postgraduates@plaas.org.za by 30 November 2020.
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Looking for food inspiration?
Keep your eyes glued to your screens! The Food For Mzansi “Mzansi Flavour” weekly digest will be in your mailbox at 12:00 with your weekly dose of meal inspiration.
The carefully selected menu guide contains meals from our top chefs and cooks and has got all your meal needs covered to carry you through the week and will only be availed to those who have signed up for it. No spam – we promise!
If you haven’t registered, no worries, sign up here to receive the recipe mail every Monday.
- Do you have an upcoming event that should be on Food For Mzansi’s watchlist? Drop us an email to diary@foodformzansi.co.za and we’ll do our best to include it in this weekday feature.
