Orskov Foundation to support African students in fight against changes in food security and climate change

The Orskov Foundation

“Through its support to students, the Orskov Foundation is increasing the research capacity in developing countries, better equipping them to address issues which are vital to rural livelihoods”

The Orskov Foundation, created to support students from developing countries to further their education in subjects related to agriculture, land use or the environment, has announced its grant awards for 2019. They include support for four students from Tanzania and Uganda for research on topics related to land management, food security and climate change.

The Foundation was formed in 2004 by members of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, a forerunner of the James Hutton Institute. It carries the name of Professor Egil Robert Orskov OBE, who made huge efforts to educate scientists from low-income regions to better manage their feed resources, increase animal productivity and facilitate poverty alleviation.

Although the Foundation has developed over time, the board of trustees still includes staff from the James Hutton Institute and members of the Orskov family. The chair of the board and Director of Science at the Institute, Professor Deb Roberts said: “Through its support to students, the Orskov Foundation is increasing the research capacity in developing countries, better equipping them to address issues which are vital to rural livelihoods.”

It is great that a further four students this year, all working in the area of sustainable land management, will be added to the long list of students that have benefited from the Foundations' support since it was established in 2004.”

The successful students took part in an annual competition run by the Foundation which required them to demonstrate how their training will help to alleviate poverty or provide sustainable environmental benefits.

Some students are working towards a PhD while others are working towards a Masters qualification. Following the completion of their research, the students are asked to submit evidence of their training (certificate) and a short report on their studies, evaluating the impact of their work. The Foundation is in the process of setting up an alumni network and all four students who received funding this year will be invited to join this growing body.

This year’s awards have been given to:

Ms Sanurah Namatovu(Uganda), who is studying towards a Master of Science Degree. Funds from this award will be used to further her studies in sustainable smallholder poultry production and management.

Ms Cecilia Martin Leweri(Tanzania), who is working towards a PhD in life sciences. Funds will be used to further her studies in sustainable rangeland management, food security and climate change.

Ms Hadijah Nalika(Uganda), who is studying towards a Master of Science Degree. Funds from this award will be used to further her studies in sustainable land management and climate change adaptation in Africa.

Ms Dorah Mbogo(Tanzania), who is studying towards a Master of Education in environmental sciences. Funds will be used by Dorah to study the impacts of climate change and, in particular, adaptation and mitigating strategies which support rural livelihoods.

A short history of the foundation, and details of how you can support it can be found here: http://www.orskovfoundation.org/content/short-history-%C3%B8rskov-foundation

For further information, please email: contact@orskovfoundation.org