FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

An invitation is extended to all interested parties to participate in the third

Ukulinga Howard Davis Memorial Symposium

 Agripreneurship and Developing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains

 DATE: 22-23 May 2018

VENUE: Ukulinga Research Farm, UKZN, Pietermaritzburg

 This year’s theme of ‘Agripreneurship and Developing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains’ is intended to facilitate the exploration of themes relating to entrepreneurship in the agricultural sphere for job creation and the progression from subsistence agriculture to the marketplace. This theme is important for sustainable development in the agricultural value chain and for those whose livelihoods depend upon it.

We welcome participation that will contribute to discussion of sub-themes of activities along the value chain, for example seed systems, sustainable agriculture production, post-harvest handling and storage, value addition and nutrition, and access to markets. Exploration of crosscutting issues of relevance throughout the value chain would be of interest, for example climate-proofing value chains.

We also look forward to sharing good stories about successful agripreneurial enterprises that have transformed lives and communities that will inspire and challenge participants.

Those wanting to participate may do so through displays, posters, presentations, sponsorship or attendance to share in our vision of making UKZN research relevant, topical and dynamic in its response to contemporary social and ecological scenarios. Of particular interest would be the showcasing of relationships between UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science and its community and agribusiness partners, and of research linked to Ukulinga Research Farm.

We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Howard Davis Farm Trust in their endeavour to see communities benefit from knowledge integration between higher education institutions and agricultural stakeholders.

For inclusion in the programme with an oral presentation or poster display, please submit a 300-word abstract or presentation description to cuenod@ukzn.ac.za by no later than 16 February 2018. The organisers welcome technical, academic, practical and social involvement. If you would like to exhibit at the event or be otherwise involved, please provide a description of your planned display/involvement and its relevance to the Symposium theme by 23 February 2018.

Queries: Mrs Christine Cuénod (cuenod@ukzn.ac.za, +27 33 260 6557)