The Raffaella Foundation aims to foster diversity in urban societies and agricultural ecosystems. To do so, we will support and conduct research and operate platforms that disseminate in multiple languages on information on combatting local and global inequities. The Foundation will identify ways to educate and support rural and urban societies to embrace the use of diverse ideas and practices, diverse production systems, diverse languages, cultures and ethnic groups, diverse gender identities,… Show more The Raffaella Foundation aims to foster diversity in urban societies and agricultural ecosystems. To do so, we will support and conduct research and operate platforms that disseminate in multiple languages on information on combatting local and global inequities. The Foundation will identify ways to educate and support rural and urban societies to embrace the use of diverse ideas and practices, diverse production systems, diverse languages, cultures and ethnic groups, diverse gender identities, and diverse behaviors and norms, to enhance equity, solidarity, and well-being.To achieve this goal, the Foundation will identify and facilitate relevant new and innovative partnerships among platforms, networks and organizations that strengthen societies’ capacity to embrace social and environmental diversity and to address some of the major local and global challenges of urban and rural societies. Show less

DEVRA JARVIS is Principal Scientist at Bioversity International, an inter-national agricultural research center pursuing agricultural biodiversity for sustainable global food and nutrition security. Jarvis is also Adjunct Faculty at Washington State University and Adjunct Professor at the Institut Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II, Morocco. She earned a PhD in Botany, 1993, from the University of Washington and then worked for the UN World Food Program, 1992-96. With Bioversity, Jarvis… Show more DEVRA JARVIS is Principal Scientist at Bioversity International, an inter-national agricultural research center pursuing agricultural biodiversity for sustainable global food and nutrition security. Jarvis is also Adjunct Faculty at Washington State University and Adjunct Professor at the Institut Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II, Morocco. She earned a PhD in Botany, 1993, from the University of Washington and then worked for the UN World Food Program, 1992-96. With Bioversity, Jarvis works with national partners in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia Morocco, Vietnam, China, Nepal, Hungary, Syria, Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the U.S. and the European Union to develop scientific evidence to support the use of local crop genetic diversity to improve the production and resilience of small-holder farmers. The impact of her projects ranges from reduce damage from pests and disease without pesticides for common bean and banana in Uganda and Ecuador, fruit tree nurseries in Central Asia providing over 1.5 million traditional varieties annually to farmers, and participatory bred varieties of rice, sorghum and millet being released through national systems in Nepal and Mali. Show less

Strengthening IAV capabilities in agricultural biodiversity related activities. Strengthening research development and training through collaborative new projects. Promoting IAV’s integration into international scientific networks. Establishing new partnerships with International Institutions, European and US universities. Conduct joint seminars and workshops. Co-advising students at Master and PhD levels. Contributing to enhancing quality standards in engineering, master and doctoral… Show more Strengthening IAV capabilities in agricultural biodiversity related activities. Strengthening research development and training through collaborative new projects. Promoting IAV’s integration into international scientific networks. Establishing new partnerships with International Institutions, European and US universities. Conduct joint seminars and workshops. Co-advising students at Master and PhD levels. Contributing to enhancing quality standards in engineering, master and doctoral studies, scientific publication and professional training. Show less

Developing international training opportunities for students and faculty. Joint preparation of proposals with WSU faculty. Co-advising students at Master and PhD levels. Contributing to scientific publications.

Coordinate food relief/development operations for 350,000 refugees/displaced persons in Uganda, N. Rwanda, and N. Zaire. Work with relevant UN agencies, governments and NGOs. Participate in assessment/evaluation missions to refugee camps/settlements, particularly in technical aspects related to crop assessment, farming systems, fuel-wood availability, species selection, and environmental and economic impact. Prepare project proposals, budgets, technical reports and TORs for international and… Show more Coordinate food relief/development operations for 350,000 refugees/displaced persons in Uganda, N. Rwanda, and N. Zaire. Work with relevant UN agencies, governments and NGOs. Participate in assessment/evaluation missions to refugee camps/settlements, particularly in technical aspects related to crop assessment, farming systems, fuel-wood availability, species selection, and environmental and economic impact. Prepare project proposals, budgets, technical reports and TORs for international and national consultants. Review and contribute information on early warning systems, crop production, and food security in Uganda for government and for global WFP projects. Show less

extension. Supervise the production of integrated assessment reports and ensure that these reports contribute to providing guidance for informed decision making for the Chinese government at national and local levels and for relevant UN agencies. Identify national and international research institutes/staff to carry out environmental/agricultural and socioeconomic assessments of WFP rural development projects in China. Organize Women in Development workshops to produce and disseminate to… Show more extension. Supervise the production of integrated assessment reports and ensure that these reports contribute to providing guidance for informed decision making for the Chinese government at national and local levels and for relevant UN agencies. Identify national and international research institutes/staff to carry out environmental/agricultural and socioeconomic assessments of WFP rural development projects in China. Organize Women in Development workshops to produce and disseminate to government and relevant UN agencies and NGOs guidelines that will ensure increased participation of women in technical training and decision making positions in agricultural development projects. Show less