1. CTA and
S, T& : I
Engaging ACP
Young
P h Ann Fr ancis
rof essionals
J udit
Senior Pr ogr amme Coor dinat or
S &T Policy, CTA, The
Net her lands

2. CTA and S,T&I - at a Glance
Launched in 2003
Objective – To support the ACP region in their efforts to harness
science, technology and innovation (ST&I) for enhanced agricultural
performance, sustainable rural development and socio-economic
development
Purpose - ACP researchers, academics and civil society mobilized and
empowered and influencing ST&I policy and decision-making processes
and related programme implementation in support of agricultural and rural
development
Approach - Partnerships with key ACP / EU organizations, scientists,
women and young professionals and facilitating their continuous
engagement through face to face expert consultations, training workshops
and greater integration of ICTs
Focus on young professionals (18-35) in 2004

3. CTA and S,T&I - at a Glance
3 Strategic Focal Points
Facilitating the ST&I policy dialogue for ARD –
national, regional, ACP and ACP-EU
Information and communication management –
dedicated ST&I web portal http://knowledge.cta.int/
Capacity building for enhancing participation in
and for informing ST&I policy processes
S&T Youth activities – competitions, regional
workshops, training, publications, networking
support (AYFST & PAEPARD)

4. Why Young Pr of essionals?
Transformational change needed
ACP region is facing a knowledge and skills gap –
ageing researchers, academicians, technocrats etc
Continued underinvestment in science / research -
< 1% GDP invested
Highest ranking ACP university in the world – 336 th
(University of Cape Town). UWI – 784th and UNPG –
9803th
Empowerment a priority & a necessity

5. Why Young Pr of essionals?
Global challenges = Interconnected solutions
New competencies needed - rapid advances in science and
technology e.g. biotechnology, nanotechnology, ICTs
Research needed to monitor changes, develop new
products, improve systems, understand issues, provide
evidence for policy etc e.g. Climate change
Innovation needed in all spheres – policy, product,
processes, finance, markets e.g. Green economic growth
Interconnected thinking, inter-disciplinary
approaches, science–policy-society

6. Innovation – more than S&T
An Interactive process
Creating, using and exploiting ideas, knowledge
(scientific & traditional), technologies & markets
Resources Products, Services, Jobs
Learning
Competition, Failures, Opportunities, Threats

7. Multif aceted - Complex and
dynamic

8. CTA ST& and Young
I
Capacity Building Focus
P essionals
rof
Competitions (essays, scientific/research papers,
videos)
Scientific Writing & Editing
Policy advocacy
Communication
Production of films/videos
Publications
Networking opportunities
Mentorship, self-mobilization
Giving Young prof essionals a Voice –
Raising their prof ile

9. CTA ST& and Young
I
Some Feedback
P essionals
rof
Raised standard of articles – additional publications
Developed skills – inter-personal, networking,
communication, research methods}
Professional growth
Funding opportunities – PhD study, research funds
“I have become a mentor to young scientists and have been able
to source funding to the tune of US $1,500,000”, Ayuk Tambe,
IRAD Cameroon
CTA - Empowering Young prof essionals

10. Some f eedback : Af rica- wide
Science Competitions
Reasons for Participation
Answer Options 1(strongly
disagree)
2 3 4 5(strongly agree) Response Count
To improve the quality 0 6 5 4 21 36
and relevance of your
research
To have your work 2 2 6 13 14 37
published
To increase 1 0 4 6 28 39
recognition of the
potential of your
research activities to
agricultural and rural
development
To have an 1 0 4 15 18 38
opportunity to
influence agricultural
science and research
policy processes
To have an 1 0 7 13 15 36
opportunity to set the
agendas for
agricultural research
and development.
To network 0 1 7 8 21 37
To solicit or advocate 5 3 4 11 20 38
for increased
investment/funding for
research
To travel to another 20 6 3 7 2 34
country for the first
time
To win the prize 6 0 5 8 17 37
Nkobou, 2012. CTA Report

11. Some development Af rica- wide
Professional
Feedback:
Science Competitions
Nkobou, 2012. CTA Report

12. Conclusion
We need new approaches to
address the complex challenges
confronting society & the
agricultural and rural sectors -
Enhance the ST&I policy &
institutional framework
Improve university and S&T
infrastructure
Increase research outputs
Develop human resource base
Share information, knowledge &
experience
Promote best practice & learning
 Encourage enquiry, creativity,
innovation and foresight
Invest in young professionals –
empower them – give them voice