The document provides an outline for a training course on biosciences for farming in Africa. It introduces the 3-year B4FA project, which aims to encourage dialogue on biosciences, farming, and Africa. The project is funded by the John Templeton Foundation and Malaysia Commonwealth Studies Centre. The training course will provide introductions to plant breeding, genetics, biotechnologies and their regulatory aspects. It will include networking, field trips, and lessons in science journalism. Fellows will produce work on the issues and stay engaged with the project after the course. Housekeeping details on the daily format and expenses are also noted.

1. Biosciences for Farming in Africa
Media Fellowship Programme
Round 2
Training Course Outline

2. Welcome
Dr Bernie Jones
B4FA Project Director

3. B4FA – The Project
• 3 years long
• Encourage dialogue and understanding
– Biosciences
– Farming
– Africa

4. Funders
• John Templeton Foundation
– focus on the big questions of human purpose and ultimate reality. The
Foundation takes a particular interest in how major advances in
genetics might serve to empower individuals, leading to spiritually
beneficial social and cultural changes.
• Malaysia Commonwealth Studies Centre
– focuses on affordable education, affordable healthcare, sustainable
development, food security, mitigating climate change, the promotion
of electoral democracy and good governance.

5. Sir John Templeton
1912 – 2008
• As a pioneer in both financial investment and philanthropy,
the late Sir John Templeton spent a lifetime encouraging open-mindedness
• In 1999, Money magazine called him -
"arguably the greatest global stock picker of the century"
• Sir John's passing was marked by Nature:
Templeton was a deeply spiritual, although unorthodox, individual. He lived a life
firmly rooted in the Christian traditions of modesty and charity. Yet he was also a
great admirer of science....which led him to form his foundation in 1987

6. But first…
A welcome from the leader of our project…
Professor Sir Brian Heap FRS

8. Project Rationale
• Philanthropic objectives of our funders
• Global factors
• Population growth, climate change, food security
• National importance of agriculture in Africa
• Opportunity for socioeconomic development
• “Missed” green revolution

9. What green revolution?

10. What’s happening on the
ground?
• Lots of
• Research Initiatives
• Development Projects
• But
• Low/irregular funding
• Little dialogue and public understanding
• Disinformation

11. B4FA
• Insights
• Media Development Fellowships
• Series of studies on agricultural extension
services and innovation farms
• Finding synergies with others

12. Course Expectations
• Introduction to plant breeding, genetics, and agricultural
biotechnologies
• Networking and dialogue with African experts and
practitioners
• Discussion of the regulatory and commercial aspects of
biotech and crop improvement
• Practical sessions and field trips
• Reminder of fundamentals of science journalism
• Opportunities to practice journalistic techniques and skills in
mentored environment

13. Follow-up
• After this training course?
– Fellowship is ongoing!
• Our expectations of you?
– Engage in discussions, networking and other activities
– Write/broadcast more about the issues, and let us know about it

14. Housekeeping
• Format of each day
• PLEASE no mobiles or emails in sessions
• Be on time – we cannot wait
• Attend all sessions
• Expenses settlement on final afternoon
• Prizes awarded at end of course
• Use free time for interviews, discussions etc

15. Introductions
Over to You!
2013 fellows, 2012 alumni, experts, staff