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October 2020

kenya blockchain

Dr. Jessica Agnew and Dr. Ralph Hall help land project to develop app that improves food security in Kenya

Actors in Kenya’s African Indigenous Vegetables (AIV) value chain may soon benefit from a new smartphone app that helps increase trust and transparency, thanks to a USAID project awarded to CIRED.

From the Executive Director

I’m pleased to share this new edition of CIRED Connect. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, CIRED continues to carry out its mission to seek partnerships and funding in support of Virginia Tech’s global land-grant mission.  

Rick Rudd

New CIRED Workforce Education and Development program expands opportunities to engage international partners

The Center for International Research, Education, and Development recently launched the Workforce Development and Education (WED) program. 

Honduran youth

Community support is most important driver of Honduran youth migration, according to USAID study led by CIRED

Unemployment, poverty, and violence have driven many Honduran youth to the Mexico and U.S. borders in search of a better life.

ipm women

COVID-19 disproportionately affects female farmers in Nepal

Like many nations in the developing world, Nepal’s agricultural sector and systems were at a critical juncture before the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially becoming more profitable, inclusive, and resilient. 

Maria Elisa Christie

Dr. Maria Elisa Christie spearheads efforts to combat racism

Following the recent wave of police brutality against Black Americans, CIRED has redoubled its efforts to fight against racism. 

Dr. Jessica Agnew

CIRED welcomes new Assistant Director for Research, Operations, and Program Management

CIRED is pleased to welcome its newest faculty member, Jessica Agnew, as the assistant director for research, operations, and program management. 

ADDA grads with drones

African Drone and Data Academy graduates first online cohort

Less than one year after graduating its first class, the UNICEF African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) has made history again, graduating the first online cohort. 

IPM

IPM Innovation Lab featured in United Nations publication 

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management has been featured in “Good Practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development,” a publication out of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

WGD conf

Registration now open for 2021 Women and Gender in Development Virtual Conference

The Women and Gender in Development (WGD) team at CIRED is preparing for the second Women and Gender in Development Conference, this time a virtual, online event due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

A periodic newsletter of the Center for International Research, Education, and Development