Dangerous Assumptions is a new podcast from WOTRO, the Science for Global Development division of the Dutch Research Council. In each episode we challenge a deeply held assumption underpinning research projects in the Food and Nutrition Security Sector. Self-evident beliefs which shape policy and themselves seem unshakeable – but are they really?
Insights from 75 research projects carried out in over 25 low and middle income countries show that there is very little that can be taken for granted. One assumption on how to achieve food security for all examined from three perspectives.
In this episode we examine the assumption : “Scientifically proven knowledge has the greatest value for improving food and nutrition security”
Dangerous or not? The assumptions we examine each time are ones guiding research, policy and practice on food and nutrition security.
In tackling this episode’s question we will highlight how different types of knowledge – scientific knowledge or knowledge from local farmers and formal and informal knowledge, for example, - are of value – or, arguably, even indispensable when trying to find the most suitable and effective solutions to the global challenge of achieving FNS for all.
The different types of knowledge are commonly linked to different knowledge holders, e.g. Western and Southern academics and researchers, private sector R&D, policy makers, farmers, indigenous people, women and men, elders and youths.
In conventional (research for) policy development, academic knowledge is privileged over other forms of knowledge. But is this right? And what are the risks of attributing more value to one form of knowledge over the other?
These are the questions we are addressing this time in the podcast. The podcast series is based on information from 75 research projects carried out in 27 low and middle income countries. Projects which reveal the complexity of contemporary development issues.
This time around we hear from research projects in Zambia, Benin and Brazil.
Dangerous Assumptions is funded by WOTRO - the Science for Global Development division of the Dutch Research Council.
18 Nov 2020
Dangerous Assumptions #2 Small Farmers, Big Chains
Inclusion of smallholders in value chains and markets is a must for improving their food and nutrition security, right?
It seems like a fair assumption – but is this actually dangerous?
It's the assumption we examine in this episode.
Dangerous Assumptions is a new podcast series from WOTRO, the Science for Global Development division of the Dutch Research Council.
In each podcast we challenge a deeply held belief underpinning research projects in the Food and Nutrition Security Sector.
Insights from 75 research projects carried out in 27 low and middle income countries which reveal the complexity of contemporary development issues.
In this second episode, we go to Kenya and hear the very different perspectives from a researcher, a policy maker and a businesswoman who all work in the food sector. And even more importantly they have all been involved in one or more of the 75 research projects.
23 Sept 2020
Dangerous Assumptions #1: More Income = More Food and Nutrition Security?
More money means better Food and Nutrition Security for smallholder farmers, right?
It seems like a fair assumption – but is this actually a dangerous assumption?
Dangerous Assumptions is the new new podcast series from WOTRO, the Science for Global Development division of the Dutch Research Council.
In each episode we challenge a deeply held assumption underpinning research projects in the Food and Nutrition Security Sector. Self-evident beliefs which shape policy and themselves seem unshakeable – but are they really?
Insights from 75 research projects carried out in over 25 low and middle income countries show that there is very little that can be taken for granted.
So, first in the firing line is the idea that increasing the income of smallholder farmers and producers will improve the food and nutrition security of their families. It seems like an economic no-brainer. More income means a better life in general and so better food and nutrition security – but research findings are calling this assumption into question.
We go to Ghana and hear the very different perspectives from researchers, a businessman and a policy maker who all work in the food sector.
Theme Music: Podington Bear Massive Attack (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Homage_Fromage/Massive_Attack)
Incidental Music: Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions A Good Day on the African Planes (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCc_EOOKqI3eQauek8MRXGww/music?utm_campaign=upgrade&utm_medium=redirect&utm_source=%2Faudiolibrary%2Fmusic)
21 Sept 2020
Dangerous Assumptions - Trailer
More money means better Food and Nutrition Security for smallholder farmers, right?
It seems like a fair assumption – but is this actually a dangerous assumption?
Coming soon - the new podcast from WOTRO, the Science for Global Development division of the Dutch Research Council.
And yes, the series is called Dangerous assumptions. In each episode we challenge a deeply held assumption underpinning research projects in the Food and Nutrition Security Sector. Self-evident beliefs which shape policy and themselves seem unshakeable – but are they really?
Insights from 75 research projects carried out in over 25 low and middle income countries show that there is very little that can be taken for granted.
One assumption on how to achieve food security for all examined from three perspectives in each episode.
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