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International studies and many experts are warning of a future that could be characterised by conflicts and crises brought on by water scarcity, the spread of droughts, decreasing biodiversity, soil degradation and loss, and unpredictable climatic fluctuations. Will this lead to a problem of food production?
Venue: University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany
Already today nearly one billion people are starving, and a similar number are overweight. These problems are not confined to
developing countries on the one hand and industrialised countries on the other. Typically food amounting to 20 billion euro is
thrown away in Germany each year. Do we already have a problem of distribution?
How can agricultural practices, trading patterns and development policy influence the situation? How can these potential
conflicts be resolved peacefully and who will be the main actors? How can this continuing division of the world’s population into
the hungry and the overweight be stopped or even turned round?
The next generations will face this possible future characterised by conflict and crisis. We are running out of time for the
creation of a peaceful future. This summer academy has been set up to address and discuss these important issues and, while it is
primarily aimed at students, a warm invitation is extended to all including students, activists, field workers, scientists, advisors
and policy makers. Delegate backgrounds are likely to embrace agriculture, nutrition, climate research, peace studies, conflict
research and overseas development along with combinations of these and other subject areas.
In particular this event will offer students the chance to develop new ideas and to enhance their own scientific work.
Meeting place: University of Kassel, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Witzenhausen
Duration: 2pm Sunday, 7th August to 2pm Thursday, 11th August
Fee (inclusive of full board and costs of field trips):
Single room: 150 Euro
Double room: 100 Euro
Three bed room: 90 Euro
The focus of this summer academy will be on the interlinking of a range of scientific disciplines with a range of different points
of view from various regions around the world. The aim is to create a mixed but homogeneous study group to review and discuss all
the issues mentioned above. This group will be divided for part of the academy into three working groups to discuss the
interrelationships between the topics of agriculture, nutrition and conflict.
At the end of the summer academy an open space discussion will be set up to build on the ideas and interrelationships developed
in the small working groups. This open space event will offer all participants the chance to discuss the issues and network with
There will be a limited number of spaces – therefore please apply early!
People who are interested in participating should send the following documents to Zoe Heuschkel by 31st July 2011:
a letter of application that includes your reasons for applying
a short paper setting out your scientific background (where applicable) – this should include your views on the applicability of science to the discussion topics
a summary of what you could contribute to the academy
a summary of what you expect to gain from the academy
Foreign students and other delegates are strongly invited to send their applications – we are aiming at having 50% foreign
Participants with low income may be able to pay a reduced fee, if the reason for not being able to pay the full price is stated in their application.
The Transatlantic Partnership (TAP) is sponsoring a limited number of places on this course. If you are interested in this
sponsorship please apply to Zoe indicating that you are also applying for sponsorship from TAP and copy your application to
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