Reporting on Food Security and Rural Development in South Asia

Application deadline: 26 September | Programme: Rural Poverty and Agriculture

This is an opportunity provided by the Rural Poverty and Agriculture programme: Find out more 

Reporting on Food Security and Rural Development in South Asia –  October 10th-13th Online Workshop 

Food security is a growing global concern. Food prices are at historic highs. But what is being done by policy makers to address these issues and who is making sure that rural poor people and their communities are heard, and their stories told?

The UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is sponsoring this course, which will build expertise and increase knowledge of issues faced by rural communities, help journalists to present new viewpoints and promote discussion on how small-scale agriculture can respond to the growing demand for food and on the essential need to support rural transformation as food insecurity, climate change and economic uncertainty intensify.

We are inviting journalists from South Asia to apply for this workshop, which will cover food security, food production, markets and climate issues and include a skills lab on online verification, social media and digital story telling.

Taking part will give you access to leading IFAD experts as they look at ways to meet the challenges of tackling climate change, food security and production problems set against the backdrop of rising prices and the economic fallout of COVID-19 and global supply problems. You will get a chance to interview them about issues in your country.

This should not be seen as a one-off event. We expect all journalists who attend to pursue stories on these issues in their home countries after the workshop. We will also be offering some selected participants a small grant and assistance from TRF mentors to support the pursuit of those stories.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organisations based in the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ professional experience, have a good level in spoken and written English and should explain through their applications why they will benefit from participation in this course, and how they plan to use the learning in their professional work.

We would also like to see professional evidence of your interest in the field of rural peoples’ issues and development.

Once selected, applicants will also be asked to provide a letter from their editor supporting their participation in the programme, including a commitment to publish the story they will produce should they participate in the mentoring component of the course. This will only be requested by TRF once applicants have been selected for the course.

Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 8 MB/second. (You can check the speed of your device at www.speedtest.net). Applicants will also need access to a computer to participate in the training; participation from a mobile or smart phone will not be possible.

Please note: To ensure a reliable connection, Thomson Reuters Foundation will contribute to participants’ data costs.

Applicants will be asked to upload the following documents as part of the application process:

•    Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
•    A biography of up to 250 words outlining your career.
•    A statement of between 250 and 500 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use what you learn in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application.

Please note there are limited spaces available; TRF will consider all applications on merit.

If you have any difficulties applying, please email trfmedia@thomsonreuters.com