Journal of Environmental Research

Turning knowledge into useful actions

4^th Edition of International Conference on Environmental Science & Technology
March 29-31, 2018 Vienna, Austria

Abdelhadi A W

Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain

Keynote: J Environ Res

Abstract

Kofi Anan once said â�?�?knowledge is not lacking, what is lacking as ever, is the will to turn this knowledge into practiceâ�?. Two cases will be discussed one from North Africa and the other from Asia. The common factor is the will to turn knowledge into a motivation power to induce positive changes that could pave the way for innovation and sustainable development. The first case discusses how research results can be turned into innovation and community inspiration among dryland sorghum farmers in the vast central clay plains of Sudan. The initiative was a regional IDRC funded project to help farmers adapt to climate change in east and central Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania). The successful research on micro water harvesting techniques has inspired young scientists to patent a Water Harvesting Inter-row Planter (WaHIP) that can make ridges plant sorghum in the bottom of the ridge in one operation that is carried out perpendicular to slope under heavy clay soils to prevent the scares rainfall water from running off the crop zone. The innovation had directed the attention of the government officials and the farmers. The results were overwhelming success with farmers trying to produce their own prototype of WaHIP, Government producing 4 WaHIP machines and a foreign company involved in mass production. The second case explains how cooperation between the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) through its unique post-graduate programs and community service together with high level initiatives, decision makers and farmers can push constraints hindering agricultural development to its minimum limits. The cooperation between Bahrain National Initiative for Agricultural Development, AGU, the concerned Ministries and the farmers is highlighted to explore win-win situation for sustainable agricultural development. The results obtained so far were encouraging for more actions based on informed decisions supported by the political good will and inspiring leadership.

Biography

Abdelhadi A W has obtained his PhD in Global Science from Kobe University, Japan in 2000 where he spent two years in Postdoctoral studies. He obtained his MSc degree in Agriculture and Biological Science from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1992. He worked for the Agricultural Research Corporation, Gezira Research Station for 22 years and as the Director of Soba Research Station for Saline & Sodic Soils. He worked for the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development before joining the Arabian Gulf University in 2011. He participated in more than 20 international conferences and workshops and published more than 29 papers in refereed prominent journals and is serving as a referee for more than five reputable scientific journals.
Email:abdelhadiama@agu.edu.bh