FAO Launches AGORA and AGRIS: Online Courses for Agricultural Research

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has recently launched two online courses, AGORA and AGRIS, aimed at improving access to global online research in agriculture. These courses are part of FAO’s efforts to bridge the knowledge gap between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries by providing affordable access to critical scientific research.

1. AGORA (Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture)

AGORA is one of the five programs that make up Research4Life, an initiative by FAO. It was launched in 2003 in partnership with Cornell University and leading science publishers worldwide. AGORA provides free or low-cost access to peer-reviewed journals and e-books in agriculture and related research domains to more than 3,400 institutions from over 115 eligible countries [1].

The main goal of AGORA is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of agricultural research, education, and training in low- and middle-income countries. By providing access to a vast collection of research resources, AGORA aims to promote innovation and knowledge translation across various sectors [1].

To register with the AGORA program, institutions need to meet eligibility criteria based on the country and type of institution. Individual registration is not available [1].

2. AGRIS (International Information System for the Agricultural Science and Technology)

AGRIS is a global, multilingual bibliographic database that connects users to a wide range of research and technical information on food and agriculture. It offers more than 10 million bibliographic records from over 450 data providers in 150 countries. AGRIS has been serving users since 1974, facilitating access to knowledge in agriculture, science, and technology [2].

The objective of AGRIS is to improve knowledge sharing, visibility, and access to agricultural sciences and technical content. It is a valuable resource for agricultural and research professionals worldwide, with over 400,000 users accessing its resources each month [2].

Benefits of AGORA and AGRIS

• Affordable access: AGORA and AGRIS provide free or low-cost access to a vast collection of peer-reviewed journals, e-books, and research resources in agriculture and related domains.
• Bridging the knowledge gap: These online courses aim to reduce the knowledge gap between high-income and low- and middle-income countries by providing access to critical scientific research.
• Enhancing research quality: AGORA and AGRIS contribute to improving the quality and effectiveness of agricultural research, education, and training in low- and middle-income countries.
• Promoting innovation: With research output booming in various regions, AGORA and AGRIS have the potential to promote research translation and innovation across multiple sectors.

Sources:

1. AGORA (Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture) | AIMS [1]
2. The Institute Techinformi of Georgian Technical University to Host Two-Day AGORA and AGRIS Workshop in 2020 [2]

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Learn more:

1. AGORA (Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture) | AIMS
2. The Institute Techinformi of Georgian Technical University to Host Two-Day AGORA and AGRIS Workshop in 2020
3. FAO and UNITAR E-learning Course on Trade and Food Security | UNITAR

Lessons from the book “The Anxious Generation” By Jonathan Haidt

Introduction:
“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt explores the impact of social media and overprotective parenting on the mental health of children and adolescents. Haidt provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the younger generation and offers potential solutions to address these issues. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key lessons from the book.

Lesson 1: The Great Rewiring of Childhood:
Haidt argues that the combination of smartphones and overprotective parenting has led to a significant rewiring of childhood. This rewiring has resulted in social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction [1]. It is crucial to recognize the harmful effects of excessive screen time and the need to find a balance between technology use and real-world experiences.

Lesson 2: The Impact of Technology (Social Media):

One of the key factors explored in the book is the influence of technology, particularly smartphones, social media, and video games, on the mental well-being of children and teenagers. Haidt discusses how the constant use of these devices can lead to conflicts within families, as parents struggle to enforce limits and rules. The addictive nature of technology and the ease of access to potentially harmful content can exacerbate mental health issues.

The rise of social media has contributed to an epidemic of social and psychological problems among children and adolescents, particularly teenage girls [2]. Haidt highlights the link between social media and depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Understanding the negative consequences of social media can help parents and educators take appropriate measures to protect young individuals’ well-being.

Lesson 3: Loss of Traditional Childhood Experiences–The Decline of Free Play:

Haidt also emphasizes the loss of traditional childhood experiences due to the dominance of technology. Children spending excessive time online may miss out on crucial aspects of development, such as face-to-face interactions, outdoor play, and age-appropriate responsibilities. The shift from play-based childhoods to phone-based childhoods can have detrimental effects on social development and overall well-being.

Another significant change in society is the decline of free play for children. Haidt emphasizes the importance of unstructured, unsupervised playtime for children’s development. Free play allows children to learn social skills, problem-solving, and creativity [2]. Parents and communities should work together to create opportunities for children to engage in free play and limit excessive screen time.

Lesson 4: Solutions and Actions:
Haidt offers several solutions to address the challenges faced by the anxious generation. These include setting limits on smartphone use, cooperating with other parents to create phone-free environments, expanding recess time in schools, and designing playgrounds that encourage self-confidence [2]. Additionally, Haidt suggests changing zoning laws to make stores and businesses more accessible by foot or bike, clarifying that age-appropriate independence is not neglect, and implementing stricter age verification for social media accounts [2].

Lesson 5: Coordinated Efforts:
Haidt emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts among parents, educators, and communities to bring about meaningful change. By working together, we can create a healthier environment for children and adolescents, where they can experience the benefits of free play and develop resilience and independence [2].

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Learn more:

1. Book Review: ‘The Anxious Generation’ by Jonathan Haidt
2. Review: ‘The Anxious Generation,’ by Jonathan Haidt – Salish Current
3. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – Reading Guide: 9780593655030 – PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books