Beyond Science: Barriers for Global South Researchers in International Agricultural Development – Entomology Today
For scientists from the Global South, conducting international science and development projects involves navigating numerous practical challenges and societal barriers. From travel woes and stalled visas to discrimination, these hurdles impede not only scientific progress but also the broader objectives of international development funded through diverse national and international donor communities.
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Scientists from the Global South Face Barriers in International Agricultural Development
Introduction
In an era of increasing global trade, climate change, and expanding transportation networks, the role of science in international development has never been more critical. The management of invasive species and transboundary pests is a significant challenge, with annual losses estimated to be over $423 billion USD. These pests not only harm biodiversity but also impact agriculture, infrastructure, and health. Addressing this challenge requires robust biosecurity measures and international cooperation to mitigate further economic and ecological impacts.
Scientist’s Background and Perspective
Sulav Paudel, Ph.D., a scientist specializing in entomology and international agriculture, has led projects across South Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. Growing up in Nepal, Paudel developed a deep connection to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. His background in international agriculture and development has empowered him to build collaborative relationships with local stakeholders and address complex challenges effectively.
Barriers Faced by Scientists from the Global South
Despite the support of international donors, professionals from the Global South often encounter distinct barriers that impede their participation in international projects. These barriers include bureaucratic hurdles, restrictive visa policies, and discrimination. These obstacles highlight the importance of not only developing technical solutions but also ensuring equitable participation for those with firsthand knowledge of these regions.
The Visa Dilemma: A Never-Ending Battle
Acquiring visas for international travel is one of the most recurring difficulties faced by scientists from the Global South. Even established scientists like Paudel often find themselves anxiously waiting for last-minute visa approvals, leading to cancelled trips and missed opportunities. Meticulous planning and immense patience are necessary to navigate the visa application process.
The Harassment and Discrimination
Scientists from the Global South often face differential treatment at international borders based on the color of their passport. Paudel has experienced instances of being singled out for extra scrutiny and even asked for bribes. These incidents highlight the persistent suspicion and bias many border control agents have toward scientists from the Global South.
Family Struggles: The Emotional Toll of International Work
Working internationally takes a toll not just on the scientist but also on their family. Detailed coordination is required to ensure the well-being of family members while the scientist is away. The emotional toll on family members, especially children, is often overlooked but significant.
Addressing the Issues: Moving Toward Equity in International Science
To address the systemic barriers faced by scientists from the Global South, international funding agencies should offer visa support and faster processing. Greater awareness and stronger anti-discrimination policies are needed to tackle the differential treatment at borders. Grants and fellowships should include provisions for family support during extended periods abroad. Institutions hosting international conferences should provide guidance and support for scientists facing visa issues. International organizations should foster a sense of equity and recognize the contributions of scientists from the Global South.
About the Author
Sulav Paudel, Ph.D., is a senior scientist in entomology, international agriculture, and resilient agriculture at AgResearch Ltd. in Lincoln, New Zealand. Email: sulav.paudel@agresearch.co.nz.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
- Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
- Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
- Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture. Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard. | Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries. | Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. |
Analysis
1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
2. The specific targets under those SDGs identified based on the article’s content are:
– Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
– Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
– Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
3. The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
– Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
– Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.
– Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.
– Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The article discusses the challenges faced by scientists from the Global South in conducting international science and development projects. These challenges include bureaucratic hurdles, restrictive visa policies, discrimination, and unequal treatment at international borders. These issues are connected to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which aims to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome. The target under this SDG, Target 10.3, specifically addresses eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action. The indicator mentioned in the article, Indicator 10.3.1, measures the proportion of the population reporting discrimination or harassment based on prohibited grounds of discrimination.
The article also highlights the importance of sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices to address the challenges of invasive species and transboundary pests. This is connected to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which aims to ensure food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The target under this SDG, Target 2.4, focuses on implementing sustainable agricultural practices and improving land and soil quality. The indicators mentioned in the article, Indicator 2.4.1 and Indicator 2.4.2, measure the proportion of agricultural area under sustainable agriculture and the average income of small-scale food producers, respectively.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the need for international cooperation and partnerships to address these challenges. This aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which aims to enhance global partnerships for sustainable development. The target under this SDG, Target 17.16, specifically focuses on mobilizing and sharing knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The indicator mentioned in the article, Indicator 17.16.1, measures the number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.
Overall, the article highlights the relevance of SDG 2, SDG 10, and SDG 17 to the issues discussed and provides specific targets and indicators that can be used to measure progress towards addressing these challenges.
Source: entomologytoday.org
