When it comes to research in the field of international development, Canada takes the top spot. Their contributions of foreign aid to international development research go towards finding solutions to hunger, addressing climate change, augmenting the food supply, alleviating poverty, and increasing health and well-being in developing countries. The 2012 World Food Prize Laureate, Dr. Daniel Hillel, attributes the decades of Canadian support to his ability to develop drip irrigation. This breakthrough innovation allows food production in the world’s driest climates.
Many Canadian organizations contribute to the nation’s state in research and development. The International Development Research Centre is a leader in partnering for research and Canada seeks to collaborate with other governments and aid organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Over the last year, over $100 million additional research dollars from partner organizations went towards life-saving projects.
The best part is that Canada and the world are seeing the results.
Advancements made in women’s health have led to a dramatic change in the survival rates of mothers over the last decade. More recently, a program was launched in Nigeria to address the tragedy of women dying in childbirth. In 2012, close to 40,000 women died giving birth. A program funded by the Canadian International Development Agency in partnership with the government of Nigeria has already shown very promising results and a reduction in deaths.
Foreign aid is changing. No longer are countries content with handouts that increase dependency, but are seeking projects that increase self-reliance. Canada is seeking to ensure their research dollars go to fund innovative projects such as the African Institutes for Mathematical Sciences Next Einstein Initiative. This clever program trains young African graduates to use mathematical thinking when addressing complex challenges. Over $20 million in support has been committed to expand the initiative.
Another focus of Canadian research is food security. It is projected that by 2030 food supply will have to double to reach current demands. Projects are set in motion to figure out ways to make sure land is usable, people have food, and farmers can make a living, In the Middle East, a project is working on using water from household sinks and baths to drip irrigate crops in dry lands and improve crop production.
Canada is setting an example for nations to follow with their emphasis on research, innovative development, and self-sustaining projects. Their story is one of foreign aid making a positive and noticeable difference.
– Amanda Kloeppel
Source: Huffington Post Canada
Photo: University of Edinburgh