Dates: November 19 – December 7, 2012
Cost: approximately $5800 all expenses included (this cost is subject to change as tour develops!)
Learning Theme/Focus: Understanding the Meaning of Food Security
Download an application form (click here).*
On this tour we will have opportunities to see both food aid and food security (agricultural development) programming. Participants will gain a broader understanding of what it means to be food secure. Specifically, we’ll study:
- Availability of food (areas of prolonged drought, local markets, and movement of food regionally);
- Access to food (livelihoods, poverty, conflict, and other barriers to food access);
- Adequate food (basic nutritional requirements – education, diversification of food production, and other factors which affect how food is used)
- How we can promote food security for people in the developing world on behalf of the Foodgrains Bank? What are the key messages to share, and the best activities to engage in?
Primary members/programs to be visited:
- Christians Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) in Kenya (working with its partner, the Anglican Church of Kenya);
- Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) – Kajiado Goat Stocking project (with partner Maasai Integrated Development Initiatives);
- Canadian Baptist Mission (CBM) Rwanda – a 5 year Integrated Food Security program (with partner Association des Eglises Baptistes au Rwanda);
- We may also be able to include one or two other member projects in Kenya, should they fit into the itinerary.
What to expect?
Food study tours are primarily about three things:
- Building mutual support with people in the global south by visiting communities where responses to hunger take place;
- Learning about the nature and impact of Foodgrains Bank member programming; and
- Learning about the root causes of hunger.
We accomplish these goals through a home stay visit with a local family, by interacting with participants in partner programs, and by including relevant site visits or collaborations with related agencies.
Who Can Apply?
Any Canadian adult with an interest in hunger and food security can apply. Participants will be selected through the application process. People who already support the Foodgrains Bank are encouraged to apply.
Click here to download an application form.
Our aim is to have 10-11 participants on the study tour. Participants will be expected to share about their experiences through public presentations and other engagement activities in their home communities or regions. The general expectation is that participants give up to five presentations after returning home.
Financial assistance may be available through consultation with Foodgrains Bank member agencies. Assistance is assessed on an individual basis.
Click here to learn more about food study tours.
*Note: Deadline for application is September 15th. However, space is limited. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and take into consideration suitability for travel, member and regional representation, or participation on previous food study tours.