International Food Security Training and Networking Seminar

Food Security defines a status, “when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (FAO). This definition includes the four aspects food availability, food safety, as well as quantity and quality. Whenever one of these four requirements is not fulfilled, people may suffer from malnutrition and hunger in many ways. The International Green Week Berlin, together with all related events, offers a platform for international experts to discuss future trends and possible solutions to the global hunger problem, and gives them an outstanding opportunity to broaden and consolidate their network.

The overall objective of the seminar is the training and preparation of Alumni to contribute to the development of measures against food insecurity using interdisciplinary approaches. Participation at the International Food Security Training and Networking Seminar qualifies Alumni for an active participation at the International Green Week – both methodologically and scientifically.

Other objectives include:

• To establish and strengthen contacts within the participants
• To motivate Alumni to engage in the Food Security Center’s Alumni network
• To establish and improve contacts and cooperation between the participants and German higher education institutions, national and international authorities, institutions in the field of development cooperation, and German enterprises
• To qualify Alumni to handle most recent challenges to improve global food and nutrition security

The International Food Security Training and Networking Seminar takes place from January 15 (day of arrival) to January 21, 2023, followed by the transfer to Berlin (January 22) and the joint participation at the International Green Week, January 23 - 26. The day of departure will be January 27.

The seminar is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in the framework of the programme Alumni Special Projects. The costs will mainly be covered by funds from the DAAD provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

1) Training and Networking Seminar at the University of Hohenheim January 15 - 21, 2023: The following six main topics, which will be divided in 10 blocks, will provide the participants a holistic insight into the field of food security:

• Digitalization in Food Systems
• Consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Food Security
• Innovations for Food and Nutrition Security
• Knowledge Transfer and Implementation
• Gender and Nutrition
• Food and Nutrition Security under Changing Climate

After the lectures, the participants will be encouraged to participate in an active discussion and through small working groups they will develop approaches to reduce food insecurity. The results of the working groups will be presented by each group at the end of the seminar.

2) Transfer to Berlin (January 22) and participation at the International Green Week January 23 - 26, 2023. Please visit the event’s website for further information.

The final programme will be sent to selected participants on October 2022.

The participation at all offered activities (training and networking seminar, social activities, and the International Green Week) is compulsory. In case of cancellation by the participant all costs which have arisen for the organizers until the date of cancellation have to be covered by the participant.

The date of arrival in Stuttgart will be January 15, 2023.

The date of transfer to Berlin will be January 22, 2023.

The date of departure from Germany (Stuttgart or Berlin) will be January 27, 2023.

This seminar targets Alumni of German universities, who

• are citizen of countries listed on the DAC list of the Global South (“developing” countries),
• carried out research or studied in Germany for at least 3 months and
• are currently living and working in their home countries.

You should have:

1. A proven academic and/or working background in the fields of food security considering at least one of the following academic fields: agriculture, nutrition, rural development, hidden hunger, food processing, or other related fields with clear relevance for food security.
2. The requirements to act as a potential multiplier who will have willingness to present the seminar results in your home country and thus disseminate the acquired knowledge as well as develop ideas and projects for regional implementation
3. Adequate English proficiency, as the seminar will be held in English.

Eligibility for repeated attendances at Alumni Special Projects:
Alumni are eligible to participate in up to two DAAD Alumni Special Projects within four years. The year of participation, not the year of application, is decisive for the calculation (this rule does not apply for attendance in a digital Alumni Special Project).

The project covers the following costs:

• International ticket to Stuttgart, Germany and return to home country (lowest possible economy class airfare)
• Transport to and from the excursion venue(s), entrance fees
• Transport to Berlin for the participation at the International Green Week
• Accommodation and parts of living expenses during the stays in Stuttgart and Berlin
• Visa costs against receipts
• Travel health insurance (max. 30.00 Euro)
• Working material during the seminar

Please note: All other costs, such as transport costs from participants’ home to the airport or travel costs for visa application in the home country must be paid by the participants. Please keep in mind, that living costs are only covered partly during the stay in Germany.

Any extension to your stay before and after the seminar is only possible up to five working days and requires the submission of a comparison of airfare before you start your journey. Any difference between the airfares for the official inbound/outbound date(s) (see below) and the actual date of travel before/after the extension must be borne by you. You yourself must also cover any additional travel costs, subsistence costs and/or other additional costs not stated here pertinent to your extension of stay.

Extensions of stay beyond five days must be of an official nature, for which, justification is required (e.g. visits to universities, organizations, institutions, companies, etc.) indicating the details about contact person(s) and a detailed daily plan of activities/programme of activities. In addition, these extensions must be approved by DAAD before the start of your travel. The decision by DAAD is final, non-negotiable and is made on an individual basis, based on your justification, the programme, etc.

IMPORTANT: Accommodation, meals, and all other logistics pertinent to your extended stay must be organised by yourself, and as required by the EU regulations, you must possess valid health insurance for the entire duration of your stay (including the extension). It is a must that you participate in the entire programme from the first day of the preparatory programme of the University of Hohenheim until the last day of International Green Week 2023.