Africa faces complex development issues that affect it both as a region and as part of the wider global growth and development debate. Despite the region’s importance to global development, however, African researchers are often constrained by a lack of access to the latest research tools and resources. Improving and expanding the tools available to African researchers is essential in improving the quality of research in the region.

IFPRI senior researcher Stanley Wood will speak at a prominent gathering of geospatial experts—those who gather, analyze and synthesize map-based data—on May 23. The goal of the two-day GEOSHARE (Geospatial Open-Source Hosting of Agricultural & Environmental data) workshop is to develop a geospatial database that researchers can use to more accurately analyze agriculture, forestry, and the environment. Supported by the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the draft proposal for this database is available here.

Accra—Policymakers, African experts, and international researchers are convening here on May 10-11 to discuss important opportunities and challenges related to economic development, urbanization, and industrialization on the continent. The conference, “Understanding Economic Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa,” is jointly organized by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the University of Ghana.

The climate change-food security nexus is a hot topic. Staying abreast of the latest news and reports about the changing climate and its impacts has become a daunting challenge. In partnership with IFPRI, The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) launched this month a weekly roundup of climate change-related news, reports, and events. This comprehensive list based on diverse sources focuses on agriculture and food security, but covers a wide range of related topics, including biofuels, water, and land management.