Deadline: September 19, 2022.

Food security is a growing global concern. Food prices are at historic highs. But what is being done by policy makers to address these issues and who is making sure that rural poor people and their communities are heard, and their stories told?

The UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is sponsoring this course, which will build expertise and increase knowledge of issues faced by rural communities, help journalists to present new viewpoints and promote discussion on how small-scale agriculture can respond to the growing demand for food and on the essential need to support rural transformation as food insecurity, climate change and economic uncertainty intensify. 

They are inviting journalists from South Asia to apply for this workshop, which will cover food security, food production, markets and climate issues and include a skills lab on online verification, social media and digital story telling.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organisations based in the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
• Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ professional experience, have a good level in spoken and written English and should explain through their applications why they will benefit from participation in this course, and how they plan to use the learning in their professional work. 
• They would also like to see professional evidence of your interest in the field of rural peoples’ issues and development.
• Once selected, applicants will also be asked to provide a letter from their editor supporting their participation in the programme, including a commitment to publish the story they will produce should they participate in the mentoring component of the course. This will only be requested by TRF once applicants have been selected for the course.
• Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 8 MB/second. (You can check the speed of your device at www.speedtest.net).
• Applicants will also need access to a computer to participate in the training; participation from a mobile or smart phone will not be possible.

BENEFIT

To ensure a reliable connection, Thomson Reuters Foundation will contribute to participants’ data costs. 

APPLICATION

Applicants will be asked to upload the following documents as part of the application process:

•    Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
•    A biography of up to 250 words outlining your career.
•    A statement of between 250 and 500 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use what you learn in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application.

OFFICIAL LINK