Nelly Bassily | June 7, 2010
Entries are now being accepted for an essay writing contest on “Youth and ICTs in Agriculture and Rural Development.” The contest is organized by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA), in collaboration with various partners. Young people in both rural and urban areas face challenges in using Information and Communications Technologies for agricultural development. This essay contest aims to identify innovative solutions to these challenges.
The competition is open to young people aged 18-25 years old, from African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. Entrants are invited to write an essay, in either French or English, (between 1,200 and 1,500 words) that responds to one of the following questions:
-choose two challenges in your country or region related to agriculture or rural development, and explain how you could use ICTs to address them;
-how can ICTs be used for effective advocacy and lobbying to promote agriculture in your country or region?
-how can ICTs be used to improve access to markets for agricultural products from your country or region?
-tell the story of a youth producer or a youth living in a rural area in your country/region, who uses ICTs successfully or in an innovative way for his/her work.
One prize will be awarded for each of the six regions (West Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean). Each winner will receive a cash prize of 1,000 Euros (approximately 1,230 American dollars). From these six regional winners, one overall winner will be chosen. The author of the best essay will receive 1,500 Euros. The winners will be announced in November 2010.
For more details about the contest and information on how to apply, go to: http://www.cta.int/en/content/view/full/4478, and download the pdf file at the bottom of the page.