Discussion Group Sustainable Cacao & Coffee
WHAT
Cacao and coffee are globalized commodities produced in many places around the world. The sustainability of the production systems in terms of people, planet and profit is threatened along the value chain from bean to end product by various developments (e.g. from climate change to changing food safety standards).
Multiple research projects are underway that aim to create a sustainable future for cacao and coffee. Reflecting science in general, the work is increasingly done in interdisciplinary settings. This discussion group is meant for all PhD Candidates and Post-Docs that are interested in broadening their understanding of cacao and coffee value chains, and is broadly meant to:
- explore the width of scientific research in cacao and coffee value chains
- gain inspiration from peers on making an impact with your research
- expand your network outside your chair group
WHY
Cacao and coffee are interesting to discuss because they are studied from a wide variety of academic disciplines at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and they are produced in a wide variety of environmental, cultural and socioeconomic contexts. Joining the Sustainable Cacao and Coffee discussion group is interesting because:
- It is a platform that will be truly inter-disciplinary; you will broaden your horizon and learn to appreciate the complexity of the bean-to-beverage system and the wickedness inherent in designing sustainable futures.
- The context-dependency of cacao and coffee production and research demands that we think about how to communicate about our knowledge, how we engage in knowledge dissemination. In short: how we make an impact with our work.
HOW
We aim to have monthly or bi-monthly meetings of 1.5 hours (for now virtually)
- You as a participant can determine the topic. Perhaps you want to present your proposal or talk about a recent development that sparks your interest
- We will invite guest speakers on a variety of topics to stimulate discussions
- Participation in the discussion group can be part of your Training & Supervision Plan
- Together we will produce an output to communicate about our sessions with others, such as a newsletter, recorded conversations or a blog.
Interested?
- To sign up, or get more information: selma.vanderhaar@wur.nl
- Flyer Sustainable Cacao and Coffee discussion group
Blog
- October 2021 – Personal Involvement with Research: Conflict of Interest?
- June 2021 – Introducing the Sustainable Cacao and Coffee discussion group
