Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and ILRI: A model for advancing agricultural communication

The initial collaboration between ILRI and a press agency

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thach, Editor-in-Chief of Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, disclosed that the newspaper has collaborated with ILRI's office for the past two months to develop media content for the Institute's 50th anniversary celebration, which is scheduled for October 15 and other series of related activities.

In conjunction with ILRI's 50th-anniversary events in Vietnam, Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and its media network organize a series of informational pieces about ILRI events.

Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, a publication with nearly 80 years of history, serves as a social forum that promotes rural development and public awareness. 

The partnership shows the commitment of both parties to the improvement of international agricultural cooperation. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thach underscored the increasing involvement of ILRI as a critical partner in the transformation of Vietnam's agricultural systems.

The Editor-in-Chief extended his congratulations to ILRI on the announcement of its new global strategy. Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper is delighted to be a part of this unique event and is dedicated to assisting and promoting ILRI in the expansion of sustainable livestock solutions that are scientifically supported.

The Corporate Strategy of ILRI for the years 2024-2030 is to "unlock the potential of sustainable livestock through research for better lives and a better planet." The newspaper will advocate for science-based policies that can have a positive impact and communicate these sustainable livestock solutions on a large scale to support ILRI.

Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, the Executive Director of CGIAR's Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and the Director General of ILRI, conveyed his appreciation for the collaboration and the chance to commemorate ILRI's 50th anniversary. He observed that this is the first press partnership for ILRI, which represents an innovative approach to the promotion of agricultural and livestock communication.

A key goal of the collaboration will be to enhance the ability of journalists to disseminate research findings on livestock, food security, and community awareness in a manner that is both precise and comprehensive. Professor Djikeng underscored the significance of the One Health approach, emphasizing the necessity of effective media engagement to guarantee that ILRI's research is accessible to the most people in need.

ILRI's Deputy Director General, Dr. Shirley Tarawali, underscored the organization's commitment to the community as a research institute. From policy advocacy to farm-level solutions, effective communication is essential.

"The partnership between Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and ILRI will create a strong impact and bring benefits to the livestock community," Ms. Tarawali stated.

VAN and ILRI's collaboration will enhance international integration in research and communication

Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, the Health Program Leader of ILRI in Kenya, observed that the newspaper's Vietnamese and English editions have a broad readership, which serves as a basis for improved communication between VAN and ILRI as well as CGIAR.

Director of the Department of Livestock Production, Mr. Duong Tat Thang, regarded the collaboration as a positive indicator for the sector. He emphasized that Vietnam's livestock industry has efficiently addressed both domestic and export requirements. ILRI and other international organizations have made substantial contributions to this expansion.

"The livestock sector regards the media as a critical partner in addition to its ongoing pursuit of sustainable development. The Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper has consistently excelled in its ability to facilitate two-way communication with the public and society, providing the public with information on research and policies and the reverse. 

The Director of the Department of Livestock Production confirmed that this partnership will facilitate ILRI's acquire of a deeper understanding of Vietnamese agriculture, which will enable the organization to conduct better-suited research and contribute to the worldwide acknowledgment of Vietnam's livestock sector", said Mr. Duong Tat Thang.

The newspaper and ILRI's collaboration, according to Dr. Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health, is evidence of a profound international integration in research and communication. He conveyed the belief that the partnership will be advantageous to the agriculture and livestock sectors, as well as to ILRI and Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper. This will ensure that research is based on practical realities and that the public has access to research findings on animal health and livestock.

Dr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation (MARD), recognized Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper as a critical connector who has consistently supported media communications and successfully collaborated on a variety of programs with international organizations such as IRRI, FAO, and WWF, etc.

Mr. Tuan proposed the possibility of a collaborative effort in the future. ILRI has the potential to introduce novel concepts and methodologies in the livestock and veterinary sectors, share international experiences in livestock development, such as the application of the MSK model in other countries, and provide insights from ILRI's initiatives in Vietnam.

From the newspaper’s side, leveraging its media strength, it could bring ILRI’s successful projects and best practices in Vietnam, or other good agricultural practices, to a global audience through its English-language channel, which has been very effective. Additionally, it could promptly disseminate updates on joint projects with ILRI and other initiatives in the livestock and veterinary sectors.