Academic Venture Fund Supplemental Grants
Sustainable Intensification and Conservation of African Rice
AVF project: Three hundred years ago, the Saramaka people in Suriname escaped from plantation slavery to the rainforest interior of the country and lived in relative independence by hunting, gathering and growing African rice (Oryza glaberrima). But with increased population, rice self-sufficiency can no longer be guaranteed, and Saramaka leaders seek new sustainable solutions to increase rice productivity and protect its biodiversity. Researchers will work with farmers to characterize rice diversity and improve agronomic practices. They will also use genetic analysis to identify the origins of the Saramaka rice and assist communities in developing in-situ conservation strategies.
This supplemental grant funds one sophomore student who will participate in field research in Suriname and lab analysis back at Cornell. The student will also communicate about the research through blog posts, websites, posters for farmers in Suriname and campus showcase events.
Topics: Food and Agriculture
The Team
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Erika Styger, International Programs
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Susan McCouch, School of Integrative Plant Science - Plant Breeding and Genetics Section
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Chelsea Specht, School of Integrative Plant Science - Plant Biology Section
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Community partner: Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
- Community partner: Stichting Ecosystem 2000
- Community partner: Saramaka people
- Community partner: Ministry of Agriculture
Academic Venture Fund Supplemental Grants
Supporting undergraduate participation in cutting-edge, community-engaged projects funded by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability