I nominate Louise Abayomi & Aurelie Bechoff for undertaking a mission to Congo working with the World Food Programme during covid-19. Despite the difficulties they had to overcome the mission was successful and all returned home safely.
What was the biggest challenge you faced over the last 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, the pandemic has had the biggest impact in terms of changing mindsets and adaptation, in both the home and in executing projects in the field. I was actually participating as a speaker at the annual Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) conference in Seattle, US, when lockdowns around the globe began. On my return, my worry was whether I had picked up the virus, which I could then transmit to my family. Recently, I returned from a trip from Congo, Brazzaville working with the World Food Programme (WFP). This was an important assignment with the World Food Programme that has been previously stalled owing to the pandemic, and so following a rigorous risk assessment for all travel and activities, with adequate mitigation measures to be adopted, it was agreed to complete the project. There were major adjustments to be made in terms of preparation and execution in Congo. It was a successful trip, with no ill health outcomes, and I had to quarantine for a period following my return. I have to acknowledge Mrs McAvoy Marshall, Caroline Troy and Head of Markets, Andy Frost for their involvement and support throughout these engagements.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hope for the future is that we find continue to find alternative, more efficient ways of doing things, whilst reaching the same desired outcome, with those we are trying to impact. The pandemic has triggered more innovation in this respect, and this is a positive development.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired when actors with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience can come together to find solutions to common problems, particularly those issues which we have long had a solution to, but which have been persistent. An example is the agro-processing equipment which was introduced from Nigeria to Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda through technology transfer under the Cassava Adding Value for Africa Project lead by NRI (2008-20212). The positive spill over effects for value chain actors have been several-fold, creating new employment opportunities, improving efficiency, food safety, and improving incomes.
