Ransomwaregruppe macht Angriffsbehauptung, veröffentlicht Screenshots.

This video features Subash Surendran Padmaja, whose PhD research was selected for the Spotlight on Young Researchers Competition at the XVIII Congress of the European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE), held at the University of Bonn. His work explores the role of sustainable transition technologies in agriculture, with a focus on: - Laser Land Levelling - Groundwater conservation - Technology adoption and impact assessment The research sheds light on how innovative practices can support sustainable farming, improve resource efficiency, and contribute to long-term agricultural resilience—especially in water-stressed regions. This opportunity allowed Subash to share his vision for the future of Agricultural Economics and engage in a dialogue with a journalist during the congress. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), with support from the ATSAF e.V. Academy, under the supervision of Prof. Matin Qaim, Dr. Vijesh Krishna, and Martin Parlasca. This video was produced by the ZEF PR Team The EAAE and Prof. Yann de Mey are acknowledged for creating an inspiring platform for young researchers to share their ideas and connect with peers across the globe.

Silvio Funtowicz on Science, Uncertainty, and Governance in Turbulent Times On the Speaker The talk featured Prof. Silvio Funtowicz, a philosopher and historian of science best known for co-developing the concept of Post-Normal Science (PNS). With a career spanning Latin America, the UK, and continental Europe, Funtowicz has consistently operated at the intersection of scientific practice and democratic governance. From early work in logic and methodology in Buenos Aires to policy-relevant research at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, his career reflects a long-standing concern with how science functions when society faces high-stakes decisions and deep uncertainties. Now affiliated with the Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities at the University of Bergen, and co-director of the European Centre for Governance in Complexity (ECGC), Funtowicz continues to challenge technocratic models of expertise and champion inclusive, pluralistic approaches to knowledge. Abstract The effort to provide advice for the Covid-19 has illustrated that there is no privileged relevant expertise or techno-scientific silver bullet; it taught us that Science does not speak with one and undisputed voice. It also showed that the range of disciplines consulted was mostly limited to a biomedical elite, along with modelers and economists, revealing that the framing of policy issues is still anchored on the Modern State model of legitimation in which complexity is ignored, and facts are treated as independent of values and of what is at stake. Post-Normal Science (PNS) emerged as a problem-solving strategy that is appropriate when facts are uncertain, values are in conflict, stakes high and decisions urgent. Under those conditions the ideal of Truth gives way to Quality. In PNS, quality is understood as fitness for purpose. It is operationalized through a dialogue between experts and the extended peer communities. We have still to learn that knowledge does not speak only in the language of science. It requires instead a transdisciplinary effort where a plurality of styles of 'knowing-how' complement the disciplined 'knowing-that' from textbooks. It is our role to participate and support the transition to a new understanding of useful knowledges. The Covid pandemic is part of several challenges facing humanity today, such as climate change, the collapse of ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity and, in general, sustainability transitions. These all share the PNS conditions in the context of persistent extreme inequalities, weak democratic institutions, growing authoritarian temptations, and fantasies of techno-scientific silver bullets. To give effective support to decision-making and political action, Science must not continue to pursue the unattainable goals of precise prediction and total control but should rather participate in a collective effort for the creation of just, responsible and anticipatory knowledge.

Dr. Abebe Lemessa Saka is an Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology at Haramaya University, College of Social Sciences and Humanities. He received his Ph.D. from Addis Ababa University in Social Anthropology. He is currently a post-doctoral fellow affiliated with ZEF as part of the “Local dynamics and Integration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Outstanding Universal Value” research project funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. Summary Designation of cultural landscapes as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with outstanding universal values defines a globally recognized status, beyond their local values. However, cultural landscapes are not static, and many of them, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, experience strong local dynamics with massive environmental, economic and social changes and conflicts. This study, therefore, aims to understand UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ landscapes that are shaped and transformed through local dynamics including context-specific socio-economic, cultural, environmental and political factors. The case studies will be Konso Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia and the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya, UNESCO recognized cultural landscapes in Eastern Africa. The concept of human-environment interactions in cultural landscapes, sustainability and the concept of intersectionality (especially, for the gender dimension) guide the analysis. The analysis and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ and changing cultural landscapes will contribute to develop approaches to maintain their sustainable futures. Methodology - Intergenerational change analysis of landscape values and indigenous conservation practices - Human-environment interactions, and land use and livelihood transition analysis - Meta-analysis based on case studies to contribute to academic discourses and policy discussion towards sustainable development and landscape conservation - Mixed methods approach: qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis Main Cooperation Partners - Dilla University - Kenyatta University Main Funding Partners - The Volkswagen Foundation Duration of the Project - 2022 - 2026

Dr. Yimer Mohammed is an Associate Professor at Dilla University, specializing in climate change and bioenenergy, with an academic background in law and development studies. He ist part of the ZEF Project "Local Dynamics and Integration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Outstanding Universal Value: Evidence from Cultural Landscapes in Ethiopia and Kenya". Summary Designation of cultural landscapes as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with outstanding universal values defines a globally recognized status, beyond their local values. However, cultural landscapes are not static, and many of them, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, experience strong local dynamics with massive environmental, economic and social changes and conflicts. This study, therefore, aims to understand UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ landscapes that are shaped and transformed through local dynamics including context-specific socio-economic, cultural, environmental and political factors. The case studies will be Konso Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia and the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya, UNESCO recognized cultural landscapes in Eastern Africa. The concept of human-environment interactions in cultural landscapes, sustainability and the concept of intersectionality (especially, for the gender dimension) guide the analysis. The analysis and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ and changing cultural landscapes will contribute to develop approaches to maintain their sustainable futures. Methodology - Intergenerational change analysis of landscape values and indigenous conservation practices - Human-environment interactions, and land use and livelihood transition analysis - Meta-analysis based on case studies to contribute to academic discourses and policy discussion towards sustainable development and landscape conservation - Mixed methods approach: qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis Main Cooperation Partners - Dilla University - Kenyatta University Main Funding Partners - The Volkswagen Foundation Duration of the Project - 2022 - 2026

Dr. Abiyot Legesse Kura is a senior lecturer and researcher at the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Dilla University, Ethiopia. He is part of the ZEF project "Local Dynamics and Integration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Outstanding Universal Value: Evidence from Cultural Landscapes in Ethiopia and Kenya". Summary Designation of cultural landscapes as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with outstanding universal values defines a globally recognized status, beyond their local values. However, cultural landscapes are not static, and many of them, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, experience strong local dynamics with massive environmental, economic and social changes and conflicts. This study, therefore, aims to understand UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ landscapes that are shaped and transformed through local dynamics including context-specific socio-economic, cultural, environmental and political factors. The case studies will be Konso Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia and the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya, UNESCO recognized cultural landscapes in Eastern Africa. The concept of human-environment interactions in cultural landscapes, sustainability and the concept of intersectionality (especially, for the gender dimension) guide the analysis. The analysis and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ and changing cultural landscapes will contribute to develop approaches to maintain their sustainable futures. Methodology - Intergenerational change analysis of landscape values and indigenous conservation practices - Human-environment interactions, and land use and livelihood transition analysis - Meta-analysis based on case studies to contribute to academic discourses and policy discussion towards sustainable development and landscape conservation - Mixed methods approach: qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis Main Cooperation Partners - Dilla University - Kenyatta University Main Funding Partners - The Volkswagen Foundation Duration of the Project - 2022 - 2026

Dr. Muthio Nzau is a Senior Researcher at ZEF Political and Cultural Change (CPC) Working Group. She is based in Kenya. Her research is investigating the social-ecological evolution of sacred landscapes in Coastal Kenya. Summary Designation of cultural landscapes as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with outstanding universal values defines a globally recognized status, beyond their local values. However, cultural landscapes are not static, and many of them, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, experience strong local dynamics with massive environmental, economic and social changes and conflicts. This study, therefore, aims to understand UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ landscapes that are shaped and transformed through local dynamics including context-specific socio-economic, cultural, environmental and political factors. The case studies will be Konso Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia and the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya, UNESCO recognized cultural landscapes in Eastern Africa. The concept of human-environment interactions in cultural landscapes, sustainability and the concept of intersectionality (especially, for the gender dimension) guide the analysis. The analysis and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ and changing cultural landscapes will contribute to develop approaches to maintain their sustainable futures. Methodology - Intergenerational change analysis of landscape values and indigenous conservation practices - Human-environment interactions, and land use and livelihood transition analysis - Meta-analysis based on case studies to contribute to academic discourses and policy discussion towards sustainable development and landscape conservation - Mixed methods approach: qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis Main Cooperation Partners - Dilla University - Kenyatta University Main Funding Partners - The Volkswagen Foundation Duration of the Project - 2022 - 2026

Dr. Eric M. Kioko is the Principal Investigator in Kenya with the project "Local Dynamics and Integration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Outstanding Universal Value: Evidence from Cultural Landscapes in Ethiopia and Kenya" (2022 -2026), funded by The Volkswagen Foundation, Germany. Summary Designation of cultural landscapes as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with outstanding universal values defines a globally recognized status, beyond their local values. However, cultural landscapes are not static, and many of them, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, experience strong local dynamics with massive environmental, economic and social changes and conflicts. This study, therefore, aims to understand UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ landscapes that are shaped and transformed through local dynamics including context-specific socio-economic, cultural, environmental and political factors. The case studies will be Konso Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia and the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya, UNESCO recognized cultural landscapes in Eastern Africa. The concept of human-environment interactions in cultural landscapes, sustainability and the concept of intersectionality (especially, for the gender dimension) guide the analysis. The analysis and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘living’ and changing cultural landscapes will contribute to develop approaches to maintain their sustainable futures. Methodology - Intergenerational change analysis of landscape values and indigenous conservation practices - Human-environment interactions, and land use and livelihood transition analysis - Meta-analysis based on case studies to contribute to academic discourses and policy discussion towards sustainable development and landscape conservation - Mixed methods approach: qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis Main Cooperation Partners - Dilla University - Kenyatta University Main Funding Partners - The Volkswagen Foundation Duration of the Project - 2022 - 2026

In this lecture, Prof. Eva Manotas explores how resilience in agro-food supply chains can be modeled and enhanced to better withstand disruptions. Using the Hass avocado production chain in San Vicente de Ferrer (Antioquia, Colombia) as a case study, she presents a two-stage stochastic optimization model that simulates risk scenarios and identifies strategies to reduce operational costs during disruptions. The talk highlights key resilience sub-capabilities—resourcefulness, agility, and speed—and how they can be implemented through practical logistics strategies like backup supply, risk moderation, and marketer diversification. This work provides valuable insights for agricultural producers, supply chain managers, and policy makers seeking to build more robust food systems amid increasing global uncertainties. About the Speaker: Prof. Eva Manotas is a leading expert in statistical modeling, environmental economics, and business resilience. She holds a Ph.D. in Management from EAFIT University and a Master’s in Statistics from the National University of Colombia. She has collaborated with multiple institutions on air pollution, chronic disease, and sustainability research, and has presented her work internationally across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Speaker: Andrés Madias, Head of Research & Development at the Argentine No-Till Farmers Association and a professor at the Faculty of Agronomy, National University of Rosario, Argentina. Abstract: This lecture will present the fundamental principles of a No-Till System (NTS), the context in which it was adopted in Argentina, and the evolution of its implementation over the years. It will also address the productive and environmental impacts of NTS adoption, as well as the emerging challenges and problems associated with its use. Strategies to overcome these challenges without resorting to soil tillage will be discussed. Finally, the lecture will offer perspectives on the future of NTS in Argentina, in a context of increasing demand for food under the premise of environmental stewardship. About the speaker: Agr. Eng. Andrés Madias is the Head of Research & Development at the Argentine No-Till Farmers Association (AAPRESID) and a professor at the Faculty of Agronomy, National University of Rosario. He holds a Master’s degree in Management and Conservation of Natural Resources from the same university. Prof. Madias has worked with numerous farmer groups across Argentina, developing solutions tailored to their needs through collaborative efforts with research institutes and universities. Agr. Eng. Hernán T. Dillon is a member of AAPRESID. He holds a Master’s degree in Agribusiness from Universidad del CEMA. He is an agricultural producer, independent advisor, and currently serves on AAPRESID’s Board of Directors.

This video is part of the Expert Talk Series by the Complex Systems Group (CSG) at the Center for Development Research (ZEF). In this Talk, we are honored to host Prof. Ruth DeFries, Professor of Ecology and Sustainable Development at Columbia University and co-founding dean of the Columbia Climate School. Prof. DeFries is a leading environmental geographer whose research explores sustainable pathways for both people and nature to thrive. She is also an award-winning author, with her latest book "What Would Nature Do?", offering insights from complexity science and natural systems to help address today’s global crises. In this talk, she shares her unique perspective at the intersection of science, policy, and public communication. Her research aims to contribute to realistic pathways for people and nature to thrive. DeFries was elected as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, received a MacArthur “genius” award, and is the recipient of many other honors for her scientific research. In addition to over 200 scientific papers, she is committed to communicating the nuances and complexities of sustainable development to popular audiences through her books “The Big Ratchet: How Humanity Thrives in the Face of Natural Crisis and “What Would Nature Do?: A Guide for Our Uncertain Times”, that takes lessons from Nature complexity and system science to address current social and ecological challenges. DeFries is committed to linking science with policy, for example through her involvement with the Environmental Defense Fund, Science for Nature and People, and World Wildlife Fund.

Interviews with delegation members of the National University of Colombia (UNAL), Campus Medellin, who visited ZEF on May 12, 2025.

Interviews with delegation members of the National University of Colombia (UNAL), Campus Medellin, who visited ZEF on May 12, 2025.

Interviews with delegation members of the National University of Colombia (UNAL), Campus Medellin, who visited ZEF on May 12, 2025.

Speaker: Dr. Oyewole Oginni, Senior Researcher at the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (bicc), Germany Abstract: Revenge can be (non)violent, ambivalent, and evolutionary. People avenge or become vengeful for one reason or several reasons. However, in insecure spaces where non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and state armed forces vie for control over territories and civilian population, retaliatory actions take on different forms. Currently, there are accounts of jihadi insurgents avenging state forces, and vice versa, but fewer accounts of how civilians and state armed forces exact revenge on each other during violent conflicts instigated by NSAGs. Even more lacking is the theoretical insights into when and how revenge works in insecure spaces: does it achieve its intended goals, if yes, when, and how does it differ for civilians, NSAGs, and state armed forces? The public lecture aims to address these questions by focusing on (non)deterrent strategies adopted by civilians, NSAGs and state military during violent conflicts in Sahelian borderlands. Dr. Oyewole Oginni is a Senior Researcher at the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (bicc), Germany. His current research focuses on regional approaches to dealing with armed groups in the Sahel, in collaboration with the UN DPO, African Union, and local research institutions. Previously, he served as Africa Lead/Director at World Peace, a Canadian INGO, for a decade, coordinating conflict reports and contributing to a conflict index covering over 50 years of African conflicts. Between 2017 and 2022, he served as a technical advisor and expert on Africa-EU partnership projects on peace and security and worked as a principal investigator/researcher on different EU-funded projects dealing with an early recovery and transition from armed conflicts. Oyewole holds a doctorate degree in Sociology from ZEF, University of Bonn.

Speaker: Prof. John P. Neelsen, Department of Sociology, Tübingen University Abstract: In particular the highly populated countries of the global South benefited from the policies of neoliberal globalization. Initiated by Anglo-Saxon governments in the early 1980s, they became attractive targets for Western transnational capital, not least because of their low labor costs. International value chains were created leading to accelerated capital accumulation, economic development, and the growth of a middle class. Eventually, their GDP began to surpass that of the Western industrialized countries leading to demands for commensurate influence in the global governance architecture. In 2009, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, soon joined by South Africa, symbolizing their identity as ex-colonial Third World countries, met for the first of what has become an annual BRICS summit. Initial calls for reform of international economic organizations were soon followed by criticism of the existing Western-dominated world order. A multipolar system based on the UN Charter and international law is to replace the unipolar "values and rules-based order" proclaimed by the West. The wars in Ukraine and especially in Gaza have accelerated the process of polarization, including the expansion of BRICS membership, and confrontation because the West, and not least its leader, the USA, want to maintain their global hegemony, if necessary by military means. John P.Neelsen, Prof. Dr. phil., Department of Sociology, Tübingen University. Guest lectureships i.a. at the Universities of Benares/India, Nancy/France, Zurich/Switzerland, Berlin, Bremen and Bochum. Principal fields of research: sociology of development, North-South relations, political economy, human rights.