For the past few years, the Institute has hosted a special lecture to recognize World Food Day, bringing notable speakers to address topics of global concern. The 2022 edition of this event took place October 17, 2022.
The Margaret A. Gilliam Institute for Global Food Security
World Food Day
Repositioning Communication in Food and Nutrition Security
Denyse Mariella Johnston
Development Communications Consultant
Development Communication Consultant
Denyse Mariella Johnston, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, has been involved in development communication throughout the English-speaking Caribbean for over 30 years. She trained in general agriculture and agriculture extension at the University of the West Indies before going on the develop communication skills in England at Ian Macdonald and Associates, rural development at the University of Reading in England, and strategic communication planning at Malmö University in Sweden. Her interest in development has led her to expand beyond agriculture into the education, health and nutrition sectors. Denyse has worked with national, regional and international organizations helping to facilitate communication among scientists and with various stakeholders, including food producers and processors, donors and government officials responsible for policy development. She believes that well-planned, strategic communication is a key ingredient in the success of any development initiative.
Presentation Synopsis
Communication is often an afterthought in development projects. This seemingly simple omission can have a substantial impact on success outcomes. However, greater relevance, efficiency and effectiveness can be achieved by recognising the fundamental role of communication and repositioning it as an integral component of planning, development and implementation. Denyse Mariella Johnston will explore food and nutrition security in 2022, and how a communication perspective can facilitate efforts to address hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.
