Impactful research is not always flashy
“I’ve always had a love of agriculture and worked on a number of farms during my undergrad years,” says Sara Wyngaarden, who is graduating with an MSc in Public Health and Health Systems, “but I also care about the connection to people’s well-being and health.”
To conduct her research, Wyngaarden partnered with FIPAH, a Honduran non-governmental organization to which her supervisor, Warren Dodd, is connected. FIPAH engages small-holder farmers in participatory agricultural research focused on improving their agricultural output and enhancing their livelihood stability. The organization also runs livelihood development programming specifically for youth.
“My thesis focused on FIPAH’s work with rural youth, as well as livelihood decision-making among these youth. I specifically examined migration decisions – whether they choose to leave their home communities, or whether they stay, what influences those decisions and what makes it possible for them to stay if they want to.”
She notes that around 90 per cent of the world’s farms are small-holder farms, being fewer than two hectares in size. “The paradox is that these farmers make up the majority of the world’s food producers, yet they struggle to adequately feed their families – not just in quantity, but in the right balance of nutrients. Farmers are creative and resilient individuals and are capable of many things, but they are often forgotten by their governments and others.”
She says the type of work that FIPAH does may not be flashy or sexy. “It’s muddy and sweaty and can be painstakingly slow, but it’s incredibly valuable and really impactful in these communities, particularly for youth who are interested in agriculture.”
As she graduates this term, Wyngaarden offers some advice to current students.
“I encourage you to take ownership of your own research. Take your work in a direction that interests and excites you. University is such a huge investment of your time, energy, and resources, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to be given time and space to explore topics and ideas that you find meaningful. Make them yours!
“Also, something a mentor reminded me of when I was struggling with my analysis was, ‘Tu puedes! (You can!). And when it is done, not only will you draw immense pride from your achievements, but your belief in your own capabilities will be forever enhanced.’”
Wyngaarden is one of 86 graduate students and 457 undergraduates from the Faculty of Health who are convocating on June 18.