Comments

Thanks Luke. This is a very important and thought provoking piece of work. I would not advise the aid NGOs and other aid advocates to rush into the taxation debate too quickly, but some sober reflections on the data in this article might lead to some interesting options.

I believe in changing PNG but how can we change PNG? Well, the change must start from you and me as an individual, then eventually it goes up the steps.

I got introduced to Robyn during the avian influenza outbreaks in Africa. Though many of us had worked on small holder systems, and understood the importance of poultry, Robyn was/is one of few those amazing people who has a deep and contextual understanding of poultry within these systems. She is a true expert. Poultry is often overlooked by the bigger agricultural players, yet they are still vital for women. They provide the "chump change" and the glue to keep the system going. Working with her on the impact of avian influenza, it was clear that they are important for the health and education of the whole household. Championing this work as she does, is therefore vital for developing practical approaches to empowering women across the world. A well-deserved recognition!

I met Robyn before 3 years when she was participating in the meeting held in Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (PANVAC), National Veterinary Institute, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. She has been working hard (from vaccine production, particularly Newcastle to the end-users) to saving the village chooks. I understood that she has a consistent passion to improving the livelihood of the poor in Africa through enhancing the productivity of the local chickens. Village (local) chickens are life saving for rural family, particularly for women. Village chickens are an income source, and are also serving as protein source food for rural family. On the other hand, Newcastle Disease is always adversely affecting these birds in Africa. So the contribution of Robyn by reducing the devastation of this disease on local chickens is invaluable for the improvement of the livelihood of the rural family.

Thanks so much Dr Antonino. I think that Stephen’s interview focussed on the early days of developing a model for the sustainable control of Newcastle disease. It’s been a privilege to work with you and your team in Timor-Leste since 2006 and we gratefully acknowledge the support given to our work by your own Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the FAO, the Crawford Fund and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (which is currently funding the Timor-Leste Village Poultry Health and Biosecurity Program through their Government Partnerships for Development Program and the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and USyd).

It’s definitely inspiring to read Robyn’s story. For me, as a young woman, Robyn’s story gives me hope that anything is achievable so long as you have a passion for making a difference. As much as it gives me hope, her experiences have also revealed to me how important it is to aim for long term achievements rather than short term successes. Reading abut Robyn’s journey in this blog post has also taught me that being innovative is the easy part, actually implementing an idea and seeing it through to fruition is much more difficult and a real test of character. I think it’s very interesting to see the crucial role that animals play in improving the health and well being of individuals and communities. This project really does emphasize how important it is to embrace the collaborative nature of scientific research. In recent years, there has been a shift towards the need to have a more multi-dimensional approach when solving global issues such as food security. The One Health approach that this project has taken really showcases how much we can achieve if we work together towards a common goal. I really look forward to seeing how this project progresses and what conclusions can be drawn from the results obtained.

Am i reading it right, that funding to meet commitments at Paris accord will be (at least partially) taken from aid budget for climate change related projects?

Robyn has done a fantastic job and continues to work hard in order to help people - and chickens - to get a better life. I had an opportunity to know Robyn in Mozambique during several years and even if we - her friends - sometimes made jokes about her involvement and love for chickens, we also testified and recognized her great contritubion for well-being of people at the countryside, of those most vulnerable. Robyn has achieved great success due to her own capacity and personality - tolerance, understanding, empathy, willingness to learn and to teach, humility, perseverance.. She has worked very hard in a very unselfish way. For her the vulnerable people at the countryside - and their chickens - have always come first.

Livestock is said to be the 'Cinderella sector' when it comes to development efforts and funds; but even within livestock development, backyard poultry stands out as an unjustly neglected area. Given that poultry are so important to the livelihoods of women, it is fitting that chooks have been championed by Robyn, a woman vet from Australia. Myself an Irish woman vet, based in Kenya, I have had the privilege of working with Robyn on a number of initiatives over the years. Her work is highly known and highly appreciated in southern Africa and beyond. It is great also to see attention for good news stories on how things are getting better in rural Africa, driven mainly by the aspirations and talents of Africans themselves, but with a helping hand from luckier or wealthier countries.

Bravo Robyn, I know Robyn for long time. Her valuable experiences in developing our veterinary services especilly in controlling of New casttle disease is in Timor Leste. This article is not complete without that

The article in the Canberra times was a great read and very moving on many levels. I have only known Robyn for a short time, having only just begun a project for my university degree with Robyn as my supervisor. However it is during this short time that I have witnessed Robyn’s positive and kind yet determined attitude that is reflected within the article. I wasn’t aware of all the work that Robyn has accomplished in her career, but has nonetheless found her career achievements inspiring. She has evidently been involved in a huge amount of work that has impacted positively on the lives of many people (and animals!). To recognize the issues and to persist with them aiming to succeed with life changing results is truly inspirational.

Robyn has been a long standing contributor to development in many ways. Her tireless contribution in the 1980s and 90s to educate students in Veterinary Medicine must also be commended. Robyn has trained many of her students to work in the field and save wildlife too. KYEEMA foundation was a great vision that has brought brilliant results! Robyn Alders is one of a kind and is a leading professional. She inspires many women and men.