“We say that a picture is worth 1,000 words,” says Diana Giraldo. “And that is never truer than in the work we do.”
Diana is a researcher at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) - part of CGIAR, a global research partnership that aims to reduce rural poverty and increase food security.
CIAT plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientists, policymakers, and institutions and farming communities in Latin America to help farmers become more resilient in the climate crisis. With very low levels of literacy within these communities, finding a way to reach and engage the farmers is key to building this sustainable future.
“I joined the diploma because I wanted to have more confidence in communicating visually which is so important for my work.”
Diana Giraldo, Researcher at CIAT.
“Scientists, academics and public bodies share lots of information, climate data and provide bulletins full of recommendations for the farmers but it just doesn’t reach them. We have to work on a level that’s right for them so everything involves drawing,” explains Diana. “I joined the diploma because I wanted to have more confidence in communicating visually which is so important for my work.”
And it’s not just the input of the farmers, women and children are invited to take part and share their knowledge and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
“In most communities, the women and children are as much involved in the farming process as men. We really want to give them a voice, too, so drawing really helps bridge this gap and get them all involved,” adds Diana.
The farmers are also encouraged to create a “dream map” depicting their aspirations for the future of their farms or communities.
“I think everyone can benefit from a more visual approach - it makes it far more engaging.”
“It’s really important that it’s their drawing, something they’ve done themselves so it’s meaningful and they can pin it up on their wall and use it as a constant reminder of their goals, inspiring them to work towards their vision,” says Diana.
The impact of the visual approach extends beyond the farming communities with CIAT now using this method in their briefings back to policy makers and institutions.
“I think everyone can benefit from a more visual approach - it makes it far more engaging,” says Diana.
Alongside her work, Diana is studying for a PhD at the University of Reading and she has applied the skills she learnt through the academy to help plan and write her thesis.
Diana says, “I have put those skills into practice with writing my thesis now - it’s helped me to simplify and summarise the complex information and concepts and ultimately articulate much better so that people can really understand. It’s also really stimulated my creativity and it’s now full of infographics and drawings!
“The Academy has been incredibly valuable to me, both professionally and personally.”