CIGR Newsletter No 35
CIGR-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
A chronological list of events in the field of agricultural engineering can also be found in our Calendar of Events which can be consulted on CIGR's NEW Web site: http://wwworg.nlh.no/CIGR/
First SEASAE International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, Environment and Development
The Southern and Eastern Africa Society of Agricultural Engineers (SEASAE), the Tanzania Society of Agricultural Engineers (TSAE) and the Kenyan Society of Agricultural Engineers (KSAE) heartily invite you to attend the first Conference on Agricultural Engineering, Environment and Development which will be held in Arusha, Tanzania on 2 - 4 October 1996.
The theme of the conference revolves around two issues which are very high on the world agenda as we approach the 21st century viz. Development and Environment. We are faced with three critical challenges: *Rural underdevelopment and dehumanizing poverty *Poor food supply , sufficiency and security *Land degradation.
The conference will comprise seven sessions, one for each sub-theme, over the three days. Each session will include a keynote paper plus five short papers. Small groups workshops will be used to arrive at recommendations for action.
Sub-themes are:
- Development and environment in Sub-Saharan Africa;
- Agricultural land and water resources engineering management and conservation;
- Sustainable mechanisation of agricultural production and processing operations;
- Energy production and management for agriculture;
- Agro-industrial systems engineering;
- Storage and packaging of agricultural products in the tropics.
- Agro-environment and agro-waste management;
- Electronics and information technology in agriculture.
The official language of the conference will be English.
Post-conference tours are planned to interesting places such as: Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Ngorongoro game parks and Masai-Mara game park in Kenya.
The conference will be held at the Arusha International Conference Centre, one of the leading conference centres in East Africa.
Further information can be obtained from:
Dr Nuhu Hatibu, Chairman - Organising Committee,
P.O.Box 3003, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Fax.: +255 56 3718 or +255 56 3748.
E-mail: SUA@hnettan.gn.apc.org
20th International Conference of Section IV of CIGR
Rural Electrification and Rationalisation of the Use of Energy in Agriculture
This conference will be held in Agadir, Morocco on 21-25 April 1997 and is organised by ANAFID (Association Nationale des Améliorations Fonçières, de l'Irrigation et du Drainage) and the 'Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II'.
Themes of the Conference are:
Rural Electrification
- Option: techniques vs. financing;
- Renewable energy and other sources of electricity production;
- Case study;
- Impact of electrification on the rural landscape.
Rationalisation of Energy
- Plant production;
- Animal production;
- Environmental awareness;
- Conservation and processing;
- Horticulture.
Languages: French and English with simultaneous translation.
Registration: 300 USD incl. proceedings. Lodging and meals are not included in this price.
Further information can be obtained from:
ANAFID, 20th Conference CIGR IV on Rural Electrification, 2 rue Haroun Errachid, 10101 Agdal, Rabat, Morocco. Fax.: +212 7 670303.
International Symposium on Concrete for a Sustainable Agriculture, agro-, aqua-, and community applications.
This symposium organised by the Norwegian Masonry- and Concrete Centre in co-operation with the Norwegian CIGR and supported by Cembureau, BIBM, ERMCO and CIGR will be held in Stavanger, Norway on May 21-24, 1997.
Purpose of the symposium is to bring together experts in the field of agricultural engineering, concrete producers, both precast and cement manufacturers to discuss the latest developments in
- innovative concrete structures for agriculture, horticulture, animal breeding, aquaculture and community waste (water) handling, prompted by changes in environmental standards;
- durability and quality aspects of concrete in such applications in relation to general environmental standards, health, energy and economy.
This is an excellent occasion to meet colleagues and to exchange experiences, solve problems, ask questions, enlarge your field of knowledge and create your own international network.
The symposium will focus on environmental, technical and technological items as well as on product development, market and economy in utilisation of concrete in agro-, aqua-, and community applications.
The main subjects will be:
Market issues: market and market potentials, development, products and systems, applications incl. community applications and land based fish breeding.
Product issues: loads, environmental and other strains, damages, performances, material property requirements, design and construction with respect to durability, repair and reconstruction, surface treatment.
Language: English.
Proceedings: The individual papers presented at the symposium will be published in the Proceedings which will be distributed to the participants.
A social programme will be provided for the delegates and accompanying persons.
Time schedule:
For authors:
Abstract submission (max. 500 wds): October 1, 1996;
Paper acceptance: November 1, 1996;
Full paper submission: May 1, 1997.
For participants:
Tentative registration from now on and final announcement for the symposium will be issued on November 1, 1996.
Further information from:
Mur- og Betongsenteret MBS, P.O. Box 53, Blindern,
N-0313 Oslo, Norway.
Tel.: +47 22 96 58 60 Fax.: +47 22 56 42 38.
Ammonia and Odour Control from Animal Production Facilities
This international symposium will be held in The Netherlands. Planned data are October 6-10, 1997.
The aim of the symposium is:
- to discuss the measurement techniques;
- to exchange the results of research programmes;
- to discuss the follow-up in research programmes and commercial products.
Research institutes and emission related industrial companies are invited to present results in oral and poster sessions.
The conference language is English.
Call for papers:
Preliminary registration: March 1, 1996;
Abstracts in English (max. 3 pp.): August 1, 1996;
Acceptance of papers: December 1, 1996;
Full papers: March 1, 1997.
The proceedings will be available at the symposium.
Scientific programme
The following topics will be discussed:
1. Environmental issues of emissions;
2. Theoretical approach of emissions;
3. Quantification and recording of emissions: odour, ammonia, methane;
4. Odour masking techniques;
5. Biofiltering/air scrubbing;
6. Social and psychological issues;
7. Human health aspects;
8. New designs to prevent emissions;
9. Economical solutions for emission reduction on farms.
General correspondence:
Ammonia and Odour Control Symposium '97, P.O.Box 83, 5240 AB Rosmalen, The Netherlands.
Fax.: +31 73 521 8214
E-mail: cigr.symposium97@pv.agro.nl
Joint International Conference on Agricultural Engineering: Agricultural Engineering for Sustainable Development
This conference will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 15-18 December 1997.
Organising and participating countries are: Canada, China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea(s), Lebanon, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Turkey, Thailand, Tanzania, United Kingdom, USA, United Arab Emirate, Vietnam and Bangladesh (host).
Papers and posters are invited on the following topics:
- Power, machinery and farm mechanisation;
- Irrigation, flood control, water resources and management;
- Soil and water;
- Post-harvest technology;
- Advances in food processing and engineering;
- Fruits, vegetables production, handling, processing, packaging;
- Physical and chemical properties of bio-materials;
- Advances in agricultural waste management technologies;
- Greenhouse engineering and agro-chemical technology;
- Electronic and software technology;
- Automation and control technology;
- Modelling with finite elements;
- Research planning, management, evaluation and technology transfer;
- Sustainable agricultural systems and modelling;
- Weather and environment technology;
- Appropriate agricultural technology;
- Bio, solar, wind, renewable energy and technology.
Anyone involved in agriculture and food, directly or indirectly may submit a paper. Last date of submission of abstract (in English, 200-300 words): December 1, 1996.
Final paper ready by September 30, 1997.
Send abstract by mail, fax or e-mail to one of the following:
1. Prof J Gerrish, Agric. Engng. Dept., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI-48824, USA.
Fax.: +1 517 353 8982
E-mail: gerrish@egr.msu.edu
2. Prof AE Ghaly, Techn. Univ. of Nova Scotia, P.O.Box 1000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 2X4.
Fax.: +1 902 420 7551
E-mail: aeghaly@tuns.ca
3. Dr MA Mazed, Bangladesh Agric. Res. Inst.,
Joydevpur, Gazipur 1701, GPO Box 2235, Bangladesh.
Fax.: 880 2 813032.
Inquiries about registration, sessions, abstracts, programmes, accommodation, travel and visa please contact: Dr H Chowdhury, Conference Convenor, Agric. Engng. Dept., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI-48824, USA.
Tel.: +1 517 353 3883 Fax.: +1 517 353 8982
E-mail: chowdhu2@pilot.msu.edu
Registration fee for developed countries is USD 150, for South Asian (SAARC) and all developing countries USD 75 and for host country USD 15. Luxury Class package USD 240 and First Class package USD 120. The package deals include 4 days of accommodation, meals, airport service, technical tours, industry visit and cultural show. Additional days can be arranged upon advance request. All international participants are required to confirm preregistration and package deals at the time of abstract submission. Bank draft drawn in USD must be payable to International Ag Engineering Conference 1997 and sent directly to Prof Shah M Farouk, Chairman Org. Ctee., Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh by May 30, 1997.
ASAE INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS
Nov. 3-6, Evapotranspiration and Irrigation Scheduling. Convention Centre, San Antonio, Texas. 1997
Feb. 10-12, Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference '97 (AETC'97), Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
May 29-31, 5th International Livestock Environment Symposium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Aug. 10-14, ASAE Annual International Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
More info can be obtained from:
ASAE, c/o Vicki Schmitz, 2950 Niles Road, St.-Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA.
Phone: +1 616 429 0300 Fax: +1 616 429 3852
E-mail: schmitz@asae.org
EurAgEng INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS
Workshop on The Use of Water in Sustainable Agriculture. A Commitment to Development and Environmental Protection (with special regard to semi-arid areas)
This workshop is conceived to think over the water management as the most important challenge that agricultural scientists and technicians have to face at the beginning of next century. It will take place in the Advanced Technical School of Agricultural Engineering, Albacete, Spain on 2-4 June 1997.
The following topics are selected:
1. Water as a limiting factor for development (in the beginning of the XXIst century)
1.1. Irrigation and economic development;
1.2. Social aspects of irrigation;
1.3. Markets for water.
2. Environmental impact of irrigation
2.1. Scarcity problems. Integrated use of water resources;
2.2. Global climate change and irrigation;
2.3. Quality problems. The use of saline water and waste-water;
2.4. Other environmental effects. Water contamination, soil degradation, effects on animals and vegetation, etc.
3. Water management in sustainable agriculture
3.1. Efficient use of water;
3.2. Irrigation management under scarcity conditions;
3.3. Technological efforts in designing and managing drainage zones;
3.4. Modernisation and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems.
On June 4, a full day study tour will be organised to irrigation zones of Albacete.
Expected participation fee, including proceedings, lunch, study tour and social events will be approx. 250 USD per person.
Participants are kindly invited to submit a two-pages summary in any of the above indicated topics not later than 30 September 1996.
Secretariat: Attention Ms. C. Fabeiro, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agronomos, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
Fax.: +34 67 509479 or +34 67 236677.
1st European Conference on Precision Agriculture
This conference organised by The SCI Agriculture and Environment Group and co-sponsored by The Fertiliser Society, EurAgEng, The American Society of Agronomy and The Soil Science Society of America will be held in Warwick University Conference Park, Warwick, UK on 8 - 10 September 1997.
Precision Agriculture is a very high profile topic in the agricultural community pointing the way to reduced and optimised use of inputs, reduced costs and environmental benefits to arable and horticultural crop production.
The conference will :
- present concepts, research studies, implementations of precision agriculture,
- identify R & D requirements,
- present routes to production agriculture,
- gather the diverse disciplines with interest in precision agriculture.
Conference themes are :
Spatial variability in soil and crop:
soil factors, crop condition, harvest yield, quality, variable application of inputs, input recommendations, soil and crop modelling
Technology:
sensing, mapping, location, precision application, control systems, yield mapping systems, real-time sensing and control
IT and management:
mapping, geographical information systems, geostatistics,
decision support, system modelling, economics, application strategies.
Deadlines:
Abstracts must be submitted by 31July 1996. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Scientific and Technical Committee. Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to submit a full paper.
Conference Proceedings will be published for circulation at the conference.
Further information:
For the scientific and technical programme:
Dr John V Stafford, Precision Agriculture Team, Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4HS, UK.
Tel.: +44 1525 860000 Fax.: +44 1525 860156
E-mail: john.stafford@bbsrc.ac.uk
For conference organisation:
SCI Conference Dept., 14/15 Belgrave Square, London
SW1 8PS, UK.
Tel.: +44 171 235 3681 Fax.: +44 171 235 7743
E-mail: conferences@chemind.demon.co.uk
For information update:
www page: http://www.sri.bbsrc.ac.uk/
AGENG OSLO'98
International Conference on Agricultural Engineering.
A jointly organised conference of EurAgEng, the Agricultural University of Norway and CIGR.
This event is scheduled for 25-29 August 1998 in Oslo, Norway.
More news follows...
EurAgEng's Web-site
Further information on EurAgEng and its activities can be obtained on the Internet from:
http://www.ensam.inra.fr/bio-engineering/eurageng/pres.html
AGROTEC
New AGROTEC Address and Homepage on the WEB
AGROTEC has changed address. The new address is as follows:
FAO / AGROTEC
P.O. Box 3730, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Tel.: +263 4 758051/4 Fax.: +263 4 758055
E-mail: fspzim@harare.iafrica.com
FAO Programme on Agricultural Operations Technology for Small Holders in East and Southern Africa.
AGROTEC can be consulted at the WWW where it has its homepage:
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
XIIIth INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
ASAE +++++EurAgEng+++++AAAE
Morocco will host the XIIIth Congress of the International Commission of Agricultural Engineering CIGR in February 1998 and hence will be the first developing country to organise such an important scientific and technical event which takes place every four years. The National Association of Land Improvement, Irrigation and Drainage, ANAFID, official representative of Morocco within CIGR has been permanently acting towards the increase of CIGR activities within developing countries and is delighted with the organisation of this congress in Africa.
This congress will be held in Rabat, Morocco on 2 - 6 February 1998. It is organised in collaboration with the Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II and the Administration of Agricultural Engineering.
The congress sessions will take place at the Rabat Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Congress languages are English and French and simultaneous translation will be provided.
Equipment and documentary technical exhibits will take place during the congress.
A programme of one day technical visits and study tours of one to five days after the congress will be proposed.
Programme:
Section I: Land and Water Use
Integrated land and water management in arid and semi-arid zones
a. Basin water management
b. Soil and water conservation
c. Land use planning
d. Appropriate technologies for rural road construction
Section II: Farm Buildings, Equipment, Structures and Environment
a. Design and rehabilitation for irrigation water conveying structures
b. Storage structures for durable and perishable agricultural products
c. Equipment and environment control in animal buildings and warehouses
d. Technical solutions for cost reduction in farm buildings
Section III: Equipment Engineering for Plant Production
a. National strategies for agricultural mechanisation
b. Mechanisation techniques adapted to Mediterranean and tropical regions
c. Equipment and technical itineraries regarding the environment
d. Technology transfer and local construction of appropriate agricultural mechanical equipment
Section IV: Rural Electricity and other Energy Sources
a. Electrification and energy strategies for developing countries and in countries in transition
b. Strategies for energy saving in agriculture
c. Renewable energy input in rural development
Section V: Management, Ergonomics and Systems Engineering
a. Farm management
b. Work load, stress and health problems in agriculture
c. Transfer of know-how to developing countries
d. Miscellaneous
Section VI: Processing
a. Technology of agro-processing industries and their effect on rural development
b. Environment protection technologies for agro-processing industries
c. Physical properties of agricultural products
d. Effect of processing technologies on the quality of food and feed products
e. Appropriate technologies for the processing of agricultural products.
Further information can be obtained from:
Prof. H. Bartali,
ANAFID,
2 rue Haroun Errachid,
Agdal, Rabat, Morocco.
Tel.: + 212 7 67 03 20 Fax.: + 212 7 67 03 03
