A multi-media exhibition about the power and promise of science for Africa's smallholder farmers (Oct 15th - Dec 31st 2009 )

The Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre, 27-31 Upper O'Connell St, Dublin 1 (corner of Cathal Brugha Street).

The exhibition is free and open to the public and school groups. School groups should book in advance.

Visit the Irish Aid Centre Website or Contact irishaidcentre@dfa.ie . (Monday to Friday: 10am–5pm, Thursday: late until 8pm, Saturday: 10am-3pm).

The exhibition features video, slideshows, photographs soundscapes and artefacts which introduce the people of Khulungira village in Malawi, who have benefited from advances in agricultural research. Harnessing science in the drive to boost yields and improve farming methods has resulted in these and many thousands of families throughout Africa eating more nutritious food, staying healthy and keeping their children in school. Hear the stories of Memory Soloman (pictured) and many others.

Memory Soloman, from Khulungira Village in Malawi, spent much of her childhood and teenage years working to ensure that her family had enough to eat. Although she is 18, Memory is still in primary school. But improvements in agricultural productivity in Khunlungira mean that Memory's family now grows protatoes, cassava, maize and sugar cane and sells the surplus at a nearby market. The extra money will help Memory to complete primary school and it also raises the chances of her three younger sisters completing their education. Irish Aid funds nine research centres which harness science in the drive to boost yields and improve farming methods in the developing world, including the International Potato Centre in Malawi.  Memory's story is among those featured in the exhibtion.

The exhibition is produced by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, which is funded by Irish Aid, the Government's programme for overseas development.