This book is dedicated to Dr. Ann Stroud—colleague, mentor, and friend. Ann served as Regional Coordinator of the African Highlands Initiative (AHI) system-wide program from 1998 to 2006. Ann approached her work as a visionary, with a remarkable level of personal commitment and a strong philosophical underpinning that gave form to both the program and those of us within its expansive conceptual and geographical reach. This book is a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices she made so that we all might have a space in which to “create.” By buffering us from the exigencies of ever-shifting institutional demands of host institutions and the ongoing challenge to keep the program resourced, we were free to rally behind her vision and unlock creative energies in an effort to advance understanding and impact among the poor—whose needs and perspectives have so often been bypassed by externally imposed development schemes. We recognize you as the intellectual force behind this volume, and are grateful for the opportunity to have learned so much at your side.
Ann Stroud was born in California in 1952 and obtained degrees from the State University of New York at Geneseo (BSc) and Cornell University (MSc, PhD). After working as a pioneering organic farmer in the USA, she moved to Africa in 1982, where she lived and worked for 24 years (in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda). Before working with AHI, her jobs included the design of a sustainable gardens project in Kenya, employment with FAO as a weed management adviser to Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture, and national adviser to the Tanzanian farming systems research program with support provided by DGIS Netherlands. Ann passed away in May 2007. She leaves behind two children, Katie and Andrew, husband Roger Kirkby, and her mother, Frances Stroud.
I worked with Ann in the Western Kenya Benchmark site for a long time and admired her vision and passion for success in whatever she put her fingers on. She became a great inspiration to us in the benchmark site and to date we are proud of her for the legacy she bequeathed on us.
Dr. Kenneth Otieno
My colleagues in IDRC appreciated your contributions and all of them are with me in this acknowledgement and celebration of your life and contributions to development thinking and application in the moment of your departure. You inspired many who will become your followers and call on you for inspiration. I know I will, as long as I can stay on this track of the ideals and objectives we shared and valued so much.
Dr. Luis Navarro
In her short lifetime, Ann made a tremendous contribution to people-centred research and development—and her enthusiasm and humour and innovative ideas inspired countless people.
Ann Waters-Bayer
All of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Ann will recall her professionalism, her instinctive understanding of the values of inclusiveness and participation and the pleasure she gave and took in working with anybody and everybody. Her illness robbed Africa of an outstanding scientist and a true friend with a commitment to improving the lives of resource-poor rural people.
Dr. Monty Jones
Ann was a pioneering, innovative and caring scientist, willing to take risks, adopting participatory and integrated research as fundamental, and strongly committed to capacity building. She received a great deal of recognition, donor and partner support for the work of AHI yet was down to earth, not seeking honors for herself but constantly promoting others. She always strove to fully participate, to add value to any meeting or workshop, to bring her insights and years of experience to enrich any discussion. Ann was the best colleague one could have.
Diane Russell
In all the spectrum of people I worked with in Africa Ann was one that I most admired. She had the unique combination of being a good scientist, having a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the farmers and very effective management skills. But above all she was always a delight to be with. I have many fond memories of discussions and arguments in workshops and over lunch or dinner, which always left me with something new to take away. The world is a lesser place without her; but ... her work will remain as a memorial; she will remain in the thoughts of the countless people she helped.
Dr. Mike Swift