The CSC is delighted to present its next individual impact case study, the latest in our series showcasing the development impact of our alumni around the world.
This case study features CSC Alumnus Shayeb Shahariar, who was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship in 2012 to complete an MSc in Environmental Management at Liverpool Hope University. Shayeb was inspired by his UK study experience, and he was determined to seek out opportunities for further study after his graduation. He successfully applied to a doctoral programme in Canada, and in 2013 he began studying for a PhD at the University of Saskatchewan where he specialised in soil science, working across a variety of projects investigating soil health and methods of reducing reliance on nitrogen fertilisers through diversifying crop systems.
During his PhD, Shayeb began working with Agri-Food Canada, at first as a Research Assistant, and later a Research Scientist. He supported on a research project based in Saskatchewan focussing on climate-related issues including greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and soil salinity. This initial contact with Agri-Food Canada led to a long-standing relationship, and Shayeb is currently working on a larger project seeking to understand how diversifying cropping practices can improve the resilience of the Canadian agricultural industry in the face of a changing climate.
In addition to his work in the Canadian prairies, Shayeb is also applying his skills and expertise internationally. Whilst he no longer lives in Bangladesh, he was determined to use his experience to support his home country. Shayeb credits his Commonwealth Scholarship with fostering his commitment to development impact:
‘I always follow the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s activities and focus on the impact of Commonwealth Scholars worldwide.’
Shayeb knew that the Bangladeshi agricultural sector has great potential; the soil is soft, there is sufficient moisture, and the temperatures are good for growth. However, the country is also dealing with many challenges, including a lack of key nutrients and organic matter in the soil, a growing population, and the ever-increasing threat of climate change. In partnership with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) and the University of Saskatchewan, Shayeb is providing support for Bangladeshi researchers investigating the quality and health of soil in Bangladesh. This project focuses on knowledge exchange and capacity building, and plans are currently in place for multiple Bangladeshi researchers to be hosted at the University of Saskatchewan for advanced education and training. Shayeb is co-leading the team studying soil health and quality. Through this collaboration, he has been able to share knowledge of approaches to soil maintenance that are already widely adopted in Saskatchewan that could be directly applied in Bangladesh. Shayeb feels that his work in Bangladesh is a significant change that he has been able to bring about in his community as a result of the Commonwealth Scholarship:
‘The capacity-building project seeks to empower agricultural researchers in Bangladesh by providing them access to advanced tools, innovative techniques, and essential knowledge needed to advance their research, including soil and agricultural practices. By enhancing their skills and expertise, these researchers will be better equipped to tackle challenges in the agricultural sector and contribute to sustainable agriculture in the region.’
Beyond Bangladesh, Shayeb is also involved in further international collaborations. He is currently working with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Iwate University in Japan on a project focussing on the presence of toxic heavy metals on soils. If left untreated, these heavy metals can make their way into the food chain and pose a threat to human health. Shayeb is investigating methods by which heavy metals can be safely removed from the soil by being absorbed into plants, a further example of how conservation farming techniques can help too secure food chains. Shayeb identifies these opportunities for international collaboration as the most significant change he has experienced as a result of his Commonwealth Scholarship:
‘I have a research collaboration with the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science; Iwate University, Japan; Advance Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, USA; Environmental and Molecular Science Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA, and Canadian Light Source, Canada, to work with Synchrotron techniques and its application in soil and plant sciences.’
Shayeb’s work contributes towards the CSC Development theme of Science and Technology for Development. He is also working towards multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action, and SDG 15 – Life on Land.
