The Brady and Anne Deaton Institute for University Leadership in International Development supports and develops interdisciplinary research and applied programs focused on the food security and socioeconomic needs of developing countries with the aim of eliminating extreme poverty. The institute utilizes the strength of the University of Missouri’s global relationships and exceptional Extension abilities. The institute is currently funded primarily by the University of Missouri and is actively pursuing potential sources of diverse financial support from foundations, private corporations and other donors.

The Need

• Nearly one billion people currently live in extreme poverty – which is defined by the United Nations as individuals living on $1.25 or less/day.
• By 2050 the world will host 9 billion people.
• We have a limited land base and fragile resource balance.

Institute Goals

• Raise awareness of the challenge, and focus needed research on, science and technology that contribute to the improvement of food security, alleviation of extreme poverty, and the related issues of health, malnutrition, and environmental sustainability.
• Test a new approach to higher education leadership in development: Propose an innovative institution-wide “charge” to all disciplines and Extension to make a full press effort to design integrated intervention strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of poverty, utilizing measurable objectives and evaluations conducted over a 5-year period.
• Increase discussions with other land-grant, public and private research universities, as well as leaders in government, non-government agencies and the corporate sector regarding cutting edge and innovative research.
• Capitalize on digital technology and social media to disseminate applied research findings to indigenous leaders in targeted countries.
• Build internal leadership capacity in developing countries to implement socio-economic and agricultural policies/practices that improve food security, economic development and environmental sustainability.

University of Missouri Strengths

• The University of Missouri is a top land-grant research institution which excels in life sciences, journalism, engineering, and comprehensive health research and education.
• The University of Missouri has relationships with other land-grant institutions and universities abroad with international recognition for institution building of indigenous strengths in India, Asia and Africa.
• The University of Missouri is a leader in agricultural policy, including smallholder behavior, resilience, and cooperative leadership.

Current Efforts – 2015/2016

• Leadership role and active participant in addressing the economic recovery of Ebola stricken countries – at the request of, and in collaboration with, Global Health Resilience and Recovery Alliance
• Implement joint conference/workshop with NYU on Smallholder Entrepreneurship and Collective Action – (2015)
• Organize National Leadership Summit to Analyze International Aid Programs and the Relevance of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Development – (2016)