Mark Andrew Bell

Prior to joining UC ANR, Mark's focus was on international development.  After finishing his PhD in Australia, he worked for 10 years in Mexico (at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)),10 years in the Philippines (at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)), and more recently, he spent 10 years at UC Davis (in the CA&ES International Programs Office). Trained as a Soil Scientist and Agronomist, his interests expanded to working globally on "how can we better help farmers access the information they need, when they need it, and in a form they can understand and use?". As a result, his work involved capacity building as well as the use of both newer (Information Communication Technology - ICT) and more traditional approaches to extension. His work on new ICT tools led to the development of 4 knowledge Banks (e-Afghan Ag, e-Pak Ag, e-China Apple and the Rice Knowledge Bank) along with 4 on-line diagnostic tools (Rice Doctor, Maize Doctor, Wheat Doctor and Vegetable Doctor). Along the way, Mark has held various management positions including Director of the International Ag Extension Academy and Assistant Director of International Programs Office at UC Davis, Head of the International Programs Office and Head of the Training Center at IRRI. He has worked in over 30 countries and has developed multiple courses and workshops; training thousands of students and scholars from around the world in areas ranging from field diagnostics to Extension strategies.