Vanuatu - Country Office

1. Overview
2. Country Strategy
3. Priorities
4. Key Program Managers
5. Current Projects
6. Concluded Projects
7. Achievements
8. Relevant Publications
9. Country News and Stories
10. Project Locations
11. Country Portfolio
12. AusAid and Other Briefs
13. Fellowship Statistics

Country Office

ACIAR's program in the Pacific islands countries concentrates on Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. Our strategy recognises the importance of the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors within these countries. It supports research, capacity building and adoption of the results of previous research to underpin increases in household income and economic growth, and assist with the reduction of unemployment and improvement in food security. The strategy supports research to address three thrusts: increased productivity and diversification through new crops, products and value-adding; development of sustainable forestry and fisheries management systems; underpinning of marketing and biosecurity.

In agriculture, the program will focus on identification and management of constraints to productivity in high-value crops, and identification and development of new high-value horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables and ornamentals) for domestic and inter-island markets. In fisheries, ACIAR will focus on addressing sustainable production of oceanic and inshore fisheries, and on development of aquaculture alternatives and improvements in economic returns in quality, marketing and value-adding activities. The forestry program will focus on development of emerging plantation opportunities through improved silviculture management, enhanced genetic resources, and development of disease and pest detection and control methods.

There will be increased attention to improved processing and product development to enhance market returns. Farming systems and marketing research will be undertaken to underpin the strategy. This will include analysis of activities in trade liberalisation, policy and constraints; and of new opportunities and markets. The program also has a strong emphasis on building research and development capacity within the region.

In March 2008 the Australian Government declared its committment to cooperation with the island nations of the Pacific. This declaration outlines Australia's role in the Pacific Islands, including economic growth, education and training, agriculture and aid.

The Australian Government also released a Pacific Economic Survey 2008 in March 2008. The survey looks at the economic position of countries in the region, including East Timor.