Agrifood systems transformation through circular migration between Pacific island countries and Australia

Among Australia’s neighbours in Pacific island countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a sudden and protracted decrease in external sources of income, such as tourism. The loss of external income has further amplified the social and economic challenges in a region fighting a rapidly changing climate and deteriorating food security. This is a report on opportunities for agricultural knowledge exchange through temporary international labour mobility schemes.

Closing the loop between agriculture and wastewater discharge: A novel technique for turning wastewater into fertiliser in the Pacific - Final report

This project aimed to assess the potential to ‘close the loop’ in Pacific Island agriculture by converting domestic and agricultural wastewater into a stable, pathogen-free, organic fertiliser. Agricultural communities throughout the Pacific Islands are reliant on expensive imported fertilisers. Ironically, nutrient-rich domestic wastewaters are discharged into groundwater and coastal lagoons where they degrade water quality and impact human health.

Developing a regional conservation agriculture hub for northern Africa: scoping study assessment - Final report

A project aimed at identifying opportunities for a long term partnership with North African regional and Australian Institutions to understand challenges, equity and participation issues, and opportunities to enhance the adoption of conservation agriculture in the region.

Closing the loop between agriculture and wastewater discharge: A novel technique for turning wastewater into fertiliser in the Pacific

This project aimed to assess the potential to ‘close the loop’ in Pacific Island agriculture by converting domestic and agricultural wastewater into a stable, pathogen-free, organic fertiliser. Agricultural communities throughout the Pacific Islands are reliant on expensive imported fertilisers. Ironically, nutrient-rich domestic wastewaters are discharged into groundwater and coastal lagoons where they degrade water quality and impact human health.

Project code
WAC/2019/135
Program
Water
Project start date
11 May 2020
Project end date
30 May 2021

Compost recipe gives Pacific island countries a nutrient boost

A new compost recipe discovered through ACIAR-funded research is helping Pacific communities grow healthier food. Researcher Geoff Dean’s new recipe combines a sprinkling of ground-up rust, ash from coconut shells, a spread of seaweed and a select variety of green leaves. These ingredients would not be ideal for a dinner party but is great for composting in Pacific island countries, where they are easily found and provide a much-needed nutrient boost to sandy soils.

Soil management in Pacific Islands: investigating nutrient cycling and development of the soils portal

Commercial farming is an important source of employment and export revenue, while subsistence farming underpins food security for most rural areas. This project aimed to ensure soil knowledge was enhanced in the Pacific Island Countries Territories and provided a reliable foundation for sustainable intensification of agricultural systems.

Project code
SMCN/2016/111
Program
Soil and Land Management
Project start date
01 Oct 2017
Project end date
31 Mar 2022

Improving soil health, agricultural productivity and food security on atolls

This project aimed to improve the livelihoods of the people living in the coral atolls of Kiribati and Tuvalu. Atolls of the Pacific islands are among the most vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change and are facing major challenges to their food and income security.

Project code
SMCN/2014/089
Program
Soil and Land Management
Project start date
01 Oct 2015
Project end date
30 Sep 2020