Date released
20 January 2025

In 2024 ACIAR celebrated the graduation of 8 scholars studying higher degrees who have been sponsored through the Pacific Agriculture Scholarships and Support (PASS) program.

They join more than 50 alumni from 5 Pacific island countries who have completed a Master or PhD degree at either the University of the South Pacific or Fiji National University with the help of PASS scholarships. 

Sheep meat and better health outcomes in Samoa

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Woman holding a small lamb in her arms
Ms Tusiata Salu focused on Samoa’s sheep meat as part of her Master's degree supported by the PASS program. Photo: Supplied

Among the recent graduates is Ms Tusiata Lemuelu Salu from Samoa, who completed her Master of Agricultural Science at the University of the South Pacific.

Ms Salu was working with the Samoan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries when she was awarded an ACIAR-supported PASS scholarship, which allowed her to return to full-time study to complete a Master's degree.

‘I am the first grandchild on both sides of my family to reach university level, which is something I take pride in,’ said Ms Salu. ‘I want to be a role model for my younger siblings and cousins.’

Ms Salu said pursuing higher education has opened many doors for her.

‘This journey with PASS has been a remarkable chapter in my life. Some say doing a Masters degree is a ‘you-journey,’ but I believe it’s a team effort,’ said Ms Salu. 

‘I was blessed with an amazing supervisory team, and the support system provided by the scholarship was always there for me. 

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Woman standing at a lecturn on a stage in graduation attire
Ms Tusiata Salu at her graduation ceremony at the University of the South Pacific Samoa campus. Photo: Supplied

Her research topic ‘Investigating local consumer attitudes, habits, and preferences for sheep meat in Samoa,’ supports her desire to improve health and income opportunities for fellow Samoans.

Ms Salu said demand for sheep meat in Samoa is primarily met by imports, which are high in fat and contribute to non-communicable diseases and related health issues. 

To reduce reliance on imported meat products, the government of Samoa introduced the country’s first sheep flock in 2004. Although the sheep population has gradually increased, local demand and consumption remain dominated by imported meat. 

Her study aimed to evaluate consumer attitudes, preferences, and the factors influencing consumption habits, as well as identify strategies to promote locally produced sheep meat in Samoa.

‘Through my PASS journey, I gained valuable knowledge and skills in conducting research and managing projects, particularly in addressing gaps within a community’s needs. The program also allowed me to expand my network, connecting with regional and international experts through conferences, Zoom meetings, and other platforms,’ said Ms Salu.

‘While on the program, and even now, I continue to encourage others to apply for this scholarship. It’s an excellent opportunity to further your education. It pushes you to think beyond the norm and to be true to yourself. 

‘Thanks to the experience and knowledge I gained during my Master’s journey, I am now working as a consultant for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.’

Dairy knowledge and leadership 

Also graduating in 2024, Ms Wati Tomasi Mocevakaca received support from the PASS program to complete a Master of Science in Agriculture at Fiji National University, specialising in livestock production.

‘ACIAR provided the resources and mentorship needed for in-depth research, especially crucial for women pursuing leadership roles in agriculture,’ said Ms Mocevakaca.

‘Their commitment to empowering researchers like me is truly inspiring. Their generous funding program went beyond simple financial aid.’

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Women smiling in blue graduation attire holding a certificate flowers
Support from the ACIAR PASS program helped Ms Wati Tomasi Mocevakaca complete her Master of Science in Agriculture at Fiji National University. Photo: Fiji One News

Ms Macevakaca also received an ACIAR Future Thinkers Climate Change Grant in 2022 which allowed her to expand the scope of her research significantly.

She established baseline data for the dairy industry, helping to identify barriers that contribute to knowledge gaps, and to the lack of women in leadership roles, which she sees as significant hurdles for Fiji’s dairy industry. 

She now works for the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways helping to build professional skills in the dairy sector.

‘In my current role I work with dairy stakeholders, farmers and local Ministry of Agriculture and Water staff to advance Fiji’s dairy programs, said Ms Mocevakaca. 

‘The combination of soft skills and technical knowledge acquired as an ACIAR PASS scholar has equipped me to effectively multitask and achieve positive outcomes in my endeavours.’

‘Throughout the journey I underwent substantial professional growth. I am not naturally a public speaker, but I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone by presenting at conferences, participating in training workshops and expanding my professional network.’ 

Ms Mocevakaca continues to promote the opportunities that careers in agriculture offer women to forge their own paths, to nurture the environment, champion innovation, and build a stronger food security system for Fiji.

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A woman wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves, filling a glass tube with water from a faucet.
Miss Singh working at the Fiji National University labs.

Insights into veterinary careers

Also graduating from Fiji National University, Ms Shivani Singh completed her Master of Animal Production with support from the PASS program in 2023.

After completing a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, she was keen to learn about career options in research as an alternative to becoming a clinical veterinarian. 

‘I had the chance to learn more about Fiji's animal health research sector thanks to the PASS program. I was able to further my profession and gain more knowledge about the growing problem posed by antimicrobial resistance in Fiji's animal sector,’ said Miss Singh.

Her Master thesis focused on antimicrobial resistance in small-scale poultry farms.

‘I would urge people to think about joining the ACIAR PASS family since it offers a variety of benefits, including the chance to train with international organisations, expand your academic career through social networking, and further your education,’ said Ms Singh.

‘My involvement with ACIAR PASS has taught me to never put boundaries on my ability to grow professionally. 

'The team's assistance and direction will enable me to continue with my research career, which will undoubtedly lead to a PhD.’

Research for regional priorities

ACIAR Director Capacity Development Ms Kate Turner-Mann said changes to the PASS program in 2024 have expanded the range of research the program will support linked to development priorities in the region. 

This might include agriculture, fisheries and forestry projects, but also social sciences, or economic research to improve food systems, and economic outcomes for the region.

A compendium of regional priorities has been developed, led by University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University, highlighting issues and also local expertise available to support relevant research, which will be complemented by expertise from Australian universities.

‘A real benefit of the PASS program is that it provides opportunities for people to undertake research, develop their technical capabilities and careers while still being embedded in their own communities,’ said Ms Turner-Mann.

ACIAR encourages potential applicants to seek more information through their university and to speak with supervisors about potential projects in preparation for 2025 scholarship applications. 

More information: ACIAR Pacific Agriculture Scholarships and Support Program (PASS).