Overview
The Australian Government supports the ongoing development of agricultural industries in the South Pacific region through many programs, including the Pacific Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative (PARDI).
PARDI aimed to provide sustainable livelihood improvements to communities in the South Pacific region. Working in the forestry, fisheries and crop-based sectors, scientists undertook supply-chain and market-driven research to identify constraints that impede local economic development. The research aimed to achieve tangible solutions, such as new skills for locals, new technologies and product options.
A significant capacity building program was part of the initiative, to achieve enduring impact. This book highlights some of the capacity building success stories.
- 25 students from the Pacific islands and Australia undertook higher degree research projects in support of PARDI projects - most students were enrolled in masters or PhD programs at the University of the South Pacific.
- 62 technical workshops were undertaken across six countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu).
- 40 private sector and Pacific government staff received intensive capacity building in agribusiness or technical skill development through participatory involvement in the project.
PARDI was a 5-year ACIAR-funded project (2010−2015), coordinated by The University of Queensland.
