Overview
Consultations in 2006 between ACIAR and DOST-PCAARRD identified lower-cost and sustainable production systems for high-value vegetables in the southern Philippines as a priority area of research. In partnership with DOST-PCAARRD, ACIAR and other research organisations implemented a major multidisciplinary program to enhance the profitability of selected vegetable value chains in the region.
The program evolved from several years of engagement with institutions and individuals in the Philippines and Australia on topics relating to vegetable production and marketing. It was framed as ‘value chain’ research and incorporated focus areas on critical crop production issues of soil and nutrient management, protected cropping structures, bacterial wilt and economics and policy. The overriding priority for ACIAR was to develop human and social capital, as well as strong links between Australian and in-country researchers.
This impact assessment found that the research program contributed substantially to scientific knowledge, particularly in the areas of protected cropping, bacterial wilt control and collaborative marketing groups. This assessment concluded that for complex and multi-faceted issues, such as vegetable production in the southern Philippines, a multidisciplinary systems approach is necessary, but it must be well designed and underpinned by robust established relationships and a rigorous and participatory consultative process that includes lead in-country implementers.
