One of the challenges of addressing the interconnected crises associated with climate change is the lack of visible milestones to draw attention to their progression and galvanize action. In 2024, a significant but understated milestone emerged in the form of a report titled An overview of food security and nutrition in the Pacific 2022. This comprehensive assessment reflects the collaborative efforts of agencies working across sustainable development sectors, including agriculture, nutrition, health, and education. The report underscores the complexity of achieving consensus in addressing these “wicked problems.”
Simultaneously, a noteworthy milestone in building solutions has been the conclusion of the Pacific Agricultural Scholarship, Support and Climate Resilience program (PASS-CR). Over its 16-year span, the program supported around 140 postgraduate scholars, helping to address critical gaps in Pacific agri-food systems and foster climate resilience. The program’s achievements highlight a model that merits further exploration and expansion.
PASS-CR was developed as part of a broader research-for-development agenda that links researchers in Australia with their counterparts in the Pacific to address regional agricultural priorities. Unlike conventional postgraduate scholarships, this program focused on a Master of Science (MSc) by research, with students registered at regional universities such as the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). Scholars conducted their thesis research in alignment with specific projects, guided by co-supervisors from these initiatives.
This approach proved effective in building capacity and enthusiasm for applied research, with many alumni advancing their careers within national agricultural research systems. Recognizing the need for more than financial support, the program evolved in 2019-2020 to include a strategic partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast. This collaboration provided comprehensive support to students, supervisors, and program management, enhancing the program’s impact.
The program’s Theory of Change illustrates how strengthening individual capacity, institutional frameworks, and networks can create functional agricultural innovation systems for the Pacific. By fostering collaboration among Pacific island states and connecting them with Australian and international partners, the program demonstrated the potential for transformative innovation in the region.
Preliminary evaluations of the program, based on alumni feedback, suggest it has been highly successful in fostering capacity and driving innovation. One example involves efforts to address soil fertility decline, a critical issue affecting agricultural productivity in the Pacific. Two Fiji Ministry of Agriculture staff began their journey with PASS-CR scholarships, contributing to research on soil fertility in Fiji’s taro export industry. Both advanced to PhD studies and assumed leadership roles, introducing innovations such as soil health report cards to guide farmers and adopting cost-effective soil analysis techniques using Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy. These advancements have enhanced soil management capabilities in Fiji and created a hub for soil research benefiting neighboring Pacific nations. Additionally, one alumnus now leads the regional soils program, extending resources like the Pacific Soils Portal to the broader region.
The program also included an innovative initiative, the Future Thinkers small grants scheme, aimed at integrating climate science into agricultural research. Although terminated prematurely, the initiative demonstrated promise. One participant, for example, presented taro research findings at COP27, showcasing the potential for Pacific researchers to contribute to global climate discussions. Expanding and properly evaluating this initiative could further enhance its impact.
This program exemplifies the effectiveness of a partnership-driven model in building capacity and promoting innovation for climate-resilient agri-food systems. Its achievements suggest that Pacific nations, while individually limited in research resources, can collectively achieve transformative outcomes through regional collaboration and international networking.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive and independent evaluation of the program is essential to inform future investments in Pacific agricultural research. Such an assessment would provide a robust foundation for decisions on scaling up this model to address the pressing challenges of climate change and food security in the region.
