Agricultural leaders from Pakistan and Australia recently identified priorities for future research collaboration during a high-level consultation in Pakistan, attended by ACIAR General Manager Partnerships, Dr Suzie Newman.
The Rethinking Priorities: Research Prioritisation Dialogue recently brought together representatives from Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments, universities, research organisations, the Australian High Commission and ACIAR.
The consultation was central to ACIAR General Manager Partnerships Dr Suzie Newman’s first visit to Pakistan. Her visit focused on strengthening relationships with government and research partners, discussing country research priorities, engaging with alumni and meeting ACIAR-supported project teams.
Listening to partners
The dialogue provided a structured forum for stakeholders to reflect on existing priorities, identify emerging research needs and consider opportunities for future collaboration. ACIAR Pakistan Country Manager Dr Munawar Kazmi opened proceedings by presenting about ACIAR’s existing priorities and ongoing projects in Pakistan.
Discussions covered a broad range of themes, including food security, water management, climate resilience, policy development, gender and social inclusion, and capacity development.
Opening the dialogue, Dr Newman emphasised the importance of collaborative research and long-term partnerships.
‘At the heart of ACIAR’s approach is a commitment to genuine partnership and jointly shaping future priorities,’ she said.
Research areas were discussed to understand their alignment with government priorities, contribution to food security and livelihoods, exposure to climate and water-related challenges and potential for innovation and partnership.
Water emerged as a consistently highlighted area, with participants identifying issues such as storage, conservation and reuse. Horticulture, crops and livestock were also recognised as important for future consideration, with discussions referencing commodities such as citrus, pulses and wheat, as well as livestock breeding and value chain development.
Dr Leigh Vial, ACIAR Research Program Manager Crops, also attended the consultation and described it as an opportunity to learn directly from partners about the challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
‘These conversations help ACIAR better understand where future research can add value, building on existing strengths in areas such as hybrid wheat while identifying new opportunities to support Pakistan’s priorities,’ he said.
Building on a long-standing partnership
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tim Kane also addressed participants during the consultation, expressing his hope that lessons from Australia could help inform future collaboration: ‘For more than 40 years, Australian and Pakistani agricultural scientists have worked side by side to strengthen Pakistan’s agriculture and support farmers and communities. With Australian support through ACIAR, we are continuing that partnership – working together to find solutions to shared challenges, from water and climate pressures to getting produce from fields to markets, while building the next generation of expertise, including among women. The lasting impact of this work provides a strong foundation for our future partnership.’
The consultation formed part of a wider program of engagement involving government representatives, universities, research organisations, project teams and ACIAR alumni, including recent Meryl Williams Fellowship alumni.
Throughout the visit, discussions focused on how research partnerships can support agricultural productivity, food security, climate resilience and sustainable resource management in Pakistan.
The perspectives gathered during the consultation will help inform ongoing dialogue between ACIAR and its partners as they consider future areas for collaborative research.
