SummARy 9

SUMMARy

A key part of ACIAR’s mandate is to build capacity in partner countries in order to facilitate its mission to achieve more productive and sustainable agricultural systems through international agricultural research partnerships. In 2008–09 ACIAR, with co-funding from AusAID, will provide up to 130 John Allwright Fellowships (JAFs) to allow researchers from partner countries who are actively involved in ACIAR projects to undertake postgraduate studies at Australian universities.

This report is a follow-up to the previous review and evaluation survey of the JAF scheme carried out in 19982 and 20043, respectively. The 2004 survey aimed to assess the relevance of JAF postgraduate studies in regard to fellows’ subsequent employment, including career progression and capacity building within home-country institutions. It also aimed to obtain recommendations to improve the scheme.

As in the 2004 survey, the current evaluation recorded an overwhelmingly positive response from both fellows and institute directors regarding benefits at both institutional and individual levels. Major findings include the following:

There has been a high (74%) return rate of fellows to ��their home country following completion of studies, maximising the opportunities for capacity building to occur within alumni home-country institutes.

Almost all (99%) fellows indicated that they were ��facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills within their institute or current workplace.

2 Falvey L., Hills R. and Sdoodee R. 1998. Review of the ACIAR training program. ACIAR: Canberra.

3 Harvey S. and Skerritt J. 2004. Impact of the John Allwright Fellowship scheme: survey report. ACIAR: Canberra.

The majority (93%) of institute directors and fellows ��agreed that the skills and knowledge acquired during postgraduate studies were highly relevant to their current positions.

The majority (81%) of fellows have been promoted ��since returning to their home country, with directors (78%) and fellows (85%) agreeing that the promotion was directly attributed to successful completion of postgraduate qualifications.

There was an almost unanimous (99%) expression of ��strong satisfaction by fellows regarding their overall experience in Australia. Directors also expressed a strong level of satisfaction in the postgraduate studies undertaken by fellows.

Almost all (95%) fellows indicated that the fellowship ��was a positive experience, with both fellows and directors identifying research and writing skills, increased flexibility and openness to new ideas, and the network of professional contacts as major benefits resulting from participation in the scheme.

Fellows and directors proposed continuation and ��possible expansion of the JAF scheme, increases to the stipend and greater pre-departure english language support for fellows as areas for potential modification to the scheme.

JAF AlumNI 11

JAF ALUMNI: SOMe SUCCeSS STORIeS

DINh vAN TuyENvIETNAm

Dr Dinh Van Tuyen completed his PhD at the University of Queensland in 2005 and is now the Deputy Head of the Animal Feed and Nutrition Division at the National Institute of Animal Husbandry in Hanoi, Vietnam. Dr Dinh is responsible for the supervision of researchers and support staff working within the division, and designing and implementing national and international projects in the field of animal production. With research interests related to ruminant production, Dr Dinh designs and monitors experiments relating to ruminant nutrition and management. Knowledge acquired on cattle nutrition during his PhD studies is used on a daily basis to investigate the nutritive value of feeds and feeding strategies, and to implement basic research projects (e.g. the determination of net energy requirements of cattle).

Since completing the fellowship, Dr Dinh has led a large research project funded by the Vietnamese Government, and other small projects funded by international organisations. He has also published a number of articles in Vietnamese journals, participated in several international conferences and translated a reference book. Dr Dinh has maintained ties with ACIAR, participating as a tutor in an ACIAR-funded training course on experimental design and data analysis, and through ACIAR’s small project grant for returnees.

BEERO TIOTIKIRIBATI

After receiving his Masters degree through James Cook University in 2001, Mr Tioti stated that he has gained many relevant skills. These skills have not only helped him professionally but have contributed to the improvement of fisheries and aquaculture in Kiribati. Skills developed through postgraduate study have provided Mr Tioti with a greater ability to not only resolve development issues through scientific research but also to develop strong communication, negotiation and representation skills. As a Project Manager (Development Cooperation) for AusAID in Tarawa, Kiribati, Mr Tioti uses these skills in his day-to-day role in order to maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.

In his current position, Mr Tioti is responsible for the effective management of AusAID-funded projects, and for the provision of advice and consultation on issues relating to the Kiribati Aid Program and its implementation. As well as working with AusAID, Mr Tioti continues to provide technical advice, improving the skills of the Kiribati Fisheries Department staff in hatchery and grow-out techniques for pearl oysters and other aquaculture species. Mr Tioti is also engaged with a private company, Atoll Beauties, who produce and export giant clams to the aquarium market.

12 JOhN AllWRIghT FEllOWShIP SChEmE SuRvEy REPORT 2008

DAPINg XuChINA

Dr Daping Xu completed his PhD in 2001 at Murdoch University and is currently the Director and Research Professor at the Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, People’s Republic of China. Dr Daping is responsible for the administration of the institute, supervises approximately 140 staff members and is involved in researching cultivation techniques for tropical tree plantations.

Since completion of his fellowship, Dr Daping has been promoted from Vice-Director of the institute to Director, and leads a national project on tree improvement and cultivation of tropical plantations. Dr Daping stated that his experience as a JAF scholar not only improved his research skills, but has also given him an international perspective and the knowledge to successfully manage his institute.

mINDA mANgABATThE PhIlIPPINES

Since completing her PhD in 1995 at La Trobe University, Dr Minda Mangabat has been promoted to the role of Chief Statistician for the Crop Statistics Division, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, the Philippines. Dr Mangabat enjoys interacting with people and says that her current role allows her to represent the agency at various meetings, as well as the opportunity to conduct fieldwork. It is this interaction with stakeholders, on a provincial and district level, that ensures the collection of firsthand information for analysis and the chance to meet new people and experience different cultures.

Dr Mangabat sits on several interagency committees for institutions under the Department of Agriculture. In her role she contributes industry-specific data analysis for rice and corn, which is subsequently used in recommendations to government on matters of food security and pricing policies. She is currently working in Lao PDR in conjunction with the FAO to conduct a survey of rice production and trade. This creates challenges associated with interviewing government and non-government agencies, and exposure to new data collection and analysis methodologies.

Dr Mangabat is currently responsible for 20 staff, has headed three different divisions within the bureau, and has authored several publications and presented papers at both international and national economic conferences.

Dr Daping Xu working in the laboratory at the Research Institute of Tropical Forestry

DR DAPING STATeD THAT HIS eXPeRIeNCe AS A JAF SCHOLAR …HAS ALSO GIVeN HIM AN INTeRNATIONAL PeRSPeCTIVe AND THe KNOWLeDGe TO SUCCeSSFULLy MANAGe HIS INSTITUTe

JAF AlumNI 13

BhAgIRATh SINgh ChAuhANINDIA

Dr Bhagirath Singh Chauhan completed his PhD in 2007 at the University of Adelaide and is now a postdoctoral fellow at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), conducting research on the ecology and management of rice weeds. Transfer of knowledge is facilitated through ‘on the job’ activities, enabling junior staff members to benefit from Dr Chauhan’s experience. The most valuable aspect of the JAF program was exposure to international research environments, which has encouraged him to develop and implement his own ideas in relation to researchable issues.

Dr Chauhan states that working with IRRI has been a wonderful experience and an opportunity that would not have been possible without the exposure provided by the JAF program. IRRI gives him a global perspective; the chance to work in rice-producing countries including India, the Philippines and Laos; and the continual challenge to improve the livelihoods of people living below the poverty line. Dr Chauhan believes that IRRI will be central to overcoming the food (rice) crisis through the delivery of better crop management practices, acceleration of the introduction of higher yielding rice varieties and development of new varieties with increased tolerance to abiotic stresses (drought, flooding and salinity).

mARIE-vIANNEy mElTERASvANuATu

Marie-Vianney Melteras completed her Masters degree in 2005 at the University of Queensland and is now the Chief executive Officer at the Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Centre (VARTC). At VARTC Ms Melteras is responsible for the coordination of the centre’s research programs at both a national and an international level, and supervises 50 staff. Her strong leadership skills were recognised this year when she was awarded a John Dillon Memorial Fellowship.

Since completing the JAF scheme, Ms Melteras has been instrumental in the establishment of the Vanuatu National Agriculture Policy, and in ensuring that VARTC research and development work is in line with this policy. In response to the food crisis, VARTC, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Department of Agriculture, is developing programs to ensure food security in local villages while increasing productivity. An immediate response, involving Ms Melteras, has resulted in the distribution of planting materials and training for farmers. Another major VARTC initiative is the Agrobiodiversity Project, which aims to conserve the biodiversity of root and tuber crops, the major food staple of Vanuatu, thus ensuring long-term food security.

Marie-Vianney Melteras accepting her John Dillon Memorial Fellowship award from the Hon. Bob McMullan, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance.

MS MeLTeRAS HAS BeeN INSTRUMeNTAL IN THe eSTABLISHMeNT OF THe VANUATU NATIONAL AGRICULTURe POLICy

14 JOhN AllWRIghT FEllOWShIP SChEmE SuRvEy REPORT 2008

ERIC OmuRuPAPuA NEW guINEA

Dr eric Omuru completed his PhD in 2002 at the University of Western Australia and is employed as an economist and marketing adviser at Kokonas Industri Koporesen (KIK). KIK is a major shareholder of the Cocoa and Coconut Institute, where Dr Omuru worked until being promoted to his current position. Dr Omuru has been involved in ACIAR projects since completing his fellowship.

Within his current role Dr Omuru composes draft policies and guidelines on the buying, processing and export of coconut products in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This includes evaluating the market to make recommendations on changes to industry regulations, and assessing stakeholder licences in order to foster a competitive business environment. Through Dr Omuru’s market studies on existing and new coconut products, he is able to provide feedback to the Cocoa and Coconut Institute for product development prospects and provide feasibility assessments of smallholder coconut industry projects.

Dr Omuru was awarded a John Dillon Memorial Fellowship in 2005 and has made frequent academic trips to Australia, acting as a visiting fellow at Curtin University due to his expertise in commodity crop industries. Dr Omuru is increasingly recognised within the international scientific community and has made numerous contributions to policy documents on PNG agriculture. He has acted as a consultant for the World Bank, FAO, AusAID, ACIAR and GRM International. Dr Omuru is also a part-time senior lecturer in economics at the University of Papua New Guinea.

KAmAluDEEN SARA PARWIN BANuINDIA

Dr K. Sara Parwin Banu completed her PhD in 2002 at the University of Adelaide, after which she was promoted from her role as Senior Research Fellow to her current position of Associate Professor of environmental Sciences at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

Dr Banu’s Australian research focused on the sorption–desorption dynamics in contaminated soils and the challenges faced in bioremediation of soils exposed to long-term tannery waste. Her findings, relating to the bioavailability of chromium and manganese oxides in soil as a result of contamination, have been published in several peer-reviewed journals. Dr Banu has conducted research into large-scale waste recycling using microbial and vermicomposting techniques, and has isolated Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains which can be used for the efficient adsorption of heavy metals from effluent. Her improved sugarcane-composting techniques, demonstrated to farmers and cane extension officers, have been adopted as standard practice among farmers of Vellore, Tamil Nadu, replacing the more detrimental practice of conventional burning.

At TNAU Dr Banu has had many opportunities to pass on the technical skills and knowledge she acquired during her PhD studies, producing published webnotes and laboratory manuals for undergraduate students. Currently, Dr Banu is investigating nitrogen dynamics in the rice rhizosphere in sodic soils. She hopes that her work will achieve the same level of success as her previous research, which resulted in her microbial consortia and standardising techniques for solid waste management being applied in Tamil Nadu.

DR BANU HAS HAD MANy OPPORTUNITIeS TO PASS ON THe TeCHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLeDGe SHe ACQUIReD DURING HeR PHD STUDIeS

JAF AlumNI 15

mIChAEl POESIPAPuA NEW guINEA

Michael Poesi completed his Masters degree in 2004 at the Australian National University and is employed by PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd as a Senior Forestry Officer. Mr Poesi is responsible for the development of sustainable economic investments in forestry projects, with a particular focus on the western provinces in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mr Poesi’s involvement in current projects relates to downstream processing of natural forests; development of commercial planting of grasslands and burnt-out forest areas for timber production and carbon credits; and a number of non-timber projects including sustainable community programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of the poor rural communities in Western province.

Since returning from his studies in Australia, Mr Poesi has been developing improved germ plasm for commercial use with his former employer, the PNG Forest Authority, and securing research contracts for more improved germ plasm development with several large industry stakeholders, including Ramu Sugar Limited in Madang, Jant Woodchipping in Madang, Coconut Product Limited in Rabaul and Kei Beseu in Manas.

Mr Poesi believes that the experience of studying through the JAF scheme provided him with the opportunity to learn best-practice forestry techniques, and has given him a benchmark to strive for in relation to sustainable forestry in PNG. Mr Poesi was awarded a John Dillon Memorial Fellowship in 2007.

El SOThEARyCAmBODIA

Dr el Sotheary completed her PhD in 2007 at the University of Queensland and was promoted to the position of Deputy Head of the Socio-economics Division at the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) a few months after her return to Cambodia. Since completing her studies, Dr el has been involved in the leadership of three research projects. The first project is funded by the Cambodian Agricultural Research Fund—‘CARDI’s released rice varieties: their socio-economic impact and the adoption of Phka Rumduol and Sen Pidao varieties’; the second by ACIAR, ‘enhancing production and marketing of maize and soybean in north-western Cambodia and production of summer crops in north-eastern Australia’; and the third by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture—‘Monitoring and evaluation of cassava production and utilisation in Cambodia’.

Dr el states that, without her PhD, promotion within CARDI would have been quite difficult, as individuals with qualifications from international institutions are given priority for senior positions. Knowledge and techniques learnt during Dr el’s scholarship period, such as the implementation and design of impact assessment work and modelling populations, are regularly applied in her research work at CARDI.

Dr el Sotheary facilitating a workshop for agricultural extension staff and key farmers at CARe Pailin, Cambodia. Photo: Bob Martin

16 JOhN AllWRIghT FEllOWShIP SChEmE SuRvEy REPORT 2008

ARI KRISTINIINDONESIA

Ms Kristini completed a Masters degree at the University of Queensland in 2003. Skills learnt within her studies have enabled her to think innovatively to determine what background information is required, and subsequently to draw all these sources together, when approaching a research question. Leadership and english skills learnt during the JAF program have also helped her in her role as a research scientist at the Indonesian Sugar Research Institute. The ability to speak english confidently has enabled her to build international networks, creating funding opportunities for the development of new projects. She has collaborated successfully on the ACIAR project ‘Integrated pest management of stem borers and insect vectors of viral diseases of sugarcane in Indonesia’. She is involved in managing collaborators from diverse backgrounds, including handling administration and disseminating research findings to sugar factories and cane farmers.

MS KRISTINI STATeS THAT THe ABILITy TO SPeAK eNGLISH CONFIDeNTLy HAS eNABLeD HeR TO BUILD INTeRNATIONAL NeTWORKS

SIOSIuA hAlAvATAuTONgA

Dr Siosiua Halavatau received his PhD in 1998 through the University of Queensland and is employed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) as a Team Leader and Participatory extension Officer within the regional project ‘Development of Sustainable Agriculture in the Pacific’. He is also the coordinator of the Crop Production Thematic Group of the Land Resource Division of SPC.

Dr Halavatau’s current job supports agricultural development in 16 Pacific countries, with direct responsibility for the crop protection team, which provides planning and technical support to project countries. Major achievements since Dr Halavatau’s return include his integral involvement in the development of Samoa’s first Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan; his previous appointment as Deputy Director and Chief executive of extension for the Ministry of Agriculture in Tonga; and being the inaugural recipient of the Gender Award, which aims to promote the integration of women and youth in SPC’s activities, including recruitment and capacity building.

INTRODuCTION AND SuRvEy mEThODOlOgy 17

Phase 3: ANAlySIS AND REPORTINg OF SuRvEy FINDINgSThe previous survey report of JAF alumni in 2004 conducted the majority of surveys via face-to-face interviews with Country Office staff. The 2008 study featured a major change to this process in that the vast majority of former fellows and supervisors completed their own survey via email. The remaining surveys were conducted by Country Office staff through phone interviews or by hard copy via fax or courier. In areas where there is no Country Office, interviews were conducted by telephone by ACIAR staff in Canberra. The improved email response indicates a shift in professional expectations in partner countries, whereby email now forms a key communication tool in their institutions.

The status of the 149 former fellows is: 111 (74%) were contacted as 2 had passed away, 28 were now residing in developed countries (14 in Australia, 6 in the USA, 4 in Canada and individuals in Japan, Singapore, Sweden and the United Kingdom) and 8 were not able to be contacted. Of the 106 who returned a questionnaire, representing a 95% response rate, all had remained in their home country.

The status of the 111 institute directors is: 94 responses were received, representing an 85% response rate. Three fellows did not have a supervisor as they are self-employed consultants.

INTRODUCTION AND SURVey MeTHODOLOGy

The John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) scheme survey report was prepared in three phases.

Phase 1: DEvElOPmENT OF quESTIONNAIRESPhase 1 involved compilation of the 2008 questionnaires for former fellows and institute directors, based on the previous 2004 survey of JAF alumni.

Phase 2: CONDuCTION OF ThE SuRvEyThe survey was largely conducted via distribution by email to institute directors and former fellows through Country Offices and ACIAR Canberra staff.

Rico Cabagnon (Forest Products Research and Development Institute, the Philippines) conducting tests on engineered wood products. Photo: Rico Cabagnon

18 JOhN AllWRIghT FEllOWShIP SChEmE SuRvEy REPORT 2008

Study experience in Australia: covers whether the former fellow was able to enter into their postgraduate program of choice, the quality of supervision and support from the Australian supervisor, and the overall experience of studying in Australia.

English language: looks at english difficulties and growth of language skills before and after arriving in Australia.

Social experience in Australia: covers whether the former fellow had paid employment while in Australia, whether family accompanied them, and the suitability of accommodation and beneficial experiences related to living in Australia.

Views on the JAF scheme: covers the main benefits to the former fellow personally, the benefits to the institute and country, and any negatives of undertaking the fellowship.

List of major achievements: gives the former fellow the opportunity to list their major achievements since returning from the fellowship program.

Suggestions for improvement: looks at suggestions for improvements to the ACIAR scholarship scheme.

QUeSTIONNAIRe DeSIGN

FORmER FEllOW quESTIONNAIREKey components of the questionnaire are listed below.

Biographical data: includes country of origin, type of degree and date completed.

Employment profile: covers the length of time the fellow has worked for their current employer and whether this is the same employer who released them from work to undertake the fellowship. It also covers the main responsibilities of their current position.

Relevance and value of the fellowship: covers whether the fellowship was relevant to employment at the time of its undertaking; whether it is currently relevant to the former fellow’s work; and the application and frequency of use of the knowledge that they gained during their study and how they pass their knowledge onto others.

Subsequent promotions and seniority: covers whether the fellowship assisted in gaining a promotion or a more senior position.

Supervision and leadership of research projects: covers supervision of staff in the former fellow’s current job and prior to undertaking the fellowship. Also covers whether they currently lead any research projects and, more specifically, whether or not they have been or continue to be involved in ACIAR projects.

Future employment and study intentions: covers whether the former fellow is contemplating a change in career and whether they intend to undertake further study.

Difficulties faced in using postgraduate training: covers the factors that the former fellow may have experienced that have hindered their ability to utilise their postgraduate training.

quESTIONNAIRE DESIgN 19

DIRECTOR quESTIONNAIREBackground information: covers the time in the position as director of the former fellow’s institute, whether they are their direct supervisor and how long they have supervised the former fellow.

Relevance/use of skills/knowledge: covers the utilisation of the skills and knowledge that the former fellow has gained from their study in Australia, and the extent to which this has impacted on their personal career path and benefited the organisation. It also covers whether the knowledge and experience that the fellow gained in their study is used in their current employment, and whether it is passed on to others.

Impression of training received in Australia: covers the satisfaction with the postgraduate degree the former fellow undertook, and the impression of the training received in Australia compared with postgraduate degrees in other countries.

Use and development of postgraduate skills: covers the extent to which the former fellow uses the specific technical and practical skills and knowledge that they acquired during their study in their current position. The maintenance and development of these skills are also addressed and whether or not their study contributed to promotion.

Disruption of organisation: looks at the extent to which the former fellow’s absence affected the organisation.

Views on the JAF scheme: covers the main benefits to the institute or organisation, and any negatives, of undertaking the fellowship, and suggestions for improvement of the scheme.

Dr Agustina Asri Rahmianna, from the Indonesian Legumes and Tuber Crops Research Institute, talking to peanut farmers in Lombok as part of ACIAR’s involvement in the Smallholder Agribusiness Development Initiative. Photo: Brad Collis