Sustainable Agricultural Intensification (SAI) Project launch.

15 Dec Sustainable Agricultural Intensification (SAI) Project launch.

[Nuku’alofa, November 3^rd, 2023] – The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with esteemed partners including the University of Melbourne, Lincoln University, the University of the South Pacific (USP), Government of Tonga and Mainstreaming of Rural Development Innovation (MORDI) Tonga Trust, is set to unveil a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in the Pacific. The project’s grand unveiling took place at its “mother” site at the MORDI Headquarter in Havelu, Tongatapu.

The guests included Dr Viliami Manu CEO of Ministry of Agriculture, Foods and Forestry (MAFF) and Australian High Commission First Secretary to Tonga  Ms Cassie Cohen; who were welcomed by the staff of the University of the South Pacific. Dr. Dorin Gupta, a renowned authority in agricultural research, provided a presentation on the research, shedding light on the innovative approaches and their potential impact on the Pacific region. Director of USP Tonga Campus Dr. Robin Havea welcomed guests and provided vote of thanks.

Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge through a guided walk-through tour led by MORDI Agricultural Development Coordinator, Tevita Tukia. This immersive experience will allow participants to witness the practical implementation of sustainable intensification practices and interact with the experts spearheading this initiative.

This pioneering project focuses on Sustainable Intensification (SI) of agriculture and aims to evaluate the biophysical and economic benefits of implementing a range of sustainable farming practices in Taro and Yam-based farming systems in Samoa and Tonga. The project is particularly designed to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Key Principles for Cropping:

Five core principles have been identified and will be tested at the “Mother” site and its “Baby” sites:

1. Conservation Agriculture: This principle emphasizes diversity, the incorporation of legumes into the farming system, soil mulching, and minimal disturbance of the soil.
2. Soil Health: The project will assess practices to improve soil health, focusing on factors like water holding capacity and nutrient levels.
3. Improved Genetic Materials: Disease and drought-tolerant crop varieties will be studied to enhance crop resilience.
4. Water Management: Strategies for enhancing water use efficiency in rainfed systems will be explored.
5. Integrated Pest Management: Innovative approaches for pest management will be a key aspect of the project.

The project, led by the University of Melbourne, not only seeks to advance sustainable farming practices but also aims to engage farmers, governments, businesses, and agriculture scholars in a dialogue about the practicality and feasibility of these methods. This endeavor is a crucial step towards achieving climate-resilient development in the Pacific.

In 2020-21, a Small Research Activity (SRA) was initiated to explore the opportunities for implementing SI in smallholder farming systems in Samoa and Tonga. The SRA served as a Proof of Concept, identifying and evaluating the research, technological, social, and policy interventions required for future implementation and scaling of these innovative agrifood systems. It also identified key research and development sites for future work to compare the performance of these new practices with the current conventional systems.

The Pacific region faces a multitude of climate impacts, including rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, increased cyclones and droughts, and unpredictable rainfall, all of which directly affect staple food crops like taro, rice, and sweet potato, as well as high-value cash crops such as tomato, mango, and papaya.

Sustainable Intensification (SI) of agriculture is built on five complementary components – Conservation agriculture, Healthy soils, Improved crops, varieties, and livestock, Efficient water management, and Integrated pest management. By integrating these components into sustainable intensification, the project aims to usher in transformative changes in agricultural practices.

This project not only tests the benefits of targeted SI farming system changes in Samoa and Tonga but also sets the stage for broader implementation through farmer engagement and national and regional dialogue. The official opening ceremony at the “Mother” site signifies a significant milestone in this journey towards sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture and collaborative efforts between government, academia and communities in Tonga and the region.