ASEAN-CGIAR Program showcases achievements at 18th ATWGARD Meeting in Singapore

The ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program presented its latest progress at the 18th Meeting of the ASEAN Technical Working Group on Agricultural Research and Development (ATWGARD), held on April 24-25, 2024, in Singapore.

Dr. Jongsoo Shin, ASEAN-CGIAR Program Director and Asia Director of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), delivered a presentation on the program’s developments and accomplishments over the past year. This gathering saw active participation from a wide range of organizations, including IRRI, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Notable accomplishments of the ASEAN-CGIAR Program for the past year include the successful implementation of rice-fish farming systems in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar (IP 1), the development of climate neutrality strategies and tools for greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture (IP 2), and the enhancement of agrobiodiversity through regional workshops and case studies on native livestock breeds and heirloom rice (IP 3).

IP 4 saw the publication of important reports on ASEAN agricultural trade and integration, while IP 5 focused on plant disease control and pest monitoring with regional training and policy consultations. Further progress includes gender inclusivity initiatives with the ImpactSF Analyzer tool in agriculture lending (IP 6), advancements in digital agriculture with real-time data platforms (IP 7), and the launch of comprehensive food system assessments in Vietnam and Cambodia (IP 8).

These achievements have been made possible through the support of key funders such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. The program continues to seek collaborative support from potential partners and funders to further scale its innovations.

The ASEAN-CGIAR Program’s presentation at the 18th ATWGARD meeting highlighted its ongoing commitment to transforming the ASEAN agri-food landscape. The event served as a dynamic platform for sharing progress and planning future advancements. Looking ahead, the program aims to scale up and expand innovative solutions to enhance the resilience of ASEAN agri-food systems to climate change. This approach seeks to improve livelihoods for food producers and stakeholders, offer more affordable and nutritious food options for consumers, and contribute to a better natural environment, reinforcing the program’s role in driving sustainable and resilient agricultural development in the region.