Plant pathology research and capacity building in developing countries: issues and opportunities

To date Australia R&D institutions have provided significant and resilient plant pathology research and capacity development skills which have had a positive impact in developing countries and there is little doubt that there will be a range of future opportunities. This paper uses an assessment of four separate case studies in the horticultural crops sector to: 1) demonstrate the range of plant pathology-related research and capacity building activities and interventions currently being used by ACIAR in developing countries; 2) identify some of the major issues associated with the implementation of these activities; 3) highlight progress to date, major successes and identify major lessons learnt. While opportunities exist for future involvement of Australia's plant pathology capacity and expertise in official development assistance programs (ODA), capturing these opportunities will require a change in the current mindset of Australian R&D agencies. It is important that scientist, technicians and R&D organisations wishing to participate in the ODA program fully appreciate the changing nature of the R&D and international development environments and develop a deep understanding of how these impact on these future opportunities. To capitalise on these opportunities it is suggested that: 1. Australian R&D agencies become more proactive in aid/development policy and strategy; 2. Australian scientists and technicians learn the new and rapidly evolving aid/development language and determine the intersections of plant pathology research and capacity development with development themes; and 3. Australian plant protection practitioners stay abreast of developments not only in their own fields of technical expertise, but also the international aid/development landscape.