Achieving Sustainable Research Development & Extension Outcomes Workshop

Identifying, Understanding and Assessing Methods

1st September 2004, University of Sydney

An interactive workshop, attended by 20 participants from six organisations, designed to identify, understand and assess specific methods that enhance the achievement and sustainability of research, development and extension outcomes in agriculture was hosted in the Faculty by Dr Jenny-Ann Toribio. Presenters included Dr Alberto Taveros, Dr Agnes Taveros, Dr Fe Gabunada and Mrs Elenita Espinosa, Leyte State University, Richard Clark, Queensland DPI, Dr Fay Rola-Rubzen, Curtin University.

The workshop was based on presentations from researchers involved in the Leyte Livestock Improvement Program (LLIP). This is an ACIAR-funded program working with smallholder farmers in the Philippines to improve and innovate their pig and chicken production systems, in order to increase their outcomes in profit, environment and efficiency. The workshop presentations focused on three aspects of the LLIP work: the methods used; results achieved; and the contribution of methods to sustaining outcomes after project completion. Throughout the workshop time was allocated for participants to question the methods presented, offer suggestions for improvement and evaluate their potential application in other agricultural research settings.

Hosting of this workshop by Farm Animal Health demonstrated the interest in and ability of our group to contribute in innovative and applied ways to research, development and extension that will achieve sustained outcomes for livestock enterprises in developing countries.