THE APPLICATION OF AUSTRALIAN TROPICAL PASTURE TECHNOLOGY TO ASIA AND THE PACIFIC - Review -

The grassland regions of Australia, the Pacific and Asia share common latitudes albeit in opposing hemispheres. However, the environmental and socio-cultural context of pasture development in the subtropical and tropical regions of Australia, the Pacific Islands and Asia differ greatly. Successful technology transfer for improved productivity of grazing livestock is beset by three broad challenges; technical, logistical and socio-cultural. The technical challenge of defining the grassland environment and adapting known technology to local conditions can be successfully addressed by local technicians supported by a reservoir of appropriate international expertise. Logistical difficulties that impede provision of infrastructure and continuity of support services are the responsibility of indigenous organizations. Socio-cultural factors are fundamentally pervasive. These challenges, though outwardly obvious, require careful consideration by both donors and recipients of pasture technology to ensure success with pasture development for viable grazing industries.