Agricultural Experiment Stations in the Western Pacific region have been associated with the University of Guam, College of Micronesia - FSM, Palau Community College, Northern Marianas College and College of Marshal Islands. Agricultural Research Stations in this region serve less than half a million people spread over an area larger than continental United States. Most agricultural research concentrate on the larger islands, but research is also being conducted on remote islands lacking basic infrastructure, communication, transportation or even electricity. With the increase of education, health care, and improved living standards, the life expectancy in the Western Pacific has substantially increased and population has encountered significant growth. To maintain adequate living conditions in countries under US protectorate, since late 1940s, the federal government has been supplying substantial amounts of aid to this region. In the past 20-30 years, efforts have been gradually shifted from merely handing over essential aid or food to development of research and teaching programs addressing agricultural needs of the region. Encountered challenges associated with enormous distances between places, frequently underdeveloped or nonexistent infrastructure, as well as cultural differences among Pacific nations will be presented and discussed.
See more of Symposium--Status of Experiment Stations in the Southwest: Opportunities and Challenges
See more of A07 Agricultural Research Station Management
See more of The ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings (November 6-10, 2005)