SEA agri experts gather for idea exchanges – The Manila Times

Southeast Asia Agricultural Outlook Series Inception Workshop Highlights Sustainable Development Goals

Workshop Overview

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) conducted the Inception Workshop for the Southeast Asia Agricultural Outlook Series (SEA Agri Outlook Series) on January 26–27. The event gathered experts from 11 Southeast Asian countries to discuss and align on the focus, analytical methods, data sources, and report contents for the country studies.

Objectives and Framework

• SEA Agri Outlook Series: A flagship publication designed to provide policy-relevant insights through a mixed-methods analytical framework integrating quantitative data, stakeholder engagement, and modeling tools.
• Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The series emphasizes systemic agricultural transformation to strengthen food security (SDG 2), reduce poverty (SDG 1), and promote sustainable development (SDG 12, SDG 13).
• Outputs: Country and regional reports, and an open-access database to support evidence-based policymaking.

Country Presentations and Collaborative Discussions

Experts from the 11 countries presented overviews of their agricultural sectors, covering:

1. Sector performance and transformation
2. Food and nutrition security status (SDG 2)
3. Major policies and programs supporting agricultural development aligned with SDGs

They also proposed study methodologies, data requirements, and report structures to ensure coherence with the series’ objectives.

Analytical Tools and Data Integration

• Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model and Agricultural Transformation Index (ATI): Presented by Angga Pradesha from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), these tools support scenario analysis and policy evaluation to guide sustainable agricultural transformation.
• FAO Regional Foresight Report: Meeta Punjabi Mehta from the Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP) offered to share critical data and scenario-based analyses to anticipate emerging food system challenges over the next 4–5 years, supporting SDG 2 and SDG 13.
• Southeast Asian Agricultural Statistics Database (SAASD): Introduced by Rochella Lapitan of Searca, SAASD is an open-access, interactive dashboard providing comprehensive agricultural data and visualizations to facilitate monitoring of agricultural transformation and sustainability.

Group Discussions on Agricultural Transformation

Participants engaged in focused group discussions addressing:

• Current status and key drivers of agricultural transformation
• Challenges and ongoing interventions
• Review of existing policies, investments, and institutional reforms
• Identification of additional policies required to accelerate and sustain transformation aligned with SDGs

Significance and Future Directions

Searca Center Director Mercedita Sombilla emphasized the workshop’s role in generating vital inputs for regional cross-country analysis under the SEA Agri Outlook Series. She highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative and its expected high relevance to Searca and participating governments in advancing sustainable agricultural development.

Alignment with Searca’s Development Plan and SDGs

The SEA Agri Outlook Series is firmly anchored in Searca’s 12th Five-Year Development Plan: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia). The initiative aims to accelerate sustainable transformation of agriculture and rural communities through:

• Innovation
• Partnerships
• Evidence-based policies

This aligns directly with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on agricultural performance, food security, and nutrition in Southeast Asia, directly relating to ending hunger and achieving food security.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Reducing poverty through agricultural transformation and rural development is emphasized in the article.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article discusses sustainable agricultural transformation, which implies sustainable production practices.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, the focus on sustainable agriculture and foresight for future challenges implies relevance to climate resilience and adaptation.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights collaboration among Southeast Asian countries, international organizations, and experts, reflecting partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Agricultural Transformation Index (ATI)
   • Presented by IFPRI, ATI is a composite indicator measuring agricultural transformation progress, including productivity, diversification, and sustainability.
2. Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model Analyses
   • Used to analyze economic impacts and scenarios related to agricultural policies and transformation.
3. Southeast Asian Agricultural Statistics Database (SAASD)
   • An open-access database providing data on agricultural trends, sector performance, food security, and nutrition, supporting measurement of progress.
4. Scenario-based Analyses and Horizon Scanning
   • Used by FAO-RAP to identify emerging challenges and assess future food system directions, indirectly supporting monitoring of resilience and sustainability indicators.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: manilatimes.net