Aradhana Deesh - Meryl Williams Fellowship

Meryl Williams Fellow Aradhana Deesh works as a Research Officer for the Fijian Ministry of Agriculture was the recipient of an Alumni Research Support Facility grant from the Australian Centre for International Agriculture (ACIAR).

This grant aimed to provide food securities strategies to backyard farmers in Fiji. This project provides a resource to vulnerable individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. After her initial research findings revealed that particularly women often do not have access to seeds and planting materials, her project brought seeds, seedlings, planting materials and other resources directly to these individuals and families. These extra resources included a farming starter guide containing information on soil health, pest and disease management and harvesting techniques.

Late in 2021, Ms Deesh also joined forces with leaders of the local rugby club to serve youth who have been affected by the pandemic. Collaborating with the Fiji Rugby Academy Coach and former international rugby player Seremaia Bai, seedlings are incorporated into existing programs teaching youth rugby players techniques for subsistence and surplus farming. The Meryl Williams Fellowship is an ACIAR supported program delivered by the International Development Group at the University of New England. The immersive leadership program includes mentoring and professional development opportunities, designed to enhance leadership skills and pathways for women in the agricultural research and development sector.