The Future is Bright for John Dillion Fellowship participant, Dr Taslima Zahan
Dr Taslima Zahan of the 2022 John Dillon Fellowship (JDF) Bangladesh Cohort has taken advantage of the ACIAR flagship program as an opportunity to significantly build upon her research achievements with leadership and management skills. Dr Taslima Zahan’s research is focused on food security issues facing farmers in Bangladesh where the agriculture sector accounts for more than half of all employment and 60% of the population lives in rural areas.
‘As an agricultural scientist, I have made a commitment to work for the food security of my nation. With this aim, I am continuously developing myself to become a successful researcher. Which makes it essential for me to acquire the leadership and management skills to successfully run project activities.’
Precision Impact
As an agronomist and researcher for the On-farm Research Division of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Taslima has prioritised working directly with farmers facing problems related to crop production and outdated farming systems. This has led to her involvement in domestic and internationally donor-funded projects on nutrient management.
‘My research priorities are crop management and system productivity improvement under different agro-climatic conditions in Bangladesh, particularly as they relate to climate change issues. With a focus on crop monitoring and yield forecasting using GIS and remote sensing techniques, I hope to make research contributions that have a positive impact on the livelihoods of local farmers.’ Taslima’s research specifically addresses climate change related implications for farming systems. Especially, in the salt-affected coastal zones of Bangladesh where strategies for sustainable agricultural production under changing climate conditions are crucial for the future of profitable cropping systems.
Despite Bangladesh’s progression from a country previously beset by regular food shortages to one of net food grain self-sufficiency, the South-Asian country still faces very substantial food security challenges that are exacerbated by climate change.
On the role and impact of the JDF program in Bangladesh, ACIAR Regional Manager for South Asia Dr Pratibha Singh commented, ‘The JDF program was launched marking 50 years of the Australia-Bangladesh partnership. ACIAR works in Bangladesh on issues of saline land and water management, improved crop varieties, improved cropping practices, understanding sustainable and equitable diversification and more. A program like JDF equips ACIAR partner organisations with the skills and tools to lead and better manage projects which address these issues.’
Looking to the Future
Throughout the JDF program, Dr Zahan participated in essential leadership training and management skills development, including leadership in the face of change, partnership brokering, diversity and social inclusion. The training included a special emphasis on creating an effective research environment and collaborative ecosystem. All this was designed to support Taslima’s career progression and amplify her research impact and career in Bangladesh. ‘I believe my participation in the JDF will bring significant positive change to my career and ultimately, my life. Throughout the JDF I have come to understand myself and my ability on a deeper level. I hope the enrichment of my skills and knowledge will continue to enable me to flourish as a future leader.’
The John Dillon Fellowship program develops leadership and management skills of mid-career professionals, scientists, researchers, and economists in agriculture research for development in ACIAR partner countries. The training is delivered by the University of New England’s International Development group as part of the capacity building aspect of the ACIAR – Bangladesh 10-Year Collaboration Strategy.
On Taslima's contribution during the training, Director of International Capacity Building at the University of New England, Professor Rebecca Spence shared, ‘A key part of the leadership program includes understanding the gender dimensions of work and care. Taslima was never afraid to push back when gender stereotypes were raised, and it is obvious that she is a trailblazer in the gender and social inclusion space. ‘Our training program continually adapts to the needs of the participants and no program is ever the same. Our Bangladesh program supported Taslima and her cohort to grow their leadership capabilities.’
With the matrix of learning opportunities and support delivered through the JDF program, career researchers such as Dr Taslima Zahan are developing the skills and understanding to see greater outcomes for themselves and their areas of research.
