The Importance of Science Diplomacy in Agriculture for the Global South: A Case Study of Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32350/jppp.51.01%20%20%20Keywords:
agriculture, climate change, food security, global south, Pakistan, science diplomacyAbstract
This paper explores the role of science diplomacy in advancing agricultural development in the Global South, with a focus on Pakistan as a case study. It aims to examine how international scientific collaboration contributes to addressing agricultural challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and technological inequality. Using a qualitative, document-analysis method, the study reviews official reports from international organizations and academic literature to identify key patterns in the interaction between diplomacy, science, and agriculture. Grounded in Global Governance and Soft Power theories, the paper analyzes Pakistan’s historical agricultural evolution, its participation in global research networks, and its partnerships in biotechnology and water management. The findings show that while Pakistan has benefited from projects supported by institutions such as the World Bank and CIMMYT, weak institutional coordination, outdated legal frameworks, and limited research capacity hinder progress. Comparative analysis with India and Brazil highlights how stronger institutional mechanisms and strategic diplomatic frameworks can transform science diplomacy into a long-term development tool. The study concludes that institutionalizing science diplomacy within Pakistan’s agricultural and foreign policy frameworks can enhance technology transfer, climate resilience, and food security. It recommends creating coordinated national structures, modernizing biosafety and intellectual property regulations, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and expanding South-South cooperation. Overall, the paper underscores that for countries in the Global South, science diplomacy is not merely a diplomatic choice but a strategic necessity for sustainable agricultural growth and global integration.
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