Host of The Wrap Up Ben sat down with University of Canberra researcher Dr Leonie Pearson to talk about her work across Southeast Asia and the future of farming in the region. With more than 15 years of experience working in countries such as Vietnam and Laos, Leonie is leading research that explores how agriculture can modernise through commercialisation and mechanisation without leaving smallholder farmers behind. Central to her approach is co‑design: working alongside local researchers and policymakers to identify policy gaps and develop evidence‑based pathways towards inclusive and sustainable futures for smallholder farming through to 2050.
The impact of this work is already being felt on the ground. In Vietnam, Leonie’s research is informing the country’s latest five‑year agricultural strategy, contributing to the formal recognition of smallholder farmers in national policy for the first time in several planning cycles. In Laos, her contribution to rural development has been recognised with the Cross of Friendship, one of the country’s highest honours. Supported by long‑term funding from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the projects demonstrate how a small, flexible university like UC can build trusted international partnerships, elevate marginalised voices, and deliver meaningful policy impact far beyond Australia.
Listen to Ben’s full interview with Dr Pearson below:
