The President of Dairy Science Park (DSP) participated in the “Consultation Series on Developing Pakistan’s Food Systems Transformation Framework for Improved Availability and Access to Nutritious Food,” held on March 12, 2025, in Peshawar. Key stakeholders took part in the dialogue and shared valuable insights and experiences, contributing to the development of Pakistan’s Food Systems Transformation Framework.
Strengthening Pakistan’s food systems requires coordinated action across governance structures, policy frameworks, and fiscal planning processes. While sectoral strategies addressing agriculture, nutrition, trade, and social protection already exist, institutional fragmentation, coordination challenges, and misalignment in resource allocation continue to affect the availability and affordability of nutritious food.
To support the development of a coherent and actionable Food Systems Transformation Framework for Pakistan, a series of provincial and national consultations is being convened. These consultations aim to validate key findings, refine reform priorities, and strengthen institutional alignment between federal and provincial stakeholders.
During the consultation, the President of Dairy Science Park shared the experience gained through DSP initiatives in developing a good governance model across the livestock value chain. Public sector institutions responsible for livestock extension, research, and education often operate within predefined mandates and limited resources. Consequently, their services tend to focus on routine activities—such as treatment of sick animals or limited awareness campaigns—while the broader needs of farmers, processors, and investors related to market development, investment facilitation, and technological innovation remain insufficiently addressed.
Through consultancy assignments with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), Dairy Science Park contributed to the development of livestock policies and action plans aimed at improving governance and strengthening value chains in the livestock sector. These initiatives emphasized the Triple Helix Model of Good Governance, based on an Academia–Industry–Government nexus, which promotes collaboration among research institutions, private sector enterprises, and public authorities.
The proposed governance framework was well received by stakeholders, including academic institutions, livestock producers, processors, and potential investors, who recognized the importance of stronger coordination and market-oriented development of the livestock sector. However, engagement from some public sector organizations remained limited, highlighting the need for institutional reforms that encourage greater responsiveness, collaboration, and innovation.
By strengthening institutional cooperation and improving governance structures, this initiative contributes to peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the conflict-affected regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also helps reduce conflicts of interest among producers, processors, consumers, and regulatory institutions, thereby supporting the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Dairy Science Park remains committed to supporting policy dialogue, innovation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at transforming Pakistan’s livestock and food systems for improved nutrition, economic growth, and eco-security.