| Type of Enterprise |
: |
Hosting of trainees and dispatch of research mission specialists |
| Field |
: |
Agriculture /Forestry/Fisheries |
| Name of Local Authority (Japan) |
: |
The city of Takikawa, Hokkaido |
| Cooperation Partner |
: |
Lobi District of Deza, Republic of Malawi |
- Motive for the start of project:
-
From July of 1999, after accepting the site proposal of international cooperation provided by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), the hosting of agricultural trainees was initiated.
- Outline and Progress of Project:
-
Aiming to increase food productivity, we hope to teach the agricultural trainees many techniques such as upland cropping, flower and ornamental plant cultivation, farmers’ organization, agricultural goods manufacturing, sales and distribution.
| July to October 1999 : |
hosted one agricultural trainee from Malawi |
| July to October 2000 : |
hosted two agricultural trainees from Malawi |
| June 2002 : |
Charity concert was held in Takikawa |
| July to October 2002 : |
hosted two agricultural trainees from Malawi |
| January 2003 : |
Research mission was dispatched to Malawi
(The research mission was a success and further missions will be continued) |
| June 2003 : |
Charity concert for Malawi |
| July to October 2003 : |
hosted two agricultural trainees from Malawi |
| January 2004 : |
Dispatch of four Agricultural Specialists and five study tour members to Malawi |
| July 2004 : |
Charity Concert for Malawi |
| July to October 2004 : |
Hosted one agricultural trainee from Malawi |
- Cooperation Period:
-
From 1999 to present
- Affiliations with other Organization:
-
- JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency )
-
Provided information regarding acceptance of trainees and dispatching Research mission. Also, major sponsor of project.
- Hokkaido Government
- Implemented agricultural training for the trainees at the Institutions under the Hokkaido government such as Hokkaido Ornamental plants and Vegetables Research Centre, Hokkaido Genetic Resources Centre and Eastern Sorachi Agricultural Extension Centre.
- JA (agricultural cooperative) Takikawa, Hokuren Seed and Seedling Centre and Land Improvement District
- Was responsible for providing lectures to the trainees as well as coordinating schedules for farm visits to learn various farming techniques. In addition, conducted lectures and observations at the research institute.
- Takikawa International Exchange Association
- Coordinated trainee curriculum, schedules, accounting, home stays, school visits and Japanese language lessons for the trainees.
- Expenses:
-
| JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency ): |
7,774,000 Yen |
| Takikawa International Exchange Association: |
2,299,000 Yen |
- Difficulties encountered and Solutions:
-
At first, Takikawa farmers were hesitant to accept trainees because this kind of program was unprecedented. Some questioned why such exchanges were even necessary. However as time went by, good rapport was established between the farmers and the trainees because of the common ground of both specializing in the agricultural field. As a result, initial biases, problems and uncertainty were done away with.
- Results and Future Prospects:
-
Improved agriculture cultivation techniques, crop productivity and living Standards in Lobi.
Accomplished smooth management of the Farmers’ Association. Improved agriculture related techniques such as civil engineering.
Had profound impact on the internationalization of Takikawa citizens. Promoted international understanding and education at the elementary, junior and high school levels.
Strengthened international cooperation and awareness among the citizens with events such as the Charity concert.
Plan to have Lobi serve as a model for all of Malawi to increase agricultural productivity.
Hope to share the information of agriculture products processing technology with the people of Malawi.
Increase productivity by adopting irrigation techniques.
Improve education standards to foster efficient successors.
Teach the locals to be independently self-supporting.
Develop N.P.O. activities.
- Problems:
-
The percentage of school attendance is steadily dropping in schools. In a population of 10,000, approximately 1,000 children do not attend schools. Also, agricultural productivity has not increased because of a shortage of basic farming tools such as shovels and sickles.
- Message:
-
We intend to build ties with other local authorities and NGOs which have contact with Republic of Malawi. Person interested are asked to contact us.
- Department in charge:
-
Mayoral Secretariat Division, City of Takikawa
|
