reca

REPORT OF THE 30TH RECA SEMINAR

ON

PUBLIC-PRIVATE COMMUNITY BASED INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIP : AN APPROACH TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

held on 06-19 July 2008, Tokyo, Japan

AFRO-ASIAN RURAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (AARDO)

NEW DELHI

1

Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

Published by : Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization

2, State Guest Houses Complex, Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110 021, India

Phones : 91-11-26877783/24100475/26115936

Fax : 91-11-26115937/24672045

E-mail : [email protected]

Website: http://www.aardo.org

No.03-09-300

The report has been prepared under the chairmanship of H E Mr Abdalla Yahia Adam, Secretary General, AARRDO by Mr A W Anwer, Executive Secretary and Dr Rajeshwar Dyal, Technical Officer. Designed and typeset by Mr Kamal Dhameja, Technical Officer II.

2


CONTENTS

PagePreface

5Acknowledgements

71Proceedings of the Seminar8

1.1Inaugural Session8

1.2Objectives8

1.3Participation9

1.4Technical Sessions9

1.5Valedictory Session292Groups Discussion and Recommendations313A Note on the Field Visits374Annexures

39

4.1Inaugural Address41

4.1.1Address of H E Mr Abdalla Yahia Adam,43

Secretary General, AARDO (Read by Mr A W Anwer)

4.2Expert and Country Papers47

4.2.1Public-Private Community-Based Institutions Partnership :49

An Approach towards Sustainable Agricultural and Rural

Development by Elsayed A.A. Zaki



Development in Egypt by Raafat S. Zaki

4.2.3Roles and Performance of Farmers Associations in Rural59

Development in Taiwan by Te-Sen Wu

4.2.4Policy Guidelines for the Implementation of Public Private72

Partnership in Ghana by Issaac Adza Tettey

3Report of the 30th RECA Seminar



Development : Indian Experiences by B S Negi

4.2.6Agricultural Development in Iraq by Naser M. Feal100

4.2.7Public-Private Community-Based Institutions Partnership105

in Agricultural Sector in Lebanon by Hala Debs

4.2.8Government Intiatives for Public-Private Partnership114

in Liberia by Hon. Yah S. Kalian

4.2.9Public-Private Community-Based Institutions Partnership117

in the Development of Rubber Smallholders in Malaysia

by Mohd. Yusof Sulaiman and Hj. Khalid Awang Said



Development in Malawi by Joseph Nelson Magwira

4.2.11Agricultural Development in Oman127

by Salim Mohammed Saif Al-Hamimi


An Approach towards Sustainable Agricultural and

Rural Development in Sudan : A Case Study

by Inam Babiker Mohamed Ahmed


A Case Study of Tall Rmah Rangeland Rehabilitation

Project in Jordan by Rima A. A. Ras



Development in Nigeria by Kafayat Olufunke Salami

5Programme Schedule1636List of Delegates167

4


PREFACE

The Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) was established by the far-sighted social and political leaders of Asia and Africa in 1962 taking into consideration the need for cooperation among the countries in the Afro-Asian region to fight illiteracy, hunger, disease and thirst which had been the common characteristics of most of what is known as the third world countries. AARDO is functioning as an autonomous, inter-governmental organization with its headquarters in New Delhi, India. In fact, AARDO is one of the earliest examples of South-South cooperation in rural development in the Afro-Asian region.

The main objective of the Organization is to act as a catalyst and provide a forum for the member countries to jointly discuss their problems, exchange views, ideas, experiences and pool their resources and make concerted efforts, wherever possible, to improve the quality of life of their rural peoples. To achieve these mandates, AARDOs focuses on three broad areas namely, human resource development through training programmes, workshops and seminars addressing a wide range of themes pertinent to rural and agricultural development; dissemination of relevant information through its publications; and the financing of development pilot projects in the member countries.

Organising Research and Education of AARDO (RECA) seminars in collaboration with Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-Zenchu), Tokyo and Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IDACA), Tokyo, at IDACA has been one of the most important and regular activities of the Organization since 1967. So far thirty (30) seminars including the current one have been successfully organised for

the benefit of the member countries. These seminars primarily aim at development of agricultural cooperatives in Japan, women empowerment, WTO and agriculture-related issues. Similarly, the 30th RECA Seminar on Public-Private Community-based Institutions Partnership: An Approach towards Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development was held at IDACA during 06-19 July 2008. The main objectives of the Seminar were: i) to review the initiatives taken in the Afro-Asian countries on public private partnership for sustainable agricultural and rural development; ii) to discuss the challenges and opportunities of public-private partnership in the era of globalization; iii) to provide a forum to share the experiences and exchange views; and iv) to explore the possibilities of implementation of the concept of public-private partnership in view of globalization.

Most of the projects dealing with agricultural and rural development in the past were financed by the governments and donor agencies without the involvement of target groups and private sector. In fact, the community was treated as beneficiary rather than partners in the process of economic development. As a result, many of such projects used to show signs of collapse as soon as governments or donor agencies withdrew their support. Such a scenario obligated the policy makers and implementers to rethink and redraw their strategy. They realized that only government efforts will not be sufficient to produce the desired results in improving the life of rural people. After a series of debates in the late 1960s about community participation, it became formalized in a number of United Nations Reports including Popular Participation in Development in 1971. During the same period, private sector was exploring the business opportunities in the rural areas of many developing countries because of their large population. Since private sector wanted to diversify its business activities in new fields


like banking, insurance, marketing of agricultural inputs and produce, extension services, etc., it found a good opportunity in taking up some projects in partnership with government and community.

Public-private partnership as an approach can focus on agricultural\rural development through participation in areas such as rural infrastructure, agricultural inputs, research, extension, processing, financial services such as credit, crop and cattle insurance, etc. Thus, the potential benefits of public-private partnership may include cost effectiveness of the programme, higher productivity, efficient and effective delivery of services, enhanced social services, etc. It is worth mentioning here that the success of the partnership will depend on policy framework, drafting and monitoring of rules and regulations by the governments and the effective community participation. To ensure effective community participation, the community has to be empowered through awareness creation about the various provisions of partnership, etc. Likewise, the community-based organizations skills to negotiate, mobilize resources and their utilization, monitoring are to be upgraded for successful and sustainable partnership.

Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development provided a forum to the policy makers, planners and implementers of AARDO member countries to deliberate on the issues and formulate an action plan. During the seminar, two expert papers were presented by resource persons from Japan and Republic of the Sudan In addition, 13 country status papers from the AARDO member countries were presented. The presentation of expert and country status papers followed by group discussion made the sessions fruitful and helped the participants in further enhancing their knowledge on the issues. Finally, the participants were exposed to the local conditions through a field visit to Hyogo JA Prefecture Union which provided them an insight into the Public-Private Community-based Institutions Partnership.

All the information including the proceedings of the Seminar has been documented in this Report. In addition, the full text of the expert papers and country reports have also been included with some editorial trimming wherever felt necessary. I hope that the Report would be a useful addition to the existing literature on the subject.

With this background in view, the 30th RECA Seminar on Public-Private Community-based Institutions Partnership: An Approach towards

6

New DelhiAbdalla Yahia Adam6 March 2009Secretary General


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The successful organisation of the 30th RECA Seminar on Public-Private Community-based Institutions Partnership: An Approach towards Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development at the Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IDACA), Tokyo, Japan during 06-19 July 2008 was the result of unstinted support and cooperation extended by the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-Zenchu), Tokyo, and IDACA.

First and foremost, Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) feels deeply honoured in expressing its profound thanks to Mr. Tsukada Kazuo, the Executive Director, IDACA for his able guidance, support and wholehearted cooperation in the organisation of the Seminar. AARDO sincerely thanks the officials of IDACA for their unsparing efforts and for making impeccable arrangements for the successful organisation of the Seminar.

The Organization places on record its deep gratefulness to all the governments of the participating member countries, namely, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of China, Republic of Ghana, Republic of India, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of

Lebanon, Republic of Liberia, Malaysia, Republic of Malawi, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sultanate of Oman and Republic of the Sudan.

AARDO extends its gratitude to the distinguished resource persons from Japan and the Republic of the Sudan for their analytical and enlightening presentations to make the deliberations fruitful and productive. In fact they played a vital role in guiding the proceedings and immensely helping in arriving at the appropriate recommendations.

AARDO wishes to convey its grateful thanks to the distinguished participants for the presentation of their country status papers, for actively participating in group discussions, and for making very significant suggestions in arriving at the recommendations as well as extending full cooperation throughout their stay in Japan.

The Organization also avails itself of this opportunity to express its thankfulness to the Hyogo Prefecture for sparing their senior officers to spend their precious time with the participants during the field visits.

Last but not the least, the Organization expresses its profound thanks to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scene and contributed immensely towards the success of the 30th RECA Seminar.


1. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEMINAR

1.1 Inaugural Session

The proceedings of the 30th RECA Seminar on Public-Private Community-based Institutions Partnership: An Approach towards Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development began with the welcome address of His Excellency Mr Abdalla Yahia Adam, Secretary General, Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) in the morning of 7th July 2008 in the Conference Hall of the Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IDACA). The welcome address of H E the Secretary General, AARDO was delivered by Mr Abdul Waheed Anwer, Executive Secretary, AARDO on behalf of the Secretary General. The address gave a brief introduction of the Organization and its activities; the historic relations between Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-Zenchu), IDACA and AARDO in promoting rural and agricultural development in Afro-Asian countries by regularly holding RECA Seminar. The address also highlighted the relevance of the themes of the Seminar. The address dwelt on the agricultural and rural development in the context of public-private partnership. It highlighted the role of community based organisations and the private sector in fostering the development process.

Further, the address focused on public-private partnership as an approach to focus on agricultural development through participation in the areas such as rural infrastructure, agricultural inputs, research, extension, agro-processing, financial services, etc. However, the success of this partnership depends on policy framework, rules

8

and regulations, supervision by the government and effective community participation. Concluding the address, the Secretary General thanked IDACA and JA-Zenchu for their cooperation for organising this seminar.

Mr Tsukada Kazuo, Executive Director, IDACA presented his inaugural address. In his opening remarks, Mr Kazuo welcomed all the participants on behalf of nine millions members of the Japanese agricultural cooperatives. He also mentioned that IDACA was established in the year 1963 and the funds were contributed by all agricultural cooperatives in Japan. During the last 45 years, IDACA has received more than 5,000 participants from 109 countries, mainly from Africa and Asia. IDACA organised annually more than 10 training courses on agricultural cooperatives and development. Mr Kazuo also highlighted the relationship between IDACA and AARDO and mentioned that the 1st RECA seminar was held during 1967 and reiterated that IDACA would do its level best for the successful implementation of this 30th historic seminar. Concluding his address, he wished all the delegates a very comfortable and fruitful stay in Japan.

1.2 Objectives

The seminar was organised with the following objective :

To review the initiatives taken in the Afro-

Asian countries on public private partnership for sustainable agricultural and rural development;

To discuss the challenges and opportunities of public-private partnership in the era of globalization;Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

To provide a forum to share theAgricultural and Rural Development by Dr El Sayed

experiences and exchange views; andAli Ahmed Zaki, Sudan

To explore the possibilities ofThe presentation started with some basic

implementation of the concept of public-privateconception and debate on sustainability,

partnership in view of globalization.government role in development partnership,

impact on rural economy, how to escape from

1.3Participationpoverty trap and under development, donors role,

future challenges and how to face challenges? The

The Seminar was attended by sixteen (16)paper stressed on the need for debate to re-define

participants from thirteen (13) AARDO memberthe public sector and private sector goods in the

countries, besides two experts and three AARDOlight of changing economic scenarios and role of

officials. The experts were from the Republic ofstakeholders in the process of economic

the Sudan and Japan and the participating countriesdevelopment. The paper discussed the scope of

included Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic ofthe community based organisations (CBOs), entry

China, Republic of Ghana, Republic of India,and exit point and creation of resource based

Republic of Iraq, Hashmite Kingdom of Jordan,organisations. It also discussed the sustainability

Republic of Lebanon, Republic of Liberia,of CBOs in term of environment, technical,

institutional/organisational and financial. The paper

Malaysia, Republic of Malawi, Federal Republichighlighted that the government role in providing

of Nigeria, Sultanate of Oman and Republic ofthe enabling environmentthrough policy

the Sudan.framework, liberalization, growth with equity and

1.4Technical Sessionspolitical stability are crucial for the sustainable

partnership. On strategies to escape from poverty

The technical sessions of the seminar were heldand underdevelopment, it reiterated on the need

for the development for the people by the people,

from 7 to 11 July 2008 in which two expert andparticipation of people in planning and

thirteen country papers were presented.implementation of development-oriented

Presentation of the papers were followed byinterventions and involvement of NGOs,

questions/observations/clarifications from themapping of community resources, etc. The

participants. Following is the summary of expertpresentation highlighted on the other roles of the

and country papers :donor agencies beside the funding such as sharing

of cross countries and communities experiences,

1.4.1Presentation of Expert Paperstechnicaltransformation,technicaland

management assistance, etc.

In the seminar, two expert papers were presented

by resource persons from Sudan and Japan.The paper also introduced the pentagon

partnership project which includes CBOs, NGOs,

Expert Paper 1 : Public-Private Community-basedGovernment, private entities and donors. After

Institutions Partnership: An Approach towards Sustainablesharing of the experiences of many countries, the

9


paper concluded by highlighting the future challenges such as what can organizations such as AARDO do to become a reliable partner, how to induce partners to join and how can organizations such as AARDO be funded through partnership initiative. The presentation invited valuable comments and suggestions from resource person of Japan as well as the participants of Ghana, Egypt, R O China, Malaysia and AARDO. The participants from India, Egypt and Ghana also shared the experiences of their countries. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.1.

Summing up the session, the Chairperson emphasized that the political stability and governments regulatory and supervisory policy framework are important for the promotion of sustainable partnership. The Chairperson also thanked the resource person for the knowledgeable and useful presentation. Thereafter, Dr. Y. Abe from IDACA thanked the speaker and the chairperson for successfully conducting the session.

Interventions :

Question : Whether the cost recovery is possible in areas where public goods are provided to endeavour pro-poor communities? (by Mr. Isaac Tettey, Ghana)

Answer : Some goods are partly public and partly private. For example, when the farmers take water from the river for irrigation, they have to pay whereas the urban people who use river water passing through the city do not pay. It is difficult to recover the full cost of infrastructure but on the other hand, beneficiaries at least could pay the maintenance cost. For each project, a different approach is required.

10

Question : What are the good examples of public-private partnership in agricultural sector? (by Prof. Kada, Japan)

Answer : Since 1992, most of the state owned companies got privatised. Similarly, development of rain-fed agriculture, vegetable, poultry also got privatised. This is a on-going process.

Question : What do you mean by dualism and why is it intensifying? (by Prof. Kada, Japan)

Answer : Dualism here refer to the widening gap between the modern sector with capital intensive technology with no trickling down effect versus traditional sector. The gap between the two is widening. Historically, in many least developed countries, colonizers imported different raw materials for their industries. As a result, other sectors suffered. This also affected the tax collection.

Question : What are the main issues arising from market failure? Why the market failure in case of Sudan? (by Prof. Kada, Japan)

Answer : Market failure are situations where transportation and communication storage are the major causes. In many countries, traders disappeared. This situation was faced by many African countries during the 1975 drought.

Eng. Zaki from Egypt also supplemented that market failure also happened in Egypt. He suggested to identify the various partners to avoid the market failure.

Question : Thanking for the valuable presentation, he stated that in Asia there are many examples for partnership. He requested the speaker to cite some examples from Africa (by Mr A W Anwer, AARDO).Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

Answer : The speaker mentioned that there are fewwhat could be the example of this partnership?

examples in countries like in Ghana. The participant(by Mr. Te-Sen Wu, Taiwan)

from Ghana added that Cocoa Board failed to

provide the market support to the farmers. As aAnswer : In Egypt, there was a campaign to collect

result, the private sector entered into the marketingmoney for funding small projects in rural areas.

of cocoa in collaboration with the Board. TheThis funds were collected from private companies

partnership successfully helped the farmers inagainst taxation reduction, with each project was

achieving the higher prices. They are providingfor ten thousands dollars in many fields of

some technical support to increase the production.agriculture.

Responding to the query, the Ghanaian participant

told that during the last twenty years, theExpert Paper 2 : Sustainable Agriculture and

Government remained stable and this providedEmerging Issues in Resource Conservation in Asia and

enabling environment for partnership. ThisJapan by Prof. Ryohei Kada, Japan

attracted a lot of investment by the private sector.

Dr. Y. Abe also quoted the example of partnershipThe presentation was divided into three parts viz.

between the Government of Malawi and Japani) Sustainable Agriculture and Emerging Issues in

International Cooperation Agency (JICA) inResource Conservation in Asia and Japan; ii)

Malawi. The participant from Malaysia explainedEmerging Ecological Risks and Food Security in

that private sector is providing assistance to theAsia; and iii) Globalizing Economics and African

farmers in the production of crop throughAgriculture : Experience from JICA Project in

contract farming. In case of rubber smallholders,Ghana and Senegal, 2003-2005. Prof. Kada

private companies and cooperatives are playingdiscussed the perception and significance of

important role in their consolidation to increaseagriculture in rural areas of Japan and briefly

their productivity. Eng. Zaki from Egypt alsotouched upon the future policies for reforming

added that in Egypt there was a campaign to collectagricultural administration in line with the new basic

money from private companies for funding smallplan for food, agriculture and rural areas. He

projects in rural areas. Companies who contributeddiscussed the diversity of natural climate,

were given concessions in taxes.topography and mentioned about the drastic

physical and social changes that took place since

Question : Mentioned in the paper thatthe 1960s which brought out the pressures on lank

development for people by people but CBOsresources. Explaining the tragedy attached to

resource from private sector. How to maintaincommon land elsewhere, he explained that Japans

their independency from the donors? (by Mr. Te-experience was different because of farming

Sen Wu, Taiwan)activities and daily life of rural people

supplemented with conservation rules. Here the

Answer : CBOs may keep their independency asrural resources and landscape are maintained for

they are the peoples organisations. Further, therecenturies through communal works. Against this

should a synergy between CBOs and donors.backdrop, he discussed the multi-functionality of

agriculture and explained various components of

Question : Private partnership projects as examplesmulti-functionality, namely, physical/ecological/

which help rural areas for agriculture development,environmental functions, social/economic

11


functions and cultural/spiritual functions. In the course of discussions, he emphasized on various functions of agriculture such as retention and purification of water, soil conservation, preservation of diversity, food security, mitigation of urban congestion, viability of rural communities, transmission of cultural heritage, identity, rural values, traditions and awareness of environmental values, educating children in green environment, voluntary participation in helping farmers, etc.

On the second part of the presentation, he mentioned that emerging ecological risks had threatened food security in Asia. The degradation of natural resources, unsustainable use of ecosystem and natural disasters are affecting food security in the region. Increased use of chemical fertilizer and shift towards monoculture due to soil degradation, water pollution, intensified use of chemicals and rural-to-urban migration are the major causes for the ecological imbalances. Further, the decline in food self-sufficiency rate in Taiwan, Korea and China are adding to the food security concerns. On the other hand, demand for food is increasing, putting a pressure on demand supply equilibrium.

On the African experiences, the speaker told that transformation of rural communities is in the process of modernization but lack of infrastructure, market facilities as well as storage are hindering the growth. There is a strong case for the greater investment in the agriculture sector. Part of this can be met by the government and the remaining by the private sector.

Concluding the presentation, he told that the environmental and ecological issues are to be given priority in the development programme.

12

Interventions

Observation : I never thought that agriculture sector in Japan is also facing some problems. In order to maintain the landscape, interest is to be created among the youths. The Executive Director, IDACA also added that the ageing farming community in Japan and lack of interest among youth in taking up agriculture are the two major challenges (by Dr. Zaki, Resource Person).

Question : Prof. Kada enquired what are the measures taken in Malaysia to overcome/sustain ecological risk? (by Dr. Zaki, Resource Person)

Answer : Malaysia had practiced zero-burning in agriculture practices especially in the replanting of old rubber trees, in the planting of oil palm and rice cultivation through out the country. Violators are fined.

Question : What about the climatic changes that affects the agri-sector in the world and how Japan is facing them? (by Ms Inaam Babiker Mohammed Ahmed, Sudan)

Answer : The government had taken action to overcome this issue by introducing new varieties of seeds.

Question : With terraced paddy field in the hilly areas, water in the downstream bodies is likely to get polluted. How does the purification is done? (by Mr Isaac Tettey, Ghana)

Answer : Government advises farmers not to use harmful chemicals and the government agencies take care of any pollution. There are laboratory check-ups at regular interval by the government agencies.Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

Question : Maintaining of the landscape is very important to maintain the environment. Who pay for the cost? (by Dr Zaki, Resource Person)

Answer : It is cheapest way to preserve environment through landscape. Farmers are doing landscaping and government is subsidizing the cost. Due to the public demand, consumers are also helping. In the case of European Union, government pays for landscaping.

Question : Prof. Kada, Resource Person from Japan enquired from the Indian participant about the environmental and ecological issued faced by the country.

Answer : Mr Negi, the participant from India informed that the country is facing these two issues. He cited the example of practice of shifting cultivation by some tribes in the north-eastern part of the country. Under this practice, the tribal people move to the new areas after 2-3 years and the existing land is put on fire. Government of India is aware about the issues and trying its best to address them.

The participants from Ghana, Egypt and resource person from Sudan also shared their experiences on these issues. Dr Zaki mentioned that in Sudan, desert is shifting about 15 kilometers every year. This problem had been compounded by exploitation of forest. There are also flooding in many parts of the country and as a result, agricultural production declined by 40-50 percent.

Prof. Kada enquired from Mr Anwer whether the environmental issues will be addressed in the recommendations of the seminar?

Mr Anwer from AARDO informed that environmental and ecological issues are very

important to AARDO as many member countries shared their experiences. Other member countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan are also facing similar problem due to regular flooding. Environmental degradation and ecological issues are on the agenda during the group discussion and hoped that group will come up with concrete recommendations.

1.4.2Presentation of Country Papers

The business session on 8th July 2008 started with the presentation of country reports. In all, thirteen country papers were presented by the participating countries.

EGYPT

Eng. Zaki, participant from Egypt, in his presentation highlighted : i) the importance of agriculture sector in the Egyptian economy, comparative advantage and competitiveness of agriculture production; ii) agricultural development in Egypt : challenges and achievements; iii) constraints to agricultural development; and iv) national agricultural MEGA Projects.

Agriculture sector continues to be the backbone of Egyptian economy, accounting for about 20 per cent of GDP and 34 per cent of total employment. Egypt has great potential for producing and exporting a variety of primary and processed agricultural products and gains for the country from further multilateral trade liberalization are expected to be substantial. Egypt enjoys significant comparative advantage in the production of seven, out of nine analysed crops. However, a wide range of cross-cutting actions are needed to strengthen trade-related supply-side capacities, which includes improvement in infrastructure, strengthening institutional capabilities, improving technology, promoting


effective participation of the private sector in production, marketing and trade activities. The increasing importance of trade requirements such as sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) and other technical requirements are also major challenges for the agricultural development in Egypt.

In order to overcome these challenges, the Government of Egypt introduced strategies for agricultural development up to 2017. Under these strategies, the state agencies and business community are working together to establish Egypts negotiating skills with the donor agencies as well as exporting countries. The private sector is encouraged to play greater role in production, marketing, processing and exports. Transaction costs have been greatly reduced and investment-friendly climate is being created through more stable economic and legislative policies. Egypt will be reclaiming more than 150 thousand feddan lands annually in Delta, Southern Valley, East Owaynat and East West of Suez Canal by the year 2017. This will create new job opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Livestock, poultry and fish resources will be developed to increase availability of animal proteins from 18 gms/day to 24 gms/day. Information, communication and technology (ICT) which is very essential for the development is being used in agricultural sector in Egypt through KariaNet. This will enable farmers to have access to knowledge and information on extension services, market prices, etc. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.2.

Interventions

Observation : Egypt has long term partnership strategy with FAO. Currently, Egypt had two

14

problems, namely, food security and unemployment which need the Government urgent attention. Strategies for Agricultural Development up to 2017 will address these problems. Policy will also focus on self-reliance in food production.

Question : The concept of KariaNet is good. Would you elaborate it? (by Miss Hala Debs, Lebanon)

Answer : This is a new concept to promote ICT in Egypt. Detailed information is available in the handout already circulated.

Question : What is the school feeding programme? (by Mr. Isaac Tettry, Ghana)

Answer : Project is being implemented in rural areas to provide education to students in the field of agriculture. This will discourage the practice of drop-out. The programme is funded by the government. The participant from Ghana added that similar progarmme was launched in Ghana which created demand for the locally produced goods.

Question : How does the Egyptian Government manage to increase the rice production through national campaign for rice improvement? (by Mr Khalid B. Awang Said, Malaysia)

Answer : National campaign for rice improvement is a major programme done by the government of Egypt in order to increase rice production in the country. The Egyptian government is increasing the price of rice procured by government agencies to encourage the rice farmers. With this intervention, Egypt achieved self-sufficiency in rice.

R O CHINA

In his presentation, Mr Te-Sen Wu explained that servicing farmers need is not only the core valueReport of the 30th RECA Seminar

of farmers associations but also the core value of government. According to this, the same mission makes the Farmers Associations and also become the best partner of the government in helping agri-policy into practice on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development in Taiwan. He discussed the experience and performance of partnership between farmers associations and government on sustainable agricultural and rural development in Taiwan. He also discussed about the farmers associations in Taiwan which have been established over one hundred years, since Japanese colonial period. These associations have contributed significantly in the agricultural and rural development in Taiwan. He explained that farmers associations in Taiwan are embedded in the special environment that interlaced by the governmental institutional environment and compete in the market. He explained that on one hand, the farmers associations have to obey the institutional rules for getting the resources of legality and on other, they have to earn their own resources for living and development and therefore, the best strategy of farmers association is to become the best partner of the agricultural government (COA). He informed that the present government policy focused on the health, traceable, trustable, efficiency sustainable, and productivity for the development of high grade agriculture.

The Farmers Associations are three tier organizations, namely, province farmers associations, county farmers associations and primary farmers organisations. Presently, there are 302 farmers associations in the country. They provide a wide range of services such as extension, credit, financial service, insurance services and international agricultural cooperation. He concluded his presentation by making suggestions for applying Taiwanese experiences to other Asia

and Pacific countries. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.3.

Interventions

Observation : Taiwan had the excellent example of partnership between farmers and the government. This is a very good example of integrated services like extension, credit etc., which resulted in agricultural advancement. All indicators show that advancement in agriculture is supported by other sectors.

Question : What is the role of Farmers Organizations in manufacturing and processing of food? (by Prof. Kada, Japan)

Answer : There are many Farmers Organizations managing manufacturing and processing factories and selling their products at profit. In Taiwan, these companies are competing with the private sector. Products produced by members of Farmers Association get more consumer as their products are traceable and consumer can have information about the product, production processes, etc.

Question : Whether organic produce is sold at premium prices in Taiwan? (by Dr. Zaki, Resource Person)

Answer : Yes, organic produce is sold at premium. They attract a premium of 30-40 percent. Dr Abe added that in Japan the demand for organic produce did not pick up due to high prices. Majority of consumers do not want to buy organic food. Promotion of organic produce through leveling by government agencies and reduction in prices may boost the demand.


GHANA

Mr Isaac Tettry, participant from Ghana in his presentation mentioned that public-private partnership (PPP) enable the government to provide improved services and infrastructure through the use of private sector financial, human and technical resources. In line with this expectation and as a component of the governments declaration of the Golden Age of Business, the Ministry for Private Sector Development & PSI (MPSD) recognized that there was a need to develop a policy framework that would guide the public and private sectors in the initiation and implementation of PPPs in Ghana. This policy framework originally developed by the MPSD and subsequently adopted by the Cabinet is the governments guide for all PPP arrangements in Ghana. All stakeholders both public and private are enjoined to adhere to the policy.

The objective for this PPP is to have access to a wider range of financing options, cost savings in terms of capital outlay by government, risk sharing, innovation, technology, skills transfer, improved levels of public services delivery, faster implementation of project, enhanced economic development and equitable distribution of wealth, etc.

As regards to the agricultural sector to the promotion of public-private partnership in agricultural sector, the PPP had the following provisions :

Establishment of a new agricultural extension policy within the framework of Ghanas Food and Agricultural Sector Development Programme [FASDEP]

The policy seeks to ensure effective services delivery.

16

Plurality in services delivery through PPP.

To achieve this objective, a special fund was set up known as Agricultural Extension Development and Farmer Based Organisation Fund to facilitate private sector participation service delivery. Government also introduced some laws for acquiring the land to be used by the private sector companies to set up their establishments.

Explaining the constraints/weaknesses in the existing system, he mentioned that there is plurality in extension services delivery in agricultural sector through the activities of MOFA, NGOs and the private sector. Further, services have been found to be less coordinated resulting into competition among services providers and duplication. The country is also facing the shortage of technical competence due to difficulty in attracting qualified personnel. Some projects also were delayed due to inadequate funding. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.4.

Interventions

Observation : It is important to note that the PPP in Ghana had a political commitment and started with land tenure system, the most controversial issue in Africa. Ghana also started contract farming at block level. Challenges discussed including cost recovery are really very important

Question : What triggered cocoa production development in Ghana after the failure of marketing board? (by Dr. Yukio Abe, IDACA)

Answer : There was a strong political will and policy direction.

Question : In the Private-Public partnership, what are the incentives for private companies to invest in agriculture sector? (by Prof. Kada, Japan)Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

Answer : Private sector received subsidy fromimprovements in quality of life, preserve and

government which is a big pull factor forpromote natural resources and the environment

investment in agriculture sector. In fact, governmentand provide services and infrastructure to build

had created a special development fund.

prosperous rural society in a territorial perspective.

Question : How the multi-national companies areThe focus naturally is on the components of rural

peoples livelihood related to food security, land

compared with domestic private sector? (by Prof.useandnaturalresourcemanagement,

Kada, Japan)

employment generation, etc. In India, about 70

Answer : There is no conflict between MNCs andper cent of the population is living in rural areas

and dependent on agriculture. Majority of the

domestic companies. In fact, there is a healthypeople below poverty line are living in rural areas.

competition between them. Multinational

companies got strong incentives for the investmentThe Ministry of Rural Development had initiated

and export the products back to the US, EU, etc.

many programmes for the overall development

Question : In Ghana, part of the land belongs toof villages through employment generation,

government and part to tribal or clan chief.creation of rural infrastructure, women

Farmers settled down on government land. Iempowerment, provision of basic facilities such

would like to know more. (by Dr. Abe, IDACA)as health, education and access to other resources

like credit and technology. Recently, the

Answer : Government with donor support isGovernment of India introduced Indira Vikas

initiating land reform. Government purchased landYojna under which houses are being constructed

from tribal chief for specific purposes. Conflictfor the poor rural dwellers. Similarly, Pradhan

arises when the land use is changed either by theMantri Gramin Sadak Yojna was launched to

company or allottee. Government started processprovide all weather roads to the villages in order

of land inventory to solve such problems.

to improve infrastructure. All the land records are

being computerized through e-Boomi for easy

INDIA

access to information. All the district headquarters

Mr B S Negi, the participant from India presentedare now connected through internet for sharing

information and transferring the funds. All these

the paper. According to Mr Negi, in India, variousprogrammes are being undertaken by the

ministries are involved in the poverty reduction inGovernment of India and are fully supported by

rural areas. For example, the Ministry ofRuralpublic funds. However, there are some

Development is responsible for poverty alleviation,programmes which are being implemented in

employment generation and creation ofcollaboration with the private sector such as

infrastructure in rural areas and the Ministry of

Agriculture is responsible for the agriculture,VELGU, a community based programme in

horticulture, animal husbandry, etc.RuralAndhraPradesh,Participatory Irrigation

development policies, programmes and actionsManagement Programme in Madhya Pradesh, ITC

are simply the means for the promotion ande-Choupal. Through e-Choupal, farmers have

development of rural livelihoods, bringingaccess through internet to market to sell or purchase

17


the agricultural produce, agricultural inputs and other household items. This scheme successfully sidelined the middle man and introduced more transparent marketing system.

He further mentioned that women constituted about 48 per cent of population and women empowerment is a priority area. The Government of India has introduced several programmes for empowerment of women such as provision of reservation in local bodies, promotion of self-help group, etc. In the year 2005, the Government of India again introduced a very innovative project called National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme under which poorest of poor are provided minimum hundred days employment in a year. In the event of non-availability of work, they are paid compensation in lieu of the wages. In order to bring more transparency and accountability, the Government of India also introduced the Right to Information Act in 2005. Under this act, any citizen can ask for information from any government agency. These measures helped rural people through better delivery mechanism. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.5.

Interventions

Observation : From the presentation, a number of issues such as coordination, access to land, partnership to empower the poor, enabling environment are very clear.

Question : How you encourage people in India to be involved in getting loans. In Jordan, people are reluctant to get loans? (by Ms. Rime Ras, Jordan)

Answer : Rural banks are also in India. There is a bank, name, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) which is in

18

the field of agriculture and rural development. Government of India has a policy to provide easy term loan to farmers on less interest rates. The system of getting loan made easy and civil society and other stake holders are interest in getting loans without any problem.

Question : What impact the bio-fuel production had on food production in India? (by Prof. Kada, Japan)

Answer : Increase in oil prices has impacted many sectors. India started Jatropha production recently, and may have both positive and negative impacts.

Question : How is the land re-distribution have done in rural areas? (by Mr. Isaac Tettry, Ghana)

Answer : Land distribution is based on law. Surplus land is collected and distributed to poor people.

Question : How the rural banks are supporting the agricultural sector? (by Mr. Isaac Tettry, Ghana)

Answer : India had rural bank. Land development bank provides credit to farmers.

IRAQ

The business session on 9th July 2008 started with the continuation of the presentation of the country papers. Mr Naser Mnati Feal, participant from Iraq in his presentation informed that Iraq lies within the moderate northern region system similar to that of Mediterranean where rainfall occurs almost in winter, autumn, spring and no rain in summer. Mayssan province in the southern governorate has very large agricultural lands and marshes. In the agriculture sector, 97 per cent of the total production comes from the private sector. Governments role is to provide market supportReport of the 30th RECA Seminar

to the agriculture sector. In spite of theprovided 80 percent grant and remaining 20

governments support and intervention, the yieldpercent is to be re-paid by beneficiaries over a

in Iraq is still very low as compared to otherperiod of twenty years.

countries. The present government is providing

incentive to the private sector and farmers toQuestion : Iraq is importing a lot of food grains

increase production to ensure food security as welland vegetables to meet its food requirement. What

as creation of employment opportunities. Someis the countrys vision to tackle this situation (by

of the incentives provided by the government areDr Zaki, Resource Person)

increase in the support prices, provision of input

at subsidized rate, expansion of research andAnswer : There are many strategies in operation to

development activities and subsidy on theincrease food grains and vegetables production.

adoption of green house technology. GovernmentRecently, government took many initiatives to

is also encouraging extension of vegetableincrease the yield and increase the farm areas which

cultivation through import of good quality seeds.I had explained in my presentation.

Government also established a marketing centre

in the province for all the crops that the MinistryLEBANON

of Commerce does not received like white corn,

yellow corn, sun flour, etc.In Lebanon, agriculture sector contributes to only

12 per cent of the total GDP but only receive 1

Maintenance and expansion of orchards is beingper cent of total government budget. Again,

accorded priority. Licensing procedure for formingagriculture sector is benefiting from less than 2

orchards has been simplified. Similarly, policy onper cent of total bank credits. Only 10 per cent of

promotion of livestock had been introduced. Onthe population lives in rural areas and majority of

the human resources, he mentioned that the farmersthem are poor. This scenario explains the status

need capacity building to upgrade their skills toof agriculture in Lebanon. Common features that

understand the new technologies. Recently, theshape the rural areas in Lebanon are: absence of

Government started the provision for training.well-developed infrastructure and public services,

The Government has created special fund to attractlimited employment and economic opportunities,

graduates to take up training in agriculture. Fulllow income levels and high migration among the

text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.6.youth. Many public sector projects or programmes

implemented on a single basis to develop rural

Interventionsareas yield little benefit because the public sector

do not have the ability to implement successful

Question : Please explain more about the graduateprogrammes on its own due to lack of flexibility

programme under operation in Najaf and Karbalaon the administrative level. More responsibilities

(by Ms Hala from Lebanon)are laid on the part of private sector and

community based institutions which cannot

Answer : This is a public-private sector partnershipperform all the work by themselves because of

programme. Under this programme, micro-their limited resources in most of the cases. It is

finance is provided to the graduate beneficiariesimportant that a partnership is used to mobilise

to take income generating activities. Governmentcomplimentary and scarce resources in the private

19


public sectors and communitybased institutions involving the development of infrastructure and rural areas. Successful example of the public-private partnership in Lebanon is KAFALAT Corporation where agents entered the partnership with clear mutual objectives and clear picture of the potential benefits.

The participant mentioned that absence of well-developed infrastructure and public services, fragile production base, limited employment and economic opportunities, low income levels (agriculture being the main profession) as well as high migration among youth are the major challenges for Lebanese agriculture. In the present scenario, agricultural activities cannot ensure a substantial and stable income.

Suggesting measures for the improvement of agriculture, she mentioned that cooperatives can play a potential role in bringing about positive changes among impoverished rural communities. General Directorate of Cooperatives can play an important role in strengthening cooperative system in the country. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.7.

Interventions

Question : Whether the Lebanon Government is importing food items including rice? (by Mr Mohd. Khalid, Malaysia)

Answer : Lebanon imports lots of food items including rice as the local production is very small to meet the demand. In fact, Lebanon is a net food importing country.

Question : More details about the KAFALAT programme. (by Eng. Zaki, Egypt)

20

Answer : KAFALAT programme is for the graduates. It gives guarantee to the bank for the loan taken by the beneficiaries. It also pays major part of the interest on behalf of the borrowers.

Question : Your presentation mentioned that cooperatives in Lebanon were formed for political aims. In this situation, cooperatives may not sustain as the people have the tendency not to repay their loan, etc.

Answer : One of the principles of cooperatives is its independence. It should be free from political interference .Unfortunately, cooperative movement in Lebanon is not very strong and is thus misused for political gains.

Supplementing further, Dr Zaki, the Resource Person said that in Sudan cooperatives had about 50 years history but are not in a good health. In fact, some people stop mentioning cooperatives in their discussion. Mis-use by the politician is one of the reasons for the present status.

Question: Annual income of farmers is US$ 3,200 which is very high compared to other countries. From that standard, these people are not poor (by Mr B S Negi, India)

Answer: You are right when you make comparison with other countries. But in Lebanon, they are considered poor because the cost of living is very high as country is importing most of the goods.

LIBERIA

Liberia is located on the west coast of Africa. It has a tropical climate, indeed suitable for agriculture. Liberia has rich fertile land but most of its farming is done on a subsistence basis. In Liberia, about 70 per cent of rural dwellers are engaged in agriculturalReport of the 30th RECA Seminar

activities but the production is insufficient to meeton all agro-related communities. Concluding her

local demands. The gap is filled by importationpresentation, she recommended for Triple P

of rice and other food items. Due to the 14 yearsApproach to rural development. Full text of the

civil war that affected every facet of life, peoplepaper is given at Annexure 4.2.8.

have become poorer and even subsistence farmingInterventions

is at its lowest. With peace, the government of

Liberia is now in the process of reconstructionObservation : Infrastructure was damaged during

and working hard to restore the lives of all itsthe 14 years of brutal war. Many refugees from

people and communities, including ruralLiberia had settled down in Ghana. I think that

communities which were completely brokenthe policy initiative on transparency and

down. People are returning to their communitiesaccountability will help in the speedy recovery of

and just beginning to rebuild their lives and theireconomy.

communities. Thus, rampant poverty, poor water

supply, no credit, lack of basic infrastructure, healthDr Abe from IDACA mentioned that the

and sanitation, schools, roads and high level ofpresentation touched his heart. International

food insecurity are the major challenges for thecommunity knew about the Liberia and hoped

community as well as the government. Thethat they will support in the reconstruction. Japan

Liberian Government is taking several initiativesstarted reconstruction from scratch and Liberia

to begin and promote agriculture on a sustainablecan benefit from Japanese experiences. The able

basis, ensuring the involvement of governmentleadership will provide some direction to the

and private partnership. With the increase in thecountry.

food prices, the government is encouraging the

people to take up farming under the programmeDr Zaki, Resource Person added that the political

Back to the Soil Campaign to provide foodcommitment is very important and Liberia had

security to the nation as well as create employmentthe privilege to have a very dynamic President.

opportunities.The reconstruction of economy especially the roads

will help in accelerating the recovery process.

Highlighting the governments initiative for the

reconstruction of economy, the participantReacting to the above comments, the participant

mentioned that Country Development Fund wasmentioned that her country is lucky to have a

established in 2007 to support developmentdynamic President. However, the issue of

priorities. Massive road rehabilitation across thetransparency is to be addressed on priority. Further,

country and compulsory free primary educationthere are cases where the directives of the President

are the other notable programmes undertaken bycould not be implemented due to resource crunch.

the government.Basic infrastructure like school, roads, feeder roads

and hospitals are required immediately.

On the public-private partnership, she mentioned

that government is aware within a well definedMALAYSIA

partnership. Financial resources can be mobilised

to rehabilitate the damaged rural infrastructure. ToThe country paper on Malaysia was presented by

encourage investment, government cancelled taxesMr. Mohd. Yusof Sulaiman. In his presentation,

21


Mr. Sulaiman focused on rubber cultivation which still remains as an important component in Malaysian economy in spite of structural changes as the countrys economic focus shifted from primary industries to the broad-based export-oriented manufacturing activities. He further discussed about the natural rubber and rubber wood based products which contribute RM 25.6 billion to the export earnings of Malaysia. He described the smallholder sector as the backbone of the Malaysian rubber industry which contributes 1.25 million MT or 95.1 per cent of the total rubber produced in the country. He mentioned that the Rubber Industry Smallholders Develop-ment Authority (RISDA) is responsible for the total development of smallholder sector. He also discussed on the replanting which is the main activity in the development of the smallholders economy as well as being the thrust of other development activities. He mentioned that replanting through group development approach has been emphasized to enable land to be consolidated, developed and managed more effectively. He also mentioned that RISDA had adopted the concept of estatization in land consolidation policy and to undertake this responsibility, RISDA has formed a subsidiary, RISDA Smallholders Plantation Sdn. Bhd. (RPSB) and 74,190 hectares of smallholders land involving 40,126 smallholders is managed by the company. He discussed on the cooperative movement, one of the strategies in developing the rubber smallholder sector through which economic and social activities for their common good are carrying out. While discussing the activities of smallholders cooperative, such as marketing of smallholders produce, supply of agricultural inputs, land development and services, he mentioned that there are altogether 60 smallholder cooperatives in the country with a total membership of 184,694 smallholders and the total

22

shares accumulated amounted to RM 27,385,470. He also mentioned that another important aspect of smallholder development is the enhancement of human capital to equip smallholder with knowledge, skills and positive values which is crucial for effective implementation of RISDAs programmes. Enhancement of human develop-ment will be further emphasized as a catalyst of growth in the smallholder sector.

He concluded his presentation by stating that, to meet the future challenges, there is a need to accelerate the use of high technology to optimise output through organised management of smallholdings. Looking forward, the future generates a scenario where all smallholdings will be managed economically by progressive smallholders or smallholder cooperatives through land consolidation. This vision includes smallholders operating bigger and more economically viable holdings. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.9.

Interventions

Observation : The presentation is very informative and valuable. It shows the governments commitment to promote the partnership. The Malaysian experiences in rubber cultivation may be useful to other countries.

Question : You explained very well about the rubber crop but what is the status of the other crops? (by Eng. Zaki, Egypt)

Answer : About 70 per cent of the countrys land is covered by forests. Palm oil and rice are the other crops. There are also orchards for fruit production. Labour shortages did not allow to diversify into other crops.Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

Question : Malaysian experiences are mentioned in many countries. The average size of small holder is 2.3 hectare. I would like to know how they are making their living? (by Dr Zaki, Resource Person)

Answer : In term of the income of the smallholders, it was considered insufficient when the rubber prices were very low. Their income was supplemented by government through incentives and integrated farming support. Now with the increase in the price, the income of small holder increased multifolds. Group planting is being encouraged to increase productivity as well as cut the cost by eliminating middlemen.

Question : Value added chain concept is gaining popularity in the Far East countries. Whether RISDA had taken some initiatives to promote value added chain concept? (by Dr Y. Abe, IDACA)

Question : Government had provided many subsidies to Malay population over a period of time. Money collected from tax payers is being channelized for the welfare of Malay population at the cost of others. This is one of the reasons that agriculture sector could not diversify (by Dr Y. Abe, IDACA)

Answer : Dr Abe travelled to Malaysia many times and knew socio-economic profile very well. About 90 per cent of Malays are farmers living in rural areas and engaged in agriculture and plantation whereas Chinese are engaged in business and living in cities. In order to sustain the plantation and agriculture, the government provided subsidies and incentives and the Malay population was the natural beneficiaries. However, situation is changing due to diminishing subsidies. I must say that this issue is related to our political stability.

MALAWI

Malawi had population of about 12,341,171 in 2005. About 86 per cent of the population lives in rural areas and most of the people depend on subsistence agriculture for their livelihood and 52.4 per cent live below poverty line of less than 1 US dollar a day (HDR, 2006). About 69.5 per cent and 46.5 per cent of the rural and urban population respectively are economically active. Rural-urban migration has also been on the rise in Malawi. The countrys economy is predominantly agricultural based and contributes about 40 per cent to GDP. The agriculture sector provides 80 per cent of the total productive employment and also 85 per cent of export earnings.

The Government of Malawi has prepared the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) which identified areas that need particular attention to ensure that the country grows socially and economically. One of the components of MGDS is the partnership building. This initiative is directed towards a common goal without duplicating efforts thereby ensuring efficient and effective use of resources. Some of the examples of the partnership of One Village One Product project financed by JICA, Poverty Reduction Programme A Micro Finance funded by the African Development Bank and Public Work Programme for the construction of roads, irrigation and promotion of forestry funded the European Union.

The partnerships would involve government agencies implementing different development initiatives as a public stakeholder on the one hand and community based organisations and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as private community based institutions on the other.


Implementation of development initiative in both agriculture and rural development in Malawi tend to leave out local capacities that are available at grass root in the form of Community Based Organization (CBOs) and local NGOs that have enormous knowledge and experience. Commu-nity based institutions also have local understanding of the areas and communities they work thus, honing a lot of community knowledge and context.

He highlighted some of the opportunities available to the private sector in Malawi. Decentralisation of the government community policing and involvement of locals in preservation of natural resources are some of the areas that provide more profitable partnership. He also stated that high literacy rate and absence of deep rooted culture for private organisations are some of the potential trade to derive the process of partnership. Public and private community based institutions partnership would be a viable approach to sustainable agriculture and rural development.

He concluded that the concept of public-private partnership is a good and viable idea especially for developing countries because of its vast potential in ensuring that even rural communities can participate in the development of a nation. It is a win-win situation for both the public and private sector as each benefits from the other. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.10.

Interventions

Observation : Malawi had a good plan for public-private partnership. Under this partnership, rural community will benefit. This will give a good sense of belongingness.

Question : One Village One Product Project supported by JICA was mentioned in the

24

presentation. How far this project succeeded and what will happen if donor withdraws from the project? (by Dr. Abe, IDACA)

Question : Does Malawi promote south-south cooperation? (by Dr. Abe, IDACA)

Answer : JICA project is going very well. It helps in value addition. Encouraged by the success, the Malawi hosted an international seminar to share the projects success.

Malawi promotes SouthSouth cooperation in different ways. For example, Uganda is receiving the services of extension department from Kenya. Malawi also collaborated with African Development Bank.

Eng. Zaki from Egypt added that few years ago, Government of Egypt offered to transfer technical know-how to Malawi. The offer is still in the process.

OMAN

The participant from Oman stated that Oman has vast central desert plain and rugged mountains in north and south. The natural resources are oil, natural gas, agriculture and fisheries. 67 per cent of Oman population is holding the agricultural land. Omani agriculture represents one of the non-oil components of Omani economy. It accounts for about 2.3 per cent of GDP in 2007 and it employs approximately 25 per cent of the labour force. The agriculture sector has been assigned a major role and challenging goal of achieving the long term aim of food security and better living standards for rural population. Accordingly, the Ministry of Agriculture adopted policies to improve agricultural productivity such as technical assistance, extension programme subsidy,Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

promotion of agri-business, market development, etc. However, the success of these programmes will depend on how the government addresses some of the challenges such as absence of specialized agriculture training institutes in the rural area, unclear of agriculture marketing policy, scarcity of water resources, crops disease and pests.

The public-private community based partnership is one of approaches to achieve sustainable agriculture development in Oman. Under this partnership, private sector is encourage to increase investment, promotion of agriculture cooperatives, etc.

In order to empower rural women, Ministry of Agriculture introduced several programmes and activities. The Ministry prepared a field study titled Horizons of Rural Woman Role in Agricultural Development in the Sultanate of Oman with the objective to acquaint with the living conditions of woman in the rural community and her role in the farm.

The paper also discussed the conceptual issues involved in the public-private partnership and clearly defined the growth of different stake holders. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.11.

Interventions

Observation : Since Omans economy is based on oil, the contribution from agriculture sector is small. Still I am excited about the partnership policy for the promotion of agriculture. This will help in reducing dependence on import.

Question : What is food self-sufficiency rate in Oman? (by Eng. Zaki, Egypt)

Answer : Oman does not have self-sufficiency in food production except dates, coconut and banana. Oman is exporting banana. The country is heavily dependent on food imports from Egypt, India, Jordan, etc.

Question : Oman is a rich country and has financial resources for investment in agriculture sector to expand and modernize it (by Dr. Abe, IDACA)

Answer : There is an acute water shortage in Oman. The agriculture could not be developed into a big way due to poor soil conditions and water scarcity. Further, government is using fund for the development of other sectors of the economy.

SUDAN

The presentation started with an explanation on the geographic conditions in Sudan. The presenter stated that Sudan is the largest country in Africa having an area of 2.5 million square kilometers, making it the 9th largest country in the world. The government has adopted free-trade policies meant to remove the economic ills, raising the efficiency of the economic performance and advancing the contribution of the private sector in economic activities and provided for additional resources for development and improved services. These policies were, however, accompanied by some policies adverse to the agricultural sector including exchange rate, credit, in addition to other effects of market economy and removal of subsidies to production. These adverse policies resulted in the failure of the produce to compete with inter-national subsidized commodities.

In order to achieve sustainable agricultural and rural development, Government of the Sudan formu-lated a plan, namely, Agricultural Revival Prog-ramme (2008-2011) which has well sound strategic


objectives, policies and developmental pro-grammes. Some of the strategic objectives are as follows :

Promotion of export of crops and livestock with a view to safeguarding against the risks of collapse of whole economy as a result of the distortions emanating from over-dependence on oil revenues.

Increasing productivity and efficiency at the production and processing stages.

Question : Sudan had many programmes for the intensification and expansion of agriculture. Some of these programmes were in collaboration with donor agencies. I would like to know about their status (by Eng. Zaki, Egypt)

Answer : There was an agreement between FAO and the Government of Sudan for special programme. There are some projects funded by IFAD. Basically, these programmes were mitigating programmes as the resources were diverted to the booming oil sector.

Realisation of food security.JORDAN

Reducing poverty to 50 per cent by 2015, generation of job opportunities and increasing per capita income.

Achievement of a balanced growth in all regions of the country with a view to encouraging settlement in rural areas.

Development and protection of natural resources to ensure their renewal and sustainability.

She also suggested some recommendations for improving agricultural development through better irrigation network, improving the semi-mechanised rain-fed sub-sector, traditional rain-fed sub-sector, easy access to credit, better techniques for production and forecasting. She also suggested recommendations for development of livestock sector. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.12.

Interventions

Observation : The paper focussed on stages of agricultural development, present status, etc. It would have been better if the paper had focussed on partnership.

26 Ms Rima A A Ras, the participant from Jordan, in her presentation, highlighted that since the start of the Badia Research and Development Center (BRDC) in 1992, the project was fully aware of the necessity of working with local communities in different Badia parts and building trust worthy relationship with them from one side and building partnerships with different local and international organizations from the other side in order to achieve its developmental goals. She also highlighted the Tall Rmah Rangeland Rehabilitation Project which is one of the BRDC success stories in the northern Badia. She informed that the major goal of Tall Rmah rangeland rehabilitation project is to enhance awareness among the Bedu in Jordan of the importance of rangeland management to their success as livestock producers. The BRDC worked closely with local community in order to achieve the project goals and approve how certain range management practices can directly benefit both the Bedu people and the land resources on which their livelihoods depend. She mentioned that the successful establishment of a forage shrub reserve, with community inputs has provided a practical and visible example of how the creation of a newReport of the 30th RECA Seminar

forage source can supplement conventional grazingproject was designed with the help of local

on Badia rangelands.community. They also actively participated in the

implementation of this project. I must admit that

She also shared some of the lessons learnt withthe success of the project was due to the

the implementation of the project such as carefulcommunitys active involvement.

planning at each project stage. Level of farmers

participation should be determined by their interestQuestion : Whether there is any change in the living

and capacity. Scientists contribute new technicalconditions of the Bedu community? What is the

information that may provide options forpossibility of its replication? (by Mr B.S. Negi, India)

improvement and methodology for testing

various options, demonstrations of successfulAnswer : Rangeland is very important for the

rehabilitation of rangeland areas may convincesurvival of Bedu and it had to be maintained at all

local herders, the use of native land species,cost to avoid social conflict. This project solved

dissemination of information to all interestedthese problems very well. This project helped in

parties, including local communities along withincreasing the vegetation cover as well as milk

provincial and national governing bodies, etc. Fullproduction and its quality.

text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.13.

The project can be replicated in other parts having

Interventionssimilar socio-economic problems. However, for

the success, the communitys commitment and

Observation : This case study is very interesting toinvolvement is very important.

learn and demonstrate that how the indigenous

community can be involved in the developmentNIGERIA

process. This is also a very good example of

partnership between community and government.Describing her countrys profile, Ms Kafayat

Olufunke Salami, the participant from Nigeria

Question : We have listened to your detailedmentioned that Nigeria is blessed with abundant

presentation but for the purpose of betternatural endowments and fertile land suitable for

understanding, please explain in brief. (by Dr. Abe,agricultural production. Agriculture has continued

IDACA)and will continue to play a key role in the Nigerian

economy. She stated that growth rate increased

Answer : Badia rangeland have an especiallysteadily from about 2.9 per cent in 1998 to about

significant culture and heritage value for the Bedu10 per cent in 2007, due to aggressive drive by the

people. It is very difficult to work with this targetGovernment leading to increased public and

group. Badia Research and Development Centreprivate investments and level of commer-

(BRDC) designed a project to help the Beducialization. She also mentioned that in the year 2002,

community as their economy depends on livestock.the Federal Government had approved a New

Due to traditional grazing practices, the vegetationAgricultural Policy which, inter alia, aims at

was badly damaged. The main purpose of theachieving self-sufficiency in basic food

project was to conserve vegetation in the area socommodities, increased production of agricultural

that livestock activity could be sustained. Thisraw materials to meet the growth of the countrys

27


expanding industrial sector as well as create employment opportunities and increasing income of farmers. It also aims at encouraging active participation of private investors in all facets of agricultural development, while the Government is to provide conducive investment climate on a continuous basis for private entrepreneurs. In her presentation, she also highlighted on the activities and programmes on which the Federal Government as a private sector driven economy concentrates which could stimulate private sector participation in the agricultural sector.

She mentioned about few programmes which include: a) National Fadama Development Project (NFDP) I, II, III - the main objective of which is to suitably increase the income of Fadama users viz. farmers, pastoralist, fisher folks, hunters, gatherers and services providers, through empowering communities to take charge of their own development agenda and reduce conflicts among users; b) National Special Programme for food security - a programme which is aimed at assisting farmers to achieve their potentials for increased output productivity and income on a sustainable basis; c) Commodity Based Agricultural and Rural Development Programme for improving the livelihoods and living conditions of rural communities with emphasis on women and other vulnerable groups; d) Development of cooperative sub-sector under which the tremendous achievement recorded towards development of viable cooperative sub-sector and to bring Farmers Association in the country under an umbrella organisation known as Apex Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) for greater and tidier Farmer Government interaction. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources also pursued programmes of poverty alleviation, employment and income generation

28

through development and promotion of cooperative enterprises; e) Women in Agriculture, in an attempt to fight poverty and hunger, improving women capacities in boosting food production nationwide, the Network for Women in Agriculture and Environment, a non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources is mobilizing women to exploit numerous investment opportunities under the presidential initiative of increased cassava and rice production, processing and export programmes in the country; f) Establishment of three Multi-commodity Development and Marketing Companies. The Federal Government of Nigeria has assisted in jump-starting three multi-commodity development and marketing companies which are to be owned and managed by private Nigerian farmers. The companies are to address the marketing problems of Nigerian farmers; and g) South-South cooperation programme. The SouthSouth agreement is to allow member countries to take advantage of each others areas of excellence in agriculture to achieve food security objective and improve farmers productivity and income.

On the part of the Federal Government of Nigeria, incentives and conducive environment have been put in place for the private sector to operate and viable institutions have been established to provide service that will accelerate the tempo of private investment in Nigerian agriculture. Full text of the paper is given at Annexure 4.2.14.

Interventions

The chairman thanked the speaker for the presentation and mentioned that Nigeria is a very rich country in agricultural land but the progress in the utilisation of land is slow. He alsoReport of the 30th RECA Seminar

commended that the participation of private sectorattended by the Executive Director, IDACA,

will stimulate the growth in the agricultural sector.faculty members of IDACA and AARDO

Officials. On behalf of the Secretary General,

Question : For the agricultural development, the issueAARDO, Mr A W Anwer, Executive Secretary

of land reform is very important. Some countriesdelivered the speech. Mr Anwer mentioned that

in Asia like Taiwan and Thailand madeduring the five days stay in IDACA, we have

tremendous progress in the agriculturalexperiences of fourteen countries from Asia and

development due to land consolidation. HeAfrica. We also got the opportunity to listen two

requested to brief about the land reform policiesresource persons. We all had very useful discussions

being adopted in Nigeria, if any? (by Mr A Wduring the group discussion and came out with

Anwer, AARDO)good recommendations.

Answer : In Nigeria, most of the land belongs toOn behalf of AARDO and on behalf of the

the government and tribal communities.Secretary General, AARDO, Mr Anwer took the

Government provides land on lease basis to theopportunity to extend his sincere thanks to IDACA

private sector as well as individual farmers. Thefor making excellent arrangements. He also thanked

land reform is very sensitive issue in Nigeria andthe JA Zenchu for their kind support for this

government is trying to introduce some changesseminar. He also placed on record a special thanks

gradually. The individual farmers prefer to taketo Dr Zaki and Prof. Kada, the resource persons

the land on lease from the community land due tofor their presentation and valuable intervention.

easy terms and conditions.

Dr. Zaki, the Resource Person commented that inMr Anwer also thanked the chefs for taking care

most ofthe African countries, land reform is aof the participants to serve the best food and

very sensitive issue and the governments tread themthanked all other IDACA staff for their cooper-

very cautiously. One of the reasons for the lowation and support. He highly appreciated the

productivity is the absence of land reform in thecooperation and contribution of all the participants

African countries.during the presentation and deliberation.

Concluding the address, he hoped that participants

After completion of the presentation of thewill enjoy the study visit in Japan.

country paper by the participant from Nigeria,Mr Kazuo Tsukada, Executive Director, IDACA

Dr. Yukio Abe, Training Manager, IDACA, Japan

showed some video pictures about the stages ofin his address, stressed on the collaboration

agricultural development in Japan, functioning ofbetween AARDO and IDACA and emphasized

agricultural cooperatives, etc. He also explainedon the need for more activities. He said that RECA

the current challenges being faced by Japaneseseminar is a special event for IDACA as it brings

agriculture.participants from far-off countries such as Liberia,

Ghana, Nigeria. He thanked AARDO and the

1.5Valedictory Sessionmember countries for attending the RECA

Seminar. He concluded his remark by wishing a

The valedictory session of the seminar was heldsuccessful field visit to Hyogo Prefecture. He

on 11 July 2008 in the afternoon. The session wasinvited the participants to visit IDACA again.

29


On behalf of the participants, Mr Isaac Adza Tettey, the participant from Ghana conveyed the vote of thanks. He mentioned that during their stay in IDACA, we have learnt many new things through exchange of experiences. He thanked IDACA for making excellent arrangements for their stay. He also thanked AARDO for providing them with the opportunity to attend the RECA

30

Seminar in Japan.

Closing the session Dr Abe, IDACA thanked all the resource persons and the participants for their cooperation and contribution.

Dr Zaki, Resource Person gave away the certificates to the participants.Report of the 30th RECA Seminar

2. GROUPS DISCUSSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

GROUP 2

In order to arrive at appropriate

recommendations of the seminar, the participants

were divided into two groups and each groupChairperson :Mr Te-Sen Wu, R O China

was given a specific topic to deliberate upon. TheMembers :Ms Kafayat O. Salami, Nigeria

groups discussed in details the topics keeping in

Mr Mohammad Rashwan, Egypt

Mr Bahadur Singh Negi, India

view of the objectives of the seminar and

Ms Rima A.A. Ras, Jordan

presented their recommendations in a plenary

H E Ms Yah S. Kalian, Liberia

session held on 10 July 2008. The session was

Mr Mohammad Sulaiman, Malaysia

chaired by Dr. Zaki, the Resource Person from

Mr Salim Mohammed Saif Al-

Sudan. The groups composition, issues for

Hamimi, Oman

discussions,futurechallengesandIssues for Discussions

recommendations of the groups are as follow :

1Private sector involvement is guided by

Groups Composition

profit making motives. What other complimentary

measures are required to attract private

GROUP 1

participation?

2What are the necessary regulatory and

Chairperson :Mr Isaac A. Tettey, Ghana

supervisory framework to facilitate sustainable

Members :Mr Raafat Salah Eldin Zaki,

partnership with private sector?

Egypt

3Outline necessary actions to strengthen the

Mr An-Sheng Huang,

community based organisations as partners?

R O China

Mr Naser Mnati Feal, Iraq

4What kind of policy measures,

Miss Hala Debs, Lebanon

motivations are required to enhance conservation

Mr JosephN. Magwira,

of environment and eco-system? Why would you

Malawi

select environment as an issue for partnership?

Hj Khaled Bin Awang Said,

Future Challenges

Malaysia

Mrs Inaam Babiker Mohamed

1Identify partners and what factors induce

Ahmad, Sudan

them to join?

31


2 How can organisations such as AARDO be funded by partnership initiative to assist in resolving the socio-economic agenda?

3 Networking for sharing information on successful project. Mention case studies.

Recommendations

SESSION 1 : Group 1

Private sector involvement is guided by profit making motives. What other complimentary measures are required to attract private participation?

Grant of tax exemptions

Removing bureaucracies and bottlenecks

Security of investments

Create an enabling environment (infrastructure and agricultural inputs)

Create a fund for the private sector to tap

from

Socio-economic macro-stability

Availability of data base

Availability of l

reca

Documents