EU Project Korea I

EU Project DPR of Korea I

Capacity Building in Organic Agriculture Farming and Project Cycle Management at Academy/University Level

Food Security Thematic Programme 2010
(LRRD1 component), Community-based and Partnership Projects
1Linking Relief, Rehabilitation and Development

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Overall objective:

The living conditions of the social groups which suffer most from the deterioration of the national socio-economic conditions are substantially improved.

Specific objective:

Scientific capacities of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences are significantly strengthened in the field of organic agriculture and project management.

Results:

  1. Agricultural university/academies lecturers and research assistants are trained in organic agriculture and are enabled to work as multipliers.
  2. Test plots for organic agriculture are established and used for research and training in the participating agricultural universities and academies.
  3. The organic fertilizer production has significantly improved
  4. Lecturers and research staff from the academies of agriculture are trained in project management for a substantially improved food security action planning in cooperation with potential donors and appropriate to the North Korean context

Actions:

  • 1st training course in organic agriculture (10 weeks) in Germany, Witzenhausen
  • 2nd training course in project management / project cycle management (PM/PCM) (3 weeks) in Pyongyang, DPR of Korea
  • Test sites for organic agriculture are established and cultivated in the participating academies in DPR of Korea
  • 3rd training course in organic agriculture and PCM/PM (12 weeks) in Germany, Witzenhausen
  • Manuals and curriculum development
  • Follow-up and coaching concept development to ensure impact

The Project:

“Capacity building for organic agriculture farming and project cycle management at academy/university level” is a project funded by EuropeAid that is implemented by the Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Pyongyang, DPR of Korea, and Association for Sustainable Development (GNE mbH), Witzenhausen, Germany. The project started in January 2011 and ended in December 2012.

The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of Korean scientists in organic agricultural methods for an improved food supply in DPRK. In DPRK, agricultural production has continuously declined also due to the rise of fuel prices and the unavailability of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic agriculture is a viable method to circumvent these gaps and has therefore a high potential in DPRK. Additionally, looking at sustainability, organic agriculture has advantages over conventional farming methods. For example, the renouncement of pesticides avoids contamination of soil and water resources and the use of organic fertilizers is an economically and environmentally sustainable solution. The project’s approach is on capacity building for scientists of agricultural sciences that will then integrate the new approaches in their research and teaching.

 

map_of_korea1_500The First Project Phase:

After an inception phase in the beginning of 2011, during which the final project planning took place, it was a great pleasure to receive 16 scientists from DPR of Korea in Witzenhausen for a first training module in may. The scientists stayed from 23rd ofmMay until 4th of august. During this time, a study tour to the North and North East of Germany took place with visits to several farms and agricultural institutions. On this tour, the scientists got practical insights into the practice of organic farming methods in Germany. In the following main part of the training module, lectures and workshops were held for the scientists to get in depth knowledge of the topics raised during the study tour. These included environmental impacts, production and economic aspects of organic agricultural production systems. Also, great emphasis was put on test plot design, as this was an important activity the scientists were expected to implement after their return to DPRK.

Additional to the trainings in organic agriculture, training module II in PCM was held in Pyongyang for three weeks in september 2011 by two international consultants. Lecturers and researchers from the Academy of Agriculture have been trained to improve their action planning. Key contents were strategic planning and logical framework to enable the target group to work out concept notes and project proposels on their own.

The Second Project Phase:

From april 12th to june 17th 2012 a third training module took place in Witzenhausen, Germany. Another 16 scientists of the Academy of Agricultural Science of Pyongyang visited Witzenhausen to intensify knowledge on organic farming methods. This time the focus has been on composting and bio-fertilizer, extension service for farmers, standards and certification in organic agriculture, resource management and renewable energy, organic seed and plant breeding and animal husbandry in organic agriculture. As an important part of the project manuals for farmers, farm technicians and researchers have been produced as well as a curriculum for a master program in organic agriculture at the AAS to assure the spreading of knowledge on organic agriculture. The third module was well balanced between theoretical lessons, practical research and excursions to relevant institutions. Thanks to the good cooperation with DITSL, University Kassel/Witzenhausen and many other involved freelancers and institutions the module was successful. Above, the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) conducts another food security project in DPRK and had Korean trainees at the same time. We seized the opportunity to bring together the two groups with all the lecturers involved to get into dialogue and to enjoy dinner together, exchange experience and intensify contacts in a friendly atmosphere.

Test Plots:

At three experimental farms in DPR of Korea tests on organic agriculture techniques have been implemented in 2011. One is near Pyongyang (Mirim), one in Wonsan and one in Jongju (see map). The researchers started tests on legume based grassland for goats and geese grazing, green manure cropping (Trifolium pratense) in maize (zea mais) and winter rye cropping (Secale cereale) in rice.

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This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of GNE mbH and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union .

Link: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/index_en.htm 
(Source of picture: CIA Worldfactbook)

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