HRD is one of the most important and regular activities of the Organization. HRD plays an important role in planning and implementation of rural development programmes in the developing countries. Often, it has been realised that shortage of skilled manpower constrains developing countries to implement their development programmes effectively. No country can realise its full economic potentials without fully harnessing its human resources. Therefore, HRD is one of the major contributors in accelerating economic growth.
 

Thus, AARDO plays very important role in helping the member countries to fully harness the potential of their human resources. The Organization arranges to organise specialised training programmes in various fields of agriculture and rural development including livestock development, agrarian reforms, sustainable agricultural development, crops production, fertiliser quality control, adoption of technology for sustainable development, textile extension, small industries development, watershed management, development of micro-enterprise, poverty alleviation, rural-women-in-development, community development, etc. The programmes are organised on regular basis at the apex level leading institutes of AARDO member countries, viz., Republic of China, Egypt, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Nigeria and the Philippines with generous assistance from the governments of some of these countries.
 

During 2009-2011, efforts will be made for diversification and further intensification of HRD activities both at regional and international levels so as to extend their tangible benefits to a large number of beneficiaries and to those working closely with them. During the triennium, HRD activities would focus on the following aspects.

In addition to the regular membership contribution, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India has offered an additional contribution of US $600,000 at the rate of US $200,000 per annum during the triennium 2009-2011 to be utilized for capacity building of AARDO member countries through training in the institutions of excellence in India as well as exposure visits to successful and innovative models of rural development and poverty alleviation.


INTERNATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES

During the triennium 2009-2011, the on-going training programmes at international level will continue to be organised at the existing leading institutions in the member countries. These training programmes provide fully paid fellowships to the nominees of AARDO member countries. At present, 224 training fellowships are available annually at AARDO's training centres of excellence located in Republic of China, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Nigeria and the Philippines. Besides, new training programmes would be organised, in order to meet the needs of the member countries.
 

A          AFRICA
 

1           Egypt
 

Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA), Cairo

Egyptian International Centre for Agriculture (EICA) has been established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to help accelerate the pace of agricultural development in developing countries through the provision of specialised trainings to professionals engaged in the agriculture sector in African, Asian and Latin American countries. The Goal, Vision, and Mission of the Centre are not only to train in-service agronomist in various aspects of agriculture but also to bring together agricultural talents for a first hand understanding and appreciation of each other's problems and help evolve, by pooling of knowledge, new techniques in agricultural development adapted to the conditions of the participating countries.

As per the bilateral agreement, EICA provides forty (40) slots every year to AARDO for awarding fellowships to its member countries. AARDO's contribution is to meet both ways airfare for each participant whereas the expenses on boarding, lodging, tuition fee, study materials, field visits, etc., of the participants are met by EICA. Considering the relevance and importance of the ten (10) courses, it is proposed to continue them during the triennium 2009-2011.

Desert Research Centre (DRC), Cairo

DRC is a specialised agency for the development of desert and land reclamation for agricultural development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. It has been promoting and efficiently implementing various projects and activities to secure agricultural/rural development in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

As per the Mutual Collaboration and Assistance Agreements (MCAA) signed between AARDO and DRC in 2006, a specialized programme on "Training and Study Visits on Desertification in Egypt" is organised at DRC exclusively for AARDO sponsored candidates. DRC provides fifteen (15) training fellowships every year. AARDO's contribution is to meet both ways airfare for each participant whereas the expenses on boarding, lodging, tuition fee, study materials, field visits, etc., of the participants are shared by AARDO and DRC. Considering relevance of the course, it is proposed to continue it during the triennium 2009-2011. The training course contains the following syllabus :
 

.        Management and maintenance of ground water;
.        Integrated management in the development and conservation of eco system in arid land;
.        Developing and improving animal husbandry in the desert areas; and
.        Impact on desertification on food security.
 

B        ASIA
 

2        Republic of China
 

AARDO has been collaborating with the Government of the Republic of China for training of the AARDO sponsored candidates in different fields of agricultural and rural development. The Government of Republic of China awards thirteen (13) fellowships to AARDO. The Government of R O China meets all expenses involved in the training of AARDO-sponsored candidates, which includes both ways air fare, board and lodging, tuition fee, study material and local transportation on study visits, etc. The training programmes are organised at the International Centre for Land Policy Studies and Training (ICLPST) and others centres of excellence in the Republic of China. It is proposed to continue the programmes during 2009-2011.
 

International Centre for Land Policy Studies and Training (ICLPST), Taoyuan, Taiwan

ICLPST (formerly known as 'Land Reform Training Institute) was established in 1968. The Government of Republic of China and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy of the United States had jointly sponsored it. The Centre is an autonomous non-profit educational organisation. It provides opportunities for training and applied research to a broad spectrum of participants especially public officials and professionals in the field of taxation and land administration, agricultural and rural development. It also promotes understanding of distributing the benefits of land ownership through peaceful and democratic ways, and to train leaders from all over the world in ways of achieving economic prosperity through constructive land and tax policies. ICLPST has regularly been organising training programme on "Land Policy for Sustainable Rural Development" every year.
 

International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF)

During the triennium 2009-2011, AARDO sponsored nominees will also be awarded training fellowships in other training courses relevant to AARDO as and when announced by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) of the Government of the Republic of China.
 

3           India

The Government of India through its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme of Ministry of External Affairs has been awarding a number of fellowships for the training of foreign nationals from developing countries at the premier Indian institutes under bilateral agreements. For this, AARDO has made arrangements with the Government of India for the award of training fellowships to the officials of its member countries to be trained at premier Indian agriculture and rural development institutions. At present, 50 training fellowships are available to AARDO annually. These training slots are utilised for sponsoring candidates from AARDO member countries at NIMSME, NIRD, CFQCTI, and SITRA, etc. AARDO's financial liabilities are to meet the expenses on both ways airfare of its trainees. And the Government of India under the ITEC programme meets the expenses on tuition fee, books and other literature, local travel and boarding and lodging, etc. These programmes would continue during the triennium 2009-2011.
 

In addition to the regular membership contribution, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India has offered an additional contribution of US $600,000 at the rate of US $200,000 per annum during the triennium 2009-2011 to be utilized for capacity building of AARDO member countries through training in the institutions of excellence in India as well as exposure visits to successful and innovative models of rural development and poverty alleviation.During the triennium 2009-2011, AARDO is also exploring the possibilities of some collaborative arrangements with other Indian institutes like Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi and the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad for organizing some training programmes on the themes of WTO and Agriculture. The programmes are likely to be conducted under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme of the Government of India.

National Institute of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NIMSME)

National Institute of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NIMSME), Hyderabad, (formerly known as the National Institute of Small Industry Extension Training (NISIET), has been set up as an apex institution in 1960 by the Government of India with the charter of assisting in the promotion of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) mainly by creating a pro-business environment that would enable them to progress towards success and prosperity. With its vast expertise in the areas of entrepreneurship, technology, management, extension and information services, NIMSME has been organising international training programmes to enable the SMEs to cope with the continuously changing policy situation in the developing world. It is proposed to continue the training courses during triennium 2009-2011.

National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad

National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) is an apex Institution under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India for training, research, and consultancy in rural development. It is recognised nationally and internationally as a Centre of Excellence in rural development. In order to achieve this objective, the Institute is mandated to conduct and assist in the organization of training programmes, conferences, seminars and workshops for senior level development managers; and undertake, promote and coordinate research on its own or through other agencies etc.

AARDO intends to sponsor trainees from its member countries to the training courses to be organised at NIRD during the triennium 2009-2011.

Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute (CFQCTI), Faridabad, Haryana

CFQCTI was set up during 1971-72 under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It undertakes inspection and analysis of indigenous and imported fertilisers, standardisation and development of methods and analysis, training of fertiliser enforcement officers and acting as reference laboratory and providing technical guidance to Central and State Governments on fertiliser quality control.

The Institute has designed an exclusive training programme on fertilizer quality control for foreign participants of developing countries. AARDO envisages sponsoring trainees to this training programme during the triennium.

The South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) , Coimbatore , India

SITRA, a link in the chain of textile laboratories in India, has emerged as an important centre for international training to trainees from developing countries. In view of the rapid globalisation and phase out of the quota-regime, the textile industry has to gear itself to meet the emerging trends of world trade. The thrust areas of research that SITRA has set forth for the new millennium cover (a) technology support for forward integration in spinning mills; (b) help to the decentralised sector in upgrading the technology; (c) technical assistance in the production of yarns and textiles; (d) product development for exports; (e) promotion of cleaner technology in textile manufacturing; (f) suggestions for modification in machinery for energy conservation and quality improvement; and (g) help in development of human resources to adopt new technologies. AARDO intends to sponsor candidates during 2009-2011 from its member countries for participation in the training courses organised by SITRA.
 

4          Republic of Korea
 

KOICA under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of R O Korea provides grant, aid and technology cooperation programme of the Government of the Republic of Korea, thereby contributing to strengthening cooperation between Korea and developing countries. KOICA plays an important role in the capacity building of the human resources among the developing countries as they are the crucial elements for their sustainable economic development.

AARDO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for the organisation of an Advanced Training Course on "Sustainable Agricultural Development (SAD)" for twenty (20) AARDO-sponsored trainees annually. All the expenses on boarding, lodging, field visit, study material, etc., will be born by the KOICA. As regards the international air travel of the participants, the expenses will be met jointly by AARDO and KOICA. It is proposed to continue this training programme during 2009-2011. The Training course focuses on the following aspects :

.           Current status and problems of agriculture in Korea;
.           Industrialization of Korea and rural development;
.           The rural development and economic growth (Saemaul Undong);
.           Use of rural resources for tourism;
.           Guarantee for food safety;
.           The methods of fostering the sustainable agriculture in Korea;
.           IPM (Integrated Pest Management) & environment-friendly agriculture;and
.           Study visit to the sites related to agricultural and economic development.

 

5        Malaysia

The Government of Malaysia has been transferring technology and technical know-how to developing countries by offering training fellowships to their nominees in the training programmes on different aspects of agriculture and rural development, etc., at its various training institutes. AARDO has made arrangements with the concerned authorities in Malaysia for the training of AARDO sponsored nominees from its member countries in the field of Poverty Alleviation, Livestock Development, Fisheries and Advanced Technologies on Tropical Fruits Production & Post Harvest Techniques. Presently, sixty-one (61) training fellowships are available for AARDO sponsored nominees.

Institute For Rural Advancement (INFRA), Darul Ehsan, Selangor

The Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) was established under the Ministry of Regional and Rural Development, Government of Malaysia. INFRA is a training and research institution which bridges the gap between the world of academia or development observers and the world of development practitioners and implementers. It is the Malaysian international centre for research and training in non-formal education and rural management programmes. Accordingly, INFRA's programmes and activities have been directed towards specific management of rural development institutions. The training curriculum is focused on inculcating target groups' participation in the development process.

As per the mutual understanding with the Government of Malaysia, AARDO has been regularly sponsoring nominees to the training course on "Localising the Anti-poverty Agenda: The Malaysian Experience" since 1998. The training course focuses on Malaysian experiences in the field of poverty alleviation and rural development. Techniques on poverty mapping to identify and prioritize area are also covered. The training course encompasses the following contents :

-         Poverty Alleviation: Global Perspective and Malaysian Strategies,
-         Rural Modernization and Transformation: Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) and Land,
-         Development Authorities (LDAs) towards Balanced and Sustainable Growth,
-         Planning, Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism,
-         Selected Strategies and Instruments: Modern Farming, management Farmers Participation and

-         Empowerment in Market Economy, and
-         Formulation of Action Plan.

There are twenty five (25) training slots available annually for AARDO sponsored nominees. AARDO proposes to sponsor nominees from the member countries to above training programme as well as any new course during the triennium 2009-2011. As per the understanding, AARDO's obligations will be limited to meet the both ways airfare of the trainees. All the other expenses would be borne by the Government of Malaysia.

 

Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Kuala Lumpur

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has been providing training under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme since 1985. The main Goal, Vision, and Mission are to share knowledge and experiences with other developing countries, strengthen bilateral relations, promote South-South cooperation and promote technical cooperation among developing countries.
 

As per the mutual understanding with the Government of Malaysia, AARDO is entitled to sponsor ten (10) trainees for the training courses annually from its member countries. It is proposed to continue the programmes during 2009-2011.
 

Department of Fisheries, Kuala Lumpur

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Government of Malaysia is responsible for the overall development of the fishery sector in Malaysia. The Department of Fisheries conducts research to develop new systems and technologies to increase fish and shrimp production and resources. It provides technical and extension services as well as conducts training programmes for farmers and fishermen to promote development of modern and efficient industry with well-trained and skilled manpower.The Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) organises training programmes at various leading training institutes.

AARDO has made collaborative arrangements with the Department of Fisheries for training of its sponsored candidates for participation in the training courses. As per understanding, AARDO is entitled to sponsor six (6) candidates for the training courses annually from the member countries. It is proposed to continue this programme during 2009-2011.

 

As per the understanding with the Government of Malaysia, all the expenses on the training including airfare will be met by the Government of Malaysia. However, as per the new policy of the Government of Malaysia, the airfare of the candidates from the countries whose per capita income is above US $5,000 will be met by the sponsoring countries. In this case, AARDO will meet the airfare of such trainees from countries like Oman whose per capita is more than US $5,000.

Agricultural Extension Training Institute, Malaysia

The Department of Agriculture, Government of Malaysia has been organising training programme on various aspects of agriculture at the Agricultural Extension Training Institute. Realising the importance of advanced technologies in food production and food security and also to address the problems of fruits production in the tropical and sub-tropical areas, the training course on "Advanced Technologies on Tropical Fruit Production and Post-Harvest Techniques" has been initiated to be organised annually in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Malaysia and the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) for the AARDO sponsored candidates. The course contents of the training is as follow :

i)             Trend of agriculture and fruit Industries in Malaysia;
ii)             Introduction to tropical fruits species, varieties;
iii)            World production and market trends;
iv)            World trade of tropical fruits - trade regulations;
v)             Introduction to tropical fruits species, varieties ;
vi)            World production and market trends;
vii)           Good agriculture practice in tropical fruit production;
viii)          Field infrastructure and requirements -irrigation, water source;
ix)           Technologies in pest and pest disease control;
x)            An overview of post harvest biology of tropical fruits;
xi)           Maturity and maturity indices, quality and safety factors;
xii)          A cooling prior to shipment: methods, evaluation of efficiency;
xiii)         Storage: methods, facilities, equipment, management of environmental conditions

              including controlled atmospheres;
xiv)         Sanitation and other procedures related to decay and insects control;
xv)          Standardization and inspection, quality evaluation and control; food safety assurance;
xvi)         Conformance to requirement standards for exported tropical fruits (MRL's, hot

              water treatment etc.);
xvii)        Harvesting systems, preparation for market, packinghouse facilities and equipment,

              packaging, containers, cull utilization;
xviii)        Harvesting and post harvest handling system for various commodity groups;
xix)         An overview of current post harvest research.
 

There are twenty (20) fellowships available for AARDO sponsored candidates. As per the understanding with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Malaysia, AARDO will provide both ways air tickets to its candidates, while the expenses on local hospitality which included board, lodging, training material and local transportation, etc will be met by Government of Malaysia, TFNet and AARDO. It is proposed to organise this programme during 2009-2011.

6         Philippines
 

IRRI, established in 1960 by the Ford and Rockfeller Foundation in the Philippines, is one of the non-profit international research centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research (CGIAR). The Institute trains professionals in both traditional and new approaches to solve the problems in rice production, distribution and utilisation. IRRI addresses these needs through its training programmes. IRRI's specialised short-term group courses provide opportunities for scientists to develop research expertise and to transfer appropriate technologies and skill to their respective national systems. AARDO has been sponsoring nominees to the on-going training programmes of IRRI viz., Strategic Research in Integrated Nutrient Management, Hybrid Rice Breeding, Genetic Evaluation and Utilization for Rainfed Rice Ecosystems. Since these programmes are specifically based on the needs of the rice growing member countries, AARDO proposes to sponsor its candidates to the IRRI training programmes during the triennium 2009-2011. These programmes are fully financed by AARDO.

New Training Programmes

In view of the emerging needs of the member countries, it is proposed to diversify the Human Resource Development (HRD) activities in the triennium 2009-2011 through identification of needs based programmes. New programmes will be started based on the recommendations of the Regional Offices and strategies highlighted in the New Delhi Declaration document. The new programmes may be organised at training institutions such as Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Nigeria, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), India, or any other institute in a member country. AARDO may organise short-term training programmes on some of the following themes:

i)           Waste Management Planning and Infrastructure Development;
ii)          Meat and Food Hygiene Practices in Tropical Conditions;
iii)         Research and Data Management in Sanitation;
iv)         E-governance in rural development programmes;
v)          Application of Bio-technology in Rural Areas;
vi)         Application of Information Technology in Agriculture and Rural Development;
vii)        Water Management and the Ideal Utilization of the Irrigation Water Projects;
viii)       Rural Governance: Enhancing Rural Governance through Total Rural Management (under MTCP)
ix)        Improve the Standard of the Employees Working in the Research and Development Centres;
x)         Field Training Programmes for Employment Creation, Improving the Information Technology
xi)        Skills and Sale of Agricultural Products;
xii)       Cooperative Credit System;
xiii)       Bee Keeping and Honey Production;
xiv)       Seed Production Technology;
xv)        Production of Cereals in Rain-fed Areas;
xvi)       Preparation of Project Proposals;
xvii)      Bio-control of Plant Epidemics;
xviii)      Protection of Hereditary Roots and Plants;
xix)      Cooperative Agricultural Marketing Systems;
xx)       Modern Irrigation System for Dry and Semi-dry Areas;
xxi)      Palm Tree Cultivation and Date Production
xxii)     Post-harvesting Process and Value Addition
xxiii)    Development of agricultural production of seedling and planting material for horticulture crops
xiv)      Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS)

Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Nigeria

ARMTI, established in 1980, is a Federal Government Parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Government of Nigeria. ARMTI's mandate is to improve management practices in the agricultural and rural sector through appropriate management interventions such as management training, applied research, consultancy services and the dissemination of the research findings. The Institute has maintained collaborative links with many national and international agencies.

Realizing that some of the activities of ARMTI are very relevant for AARDO member countries, a Mutual Collaboration and Assistance Agreement (MCAA) was signed between the two organizations on 18 December 2006, to have cooperation in all matters of common interest concerning agricultural and rural development. The thrust areas of the cooperation would be organisation of international/regional training programmes, workshops/seminars, conducting research studies, deputation of experts, etc.

As per the MCAA, twenty (20) fellowships for international trainings and ten (10) for regional trainings annually for the regular training programmes organised by ARMTI will be available to AARDO. While AARDO will bear the airfare of the participants, ARMTI will meet other expenses like tuition fees, boarding & lodging, domestic transportation during the training/field study, training material, etc. The themes of the training programmes will be decided in consultation with the ARMTI. During the triennium, it is proposed to organise the programmes.

PARTICIPATION BY AARDO MEMBER COUNTRIES 

IN TRAINING PROGRAMMES (TRAINING CENTER WISE) 1991-2009

Field Training Programmes

Under the programme, experts are deputed by AARDO to the member countries on their specific request to impart training on specific fields. In the past, AARDO had organised field training programmes.

Under the programme, it is proposed that field training on different aspects of agriculture/rural development would be organised on request basis in a particular member country during the triennium. About 20-25 participants will be trained under each programme.

Workshops/Seminars

International Workshops/Seminars

H. E. Dr Nabi Rashid Mohammad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Government of the Syrian Arab Republic delivering his Inaugural Address during Opening Ceremony of the Regional Workshop on "Integrated Pest Management" at Damascus, Syria on 14 March 2010. Sitting at the dais on right side is H E Dr Abdalla Yahia Adam

The organization of international workshops/seminars on various facets of rural and agricultural development promotes further cooperation and understanding among the member countries for better appreciation of each other's problems. The workshops serve as a forum for mutual exchange of experiences among participating countries and also assist in evolving an appropriate conceptual framework for technical programme. The themes of the workshops are chosen keeping in view the contemporary socio-economic and other related problems, which the member countries are facing in their rural areas.

Recognising the importance, it is proposed to organise three (3) international workshops/seminars annually in collaboration with member countries during the triennium 2009-2011. The themes of the international workshops/seminars are based on some current issues, related to socio-economic and technological development such as:

i)         Water Management -Challenges and Strategies
ii)        Climatic Change and Sustainable Agricultural Development
iii)       Role of Watershed in Enhancing Livelihood of Rural People
iv)       Natural Resource Management: Trends and Perspectives in the Context of Climatic changes
v)        Agricultural Technology Transfer and Its Impact on Small Farmers
vi)       Challenges and Strategies for Sustainable Use of Water Resources

vii)      Monitoring and Evaluation of Poverty Alleviation Programmes
viii)     Rural Development: Challenges in the 21st Century

ix)      Post-harvest Losses and Technological Advancement in Agriculture
x)       Impact of WTO on Rural Development and Agriculture
xi)      Empowerment of Rural Youths and Women
xii)     Prevalence of HIV/AIDS and its Impact on Agricultural Development
xiii)    Public Private People Partnership in Developing Rural Infrastructure
xiv)    Disaster Management
xv)     Capacity to Develop and Manage Technology for Agricultural Development
xvi)    Role of Private Sector in Agriculture Research and Extension
xvii)   Climatic Changes and Displacement of Rural Poor
xviii)   Enhancing the Participation of Poor in Developing Rural Infrastructure
xix)    Best Practices in Rural and Agricultural Development Programme for Possible

         Replication by Member Countries;
xx)    Ageing of Farming Community: Strategies and Policies and their Successors
xxi)   Micro Credit Delivery System;
xxii)   Impact of Bio-fuel on Food Security