From October 7, 2024 (Mon) to February 7, 2025 (Fri), Ehime University’s Institute for International Relations conducted the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s Knowledge Co-creation Program (KCCP) titled “Promotion of Food Value Chain for Community-Based Agri-Business.” This program was designed for government, industry, and academic professionals from Latin American countries who are involved in food value chain*-related work.
This year, 12 participants from 9 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America joined the program. The program consisted of an online pre-program, an in-person training in Japan, and an online post-program. Based on requests from the last year’s participants, the duration of the in-person training was extended from two to three weeks. During their stay in Japan, the participants attended lectures at Ehime University and visited shopping arcades and tourist spots in Matsuyama City, as well as Uwajima City, Seiyo City, Yawatahama City, and Gogoshima Island. Through on-site experiences and exploration of local areas, they learned about successful examples of food value chain development in Ehime Prefecture. As with last year, we received generous support from local governments, companies, organizations, and individual business owners in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors in Ehime Prefecture for these visits.
The in-person training in Japan was highly meaningful due to the implementation of the online pre-program, the increased number of site visits, and the enriched reflection sessions following the visits. The program also offered opportunities to experience Japanese culture and traditions. Based on the experiences and knowledge gained through the in-person program, participants developed practical activity plans applicable in their home countries. Following their return home, two online post-program sessions were held—two months and two and a half months after the in-person program—during which participants exchanged opinions with Ehime University faculty members and reviewed their progress and future plans. Compared to last year, the extended duration and increased frequency of the post-program sessions contributed to making the participants’ activity plans more concrete and clearer.
It is expected that the participants will continue their activities so that they can apply the knowledge and experience they gained about the food value chain in Japan through this program to solve issues in their home countries.
Ehime University’s Institute for International Relations will continue to strengthen collaboration with JICA and other international organizations to promote international cooperation and contribution.
※Food value chain: The linkage of added value generated in the distribution process from production to consumption related to agricultural, forestry, fisheries, and fishery products and foods.
＜nternational Relations Office＞