Outline of the Project

Project Name

The Project for Research and Education Capacity Improvement in Dry zone Agriculture at University of Jaffna

Country

Sri Lanka

Date R/D Signed

Dec 8th, 2021.

Project Site

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna and Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Term of Cooperation

June 25th 2022- June 24th 2027 (5 years)

Implementing Organization

Faculty of Agriculture(FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ)

Background

The Northern Province of Sri Lanka has made gradual progress in basic infrastructure since the end of the conflict, though the incomes of residents in all five districts of the Province are below the national poverty line of Rs.4,856/month (in 2019). In order to correct the disparity within Sri Lanka, further strengthening of social infrastructure and revitalization of social and economic activities are needed. In particular, agriculture and livestock are the main industries in the region and an important means of livelihood for the local people. However, in addition to the lack of agricultural infrastructure and agricultural knowledge, the region is vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change including flood and draught. To stabilize and to improve the livelihoods of the local population, improving agricultural productivity and climate change resilience is an important issue.

The Faculty of Agriculture (FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ) was established in 1990 in Kilinochchi. The Faculty aims to produce quality human resources in the fields of agricultural and related industries through quality education, advanced research, and knowledge dissemination into the community. The Faculty was temporary shifted to Jaffna in 1997 due to the conflict situation prevailed at that time. After the conflict ended in 2009, the Cabinet Ministries granted approval for the Faculty of Agriculture to return, renovate, and use of the existing buildings at Kilinochchi to re-establish the Faculty. In 2014, the Faculty restarted education and research activities in the new Kilinochchi Premises. However, the infrastructure was inadequate and more extensive facilities were desired.

In 2016, Government of Sri Lanka and Government of Japan entered into Grant Agreement to implement "The Project for the Establishment of Research and Training Complex at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna". The project included the construction of a laboratory building and a training building, the development of university farm

In 2021, the Government of Sri Lanka requested to the Government of Japan for a new technical cooperation project to strengthen the university's education and research infrastructure and university management, while continuing to utilize the facilities and equipment provided in the grant project. This technical cooperation project is expected to enhance the quality of education and research at the Faculty of Agriculture and to contribute to the human resource development that will help improve the productivity of agriculture and the livestock industry in the Northern Province and strengthen their ability to adapt to climate change.

The Overall Goal

Qualified human resources for enhancing agricultural productivity and adaptability to climate changes in dry zone agriculture are produced from the Faculty of Agriculture (FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ).

Project Purpose

Foundation for practice-oriented education and research is enhanced in FOA.

Output

[Output of Planning Phase]

1. Project implementation structure and detailed action plans are developed to enhance the fields of education, research, social engagement/outreach and management of FOA.

[Outputs of Implementation Phase]

2. Academic staff's teaching abilities for practice-oriented education in FOA are improved.
3. Research capability of academic staff is developed through researches on issues of dry zone agriculture.
4. Social engagement/outreach activities are strengthened.
5. Management system to promote education and research is improved.

Project Activities

[Planning Phase]

1-1	Establishment of a working group for coordination, planning, and implementation of the Project, and the Project Technical Committee for efficient project activities.
1-2	Carrying out a baseline survey and analyzing the situation of FOA.
1-3	Holding workshops to enhance the education, research, outreach/social engagement, and management in FOA.
1-4	Making a detailed action plan of implementation phase with effective Objectively Verifiable Indicators for the next 4.5 years of the Project.

[Implementation Phase]

2-1	Improve the existing learning materials and develop text books.
2-2	Conduct capacity development trainings of teaching skills.
2-3	Improve use of laboratory and equipment (Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and operational manual for the equipment).
3-1	Conduct trainings for academic writing and publications.
3-2	Promote research collaboration (research showcase, seminar, networking, etc.).
3-3	Develop the research strategy of the department (workshop, seminar, training, etc.).
4-1	Clarify roles and responsibilities of the outreach committee FOA.
4-2	Promote social engagement activities with governmental organizations, local communities and private sector.
4-3	Increase opportunities of student participations in outreach activities
5-1	Improve department management for education and research activities.
5-1-1	Improve equipment management and operating system of the laboratories.
5-1-2	Conduct technical training for existing equipment for academic supporting staff.
5-2	Support FOA staff training program in SDC.

Inputs
[Japanese side]

1) Experts:
-Chief Advisor/University Management,
-Agricultural Research/Agricultural Education,
-Coordinator, etc.
-Short-term experts for Problem Analysis, Research, Education, Outreach.
2) Training in Japan (Short-term and Long-term)
3) Materials and equipment; Research material and equipment, OA equipment related to online training, Vehicles etc.
4) Expenses for project activities: Costs for teaching materials and training/seminars, etc.

Inputs
[Sri Lankan side]

1) Counterpart (C/P) personnel
2) Office space, furniture, utility and internet
3) Local Cost
4) Cost for operation of materials and equipment introduced by the Project
5) Cost for taxes and duties