01 Rural Development
Information gathering and verification survey for the development of infrastructure and equipment for CARD promotion in the JICA Africa region (2020-2023)
The Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) launched in 2008 by JICA and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an international NGO, with the goal of doubling rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa. From 2008 to 2018, the region's rice production has doubled, and from 2019, it aims further double its production by 2030. The study covers 12 of the 32 African countries participating in CARD i.e. Ethiopia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Uganda, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Cameroon; to determine what irrigation facilities, equipment, and other hardware are needed in each country to increase rice production.
Interview survey on rice cultivation in Rwanda
Drone survey
01 Rural Development
JICA, The Agriculture Extension Service Improvement Project through the SHEP Approach (Tajik-SHEP), Tajikistan（2022-Present）
The Tajikistan government has been working to improve agricultural productivity through supply chain improvements and agribusiness strengthening under the “Agro-food System and Sustainable Agriculture Development Program for the period up to 2030.” However, limited knowledge and experience among farmers make it difficult to select appropriate crop varieties and planting seasons. Furthermore, Tajikistan faces insufficient government personnel and extension budgets, preventing extension services from meeting farmers' needs in both quality and quantity.
In this context, JICA conducted field surveys and determined that the SHEP approach—which aims to increase horticultural income by encouraging vegetable farmers to shift their mindset from “produce and sell” to “produce to sell”—is effective in Tajikistan. Consequently, this project was launched. This project proposes the Tajik SHEP approach to the government and development partners by enhancing the capacity of stakeholders to implement SHEP activities, providing SHEP training to farmers, and developing implementation guidelines. It also aims to improve the livelihoods of target farmers by enhancing agricultural extension services.
Market survey conducted as a part of SHEP training
Capacity development training for governmental officers and development partners
01 Rural Development
JICA, Project on Promotion of Small-Scale Horticultural Agriculture: Enhancing Inclusiveness of Women Farmers, Ukraine (2024-Present)
This project aims to contribute to regional economic revitalization and agricultural sector recovery by enhancing the production capacity and business skills of small-scale horticultural farmers in Ukraine, particularly women farmers. Agriculture is one of the foundations of life in the country. While the horticultural sector holds potential for high value-added production, it faces challenges in productivity and distribution. Furthermore, as the working population continues to decline, women's participation in agriculture is becoming increasingly important.
This project supports sustainable agricultural development and the economic independence of women farmers by developing and proposing training programs for female farmers based on analysis of horticultural agriculture challenges and surveys of small-scale farmers' current situations. It provides practical horticultural agriculture training through collaboration with educational institutions.
In November 2024, we conducted field research and consultations with stakeholders in Kyiv. In January 2025, we invited Ukrainian government officials to Japan for training on the theme of “Japanese Horticultural Agriculture Education.” We will continue contributing to Ukraine's recovery and the promotion of horticultural agriculture through this project.
Farmer’s market run by a small-scale apple farmer in Kyiv
Visit to the strawberry greenhouse, training course in Japan
02 Water Resources Management and Irrigation Development
JICA, Capacity Development Project for Irrigation Water Management in Rwanda (2019-2025)
In Rwanda, agriculture is a major industry, accounting for about 33% of GDP and 70% of the working population, and the government is promoting irrigation development to improve agricultural production and farmers' income. As one of these efforts, the government is promoting a policy to transfer responsibility for operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities from the government to farmer-led irrigation water users' associations. However, due to inadequate systems and structures, and a lack of technical knowledge and experience on the part of the government and local administrations that provide support, farmer-led activities has not been implemented. This project mainly target regions with extensive wetlands and high potential for irrigation development, and will promote the strengthening of administrative support organizations and the development of irrigation water users' associations so that irrigation facilities can be managed the local community.
Check the growth of chia seeds
Group photo of training on agricultural cooperative management and gender for members of agricultural cooperatives
02 Water Resources Management and Irrigation Development
JICA, The Project for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation System in Eastern Terai Area, Nepal (2022-Present)
The Terai Plain is a lowland area stretching east-west along Nepal's southern border with India. Blessed with a subtropical climate and fertile soil, it is an agricultural region producing 74% of the country's rice, 66% of its wheat, and 59% of its vegetables. Although large-scale irrigation systems are in place, many are deteriorating, leading to reduced irrigation capacity and limited irrigated areas. To maintain and increase agricultural production in this region, expanding irrigated areas through the rehabilitation of irrigation facilities was necessary.
The Chandra Nahar Irrigation Area, the target of this project, is a crucial irrigation area located in the Terai Plain. However, its facilities were constructed approximately 100 years ago and suffer from severe deterioration.
This project aims to enhance agricultural productivity by rehabilitating existing irrigation facilities in the Chandra Nahar Irrigation Area. It involves rehabilitating the main canal siphon, cross-drainage structures, and canal bridges. NTCI is undertaking the consulting services for this project, handling detailed facility design, project cost estimation, bidding, and construction supervision. As part of the soft components, it is also providing guidance on maintenance methods for the improved facilities and instruction on facility condition assessment techniques.
Government officials came to Japan to participate in the bidding session for construction works
The siphon (center) and drainage channel (right)
rehabilitated through the project
02 Water Resources Management and Irrigation Development
JICA, Small Scale Irrigation Development Advisor, Ethiopia (2024-Present)
In Ethiopia, only 28% of the potential land area has been equipped with irrigation infrastructure, and many farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture. However, the government has positioned the expansion of irrigation as a strategic pillar of its development plan, particularly to strengthen the resilience of regions vulnerable to climate change impacts. With support from development partners, guidelines for small-scale irrigation development were prepared. However, challenges existed in various aspects: planning-stage surveys and facility design; project management, including local coordination; construction supervision; and facility maintenance. Strengthening the capacity of farmers and government officials was assumed to be necessary for advanced irrigation development.
This project demonstrates a systematic process for resolving typical challenges through pilot activities involving irrigation facility rehabilitation and the establishment/strengthening of water user associations. It aims to enhance the capacity of engineers and relevant organizations. Additionally, acting as an advisor, it identifies operational challenges in existing guidelines and compiles recommendations for their dissemination and implementation. The project contributes to strengthening the Ethiopian government's capacity to promote small-scale irrigation development smoothly in the future.
Meeting between the water user’s association and the governmental officers for pilot activities
Handover of the repaired irrigation facility to the association
03 Regional and Community Development
JICA, Data Collection Survey for the Promotion of Islamic Finance and Halal Industry in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines (2025)
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the southern Philippines is the poorest region in the country due to the effects of years of conflict. Furthermore, with approximately 90% of the population being Muslim, there are high hopes for revitalizing the regional economy through the promotion of Islamic finance (financial transactions based on Islamic teachings) and the halal industry (food and ingredients prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws). Although several banks began entering the Islamic finance market in 2024, challenges remain in funding, human resources, and financial literacy. The halal industry also has potential, but barriers include a lack of trust in certification systems and an underdeveloped value chain from agricultural production to final consumption.
This project collected and analyzed information necessary to identify specific contributions JICA can make to promote Islamic finance and the halal industry in BARMM.
Interview survey of the fisheries and marine product industry sector
Explanation of the proposal to the halal certification concerned people
03 Regional and Community Development
JICA, Advisory Work on Capacity Development for Social Cohesion through Livelihood Improvement, Burundi (2023-Present)
This project aims to support community development and livelihood improvement in Gitega Province, Burundi, which remains vulnerable despite years of civil war and ongoing reconstruction. It incorporates inclusive and confidence-building approaches. In Burundi's rural areas, agriculture is the primary industry. However, inadequate agricultural infrastructure, labor shortages, poverty, and inequality contribute to social instability. Consequently, sustainable development utilizing local resources is urgently needed.
Based on a request from Burundi's Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock, NTCI dispatched experts. Through activities such as organizing rural development policies, implementing capacity-building programs emphasizing confidence-building, and proposing strategies for utilizing funds from development partners and the private sector, NTCI contributes to strengthening local social cohesion, stabilizing and consolidating peace, and realizing human security.
Rural survey in Gitega Province
Studying the activities on livestock management implemented by the local NGO
04 Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
JICA, Project for Consolidation of Peace and Stability through the Human Resources Development of the Local Administration in the Sahel Countries (2024-Present)
The G5 Sahel countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania, Chad) face complex challenges, including fragile governance due to repeated coups and political crises, conflicts between farmers and herders over land and water resources, and the spread of severe poverty caused by unemployment and food crises resulting from population growth and climate change. In recent years, they have also faced a significant deterioration in security due to the expansion of violent extremist groups, resulting in large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Thus, the socio-economic conditions of host communities already living in poverty are getting worse.
In the Sahel countries confronting these complex crises, the increase in refugees and IDPs and the prolongation of displacement have strained administrative services, limiting access to public services for refugees, IDPs, and host communities. As the crisis situation persists, ensuring access to basic social services essential for people's survival is a critical challenge in the Sahel countries, where humanitarian and development cooperation is imperative.
This project focuses on local administration, targeting village water supply, community health, and youth support. It aims to strengthen the capacity and trust between administrations and communities, thereby enhancing regional crisis response resilience, through:
1) Capacity building for local administrators,
2) Provision of public services (implementation of pilot projects), and
3) Support for sharing experiences across broader areas.
The third country training for central/local government officers of the Sahel countries, Senegal
IDP camp located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
04 Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
Demonstration Project of Technology for recycling of removed soil (Test Cultivation) (2018-2025) and Public Relations Facility Management Support Services (2025-Present) in Nagadoro District of Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture
Since 2018, NTCI has been undertaking a demonstration project for reuse of removed soil in Nagadoro district of Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture, contracted by the Ministry of the Environment. This project involves converting low-level radioactive soil removed from Iitate Village following the nuclear accident triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake into recycled materials for use in creating farmland. On the cultivated farmland, we conduct cultivation trials of resource crops, edible crops, and flowers to verify crop growth and radiation safety.
In 2023, evacuation orders were lifted for part of the Nagadoro district, and in 2025, the public information facility “Hana no Sato Nagadoro Environmental Restoration Information Plaza” opened. The facility clearly introduces initiatives and safety aspects related to the reuse of removed soil through panels and videos. NTCI employees are stationed there, including in the vinyl greenhouses cultivating flowers, to guide and explain to visitors. We will continue to provide support utilizing our technology and expertise to contribute to regional recovery and sustainable agriculture.
Explanation to visitors in the greenhouse
Respond to visitors at public relations facilities
04 Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
JICA, Project to Support the Registration and Profiling of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) using Biometrics in Burkina Faso (2024-Present)
In Burkina Faso, the recent increase in terrorism has led to a large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). As of the end of March 2023, their number reached 2.06 million, equivalent to 9% of the total population. Amid severe constraints on personnel and funding, registration of IDPs by the government is crucial for effectively delivering humanitarian and development assistance. However, the government faced numerous challenges, including delays in registration, duplicate entries, and insufficient tracking of IDPs who had already returned, due to its inability to cope with the rapid increase in IDPs.
Through a study conducted from 2023 to 2024, the application for IDP registration utilizing biometric data (fingerprints) was developed, confirming that digital transformation (DX) can reduce the burden of registration. Subsequently, the government of Burkina Faso formally announced the adoption of the app. However, the organizational structure of the government agency responsible for operating the app was weak, and its capacity for app operation and maintenance was insufficient. Therefore, in this project, in collaboration with UNHCR, we are advancing technical support and capacity building for IDP registration.
Input IDP personal information and link it to his/her biometric data
The child puts his finger on the fingerprint sensor for the registration test
05 Institutional and Governance Strengthening
JICA, Project for Capacity Building for Community Development, Kambia District, Sierra Leone (2010-2018) and The Project for Capacity Development to Strengthen Local Resilience in Sierra Leone: Establishment of Local Service Delivery (Guidelines Revision and Establishment of Monitoring System) (2023-2024)
Sierra Leone has been impoverished by the civil war that continued in the 1990s and the Ebola epidemic in 2014-2015, but the social and economic situation has gradually recovered thanks to the support of the international community and self-help efforts and the country is now in the stage of reconstruction and development. However, due to a lack of personnel and capacity in the government responsible for the country's development, the basics of administrative services, such as "accurately identifying local needs and planning and implementing projects," were not practiced. In order to improve the capacity of local government officials for community development, the first project identified community development needs, organized development plans, set priorities for projects to be implemented by the local government based on these needs, and actually implemented school construction and renovation of health centers as pilot projects. In addition, we organized the issues found in these processes as key points for formulating development plans and implementing projects, and summarized them in the "Regional Development Project Implementation Guidelines." Subsequently, the latter project was launched for the expansion and dissemination of the guidelines. NTCI supported the implementation of pilot projects aligned with the guidelines, the revision of the guidelines, and the establishment of a monitoring system.
Assisted county council staff in explaining the project to the community
Discussions on future dissemination by central ministers, JICA officials and experts
06 Human Resources Capacity Building
JICA, Issue-Specific Training Program "Sub-Saharan Africa and Rice Development Promotion (A) and (B)" Course Training Outsourcing (2021-2024)
In the African region, rice imports have increased dramatically since the late 1990s due to a large increase in consumption relative to the low growth in rice production, which combined with rising global grain prices has led to food insecurity. With the cooperation of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), JICA launched the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) in 2008 and it has actively supported the promotion of rice cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the three-year period beginning in FY2016, this project has provided training in Japan for a total of 74 participants from 23 CARD Initiative member countries to share experiences and future directions in rice crop promotion in their respective countries and to promote network building for ongoing information exchange. The historical transition of rice cultivation in Japan introduced including the hardships and innovations of rice growers. In addition, while consideration to making the training program more effective, a different the rice cultivation technical theme was set each year and the selection of lecturers and inspection sites suited to each theme, prior coordination, and accompanying of the participants on inspection tours planned and managed. The program also included a case study session in which participants from African countries with similar problems shared their problems and how they are overcoming them, and facilitated discussions among participants.
Visit rice farmers
Headworks Inspection at Rice Irrigation Infrastructure Training Program
