The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been conducting training on Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) for extension workers in Asia and Africa based on Japan's technical cooperation program. As a part of this training program, 12 extension officers and 2 advisors from JICA Tsukuba visited JIRCAS on June 28, 2023.

After an overview of JIRCAS research activities, Dr. UKE Ayaka (Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) gave a lecture on the application of microbial saccharification technology to agricultural production, and Project Leader ONISHI Junya (Rural Development Division) gave a lecture on irrigation technology in arid lands. After the lectures, the participants moved to the Hachimandai Experimental Field where Senior Researcher IKEURA Hiroshi (Rural Development Division) gave a field presentation on the recirculating water use system.

This was the first time for JIRCAS to host a SHEP among the various training programs offered by JICA, but the program was well received by the participants, who learned a lot. We will continue to disseminate information on JIRCAS's efforts to address global environmental and food issues through such cooperation and exchanges.