2015 Volume 46 Issue 4 Pages 90-100
JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Tsukuba International Center has implemented a continuous human resource development scheme of technical cooperation through Farm mechanization training (FMT) courses since 1964. This has formed part of an on-going ODA commitment and is subject to the administrative officials and agricultural engineers from representative for developing countries. This study was undertaken with the aim of supporting future development of the FMT courses. The surveys were conducted for participants after their return to verify the impact of the FMT courses on agricultural mechanization in developing countries. After years of study, it was confirmed that the participants transferred their knowledge and technology, acquired during FMT courses. To elucidate the mechanisms by which knowledge and technology transfers activities in developing countries occurred by participants, the authors considered the information via four transfer types based on farm mechanization promotion levels in developing countries. Moreover, it was found that one important factor generated was the development of an informal network (FMK-net: Farm mechanization knowledge network) between participants and experts in agricultural machinery through transfer activities. The creation of a network between FMK-net and the enterprises, together with FMT, was found to be one of efficient model for overseas expansion, especially for Japanese small and medium sized enterprises. This finding was based on the results of the visiting surveys and actual networking activities between FMK-net and the Enterprises. It is argued that these models can be used to help develop new types of knowledge and technology transfers in agricultural mechanization for developing countries.
