| Workshop-seminar, 23-25 May, 2005, MEKARN-CTU |
| Contents |
Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam are together with Myanmar the poorest
countries in South East Asia and the majority of the population is
depending on agriculture for their income and subsistence. In
Thailand the economic situation is much better. Agriculture is
still important but not as much for subsistence as in the other
countries. However, in all four countries growing inequalities can
be seen between the rural and urban populations.
In the Swedish country strategies for the four countries there
is an emphasis on improving the situation of the rural poor. In
fact, two of the large Sida area development programmes in the
region - the planned Upland Shifting Cultivation Programme in Laos
and the recently started Chia Sẻ Development Program in
Vietnam - all aim towards finding sustainable livelihoods for
resource-poor farmers. New knowledge on farming systems based on
research findings will be an important component in both programmes. There are
also bilateral agreements for research co-operation with Viet Nam and Laos. A
rural development network project is part of the bilateral research co-operation
in Vietnam. The Faculty of Agriculture of the National University of Laos is
supported through the bilateral research co-operation with Laos as well as being a member of the
MEKARN Programme. The MEKARN Programme, discussed in this paper, can serve to complement the bilateral
support in providing regional and international exchange.
In 2000 it was decided to unite the programme on "Sustainable
Livestock-Based Farming Systems", which was then part of the Sida-supported bilateral research co-operation with Vietnam, and
the Sida-supported "MSc-program" that was established in 1992 at the
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and which accepted students
from Vietnam and neighboring countries. A network including
partners in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Sweden was
formed. The purpose of this combined programme was to encourage
regional co-operation in research and training in order to take
advantage of the many similarities in agro-ecological conditions
and constraints between the four countries, and of the specialized
knowledge developed by the collaborating institutions. One of the
main features of the co-operation is to take advantage of existing
facilities and expertise in the different institutions
participating in the programme. The disciplines represented among
the researchers in the Programme are livestock based farming
systems, animal nutrition and feeding, renewable energy, integrated
farming systems, agro-forestry, aquaculture and
biometrics/statistics.
Strengthen cooperation in research, training, and dissemination
of information in the Lower Mekong Basin.
Exchange ideas, experiences and information between
institutions in the four collaborating countries.
Promote livestock as the epicentre of sustainable farming systems.
To mobilize a critical mass of researchers conversant with sustainable development, with emphasis on integrated agriculture.
To train junior researchers through short courses, and MSc and PhD training
These training courses center around knowledge and technologies necessary to further develop sustainable agriculture in the region,e.g. diagnostic methods, biological basis for livestock and plant production, computer skills, biometrics, research methodology, feed evaluation, production systems, agriculture-environment interactions, aquaculture, agro-forestry and farming systems methodology. Each participant receives at the beginning of the MSc training course his or her own laptop computer. The students are trained to find information themselves and to work without critical dependence on back-up facilities, such as well stocked libraries and expensive laboratories. The training is very hands-on, oriented towards the problems facing resource-poor farmers and is imbued with ecological awareness without being fundamentalist.
To develop a multitude of sustainable technologies for resource-poor farmers in the region.
To encourage regional cooperation in research and training.
To produce training material for the region based on research findings.
To produce a database on sustainable technologies and produce appropriate information material.
To organize systems for information sharing.
The research focuses on resource-poor farmers, who make up the
majority of the population and account for a large part of
agricultural production in this region, and on the role of
livestock in agricultural production systems for smallholders. The
core activities of the network are research, research training, and
exchange and dissemination of information. MSc-training was
included in the support in order to broaden the recruitment base
for further research training. Criteria for selection of students
are a balance between countries and between sexes, less than 35 years of
age, English proficiency, priority of candidates superior and
research background. The selection is based on an interview and an
application. The aim is to have at least one candidate from each
institution.
The organization of the Program involves international
co-ordination from the Department of Animal Nutrition and
Management at the Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences,
regional co-ordination including a program manager (and an accountant)
at the Nong Lam University and four country nodes. A Steering
Committee consists of the regional co-ordinator, the international
co-ordinator, the four country coordinators and the consultants. A
regional annual workshop rotates among the countries and is
combined with the Steering Committee meeting.
The Program has received support during three years with a
total of 19.5 million SEK. The results have been good and a major
part of the planned activities have been carried out. A recent
financial audit of the whole period shows that funds have been
properly managed.
The following are the main achievements during three years of the first
phase of the program 2001-2003 and the first year 2004 of the
second phase:.
The first group of 17 students (six from Viet Nam, five from Cambodia, four from Laos and two from Thailand) defended their theses in May 2003. The second group of 16 students (six from Viet Nam, four from Cambodia, four from Laos and two from Thailand) were registered in 2003, have finished their course work and their research projects, and have just defended their theses (16 to 20 May 2005).
Ten candidates have been registered for PhD degrees at the
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and are at present
conducting their research in Cambodia, Laos and
Vietnam.
These ten PhD candidates and date of registration
are:
Le Van An (Vietnam, registered September 2000)
Duong Nguyen Khang (Vietnam, registered September
2001)
Nguyen Thi Kim Dong (Vietnam, registered February
2001)
Do Viet Minh (Vietnam, registered May 2002)
Khieu Borin (Cambodia, registered May 2002)
Do Thi Thanh Van (Vietnam, registered November
2002)
Vanthong Phengvichith (Lao PDR, registered February
2002)
Seng Sokerya (Cambodia, registered January
2004)
Ninh Thi Len (Vietnam, registered June 2004)
Nguyen Quang Thieu (Vietnam, registered February
2004)
On 25th September 2004 and on 29th September 2004, Dr. Le Van An and Dr. Duong Nguyen Khang successfully defended their PhD theses at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and received their Doctor's degree on October 9, 2004 at a solemn degree conferment ceremony organized at SLU.
Three more PhD candidates, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Dong, Mr. Khieu Borin and Mr. Do Viet Minh, will defense their theses during the fall semester 2005.
Three more new PhD candidates have been approved by the Steering Committee:
Mrs Nguyen Thi Thuy from Can Tho University Viet Nam.
Mrs Hoang Huong Giang, from National Institute of Animal Husbandry, Viet Nam
Mrs. Nguyen Duy Quynh Tram, from Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, Viet Nam
A total of 9 research projects were approved in 2001 (total amount disbursed USD 47,500), a further 20 were approved in March 2002 (including the MSc projects) and 22 research projects were approved in 2003. Thirty four research projects were approved in 2004. In several cases the projects involve interdisciplinary teams, with researchers from one or more of the participating countries.
A workshop was held in July 2001 at Khon Kaen University on "Recent developments in the utilization of cassava as livestock feed". The major outputs were a CD-Rom of the Power Point presentations, a printed copy and posting on the Mekarn web page (http://www.mekarn.org) of the proceedings. Forty participants from the project countries attended.
A training course on "Fodder trees for livestock" (course leader Professor Klaus Becker, Hohenheim University, Germany) was held in August in Hanoi. Eleven participants attended from the 4 countries and were supported by funds from the project. Three credits were awarded to PhD students registered at SLU.
A workshop on "Small ruminant production in the Asian humid tropics" was held at Prince of Songkhla University in Thailand in November 2001, with 40 participants supported by the project.
A PhD-level course (4 credits) on "Design and analysis of biological experiments, including on farm animal research "was held at Chiang Mai University, in November 2001 (course leader Prof. John Öhrvik, SLU). Thirteen participants from Cambodia (2), Laos (2), Vietnam (5) and Thailand (4) attended.
An international workshop on swamp buffaloes was hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam, in December 2001. Proceedings are available on the MEKARN home page at http://www.mekarn.org and in hard copy form.
A two weeks course in English for special purposes has been held at the University of Tropical Agriculture Foundation for Cambodian, Laos and Vietnamese participants.
A workshop on "Renewable Energy Systems" was held at UAF, HCM City, in March 2002. Proceedings are available on the MEKARN home page at http://www.mekarn.org and in printed form.
A training course in "Physiology and diseases of livestock reproduction" was held at UAF, HCM City, in March 2002 (course leader Dr. Ulf Magnusson, SLU).
A "Cassava and Legumes" training course was held at Khon Kaen University in April 2002 (course leader Professor Metha Wanapat).
A two-week course in "Dairy cattle production in the tropics with emphasis on feeding and nutrition" was held at the University of Agriculture and Forestry, Ho Chi Minh City in September 2002, with 12 participants supported by MEKARN (course leaders Professor Hans Wiktorsson, SLU and Dr.T.R. Preston).
In July 2003 a three week course in "Basic nutrition and biological basis of production" was held at Khon Kaen University for Cambodian, Lao and Thai students and at the University of Agriculture and Forestry, Ho Chi Minh City for Vietnamese students.
A two week English course was organized by Mr. Howard Benson at An Giang University in August 2003 for MSc. students.
A Research Methodology course (course leader Dr Reg Preston) was held in October 2003 at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute in Laos for 12 participants from the Research Institute and the Faculty of Agriculture of the National University of Laos.
A one week training course on Statistics and Experimental Design was organized by Dr. Do Van Xe from 25 to 31 July 2004 at Vientiane, Lao PDR for 12 participants from the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute and from the College of Agriculture Nabong, National University of Laos.
A five-day training course on Research planning and experimental design and presentation was organized by Dr. Reg Preston at the National Institute of Animal Husbandry (NIAH), Ha Noi Viet Nam from 13 to 19 September 2004 for 18 participants
Two LCD projectors and around 40 PCs have been purchased and distributed, and internet connectivity improved, particularly at the collaborating centres in Laos and Cambodia.
A home page of the project has been prepared by Dr T.R. Preston. It is located at: http://www.mekarn.org.
A field analytical laboratory was set up at the Livestock Research Center at Nam Xuan near Vientiane, Laos. Equipment purchased for the laboratory included an electrical balance, pH meter, Kjeldahl apparatus, glassware and chemical reagents.
Local Area Networks (LANs) were set up at the University of Tropical Agriculture Foundation in Phnom Penh, at the MSc classrooms at Khon Kaen University and the MEKARN regional program office at University of Agriculture and Forestry - Ho Chi Minh City, and at BaVi Goat and Rabbit Research Center, Ha Tay.
A feed analytical laboratory was set up at the Center for
Livestock and Agricultural Development, UTA Foundation - Cambodia.
Following are the minor equipments purchased for this field
laboratory: Electrical balance, pH
meter
The program also supported the extension of laboratories at the Livestock Research Center, NAFRI, Nam Suan, Lao PDR.
A total budget of 10,800 USD was approved by the Steering Committee meeting for the feed analytical laboratory facilities at the College of Agriculture, Nabong, National University of Laos. The minor equipments and chemicals were purchased and sent to Laos.
The equipment requested for An Giang University was approved at USD 9,454. Two automatic kjeldahl equipments will be purchased for NUoL and NAFRI (LRC) in Lao.
It was agreed to establish five thematic networks in the following subject areas:
Scavenging poultry, coordinator is Dr. Bui Xuan Men, Can Tho
University
Buffalo in integrated farming systems, coordinator is Dr.
Nguyen Van Thu, Can Tho University
Tree foliage for goats, coordinator is Dr. Dinh Van Binh, Ba Vi
Goat and Rabbit Research Center, Viet Nam
Forage for pigs, coordinator is Mr. Chhay Ty, CelAgrid,
Cambodia
Recycling network, coordinator is Dr. Duong Nguyen Khang, Nong
Lam University, Viet Nam
In 2004, twelve MEKARN-financed publications were published in
International Journals such as Tropical Animal Health and
Production, Animal Feed Science and Technology, Asian-Australiasian
Journal of Animal Sciences, Journal of Sustainable
Agriculture.
Seventeen papers based on research by MEKARN MSc students and
MEKARN funded researchers were published during 2004 in the international
electronic journal: "Livestock Research for
Rural Development" .
Six papers from the MEKARN program were
presented at the XI Asian Australiasian Animal Production Conference held in
Kuala Lumpur from 5 to 9 September 2004. The program supported 4 young researchers, Mrs Ninh Thi Len,
Mrs Do Thi Thanh Van, Mr. Chamnanvit Promkot and Mr. San Thy
to attend this conference in Kuala Lumpur.
MEKARN also supported 21 PhD candidates to fulfill their PhD
requirements by providing financial grants for their research.
PhD theses have been, or will be, defended in Viet Nam (16),the Netherlands (4)
and Japan
As mentioned above, the long term objectives are to develop the research capability of the collaborating institutions through short courses and post graduate training at MSc and PhD level, and through carrying out high quality, scientific, on-station research backed up by on-farm studies where appropriate.
Research and training are indispensable needs in order to increase the productivity and efficiency of livestock production within the context of sustainable integrated farming systems that make optimum use of the locally available resources. Agricultural priorities in the collaborating countries are still food security, reducing poverty in the rural and remote areas and where there is maximum conservation of the environment.
The ultimate target groups are resource poor rural farm families. The research in this program aims to lead to:
The improvement of smallholder agriculture which is the backbone of the rural economies of the four countries.
Improving social and environmental stability.
Gender issues are taken into considered by:
Criteria governing priorities of the research applications
Selection of participants for training.
In the past, livestock production schemes in tropical developing countries have been characterized more by failure than successes, largely through attempting to transfer inappropriate technology which required expensive, often imported inputs instead of exploiting the local available resources. The soil erosion in both arid and sub-humid tropical zones is largely the result of overstocking by grazing animals. Growing concern in the industrial countries for animal welfare is a reaction to the stress caused by intensification of housing and management. Consumer preference for naturally produced food can be partially interpreted as an expression of dissatisfaction with production systems which require excessive use of chemical additives such as antibiotics and hormones in animal and in crop production.
The MEKARN programme recognizes these past errors, and appreciation of the new scenarios offered by changing world climate, in both biological as well as economic terms, by supporting the strategy of livestock-based sustainable farming systems research based on the principles of:
Exploiting local comparative advantages in order to produce
biomass competitively and transform it into food, feed and fuel for
local consumption and sale on national and world
markets.
Ensuring that the selected systems are sustainable
economically, ecologically and sociologically.
Ensuring that livestock are complimentary to, and not in
competition with, crop and forest production.
Recycling of the waste from livestock production, to avoid
pollution, producing renewable energy by using low cost plastic
bio-digesters.
Generating more income, more food, including livestock
products, in integrated farming systems to provide food security,
and to reduce poverty.
On this occasion we sincerely express our thanks to
the Swedish people, to Sida SAREC for their generous support, and specially to Professor
Dr. Marten Carlsson, and to Dr. Bo Göhl for their support to this
fruitful cooperation
Especially many thanks to Dr. Brian Ogle, Dr. RegPreston,
Dr. Inger ledin, Dr. Peter Uden, Prof. Hans Wiktorsson, Prof Jan
Erik Lindberg, Prof. Avid Ugla, Dr. Ulf Magnusson, Dr. Hans
Petersson, Prof Vo Tong Xuan, Prof Le Viet Ly, Associate Prof.
Nguyen Dang Vang, Associate Prof. Bui Cach Tuyen, Associate Prof.
Tran Van Minh, Dr. Do Van Xe, Prof Metha Wanapat, Dr. Choke Mikled,
Dr. Bounthong Bouahom, Dr. Chhum Phith Loan who have given their
full support to the program in both spirit and material.