University-to-University collaboration builds an enduring development programme

Abstraksi

The New Zealand Aid Programme has funded a development programme in East Indonesia that targets improved livelihoods for farmers in Dompu and North Lombok. Before the program, farmers in North Lombok were reluctant to grow horticultural products. Now farmers are equipped to make strategic decisions about increasing production, when and where to sell their products and how to integrate with improved supply chains through the establishment of “grading sheds” as places for sorting and grading products for sale to hotels and modern markets. The foundation of this programme is the strong partnership between the University of Mataram (Unram) and Massey University. Staff analysed constraints to higher value primary production and developed systems, tools and technology modules that are being rolled out amongst growing numbers of participants. The strong local networks of Unram have facilitated engagement with provincial and district governments. The programme has seconded Field Officers from government departments and contract government extension agents (PPL) who receive extensive training and mentoring through the programme. In North Lombok, clear and timely communication of Programme goals has allowed alignment of local government spending to support programme activities (including road sealing to facilitate transport from grading sheds in key villages and irrigation infrastructure around those villages). An Agribusiness Support Centre has been co-located with Dinas Pertanian. With the assistance of the Bupati, a Horticulture Association has been formed. The University to University partnership is inherently sustainable as new skills are retained by Unram for continuing horticultural development in Nusa Tenggara Barat.