About the CBF Project
Brief History
Funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, the Capacity Building Project for Farmer’s Organizations to Support the Development of Food Value Chain in ASEAN Countries (CBF Project) is the revitalization of its predecessors - the Project for Strengthening Capacity Building in Agriculture Sector in ASEAN Countries (CB Project) that had run from 2011 to 2020.
The previous CB Projects received high evaluation and appreciation from AMS as they have contributed in enhancing the capacity of agriculture related practitioners/officials such as farmers, members of agricultural cooperatives, extension workers/officials and agri-business leaders in AMS through training course, seminar/workshop and field instruction by dispatched Japanese experts. Huge achievements are made, such as improvement of production and farmer’s income through the implementation of Action Plan. The impact also rippled tenfold as the ex-participants disseminated their knowledge and experience from the Project to their peers and wider environment.
Noting the achievement and impact of the CB Project, AMS then put out a request during the Special Senior Officials Meeting of the 18th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Plus Three (Special SOM-18th AMAF+3)” for the continuity of support for capacity building activities . Thus, The CBF Project takes place to respond to the request by the AMS.
The Capacity Building Project for Farmer’s Organizations to Support the Development of Food Value Chain in ASEAN Countries
Originated and expanded from the previous CB Projects, the CBF Project is designed to contribute to a more practical development of Food Value Chain. The distinctive point of this project lies on ensuring profitable marketing channels for farmers by collaborating with private sector.
In ASEAN Member States (AMS), many farmers do not have sufficient knowledge concerning technologies or know-how required for production of high value-added agricultural products. Relevant and universally-recognized standards are also yet to be widely accepted. This poses a challenge, especially to food-related companies (agricultural product processing, prepared food processing, etc.) that have been operating locally as it is hard for them to procure a certain amount of agricultural products or ingredients that meet a certain standard.
In order to expand more profitable marketing channels for farmers, market-oriented farming that reflects the market need and adding value to agricultural products are highly crucial. To answer the enormous demand of agricultural products from food-related companies, it is essential for farmers to acquire proper technical knowledge to add value on the quality of agricultural products. This Project provides opportunity of capacity building to farmers in AMS with the know-how and skills to add value on their products in collaboration with private sector, thus contributing to ensuring profitable marketing channels for farmers.
CBF Project Main Activities
Targeting farmer’s organization members, extension officials, and food-related companies in AMS as the beneficiaries of this project, the main activities comprise of:
Running from May 2021 to March 2024, the CBF Project is implemented in 5 countries - Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
CBF Project Management Team
Yukihiko Nakamura
Project Coordinator
Nakamura is dispatched from the MAFF Japan. His work experience began as a grain inspector at a local office, and has been involved in international negotiations, research and development, and supply and demand of agricultural products ever since. He used to work at the Japanese Embassy in Zambia, Africa, where he was in charge of a rural development project and observed a village that developed in a short period of time with external support. This reaffirms his belief in the power of agricultural technology.
Astrid Amalia
Assistant Project Officer
As an Assistant Project Officer, Astrid is responsible for providing management, technical, and administrative support for the Project, as well as liaising with the ASEAN Secretariat, stakeholders, and relevant government entities from the AMS involved in the Project. With a background in agricultural engineering, Astrid is looking forward to the role this project will play in the development of the agricultural community in ASEAN, while also aiming to gain in-depth practical knowledge in project management to further her career in the development sector.
Isabella Revina Wibowo
Assistant Project Officer
Bella graduated as a Bachelor of International Relations at Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung, Indonesia. As an Assistant Project Officer of the CBF Project, Bella is responsible in assisting the Project Coordinator in developing project management documents, designing project’s communication materials, as well as liaising with stakeholders and AMS involved in the project. During her tenure, Bella aims to gain an in-depth practical knowledge in project management to further her career in the development sector.
Mekar Kusumaning Asih
Assistant Project Officer
Mekar has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from a private university in Indonesia, with professional experiences working in research institution, development agency and international organization, focusing in the area of administration. Currently, as an Assistant Project Officer, Mekar’s responsibility includes technical support for project implementation, stakeholder coordination and liaison, and project monitoring. Through the current professional experience, Mekar hopes to make valuable contribution in the area, as well as gain in-depth practical knowledge of project management.
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