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The 5th Mekong Extension Learning Alliance meeting in Vietnam (MELA meeting) in Vietnam

Concept notes: Organization of The 5 th  Mekong Extension  Learning Alliance meeting  in Vietnam (MELA meeting)

  1. Background

National Agricultural Extension Centre,The National Agriculture Extension Center (NAEC) is an institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in Vietnam whose core functions are to provide training to extension staffs and farmers in Vietnam, carry out agriculture extension projects,  and transfer advanced agriculture technology to farmers as well as carry out cooperation with other countries in the region to implement agriculture extension activities to improve farmers’ wellbeing. It registered under the Resolution no.02/2010/ND-CP on agriculture extension works, having its registered office located atno.16 Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi.

  1. Rationale

The 4th Annual Meeting of the Mekong Extension Learning Alliance (MELA) was held on 20 – 24 August 2018 at Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel, Bang Kra-Sau District, Nonthaburi Province, Kingdom of Thailand with xxx participants attended from all sectors. The Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives was the host with supports from The Field Alliance, the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Lao Upland Rural Advisory Service (LURAS) (see attached program and summary of the 4th meeting).  According to the conclusion of the 4 th meeting, Vietnam is elected as the host country for the 5 th MELA meeting in Vietnam in 2019,

 MELA action needs to seek for more linkages and supports from members and existing networks both global and regional such as GFRAS, APIRAS, SDC, UNESCO, FAO, ALiSIA, AWGATE etc. Whereas, it needs to exchange visit among member countries to learn and explore good practices, reused  responsible businesses, agro-ecology farming, safety agri-products’ market driven, precision farming with IOT , policies, and development collaboration of stakeholders.

In order to host the 5 th MELA meeting in Vietnam in 2019, Vietnam (National Agriculture Extension Center, Vietnam) will contribute its budget partly and need to seek financial support from partners as well as from donors, as budget from Vietnam Government is limited to support this event.

  1. Objectives

Theme of the 5th MELA meeting will be “Smart Farmer and CSA”. The objectives is  to share information, knowledge, experience, and best practice in extension and advisory services among Mekong Region countries and institutions involved in agriculture and rural development and to provide a space for reflection, hands-on peer support and learning.

  1. Participants

There will be 100 participants and special guests from five countries of MELA members; Cambodia (10), Lao PDR (10), Myanmar (11), Thailand (10), and Vietnam (40) as well as the international organization such as GFRAS/APIRAS (1), SDC (1), ALiSIA (2), UNESCO (1), and FAO (1). Participants of each country are involved the representatives of governments, academics, private sectors, young farmers, and local NGOs.

  1. Venue/time

It is intended to organize the meeting in HCM city or Da Nang City,  in June 2018,  according to recommendations from MELA member countries.

  1. Tentative meeting contents

Five parts of the program addressed with the share of

  1. a) International and regional overviews from GFRAS, UNESCO, FAO, SDC and APIRAS in terms of the updated information: green agriculture, food safety, capacity building for famers, agriculture production in situation of 0 industry.
  2. b) National policies and efforts for start-up farmer and green agriculture, development of agriculture cooperatives of five countries of MELA members,
  3. c) Presentation of academics, NGOs, and private sectors on practical experiences, research, education for start-up farmers and cooperatives, job training for farmers,
  4. d) Panel discussions on government policy, green agriculture, cooperative and job training for farmers
  5. e) sites field visit to exchange ideas
  6. Expected outputs
  7. a) Report of the workshop
  8. b) Collaborations and proposals for development, research and innovations at the national and regional levels
  9. c) ???
  10. d) ????
  11. Work plan
Activities/outputs January February March April May June July
Preparation of MELA meeting              
Meeting with stakeholders in  to see supports and select fields for visiting              
Development of meeting programme              
Issue and deliver invitations to participants              
Organize meeting              

 

Annual Meeting

5rdMekong Extension Learning Alliance(MELA)

Da Nang City, Vietnam

Tentative Date:  1-5 July  2019

 

Venue: To be informed ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Tentative Draft Agenda

 

Time Activities Notes

 
1 July 
  Ø  Arrival of participants and prepare posters by country team at 15:00-17:00 pm at the meeting room
14:30 -16:30 pm at MELA

meeting room

 

 Ø  Coordination Committee and group of facilitators meeting,

o    Mr Marut Jatiket

o    Dr. Tran Van Khoi (Vietnam)

o    Dr. Khin Mar Cho  (Myanmar)

o    Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa (Vietnam)

o     Mrs. Usa Thongjaeng (Thailand)

o    Mr. Souvanthong Namvong (Lao)

o    Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia

o    Mr. Norng Sivouthan ((Cambodia)

o    Mr. Kim Van Tieu ( Vietnam)

o    Mr. Ngo Tien Dung (Vietnam)

o    Dr. Ha Thuy Hanh (Vietnam)

o    Concerned individuals

o    Introduce the new version of MELA Charter  by Mr. Souvanthong
2 July
8.00 – 8.30 Registration Workshop Secretariat
8.30 – 9.00 Welcome and Opening

–          Traditional music well come participants by rice villages –Quang Nam province

1.     Welcome remarks and opening

–       Welcome remarks by Dr. Tran Van Khoi – Director general NAEC Vietnam

2.     Remark of MELA Secretariat

–       Mr. Souvanthong Namvong  Department of Technical Extension and Agro-Processing (DTEAP), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF); Laos PDR

 Master of Ceremony;…
9:00-9:10 ·   Introduction of participants, Objectives and Expectation from the workshop, Schedule of the workshop Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa
9:10-9:25 ·   Global Rural Advisory Service Update from GFRAS  
9:25-9:30 Arrange group photo before coffee break  
9:30-10:00 Coffee break  
10.00 – 12.00 Country presentations National policies and efforts for start-up farmer and green agriculture, development of agriculture  cooperative/rural advisory services  of five countries of MELA members,

1)    Cambodia:“

2)    LAOS PDR:

3)    Myanmar:

4)    Thailand

5)    Vietnam

Renovation of Agriculrure Extension Policy to satisfy  social demands  – By Msc. Kinh Van Tieu Deputy Director NAEC

 Moderator:

 
12:00-1:30 Lunch Break  
1:30-3:00 Presentation of academics, NGOs, education and private sector on practical experiences, research, education for start-up farmers and cooperatives, vocational training for farmers,

 

1.     Vietnam

Vocational training for farmers in Vietnam: opportunities and challenges By Le Thi Hoa Sen – Hue Agriculture University

2.     Cambodia

3.     Laos PDR

4.      Myanmar

5.     Thailand

 Moderator: Dr.
3:00-3:30 Coffee Break(will encourage all participants to visit posters)  
3:30-5:00 Panel discussions on government policy, green agriculture, cooperative and vocational training for farmers

1.     Cambodia

2.     Laos PDR

3.     Myanma

4.     Thailand

5.     Vietnam

Research, production and utilize the microorganisms for Green Agriculture for Green Agriculture by ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CENTER – Vietnam Agriculture University.

 Moderator: 

 
6.30  – 8.30 Welcome Dinner  

 
3 July
8:00-8:15 Moderator

 

 
8:15-8:30 Moderator:

 

 
8:30-10:00 Presentations on Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies and Practices

1)     Integrated agricultural technologies for enhanced adaptive capacity and resilient livelihoods in CSVs- Vietnam

2)    —-

3)    —–

4)    —–

5)    ——

  

Moderator:

 

 
10:00-10:30 Break  
10:30-12:00 Panel discussion: farmer organization/cooperatives and product value changes. Panel list:

 

Vietnam

1)    One representative of vegetable cooperative in Hoi An Danang , Vietnam

2)    Cooperatives – Conservation and production of indigenous vegetables associated with market access  by ICERD- Vietnam Vietnam

3)    Market development of safe agricultural products in Hue city: Roles of government agencies (Le Van Nam)

Development of farmer cooperatives in central provinces

 

 

Laos

 

 

 

Campodia

 

 

Thailand

 

 

 

Myanmar

 

 

 

 Moderator:

 
12.00 – 1.30 LUNCH  
1:30-2:00 Other matters

 

 Moderator:
2:00-4:30 MELA Networking (continued) including coffee break

·         MELA Charter, agreement, charter, strategies and fund raising.

·         Strengthening country networks

·         Next step/Action plan

 

 

  
4:30-5:00 Information for preparation for field visits  
5:00-5:30 ·         Evaluation

·         Wrap up by

·         Closing by …

  
4 July
8.00 – 11.30 Field visit:

·         Group 1:Vegetable agriculture cooperative, ………………Hoi An – Da Nang Vietnam

·         Group 2:  CSA models…………………………..

  
11:30-12:00 Group reflection after visit: each group will make reflection after visit  
1:00-5:00 pm ·         Optional: Visiting Hoi An old street, Quang Nam province

 

MELA will cover transportation and local guideTour.

 Arranged by organizer
  Free Evening  
5 July

 
  Transfer to Airport

 

  

The Mekong River passes through Yunnan province of China and five countries in South East Asia: Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The Region is home to over 225 million people, with more than 60% of them living in rural areas. Investment, trade, expertise and labour are flowing from one country to another, while social and environmental impacts are also crossing national boundaries.

Agricultural extension and rural advisory services in the Mekong Region have many features in common. Several extension methods such as Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and production technologies such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) have spread due to exchanges of trainers and technicians among Governments and NGOs. The private sector has also been involved in cross-border dissemination of agricultural technology and services, with companies such as Charoen Pokphand (CP) providing advice and inputs to tens of thousands of farmers throughout the region.

The launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015 will lead to even greater regional integration. While the AEC is expected to generate new business opportunities, it will also create challenges for government regulators and expose weaker producers to tough competition. Small farmers will find it difficult to survive in this environment unless they have better access to information and other services.

The needfor aRegional portal on Agricultural Extension in theMekong Region emerged during the 3rd GFRAS (Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services) Annual Meeting hosted by the Asia-Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Services (APIRAS) Network at Manilla, Philippines (26-28 Sept 2012) and 4th GFRAS meeting hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), and the International Academy of Rural Advisors (IALB) at Berlin, Germany (24 – 26 Sept 2013).

Discussion among representatives of the Mekong countries took place at the Workshop on ‘Reaching the Millions’, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and organised by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in cooperation with GFRAS, that took place in Hanoi, Vietnam in March 2015.  The participants recognised the value of regional networking and at the meetingagreed to establish the Mekong Extension Learning Alliance (MELA). The basic concepts and vision were further developed and discussed during the Inaugural MELA meeting held in Vientiane, Laos in August 2015.

  1. Name

The name of the alliance should be “MELA” – the Mekong Extension Learning Alliance.

  1. Vision

The vision of MELA is to better serve millions of small farmers in the Region, so that rural families may overcome poverty and have better livelihoods.

  1. Mission

The mission of MELA is to be a network for all stakeholders in agriculture and rural development in the Mekong Region to continuously learn and share knowledge and best practices with each other and from outside sources in the area of advisory services for sustainable agriculture, marketing and rural development.

  1. Functions

The Alliances’ functions shall be to share information and experiences on

  1. Providing voice and advocacy within regional policy dialogues and promote improved investment in RAS;
  2. Supporting the development and synthesis of evidence-based approaches and policiesfor improving the effectiveness of RAS; and
  3. Strengthening RAS actors through facilitating interaction and networking.

In pursuance of the above functions, the Alliance may undertake any of the following activities:

  • Convene working groups or initiatives on special topics;
  • Hold workshops, conferences, meetings, and seminars;
  • Convene meetings;
  • Collect, collate, and disseminate information;
  • Interact and dialogue on rural advisory services and related topics; and
  • Maintain and enhance links with agencies, institutions, organisations, or otherentities undertaking similar activities.
  1. Principles of MELA

MELA will operate based on the following main principles

  • MELA aims to support small farmers to gain sustainable improvements in their livelihood whilst preserving the environment
  • Voluntary basis – members of MELA will participate in the alliance on a voluntary basis.
  • Not for profit – MELA does not operate on a profit-making basis.
  • Non-discrimination – MELA works to support all and does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, gender, race, religion or any other basis.
  • Non-Religious – MELA is not affiliated with any formal or informal religious group.
  1. Members of the Alliance

Members are the representatives of organisations and institutions active on RAS within the Greater Mekong Sub-region, including

  • Government agencies responsible for the Agriculture, Fishery, Livestock, Forestry and Rural Development;
  • Universities, colleges and institutes with a research focus on agriculture and rural development;
  • Private agro-enterprises providing RAS;
  • Farmer organizationsor cooperative focusing on RAS;
  • Donor organizations, and intergovernmental and non-government organizations working in the field of agriculture and rural development.

Members commit to actively promote MELA and its principles, participate in exchanges and working groups.

  1. Governance and Coordination

MELA is coordinated by a Coordination Committee comprised of representatives from different member countries. A Coordinator is selected by the Coordination Committee on an annual rotating basis.

  1. Coordination Committee Composition and Roles

The coordination committee consists of 6 members with one representatives from each member country.

The coordination committee is the highest decision-making body of MELA

To be eligible to serve on the coordination committee, individuals must have demonstratedcommitment to MELA and its principles, vision, and mission; have credibility within theirsector and field; be available to attend coordination committee meetings; and support theMELA with advice and resource mobilisation.

The coordination Committee will meet at least once a year to provide direction for MELA and the Coordinator

  • Approving the strategy, annual work plans,budgets and financial statement of MELA;
  • Appointment of MELA secretary;

In addition, the Coordination Committee also have other roles and responsibilities such as:

  • Admission and exclusion of members;
  • Representing and promoting MELA;
  • Linking MELA with other relevant networks/alliances; and
  • Fund raising for MELA;

  1. Coordinator

The MELA Coordination Committee appointsa Coordinator selected from and amongst the coordination committee members.

The Coordinator servesaone-year termona rotational basis.

The roles and responsibilities of the Coordinator include calling, convening, and chairing coordination committee meetings, and hosting the MELAannual meeting

The Coordinator shall regularly coordinate and communicate with the Alliance members to implement the approved work plan,

The coordinator will regularly communicate with GFRAS and its Regional RAS affiliates and represent MELA in GRFAS annual meetings.

  1. Working Groups

On a demand-driven basis, thematic working groups will be established by the memberswho show a keen interest to regularlyparticipate and contribute to specific topics in the development of MELA strategy and organisational development or in the implementation of the MELA work plan.

  1. Annual Meeting

The annual meeting is the keyMELA event for exchange of experiences on RAS across theRegion and for discussing MELA strategic directions and functioning.

The meeting shall be hosted by the Coordinator which is rotatedon an annual basis. Participation will be open to all members and the costs of attendance will be borne by the individual attendees. Budget might be allocated to support the hosting of the annual meeting if funding isavailable to MELA.

Representatives from Farmer/producer organizationsshould be invited to the meeting to share their success stories and challenges. At least two keynote speakers who have experience in RAS in Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) should be invited to annual meeting.

The meeting should be organized for 2-3 days including field visit to the farms, markets and food industry related businesses.

  1. Approval

The charter was approved by thesecondMELA conference held in Myanmar on XX February, 2016.