CIRDAP – Enabling Rural Communities

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP)

An Intergovernmental & Autonomous Organization; Established in 1979, Mandated for Promoting & Strengthening Integrated Rural Development Systems for 15 Asia-Pacific Countries; Namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand & Vietnam.

Rural Development

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National Seminar on Library in the age of Internet held

CIRDAP has organized a national seminar highlighting the importance of library in the age of internet in collaboration with the Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalists (BALID) on Saturday, 23 February 2019 at 2:30 pm at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre (CICC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Marking the “National Library Day” as declared by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the seminar explored how internet can be best utilized in library management and information dissemination. The seminar was attended by librarians, information scientists, and documentalists, researchers, scholars and professional in relevant fields from across Bangladesh. Hon’ble Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology, the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Architect Yeafesh Osman will attend as the Chief guests, while Dr. Omar Jah, Vice-Chancellor, IUT and Mr. Abdullah Al Hasan Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, GoB attended the seminar as Special Guests. Director General of CIRDAP Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau chaired the meeting. Mr. M. Monirul Islam Kanok, Librarian, PM Office and Dr. Md. Nazim Uddin, Senior Manager and Head, icddr,b Library will present papers on the theme. Prof. Dr. Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq, Chairman, Dept. of ISLM, DU. Dr. M. Moniruzzaman, National Information Offcier, UNIC & Mr. Golam Mustafa, CEO, Hakkani Publication, Dhaka will attend as discussants. Members of BALID including the Chairman Dr. Mirza Mohd Rezaul Islam will also attend the meeting. It is expected that this seminar will help in capacity building of librarians, information scientists, documentalists and others so that libraries can contribute to knowledge drive social development in Bangladesh. The programme started with welcome speech by Dr. Mirza Mohd Rezaul Islam, Chairman, BALID followed by remarks by Dr. Usharani Boruah (Librarian, CIRDAP) who made a presentation on CIRDAP Highlighting the importance of E-library. Dr. Md. Nazim Uddin (Senior Manager and Head, icddr,b Library) presented a keynote presentation on History and chronological development of library from manual  to Digital/e-library format. Mr. M. Monirul Islam Kanok (Librarian, PM Office) gave an excellent presentation on “why library is important though we have internet” with some real examples. After keynote presentation there was a question & answer session. Afterword, as discussants Prof. Dr. Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq (Chairman, Dept. of ISLM, DU) delivered  speech on the importance of E-library and spreading out E-library system everywhere. Mr. Abdullah Al Hasan Chowdhury (Add. Secretary, Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Division, Ministry of Educaiton, Bangladesh) & Mr. Muhammad Hossam Haider Chowdhury (Librarian, Independent University Library, Bangladesh) also discussed on the issue. Then, as Chief guests Dr. Omar Jah, Vice-Chancellor, IUT gave speech. He said about authenticity of information and danger of corrupted knowledge with some examples. Finally, the chair of the meeting Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau, DG, CIRDAP delivered his speech where he explored how library and Internet interacts, complement each other. He stressed the importance of library in the age of internet. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. Md. Humayun Kabir the Deputy Librarian, Independent University Library.

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Int. Training on Social Audit in Rural Development Programmes

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in collaboration with the National Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) is organising an International Training Programme on Social Audit in Rural Development Programmes to be held on 19-28 March 2019 in Hyderabad, India. Nominations are expected from CIRDAP member countries. The participants will be mid and senior-level government officials dealing with the theme of the programme. Official nominations should be come through CIRDAP contact ministry with the prescribed nomination form and sent to training@cirdap.org by 18 February 2019. Before starting the application process, kindly read the “Application Procedure” very carefully. Training Code: TF-190-NIRD-2018 Training Title: CIRDAP-NIRD&PR International Training Programme on Social Audit in Rural Development Programmes Timing and Duration: 19-28 March 2019 (10 days, excluding arrival and departure) Venue: NIRD&PR, India Download following documents: Application Procedure Nomination Form Training Brief Participant’s Medical form

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Int. Exposure visit on Micro Finance in Bangladesh for Indian Gov. Officials

CIRDAP has organised a 5-day-long exposure visit on Micro Finance in Bangladesh to be held from 27th to 31st January 2019 for a team of Officials from Government of India including from National Bank Staff College (NBSC) and National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) and Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD). The delegates have arrived CIRDAP today and the inaugural program of the exposure visit was held at CIRDAP Headquarter. Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau, the Director General of CIRDAP welcomed the team and emphasized on importance of collaboration to address the growing inequality in the Asia-Pacific region. #CIRDAP #RuralDevelopment #MicroFinance #Bangladesh #IndiaNabard Online

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Int. Exposure Visit on Youth Engagement to meet SDGs

CIRDAP in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development (RGNIYD) is organizing an International Training cum Exposure Visit on “Youth Engagement to meet Sustainable Development Goals” on 18-22 February 2019 in Chennai, India for students from CIRDAP member countries. The training is designed to expose the students to social innovation and successful government initiatives relating to SDGs in order to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge required for meaningful youth participation for achievement of SDGs. The programme blends a number of combined sessions including lecture cum demonstration, case studies, audio-visual presentations, group discussions, networking and field visit respectively. Any university students studying in any of the CIRDAP member countries listed below can apply to joint the 5 days long programme. The programme details, content and eligibility criteria is given below: Programme Details Duration: 18-22 February 2019 (5 Days, Excluding arrival and departure)Venue: Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development, IndiaNo of Participants: 20Application Deadline: 20th January 2019 ContentThe tentative topics to be covered as follows:(i) Social Innovation and Practices (Social Harmony and National Unity);(ii) Youth Development Policies, Programmes and Practices;(iii) Create opportunities to prevent internal migration from rural to urban;(iv) Employability through Life Skill, Leadership and Entrepreneurship; and(v) Youth and Community Development (Youth initiated Programme/Project). Expected OutcomeThe Training cum Exposure visit designs a strategic response for aspiring entrants to professional career competently that are pertinent to the emerging developmental needs and desires of the young people in Asia and the Pacific. There are other aspects appended below-  The participants will get a platform to share knowledge of skill development for elevating youth productivity.  The participant will learn and exchange ideas from different countries of Asia and The Pacific in terms of their own country perspective  The participants will identify ways on how they can contribute to SDGs through regional collaboration. Eligibility CriteriaWe value diversity and encourage qualified students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds to apply for the programme. The eligibility criteria are as follows: 1. Citizen of CIRDAP Member Countries;2. Current studying at University;3. Physically and mentally sound and fit for travel and field work;4. Ability to work in multi-cultural team;5. Proficient in English (Speaking, writing and listening); and6. At least 6-months valid Passport. CIRDAP Member Countries The CIRDAP member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Application Procedure Applicants have to submit online application using the following the online application form with supporting documents, mentioned below within the deadline – Sl Type of documents File Format Rename as 1. Last educational certificate .pdf Applicant’s first name_certificate (e.g. bbx_certificate) 2. Official Recommendation/Nomination Letter from Departmental Head .pdf Applicant’s first name_recommendation (e.g. bbx_recommendation ) 3. Valid passport copy with minimum 6 months validity .pdf Applicant’s first name_passport (e.g. bbx_passport) 4. Financial Statement from Bank (either participants’ or sponsors) .pdf Applicant’s first name_finance (e.g. bbx_finance) 5. Passport Size Photograph .jpeg Applicant’s first name (e.g. bbx) Please note, the total file size of these supporting documents should not exceed 10 MB. Selection ProcedureTo be competitive for the limited number of participants, a combination of the following credentials is highly desirable: • Display a commitment and passion for Youth development;• Possess academic relevance;• Analytical Writing (Strategic perspective and innovative ideas); and• Extracurricular Activities. Financial Arrangements (i) To be borne by CIRDAP and RGNIYD Hospitality (Accommodation and meal) for 7 days; All Logistics and assignment costs; and All expenses for Field Visit. (ii) To be borne by Participants All expenses with regard to Visa fees, taxes and Airfare (Round trip); and All local travel expenditure from Airport in India to Programme Venue (RGNIYD) and vice-versa. Please note that: • Applications received after the deadline and self-nomination will not be accepted;• Failure to submit the incomplete information or without required documents will not be considered;• Upon successful submission of application, selected candidates will be notified of their status prior to three weeks of the programme;• the right to select or reject any application is at the discretion of the CIRDAP; For further query please contact: mahjabin@cirdap.org, training@cirdap.org, or +8801920199917 and +8801557738030

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Project on Demonstration of Potato Cultivation

A Pilot project on demonstration at potato cultivation has been initiated on 15th November 2018.  Three potato varieties which are Diamond, Aestarix and Alga has been planted in the demonstration field within CIRDAP campus. The research team is monitoring the activities from production to harvest in order to understand the pros and cons of the verities. The expected time of harvesting of potato from this project is 1st week of March, 2019. The objectives of the project is to identify the high yielding varieties of potato among three promising varieties and also find out the ratio of pest & disease infestation during the production period. Director General of CIRDAP Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau inaugurated the project by planting potato seed in the ground on 15th November 2018. Programme Officer (Research) Mr. George Chandra Babu, Programme Coordinator Mr. Zakaria are coordinating the project. Director General of CIRDAP said that, ‘this demonstration will show farmers an efficient insight to adapt best cultivation practices in this sector. This project is taken to explore more scopes for the farmers and the market with a view to encouraging potato production, reducing wastage, increasing processing and exporting potatoes in a larger scale”. ‘This will create an enormous impact in both micro and macro level economies by helping farmers to be more economically solvent’, he added. CIRDAP will also be working to strengthen the linkage among producers, processors and exporters as follow up of the project. Potato is considered to be the 4th most important food crop just after rice, wheat and corn in global food production. Potatoes appear in Asian diets as accompanying vegetables but in many countries like in highland areas of China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Mongolia and Nepal etc. where potatoes are a dietary staple. China is the greatest producer followed by India. Bangladesh ranks 7th in terms of Potato production in the world. Asia and Europe produce more that 80% of the world production. Currently fresh potato production is 321 million tons using 19.5 million hectors of land globally. Potatoes are a good source of several healthy vitamins, minerals, plant compounds, vitamins C, B6, manganese, phosphorus, sugar, fiber, Omega-3 and 6 etc. They may also help prevent heart diseases, Blood pressure, immunity, inflammation, digestion problems etc. Potatoes could be a vehicle for addressing different types of malnutrition worldwide where consumption of potato is meaningful. Potato plays a vital role in contributing as one of the major sources of food energy for the poor people. Given the backdrop, this is the 1st demonstration that has been made within the CIRDAP campus.

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Regional Expert Consultation Meeting on “ICT for Development of Rural Agriculture in South Asia–Policy Concerns”

CIRDAP in collaboration with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Agriculture Centre organized a regional Expert Consultation Meeting on “ICT for Development of Rural Agriculture in South Asia –Policy Concerns” on 29th-31 October in Bogra, Bangladesh. The main objective of this programme was to share the status of ICT applications in agriculture, review existing  relevant policies, identify capacity gap and opportunities through consultation. The participants also proposed policies and strategies to make best of ICT  to enhance productivity of agriculture. During the technical sessions, the participants presented their respective countries ICT practices in terms of Rural Agricultural Development. They also engaged with interactive group activities to come up with relevant policy with relevant programme  and strategies. The proposed key policy interventions which were proposed by the participants include: a. Availability of Sustainable and Reliable Agricultural Information; b. Capacity enhancement of women in agriculture in ICT; c. Mandated Committee for Agricultural content validation and program monitoring; d. Work on present policies (ex. Ag extension policy, ICT policy) and come up with “ICT in agriculture policy”. The meeting was attended by the following: Sl Name Designation Organization Country 1. Mr. Abdul Hasib Habib IT Director Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock (MAIL) Afghanistan 2. Mr. Mohammad Zakir Hasnat Information Officer (Plant protection) Agriculture Information Service,Ministry of Agriculture Bangladesh 3. Mr. Dawa Zangpo ICT Officer Ministry of Agriculture & Forests Bhutan 4. Mr. Manoluck Bounsihalath Director National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute Lao PDR 5. Dr. Raju Ghimire Senior Agriculture Extension Officer Agriculture Information & Training Centre Nepal 6. Ms. Ambreen Ashfaq Section Officer Ministry of National Food Security & Research Pakistan 7. Mr. S. Periyasamy Director (Comm. and Information) National Agriculture Information & Communication Centre Sri Lanka

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International Exposure visit on Rural Development and Micro-finance

CIRDAP in collaboration with The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) organized an international exposure visit on rural development and Microfinance in Bangladesh on 23-27 September 2018. The exposure visit was organized for capacity building of the faculties of NIRDPR, which is the CIRDAP Link Institution in India mandated to work for capacity development of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders of rural development through inter-related activities of training, research and consultancy. The programme was attended by senior and mid-level officials of NIRDPR and State-State Institute of Rural Development (SIRDs). Social Development, Micro Finance and Rural Development has been chosen as focus of the exposure visit since success of microfinance and rural development in Bangladesh has generated immense interest in the world. The key objectives of the exposure visit were: To promote exchange of knowledge and expertise on social development, Microfinance and the banking systems for the poor in Bangladesh To promote exchange of expertise on rural development action research projects in Bangladesh To promote collaboration among rural development functionaries in Bangladesh and India DG CIRDAP welcomed the delegation of NIRDPR and SIRDs through a special dinner on 22nd September,2018. On the 1st day of exposure visit, they team visited BRAC focusing on social development programme namely targeting the ultra poor (TUP) and Skill Development Programme (SDP). On the 2nd day, they visited Grameen Bank focusing their activities of Bank of the Poor and followed by this, they attended a meeting with Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, Executive Director, Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM) on the 3rd day of exposure regarding microfinance activities in Bangladesh. As a part of this exposure visit programme a field visit was arranged in RDA, Bogura one of the finest academy in Bangladesh for action research programme on rural development. The visit to RDA rural development action research project started from 25th September followed by other activities including idea exchange session with RDA Faculty members. During the two days’ visit in RDA the team exposed with the following projects: Indigenous Chicken Rearing Model at Ranabirbala; Water Saving Project (WSP) at Juanpur; Rural Housing Model at Jamalpur; Community Biogas Model at Bamunia; Maria Seed Technology Model at Maria; and Integrated Water Management (IWM) Model at Bograpara. Besides, the team also visit country’s one of the largest Non-Governmental Organization viz. Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) and some of RDA Centers namely- Chars Development Research Center (CDRC); Cattle Research and Development Center (CRDC); and Community Development Center (CDC). After completion of RDA Project Exposure, a wrap up was held in presence of DG-RDA and CIRDAP Officials. During that session the team express their views, thoughts, suggestions and recommendations regarding the projects and programmes. It is expected that the renewed commitment for collaborations among rural development functionaries in Bangladesh and India through this programme will strengthen the rural development initiatives in the region.

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CIRDAP Celebrates International Open Access Week (OA)

CIRDAP Aziz-ul Haq Library has celebrated the International Open Access Week (OA) on 28th October 2018. The International Open Access Week is celebrated all over the world on 22-28 October every year. Open access refers to free, unrestricted online access to books, journals, publications and other resources. Open access refers to free, unrestricted online access to books, journals, publications and other resources. Research organizations, academic institutions, researchers and scientists, teachers, students, and members of the general public are supporting a move towards Open Access in increasing numbers every year. Open Access Week is an occasion for all members of the community to take action to keep this momentum moving forward. In the programme, Director General of CIRDAP Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau discussed about the importance of Open Access for dissemination of knowledge among common people particularly the rural poor. Dr. Usharani Boruah, Librarian, CIRDAP moderated the event while Mr. George Chandra Babu, Programme Officer, Research and Mr. Zakaria, Programme Coordinator shared their thoughts on Open Access. #CIRDAP #OpenAccess

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Call for Thematic Experts

CIRDAP is calling for Expression of Interest (EOI) from Thematic Experts from CIRDAP Member Countries. || Responsibilities || – Designing training curriculum; – Developing target specific training tools/tool-kits, manuals based on training needs assessment; – Conducting trainings/workshops; – Carrying out course/participants pre and post assessment; and – Developing Programme Report. || Qualifications || – Advanced degree in relevant Focus Area with research work and publications; – Strong working experience on relevant focus area; – Knowledge and experience of conducting Trainings/Workshops; and – Ability of team working and developing relationships with participants. Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV mentioning the thematic area they intend to apply to training@cirdap.org. Click the link for more information: https://cirdap.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Call-for-Experts.pdf #RuralDevelopment #CIRDAP

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International Workshop on Organic Agriculture 3.0 in India

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) are organizing an International Workshop on Organic Agriculture 3.0 on 3-7th December, in Chennai, India. The Objectives of the workshop are: To familiarize participants with the goals of Organic 3.0 to enable widespread adoption of truly sustainable farming systems and markets based on organic principles and imbued with a culture of innovation, progressive improvement toward best practices, transparent integrity, inclusive collaboration, holistic systems, and true-value pricing; and To develop action plans for participants to promoteorganic agriculture in their countries. Nominations are expected from CIRDAP-APO member countries. The expected participants are senior government officers, researchers, and academics dealing with the theme of the programme. Official nominations should be sent through CIRDAP contact ministry to the National Productivity Organisation (NPO) of the respective countries. Please keep training@cirdap.org as cc to send a copy to CIRDAP while sending nominations to NPOs. The deadline for nomination from contact ministry to NPO is 25 September 2018. For specific deadline regarding this opportunity, please contact with your relevant contact ministries listed here CIRDAP IRD Network. For detail on the programme please go through the liked Project Notification. Please go through the project notification carefully before submitting nominations.

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