| Project Detail |
The Northern Province of Sri Lanka has made gradual progress in basic infrastructure since the end of the conflict, though the incomes of residents in all five districts of the Province are below the national poverty line of Rs.4,856/month (in 2019). In order to correct the disparity within Sri Lanka, further strengthening of social infrastructure and revitalization of social and economic activities are needed. In particular, agriculture and livestock are the main industries in the region and an important means of livelihood for the local people. However, in addition to the lack of agricultural infrastructure and agricultural knowledge, the region is vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change including flood and draught. To stabilize and to improve the livelihoods of the local population, improving agricultural productivity and climate change resilience is an important issue. The Faculty of Agriculture (FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ) was established in 1990 in Kilinochchi. The Faculty aims to produce quality human resources in the fields of agricultural and related industries through quality education, advanced research, and knowledge dissemination into the community. The Faculty was temporary shifted to Jaffna in 1997 due to the conflict situation prevailed at that time. After the conflict ended in 2009, the Cabinet Ministries granted approval for the Faculty of Agriculture to return, renovate, and use of the existing buildings at Kilinochchi to re-establish the Faculty. In 2014, the Faculty restarted education and research activities in the new Kilinochchi Premises. However, the infrastructure was inadequate and more extensive facilities were desired. In 2016, Government of Sri Lanka and Government of Japan entered into Grant Agreement to implement The Project for the Establishment of Research and Training Complex at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna. The project included the construction of a laboratory building and a training building, the development of university farm In 2021, the Government of Sri Lanka requested to the Government of Japan for a new technical cooperation project to strengthen the universitys education and research infrastructure and university management, while continuing to utilize the facilities and equipment provided in the grant project. This technical cooperation project is expected to enhance the quality of education and research at the Faculty of Agriculture and to contribute to the human resource development that will help improve the productivity of agriculture and the livestock industry in the Northern Province and strengthen their ability to adapt to climate change. The Overall Goal Qualified human resources for enhancing agricultural productivity and adaptability to climate changes in dry zone agriculture are produced from the Faculty of Agriculture (FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ). Project Purpose Foundation for practice-oriented education and research is enhanced in FOA. |
