Overseas Activities

Tengkawang Oil

From September 15th to 23rd, 2017, one of the AAI staff went to Indonesia for conducting a field survey on the usage and value-added sales and marketing methods of Dipterocarpaceae trees that produce Tengkawang oil in Kalimantan (Borneo Island). This survey explored the possibility of using and commercializing Tengkawang oil, which is a source of cash income for the residents. Through interviews and observations with the Dayak people, who are the people of the forest, we learned about their livelihoods such as pepper, rubber, slash-and-burn rice farming, and livestock raising, the positional relationship between the villages and the Tengkawang forest, the construction of oil mills by the Dutch. We were able to obtain basic information such as the support project, the relationship between the oil palm plantation and the topography. After that, we focused on developing sales channels for Tengkawang oil in Japan. If we can establish a supply chain for Tengkawang oil, we will be able to secure a source of cash income for residents and preserve the natural forests where Tengkawang grows. In other words, it leads to the improvement of the livelihood of local residents and the conservation of the local environment, which is very consistent with the Muscat Fund's goals.

Reference: AAI News No. 99:  Relaxed but stimulating trip to Kalimantan, Indonesia 

Arabian Gulf Countries Feasibility Study 

Since the Arabian Gulf countries, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, are very familiar countries to the staff involved in Muscat Fund, a feasibility study was conducted in 2011 to organize candidate activities for the Fund. Specifically, in order to explore possibilities in fields such as plant factories, plant resources, fisheries, training in third countries, and water resources, we conducted site visits and held discussions with relevant parties. A summary of the survey results is as follows.

• Regarding plant factories, we were able to feel a strong sense of expectation for the hydroponics technology of the government agencies and private companies. However, we got the impression that it would be difficult to connect with the activities of the Muscat Fund, which aims to improve the needs of local residents at the grassroots level.
• Regarding plant resources, from the perspective of effective use of arid land plants containing special ingredients (Colocynthus, Jojoba, Aloe, etc.), it is possible to proceed with joint research with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai. We felt that it would lead to grassroots activities in the future. Considering the rapid growth of date palm production, it is also interesting to see the development of activities with date palm as a keyword.
• In the field of fisheries, an aquaponics project was launched to combine tilapia farming and hydroponics to make effective use of water resources. We felt that continuing to be involved in these activities in some form may lead to grassroots activities in the future.
• With regard to third country training, we held discussions with relevant parties to consider the possibility of third country training for water-saving irrigation technology projects in Syria, but we could not find a suitable organization for the training.
• Concerning water resources, we felt that there is a possibility of grassroots activities to effectively use the water resources obtained from mist catchers for planting trees and local communities.
• In addition, we felt that small-scale mangrove planting and charcoal burning activities that make effective use of invading vegetation such as mesquite may lead to grassroots activities in the future.

Reference 1: AAI News 73-106: Facts about dry land vegetation
Reference 2: AAI News 43-48: Lessons learned from mangrove ecosystems

Oman

Since 1995, AAI has maintained a close relationship with Oman through development studies and expert dispatch in the agricultural development projects in Nejid region and mangrove afforestation projects. The mountainous region of Dhofar State in the southern part of the country is covered with rich natural vegetation due to the influence of monsoons from the Indian Ocean, even though it is located in the Arabian Peninsula. In recent years, however, the vegetation has been gradually deteriorating due to overgrazing and other factors. It is believed that the deterioration of vegetation in such mountainous areas has adversely affected the growth of mangrove forests in coastal areas. Therefore, in order to promote information exchanges in a form linked to the activities of local residents for promoting environmental conservation and vegetation restoration in this mountainous area, activities by the Muscat Fund, such as placing local liaisons, were started. 

Reference: AAI News 40: Grassroots Collaboration Part-4 Our activities in Oman

Zimbabwe 

A staff of AAI participated in the Master Plan Study on the Lower Munyati Basin Agricultural Development in Zimbabwe from 1994 to 1995, and with this as an opportunity, exchanges with Zimbabwe began through interactions with counterparts. As a concrete activity by the Muscat Fund, first of all, in Japan, we conducted a "survey on the activities of local NGOs limited to the English-speaking and African regions and data collection". Taking into consideration the exchanges we had had so far, we decided that Zimbabwe would be the target country for our activities. Next, we conducted a field survey to select local NGOs with which we can cooperate in the future. In the selection process, we focused on the following points with keywords such as resident participation, appropriate technology, appropriate scale, and sustainability. 

• The activity content and target area should be such that we can make the most of our experience so far. 
• Implementing agriculture and rural development and aiming for activities rooted in the region. 
• Emphasis on sustainability, environmental conservation, resident participation, etc., and actually working on the ground. 

After reviewing the Zimbabwean NGO database created based on the results of the field survey, we selected NGOs suitable as partners and started activities with the Muscat Fund. As part of our activities, we also collected information related to the mechanism of support for NGOs by domestic and foreign aid agencies, as well as funding agencies and systems. Selected NGO has requested a total of 261 US$ for necessary funds to enhance the Seed Loan Program for group gardens. Based on past achievements, we felt that this small capital increase would be used effectively by this NGO and we decided to apply Muscat Fund to support their activity. Although it was a very small amount of 261 US$, reports on loan results were continuously submitted for the next 10 years and we believe that we were able to make an extremely large contribution to the self-reliance of the group members. This activity has become a typical activity of the Muscat Fund, and as described in the home page, it has been featured in the International Development Journal. 

Reference 1: AAI News 36: Collaboration with local NGOs in Zimbabwe (1)
Reference 2: AAI News 38: Collaboration with local NGOs in Zimbabwe (2)
Reference 3: AAI News 49: International Cooperation Possible with US$ 261