Sri Lanka hosts 11 Asian nations to showcase JICA-backed farming success
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Agriculture Department will bring 33 participants from 11 Asian countries to learn from Sri Lanka’s experience in implementing the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Approach.
SHEP Approach, originally developed in Kenya, promotes a transformation in farmers’ mindsets from “Grow and Sell” to “Grow to Sell” by encouraging production decisions based on market demand.
Due to its proven effectiveness in improving farmers’ livelihoods, the approach is now being implemented in more than 60 countries worldwide and has been adopted by various development organizations and partners.
Shigeo Honzu, Chief Representative of the JICA Sri Lanka Office, highlighted Sri Lanka’s achievements in successful implementation of SHEP approach.
Following study sessions in Japan for 2 weeks, participants will spend 5 days from September 7 to 11 in Sri Lanka observing how the SHEP Approach has been adapted and institutionalized within the country’s agricultural extension system.
Participants will visit the Dedicated Economic Center (DEC) in Keppetipola where they will conduct market surveys and interact directly with traders, buyers, farmers, and agricultural extension officers.
They will visit SHEP farmer groups in the Nuwara Eliya District to learn directly from farmers who have successfully adopted SHEP approach.
SHEP approach was introduced to Sri Lanka by a technical cooperation project by JICA through July 2021 to March 2026.
Implementation of the approach is continuing through the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and Provincial Departments of Agriculture.
JICA works closely with development partners to promote market-oriented agriculture, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable agricultural transformation in Sri Lanka and beyond.
