Preparing and Implementing the Project “Setting Up a Blended Learning Program for Sustainable Inclusive Agricultural Value Chain Development in Indonesia (BLVC); Indonesia-Netherlands Joint Project, in Maluku Islands

Abstract

The project, setting up a blended learning program for sustainable inclusive agricultural value chain development in Indonesia, was implemented at the Faculty of Agriculture Pattmura University, Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia during 2017-2021. The project selected five commodities potential to Maluku islands; nutmeg, clove, coconut, sago and banana, as the focus of education and research attentions. Following the establishment of internet/video conference facilities, two cycles of lecturing in a blended learning system was conducted on the course of Agricultural Value Chain Analysis. Three international seminars/webinars were successfully completed during the implementation presenting keynote speakers from various institutions related to the five selected commodities and attended by participants from government, research and educational institutions, business institutions and community including farmers and farmers group. Despite some challenges faced, the project was able to attain its objectives in strengthening the capacity of beneficiary institution through provision of research equipments, international visitation of its staffs, educating/training of the students and staffs, provision of learning materials etc. Establishment of Innovation platform for nutmeg commodity and inclusion of the agricultural value chain course into the curriculum of the Faculty of Agriculture were part of the efforst to institutionalize the project accomplishment.