JICA Promotion of Community-Led Activities Utilizing Local Resources and Public-Private Collaboration : Country-Specific Training

This is a training course in Japan titled “Promotion of Community-Led Activities Utilizing Local Resources and Public-Private Collaboration,” conducted as part of the activities of the JICA technical cooperation project being implemented in Bhutan between March 2023 and February 2027: the Project for Promoting Inclusive Participation Leveraging Community Engagement Platform (CEP).

 

The CEP (a community-based informal organization) was modeled after neighborhood associations in towns and villages in Tokushima Prefecture and was implemented in Bhutan. It has been used to support community-led activities aimed at proactively addressing local challenges and improving livelihoods. This training course was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the principles of “self-help, mutual assistance, and public support” that underpin collaborative relationships between Japanese local governments and residents, as well as the importance of reflecting community needs in the decision-making processes of local governments. To achieve these objectives, the course included not only lectures but also field visits and discussions with relevant stakeholders.

 

Participants learned about community disaster prevention activities in Kobe City and local revitalization initiatives on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. They also observed community activities that address local challenges and initiatives to develop local industries by utilizing local resources during their visit to Kamikatsu Town, Sanagochi Village, Kamiyama Town, and Naka Town (former Kito Village) in Tokushima Prefecture. Furthermore, hands-on learning on addressing local challenges was provided through participation in a neighborhood association and discussions with a women’s group. Participants then created and presented feasible action plans to be leveraged in Bhutan, reflecting what they had learned during the training course.

Zero-waste initiatives in Kamikatsu Town

Squeezing yuzu citrus fruits in Kito Village

We hope that each participant can develop plans with their local communities and that these plans will be implemented after they return to their home country.