Activity Report - 1996
The 1996 Activity Report reflects some of the new policy
orientations in Israel's technical cooperation program. These
changes should be viewed against the backdrop of recent global
strategies designed to better assist countries in their efforts
to achieve sustainable development, and as economic policy
reforms are being implemented at the national level. If
development aid is to achieve its primary goal of long-term
improvement, programs must be both financially viable, and have a
management structure that is committed to sustainable development
on all levels - central and local governments, as well as public
and private enterprises. Moreover, to achieve true development
countries must depend on the availability of human resources.
MASHAV remains committed to the universal goal of poverty
reduction. Focus has been placed or the enrichment of human
resources and institution-building, to enable individuals to
participate in the development of their own society in such
fields as market-oriented agriculture, women in the development
process, environmental conservation, health care,
micro-enterprise and community development. In 1996, 4,045
participants took part in 144 training courses conducted in
Israel, and 5,327 participants shared in 120 on-the-spot courses
held in 47 countries worldwide.
Small-scale improvement of daily living is the major issue for
the majority of the African people. The Government of Israel
firmly upholds the belief that the African continent, especially
Sub-Saharan Africa, must be integrated into the global economy,
and support be provided by the international community. As aid to
Africa comprises approximately 25% of MASHAV training activities
and long-term projects, a special team of experts has been
appointed to study the present Africa-Israel relationship in
order to formulate a more positive program for future
cooperation.
In an attempt to pursue more cohesive programming, bilateral
development cooperation strategies have been designed for each
client country. These strategies were formulated in cooperation
with program countries and relevant institutions, and are based
on specific national priorities. Moreover, high priority has been
given to multilateral activities, and concerted efforts have been
made to increase collaboration with international organizations.
Towards that end, a multilateral agreement between Israel, the
Palestinian Authority, Luxembourg and Morocco was signed relating
to an agricultural project in the Gaza Strip. In addition,
agreements were signed in 1996 between MASHAV and UNDP, UNESCO
and the FAO on development cooperation and institution-building
programs.
Cooperation with development banks has also been a major focus
of attention. MASHAV and the Inter-American Development Bank
(IDB) have enjoyed a fruitful professional relationship since
1994, for the promotion of technical cooperation with countries
in Latin America, and an agreement with the Economic Development
Institute of the World Bank is currently in preparation.
Peace in the Middle East will be secured only when it takes
root in the everyday lives of people in the region. Therefore,
cooperation with countries, authorities, NGOs and the private
sector in the Middle East/North Africa region, as well as with
the Gulf States, will continue to be a basic objective of
Israel's development program. As indicated in this Report, joint
activities with the Arab Republic of Egypt,
the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, the
Kingdom of Morocco, and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have
either continued during the course of 1996, or have recently been
initiated. Comprehensive regional cooperation will begin to be
translated into practice when peace agreements are reached, but
there is no need to wait until then to begin wording together.
Progress towards peace could be accelerated by taking immediate
action that anticipate the eventual agreements. It is our hope
that MASHAV will serve as a bridge between the people of the
region.
Cooperation with countries undergoing fundamental social
restructing will be maintained, especially those witnessing the
termination of armed conflict - as in Angola, Mozambique,
Ethiopia and Eritrea, or in transition from a
centrally-controlled economy to a market-based economy - similar
to the Russian Federation, Eastern Europe and countries of the
Commonwealth of Independent States.
Greater emphasis on long-term programs has become evident,
therefore development projects must withstand the test of
sustainability - from inception through operation. Several
examples of synergies in project development that have been
successful include, the establishment of the Gahtelai Agricultural Project (Eritrea)
designed to assist in the settlement of refugees and demobilized
soldiers; Kibwezi Agricultural
Demonstration Farm (Kenya); Shibani
Agricultural Farm (Swaziland); Akkurgan
Dairy Demonstration Project (Uzbekistan); Akhmed Yasawi
Privatized Collective Farm (Kazakhstan); and the Yongledian Agricultural Demonstration Farm
(Beijing).
The success of project implementation depends to a large
degree on the professionalism of long and short-term experts.
There are currently 38 long-term Israeli experts serving abroad,
and 198 short-term experts were dispatched in 1996 to assist in
program implementation.
There are no shortcuts in the development process. It is an
ongoing challenge that must be met for the benefit of all, and
the moral responsibility of the international community.
Many of MASHAV's programs have been realized through resources
generously provided by the United States Agency for International
Development and the Kingdom of the Netherlands' Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. Additional resources are provided by the Danish
International Development Agency (DANIDA); Norway's International
Development Agency (NORAD); Sweden's International Development
Agency (SIDA); Federal Republic of Germany's Ministry of Economic
Cooperation; Inter-American Development Bank; Organization of
American States, and various UN agencies (UNDP, WHO, FAO, UNESCO,
DDSMS, and WMO).
Haim Divon
Deputy Director General
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Head of the Center for International Cooperation (MASHAV)
This report is dedicated to the memory of
Dr. Shimeon Amir
(1921-1997)
One of the first directors and architects
of Israel's international
development programme.
Message from
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
David Levy
In the modern world, prosperity and security are
founded upon the advancement of science, technology,
knowledge and human resources.
While in many domains today's technology has reached
impressive heights, populations in some parts of the
world continue to suffer from hunger, millions continue
to die of preventable diseases, natural resources remain
untapped or inefficiently exploited, and human potential
often goes unfulfilled.
Israel attaches great importance to addressing the
problems of food security, public health, resource
development and human advancement to enable societies and
individuals to enhance their well-being.
International cooperation, designed to share and
spread technological, scientific and human resources,
lies at the center of our efforts to act upon this
concern and to promote progress, stability and prosperity
for all nations. |
TRAINING
Training in Israel
Training activities in Israel are held at MASHAV-affiliated
study centres, academic and professional institutions, which
provide the personnel to conduct the courses.
Training activities and on-the-spot courses concentrate on
traditional areas where Israel has acquired experience. Areas of
training include: agriculture and rural society, education,
community development and health. MASHAV's programs continue to
emphasize relevant issues in environmental and natural resource
protection, as well as specific topics pertaining to women in the
development process.
| Training in Israel -
1958-1996 |
| Africa |
23,730 |
| Asia & Oceania |
8,614 |
| Latin America & and Caribbean |
18,408 |
| CEE & CIS |
2,166 |
| Middle East/North Africa |
2,452 |
| Europe |
2,826 |
| North America |
506 |
The geographical distribution of trainees in international
courses held in Israel has gradually changed, due to an increase
in the number of participants from the Middle East/North Africa,
Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, In
several cases, trainees from Europe and North America
participated in MASHAV courses, and are included in the  following statistics. During
1996, a total of 4,045 participants attended 144 training
courses, individual study tours and various graduate and
postgraduate programs, of which 788 trainees arrived from the
Middle East/North Africa, including 279 from the Palestinian
Authority.
In May 1996, Israel hosted the Agritech '96 Exhibition in
Tel-Aviv. Within this framework, MASHAV conducted a Conference on
International Agricultural Cooperation, with the participation of
over 300 trainees from more than 30 countries and authorities.
Courses in
Israel - 1996
According to Field of Study |
| Agriculture |
56 |
| Economic and Social Development |
28 |
| Community Development |
8 |
| Rural Development |
6 |
| Medicine and Public Health |
10 |
| Management |
15 |
| Science and Technology |
7 |
| Education |
14 |
|
Courses in
Israel - 1996
According to Language |
| English |
65 |
| Spanish |
25 |
| French |
9 |
| Russian |
13 |
| Arabic |
27 |
| Albanian |
1 |
| Bulgarian |
1 |
| Czech |
1 |
| Portuguese |
2 |
|
On-the-Spot Courses
In 1996, a total of 5,327 trainees from 47 countries worldwide
participated in 120 on-the-spot courses, of which 8 were
conducted in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a course was
conducted for the first time in the Kingdom of Morocco on
"Technology of Irrigation". During the course of the
year, 237 Israeli experts were dispatched by MASHAV to provide
the training.
| Trainees in On-the
Sport Course Abroad - 1958-1996 |
| Africa |
16,757 |
| Asia & Oceania |
17,688 |
| Latin America & and Caribbean |
35,098 |
| CEE & CIS |
1,590 |
| Middle East/North Africa |
872 |
| Europe |
1,458 |
| Trainees in
On-the Sport Course Abroad - 1996 |
| Africa |
939 |
| Asia & Oceania |
2,132 |
| Latin America & and Caribbean |
1,326 |
| CEE & CIS |
442 |
| Middle East/North Africa |
321 |
| Europe |
167 |
|
On-the-Spot
Courses - 1996
According to Field of Study |
| Agriculture |
72 |
| Economic and Social Development |
8 |
| Community Development |
9 |
| Medicine and Public Health |
12 |
| Science and Technology |
8 |
| Education |
11 |
|
Shalom Clubs
MASHAV's relationship with its trainees does not end with the
conclusion of the course. In order to build a basis for continued
communication and follow-up, Shalom Clubs have been established
in countries throughout the world.
Shalom Clubs serve as a forum for MASHAV alumni to participate
in professional and social activities relating to their field of
specialization. Operated under the auspices of the Israeli
mission in the host country, members are invited to attend
lectures by skilled experts, encouraged to exchange ideas on
technical cooperation and humanitarian concerns, as well as
organize cultural functions. Members of the Shalom Clubs also
play an integral role in determining the focus and scope of
programming.
In 1996, several Shalom Clubs were either established or
reactivated as follows:
AFRICA - Benin, Zaire; ASIA - India (New Delhi); LATIN AMERICA
- Brazil (Rio de Janeiro); CEE and CIS - Czech Republic; Russian
Federation; Ukraine; Belorussia; Lithuania; Latvia and
Kazakhstan.
Shalom Magazine
Shalom Magazine for MASHAV alumni (published 3 times a year in
3 languages, with abstracts in Arabic and Russian) is printed in
Israel and sent directly to all former participants. This
professional publication consists of updated material on such
relevant issues as early childhood and adult education,
agricultural innovations, women in the development process,
public health, cooperative development, and environmental
conservation.
Shalom Magazine in English is available on-line.
MASHAV TRAINING CENTRES AND AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS
Centre for International Agricultural Development Cooperation
(CINADCO)
The Israel Ministry of Agriculture's Centre for International
Agricultural Development Cooperation (CINADCO), established in
1958, one of the larger institutions in Israel dealing with
international agricultural cooperation. Its functions include:
-
Training courses and workshops in Israel;
-
On-the-spot courses in developing countries;
-
Apprenticeship and practical training for medium-level
professionals and leading farmers;
-
Long and short-term consultancy missions overseas;
-
Joint research on agriculture-related
subjects in host countries, with the participation of
experts from those countries.
CINADCO's international training
programs are conducted in two agricultural training
centres and are held in the English, Spanish Russian,
French and Arabic languages.
CINADCO's activities follow current
trends in world agriculture and offer projects relevant
to subsistence agriculture, improved traditional
agriculture, diversified farming and specialized
market-oriented agriculture.
Training programs place special
emphasis on adapting improved technologies to local
conditions. Twenty-five percent of the curriculum in all
courses relating to agricultural technologies is devoted
to issues of organization and methods of technology
transfer, extension and agro-ecological sustainability.
CINADCO's activities are based upon
existing know-how acquired by Israeli experts at home and
abroad, At present, project work concentrates on issues
of agro-business initiatives, satellite farming systems
peri-urban agriculture and linking public and private
action to advance tangible, socioeconomic results.
CINADCO draws upon the professional
skills of experts from the Israel Ministry of Agriculture
and other public entities, as well as from national
farmers' organizations and private firms.
The integration of research, extension
and project development is the hallmark of CINADCO
activities.
CINADCO conducted 43 courses and
workshops in 1996 at its two training centres;
10-English, 4-Spanish, 4-French, 8-Russian and 17-Arabic,
including a study tour for young Egyptian leaders. In
addition, 64 on-the-spot courses were conducted in
Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, Central and Eastern
Europe (CEE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS), and in the Middle East/North Africa region.
The International Institute -
Histadrut
The Institute is an independent,
nongovernmental institution, affiliated with the
Histadrut, Israel's General Federation of Labour. The
International Institute was officially established on
March 1, 1994. It incorporates the International
Institute for Labour, Development and Cooperative Studies
(Afro-Asian Institute), the Abraham Alon Centre for
Cooperative and Labour Studies for Latin America, Spain
and Portugal, and the Institute for Eastern and Central
Europe.
This year, in conjunction with MASHAV,
the Institute conducted 30 courses and seminars in Israel
in the English, Spanish, French, Arabic Russian,
Bulgarian, Czech, Slovak, Albanian and Portuguese
languages. In keeping with the Institute's policy of
responding to rapidly changing global needs, a
significant number of courses were held in new subject
areas such as: economic development planning utilising
computers, economic initiatives in the urban informal
sector, consumer rights protection, trade unions in
transition and voluntary organisations. In addition, 10
on-the-spot courses were held in 8 countries. Other
courses were conducted in Israel and abroad in
cooperation with international organizations and
development agencies.
The Aharon Ofri International Study
Centre
The Centre, established in Jerusalem in
1989, is engaged in training activities encompassing
technological, community, and adult education, as well as
the use of computers in educational systems.
Study programs are conducted in the
English and Spanish languages. In 1996, the Centre held 1
5 courses in Israel (8 in English, 7 in Spanish), as well
as 5 on-the-spot courses.
The Development Study Centre
The Development Study Centre (DSC) is
an independent academic institution engaged in research,
training and planning activities related to rural
regional development in developing countries and in
Israel.
Since its establishment in 1962, the
DSC has developed an integrated approach to reduce
poverty and promote social and economic development in
rural areas, This approach has been translated into a
detailed methodology of planning, already adopted by many
countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The main training program at the DSC is
a 7-month post-graduate course on "Integrated Rural
Regional Development Planning." In 1996, this course
was held twice, in English and Spanish, including
practical stages conducted in selected areas of Peru and
China. In addition, 6 courses (English, Spanish,
Portuguese and 3 in Arabic) were held on specific
subjects relating to rural development. Two on-the-spot
courses on "Urban Management" were also
conducted.
The Golda Meir Mount Carmel
International Training Centre (MCTC)
The Centre, located in Haifa, was
founded in 1961 following the First International Seminar
for Women Leaders from Developing Countries entitled
"The Role of Women in a Developing Society." A
resolution taken at the conclusion of the Conference
recommended the establishment of a permanent facility in
Israel for the training of women in community services,
thereby enhancing their status in the development
process. For the past 35 years, MCTC's programs for
middle-level professionals, supervisors and planners have
emphasized methods to: establish and manage services and
projects; orient programs to client's needs; enhance
skills for staff development. Main areas of study include
organization of community and family services; management
of micro-enterprises; and early childhood education with
emphasis on related aspects and gender issues, In 1996,
12 courses and workshops were held in Israel according to
the following breakdown: English-6, Spanish-5, French-1,
as well as 10 on-the-spot courses, The Centre also hosted
an international symposium for women leaders entitled
"Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and
Gender". In addition, a study tour was conducted on
"Early Childhood Education and Women's
Activities" for participants from Jordan and Israel.
The Director of the Centre participated
in the following international conferences:
-
Women's Leadership and
Representation, Inter-American Development Bank,
Nicaragua, September 1996;
-
Mediterranean UNICEF National
Committee Meeting, Sicily, April 1996;
-
The 7th Forum of the
Association of Women in Development, Washington,
D.C., August 1996
CONSULTANCIES
During 1996, a total number of 236
consultancies in 72 countries were carried out under
MASHAV's auspices.
Short-Term Consultancies
The short-term consultancy (STC) is
geared to provide rapid, specific advisory services,
assistance in program implementation and back- up for
Israeli experts on long-term projects.
The duration of an average STC is 3-4
weeks, and is usually carried out by  one consultant.
Consultations in 1996 covered various aspects of
agriculture, cooperation and labour studies, community
development, rural development, medicine and public
health, management, science and technology, and
education.
198 short-term consultancies were
conducted with a regional breakdown of 5 1 in Africa, 45
in Asia and Oceania, 40 in Latin America and the
Caribbean, 28 in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), 33 in the
Middle East/North Africa and I in Europe.
Long-Term Consultancies
 The basic objective of a long-term
consultancy (LTC) is to facilitate the transfer of
technology and knowledge and to assist in the design,
implementation, management or general assessment of
development projects. Its Term of Reference (TOR) is
well-defined by the host country and covers a 24-month
period, with an option of extension. Long-term technical
consultancies included 38 ongoing missions in 1996, ot
which 9 were in Africa, 7 in Asia and Oceania, 9 in Latin
America and the Caribbean, 11 in the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS), 1 in the Middle East/North
Africa and 1 in North America (within the framework of
the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force).
RESEARCH
Joint Programs in Research
Joint programs in
research, conducted under the auspices of MASHAV in
cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany and the
Kingdom of The Netherlands, continued in 1996.
1. German-Israel Agricultural Research
Agreement (GIARA)
During 1996, 19 agricultural research
programs were carried out within the framework of this
Agreement.
GIARA was initiated in 1986 by MASHAV
and the German Miristry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) and
extended for a second phase until 1996. Its main
objective is to support trilateral agricultural research
between institutions in Israel, Germany and developing
countries.
German-Israel Agricultural
Research for Developing Countries
Brazil
Chile
Costa Rica
Egypt
Kenya
Malawi |
Mexico
Nepal
Nigeria
Thailand
Turkey |
2. Netherlands-Israel Research Program
(NIRP)
A joint Netherlands-Israel research
project on the improvement of potato production in
developing countries began in 1991 and terminated in
1996. A new program was launched in 1992, emphasizing the
social, economic and cultural aspects of rural
development. The program is directed by a joint steering
committee of scientists from both countnes. Each research
proposal is expected to include scientists from The
Netherlands and Israel, and one from a developing
country. In 1996, 28 research programs were conducted,
including two joint research programs between Israel and
the Palestinian Authority.
Netherlands-Israel Research
Program for Developing Countries
Benin
Cameroon
China
Côte d'lvoire
Ethiopia
Kenya |
Nepal
Nigeria
Senegal
Tanzania
Thailand
Uganda
Zambia |
Joint Research Initiatives -
Middle East
Two joint projects are being conducted
between The Netherlands, Israel and the Palestinian
Authority.
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
Working together with a growing number
of countries and international organizations has enabled
Israel to contribute to the global efforts made towards
environmental conservation, human development and gender
issues. These agreements have also allowed for the focus
to be placed on the upbuilding of the Middle East/North
Africa region.
In February 1996, a multilateral agreement was signed
between the Government of the State of Israel, the PLO -
for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority, the
Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the
Government of the Kingdom of Morocco relating to the
project "Optimization of Intensive Agriculture in
the Gaza Strip Under Varying Water Quality
Conditions."
In addition, Israel signed three agreements with
international organizations: UNDP, UNESCO and the FAO,
for technical cooperation in the developing world, The
agreement with the FAO, signed in July 1996, establishes
a mechanism to promote economic growth and human resource
development.
The programme for cooperation between MASHAV and
UNESCO, signed in July 1996, is designed to provide
further training activities in Israel in UNESCO'S field
of competence.
The third agreement, signed in February 1996 with the
UNDP, combines the operational as well as the
professional resources of both parties in support of
national and regional development efforts. Within this
programme, emphasis will be put on strengthening the role
of women in the development process. UNDP and MASHAV will
also host a workshop on the subject of
"Environmental Treaties."
Sources: Israel
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Agricultural Research Organization -
Volcani Centre