Development initiatives led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are making waves across several nations, from improving agricultural productivity in India to enhancing financial inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Honduras and developing urban transport systems in the Solomon Islands.
On January 17, 2025, JICA entered a collaborative agreement with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing of Uttarakhand, India, aimed at establishing the Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project. This four-year initiative focuses on eleviating productivity levels and market access for local farmers engaged predominantly in horticulture. Uttarakhand, with around 39% of its total population participating in agriculture, presents significant horticultural potential, yet various challenges, including climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and limited advanced techniques, hamper development.
Highlighting the project's importance, Mr. TAKURO Takeuchi, JICA India’s Chief Representative, stated, "This project is testimony to our commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in Uttarakhand’s agriculture sector. Through the combined efforts of Government of India and JICA, we are not only addressing long-standing challenges but also empowering smallholder farmers with market-oriented tools and strategies." The JICA initiative plans to implement the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach, which aligns production with market demands, enhancing overall agricultural productivity.
Parallelly, on December 24, 2024, JICA signed a significant loan agreement with Banco del País, S.A. (Banpais) for 50 million USD, aimed at promoting financial inclusion for SMEs, particularly women-owned businesses, within Honduras. The ceremony held on February 12, 2025, emphasized the loan's alignment with the country’s goal of developing SMEs, creating employment opportunities, and tackling gender disparities. At least 30% of the financing will be dedicated to women-led enterprises, addressing long-standing barriers to access to finance.
The General Manager of Banpais noted, "The collaboration with JICA signals broader support for SMEs, which are pivotal for economic stability and growth within Honduras, especially considering our collective aim to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Goal 5 for Gender Equality and Goal 8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth. The project, positioned under JICA’s Facility for Accelerated Financial Inclusion, is expected to create extensive impact through available resources to SMEs."
Shifting focus, JICA's partnership with the Solomon Islands government has led to significant advancements with the launch of the "Capacity Improvement of Urban Transport Management in Honiara" project. This initiative seeks to transform Honiara, the capital, by establishing sustainable public bus systems and improving the road traffic environment, making mobility accessible and efficient. The collaborative effort features key stakeholders including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the Honiara City Council, and local traffic police, all working hand-in-hand with JICA experts to formulate transport policies and manage road signs effectively.
Urban transport specialist Yosui Seki, who leads the JICA expert team for the Honiara project, expressed enthusiasm: "Our team has extensive experience, and we are confident our expertise will significantly improve transport management here. Discussions with local stakeholders, including bus operators, will identify key issues and development opportunities."
Mike Qaqara, Director at MID, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the promising avenues the project opens for sustainable transportation solutions and the economic benefits expected to arise. Over the next two years, the project aims to effectively tackle longstanding transport issues, enhancing Honiara's infrastructure and developing public transport management.
JICA continues to pursue integrated solutions worldwide, addressing unique challenges through targeted development initiatives. With its collaborative projects across sectors like agriculture, finance, and transportation, JICA plays a pivotal role in enhancing livelihoods, promoting gender equality, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities worldwide. The concerted efforts exemplified by these three projects underline JICA's commitment to fostering impactful change and resilient communities, supported through international cooperation.