Research Reports
A Study on Customized Agricultural Cooperation between Two Koreas
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AuthorKim, Younghoon
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Publication Date2012.12.30
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Original
Background of Research
The inter-Korean agricultural cooperation executed in the 2000s is made up of three types of cooperation as follows: humanitarian aid by the government and civil society, development assistance by local government and civil society, and economic cooperation by enterprises. A number of accomplishments were made through the cooperation. First, the North Koreans' humanitarian situation has partially improved through food assistance. Second, agricultural productivity has increased through agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and technological assistance. Third, the South and the North learned lessons that strategic agricultural cooperation is required to improve the effectiveness of cooperation. However, several reflective points can be made to improve the effectiveness of inter-Korean agricultural cooperation.
Method of Research
We failed to set clear goals and targets for the cooperation. As a result, we could not develop methods to strategically aid when executing the programs. We did not reflect the changes in the situation coming from the special relationship between the two Koreas and the circumstances surrounding the Korean peninsula to our programs. We did not prepare alternatives for unforeseen situations. We did not sufficiently consider internal conflict among our people. We have to overcome the past failure when we start new programs. The goal of this study is to find and offer customized agricultural cooperation programs to North Korea.
Research Results and Implications
Implementation of the effectiveness agenda regarding inter-Korean agricultural cooperation follows, first, focusing on aid effectiveness and sustainability of outcome across all areas of the aid program and, second, using the customized cooperation approach to increase aid effectiveness of agricultural cooperation. We have identified three types of cafeteria cooperation programs suitable for North Korea. The first is the most frequent type of cooperation which reflects current economic situation and resource endowment of North Korea. The second type is an ownership induced cooperation which supports North Korea's agricultural polices and needs. The third type is a leading cooperation which induces opening doors and economic reform in North Korea. This study suggests 8 programs, such as rural development behind special zones, and 17 projects such as the expansion of potato production for agricultural cooperation with North Korea.
This study suggests four effectiveness principles for the customized agricultural cooperation. The most important is to set clear goals and to approach with a strategy. Second, a sustainable outcome is a key component of effective aid. Third, strengthening the capacity is the core idea for both parties participating in the cooperation. Fourth, good governance is strongly emphasized to achieve effective cooperation. Fifth, expanding partnerships among the government, aid providers and
enterprises.
Researchers: Young-Hoon Kim, Min-Ji Nam and Tae-Jin Kwon
Research Period: 2012. 1～2012. 11
E-mail address: kyhoon@krei.re.kr
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