Successful conclusion of the German-Mongolian Cooperation Project Sustainable Agriculture (DMKNL)
After 12 years of intensive cooperation, the German-Mongolian Cooperation Project Sustainable Agriculture (DMKNL), which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and implemented by IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH as the lead partner, ended with a festive highlight: the closing event on Nov 27, 2024 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Despite the impressive results and numerous positive impacts, our vision remains alive: Given the remaining challenges, we would have been delighted to continue the project to further contribute to the promotion of sustainable agricultural structures. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and look back with pride on our work together.
A worthy conclusion to a successful partnership
The event provided a platform for looking back, looking ahead and exciting discussions. Helmut Kulitz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ulaanbaatar, and representatives of the Mongolian Ministry of Agriculture and the BMEL opened the celebrations with words of appreciation for the fruitful cooperation. In presentations and discussions, innovative approaches to agricultural advisory services and technology transfer were highlighted and the successes in expanding the advisory system in the agricultural sector were acknowledged.
Milestones of the project
Numerous successes were achieved during the project period:
- Promotion of agroecological principles
- Close consultation on the Plant Variety and Seed Act (adopted in 2021) and its implementing regulation as well as other legislative initiatives
- Advice and support for institutions from the association sector and agricultural advisory services
- Organization of numerous specialist events and study tours with over 1,000 participants (over 50% of whom were women)
- Production of numerous manuals, studies and policy briefs, e.g. on the effects of climate change on arable and vegetable farming
- Implementation of modern advisory systems in the agricultural sector and development of climate-resilient structures
Strengthening food sovereignty
The DMKNL has made a significant contribution to promoting food sovereignty in Mongolia. The approaches developed for sustainable arable and vegetable farming contribute to climate-resilient agricultural structures in the long term.
Our special thanks go to:
- The project team for their dedicated work and the successful implementation of the project: Dr. Alfred Kather (project leader), Dr. Erdenebolor Baast, Altantsetseg Balgan, Tuul Batbaldan and Tugsbat Chuluun. Without their commitment, the impressive success of the project would not have been possible.
- The GFA Consulting Group GmbH as the client and the BMEL for their continuous support and funding of the project.
- The Mongolian partners, including the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI), the Mongolian University of Life Sciences, the Institute for Plant and Agricultural Sciences and many other stakeholders who actively supported the project.
Further information on the DMKNL can be found on the project website.