In 2021, the project plan "Make Horticultural Knowledge Work" was approved by Nuffic. The plan was prepared by the following consortium:

• Lentiz education group
• Delphy BV
• iCRA
• ECO Consult
• Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST)
• University of Basrah
• University of Duhok

The duration of the project is one year and ends in April 2022. Through the impact model we explain how the project is structured. We first describe the overall goals, after which we go into the intended impact of the project. If you would like to read about the direct results of the project right away, we recommend you to scroll down and start at the four outputs.

Contribution to the SDG’s

The project contributes to the following SDGs:

• Contribute to end hunger (SDG 2)
• Contribute to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6)

Longterm impact project

The proposed project contributes to the following long-term impact:

 In the area of Food and Nutrition Security and Water:

• Promote agricultural growth;
• Create ecologically sustainable food systems
• Increase water efficiency in agriculture

Medium-term impact that will contribute to this:

• (I)  Education system (TVET/HE) is of good quality, relevant and accessible (SDG 4);
• (II)  Partnerships between persons and organisations are inclusive and sustainable (SDG 17);
• (III)  Organisations key to (sectoral) inclusive development of partner countries are strengthened by inflow of enhanced workforce

TVET/HE organisations (in the selected partner countries and in NL) perform better their core tasks, firmly embedded in their environment (in line with country / regional specific labour market needs & aiming at inclusiveness).

Output

The project has four outputs that we are working on together. These are the following outputs:

1. Training of trainers

Trainers from extension services, university, TVET􏰂s and Non- governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the horticultural sector acquire practical (applied) horticultural knowledge like fertilization and crop protection, post-harvest techniques (processing, packing) and value chain development and how to use this knowledge in their daily practices (teaching or advisory) in an appealing way, using demonstration and participatory training, (digital) education tools and competence based education.

To support TVET training in both Jordan and Iraq, a BTEC module at KIC in Jordan will be implemented within these TVET􏰂s. Through a combination of relevant theory, practical experience and assignments, these vocational qualifications will provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for a career in the sector. The KIC demonstration and research units provide exceptional opportunities for applied training on a wide range of technologies in horticulture.

2. Strengthtening organizations

The focus is on bridging the gap towards the labour market needs for students of Technical and Vocational Education and Trainings (TVET's) and Universities. Knowledge is shared by partners who are experienced in this matter. They share this knowledge within the network. Students are also involved. We’re organizing three hackathons to bring them together and help us come up with innovative solutions for closing this gap.

3. Vital horticultural knowledge networks established

Creating vital networks are a great part of our project. All project participants are connected using social media such as WhatsApp groups. These groups are easily accessible and provide a kind of Wikipedia in your pocket. When you are in the field or in the greenhouse you can immediately ask questions and get answers from like-minded people. Asking questions is easy and ensures that everyone is connected and stays connected.

In addition to the whatsapp groups, care is also taken to provide activities in the KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Centre) where training takes place physically whenever possible. The groups that meet here continue on the whatsapp groups. The Delphy Knowledge Wheel is used here. Using the KIC as a hub, different partners (educational institutes, private sector partners, extension services) can connect (satellite hub model) and implement the "Delphy knowledge wheel", where knowledge development and knowledge implementation interact in a dynamic way, creating communities of practice between public and private sectors.

4. Scholarship facility

ECO Consult developed a scholarship facility in this project. Developing and executing a transparent, efficient, and market- responsive scholarship program requires solid technical coverage and an efficient governance system. Through an authorized independent committee that will oversee the scholarship program, the scholarship program will reflect sector technical needs and ensure participation and enrolment of female and male professionals, students, TVET staff, extension officers, marginalized groups and actors in the horticulture value chains. The budget, quality of the delivered scholarship courses and organisation will be managed by the local consortium members. Where possible scholarship courses will be conducted at KIC.