Reverse Linkage

97 DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION breeding, feeding and rearing management, progeny testing programmes, and a workshop on semen produc- tion and quality – all to further consolidate and strengthen the capacity of the Kyrgyz technicians and KSRILP to meet acceptable international standards • The equipment, if needed, to enable the KSRILP training to meet acceptable international standards • Facilitation and assistance on logical and administrative procedures such as arranging visas for KSRILP participants • A portion of the costs. The training focused on the Kyrgyz participants learning how to identify high-value semen samples and how to operate the AI technology, ensuring that the product is properly frozen and reaches the farmer on time. After two weeks in techni- cal training, participants had learned the technicalities of AI storage. Kyrgyz participants were then able to share what they had learned at SNAIC with AI specialists in Kyrgyzstan with the hope of significantly increasing livestock productiv- ity. SNAIC also assessed the skills acquired at the farms. The Kyrgyz delegation has been very impressed by the management and technology used for feeding, collecting and processing milk. The entire RL programme has run smoothly and successfully over the three-year period with the continued efforts and guidance of AminuddinMat Ariff, senior capacity development specialist at IsDB. The collaboration has been hugely beneficial for all concerned. The hard work of IsDB, the government of Indonesia and of Kyrgyzstan has borne fruit through team- work, which has been invaluable considering the limits to understanding created by the unfamiliarity of the languages in each case. As a result of RL, farm productivity has grown significantly, especially meat production, owing to the now excellent condition of the cattle and goats. Kyrgyzstan has now requested that the programme should be continued. The export-import balance between the two countries involved has met the desired objectives, which may lead to future business relations between the two sides. On a non- financial level, the two countries have been able to share their cultures and working traditions, individual customs, cultural heritage and religious views. These positive results have become an example of interest to Suriname who wants to evolve the SSC RL programme with the opportunity to progress links for education and the provision of scholarships for students from Suriname and Kyrgyzstan to benefit from Indonesian expertise. Technical assistance in the storage of frozen bovine semen Image: SNAIC