Ukraine Study Tour
Introduction
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The Purpose
Study Leave was approved for Kevin Brooks for the purpose of:
Building a Model to Assist Extension in Engaging in International Extension.
Since International Extension is a relatively new concept, the endeavor could take on a variety of methods, experiences and potential outcomes. This paper will focus on the aspects of how Kevin Brooks' study leave will assist Extension in developing International activities.
The Need
To address this situation, Extension has established the International Extension Committee. The committee, in April 2006 presented the following comment:
... it might be a good approach for Extension to take the lead within the College of ACES towards a more institutionalized international engagement...
A question that arises from the suggestion by the International Extension Committee is:
How does Extension go about the business of implementing and conducting an International agenda?
Areas of Focus
Brooks' study leave has several facets. The following is a general outline of activities.
- Creating a model for future Internationalizing Extension Activities
- Poltava Conference 2006
- Online Course Development
- Poltava Conference 2007
- Future Activities
Why Ukraine
The Ukraine project was the product of two previous trips to Ukraine by Brooks to the Poltava Oblast through USAID funding (Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs) and ACES Global Connect. Realizing that funding for CNFA in Ukraine was winding down in the region, he sought to build collaborative projects to further the effort in the region put in place by CNFA. Assisting educational institutions in Poltava would serve in developing a network for assisting Illinois agribusiness in Ukraine and the Global University Initiative put in place by University of Illinois administration.
The economic situation in Ukraine is at best chaotic. When the Soviet system collapsed an economic void was created. Ukraine simply doesn't have the economic resources in place to provide machinery, farm chemicals and basic business tools to revitalize their vast agricultural land resources. Illinois based businesses stand ready to meet at least some of those needs, but are hindered by language, cultural, and political road blocks. Furthermore, Ukrainian educational institutions are far behind modern economies in terms of training, research and knowledge.
There are few areas in the world where agriculture potential is as similar to Illinois agriculture sector on a wide scale, as it is in Ukraine (Brazil, Argentina, S. Africa, S. Russia). The Ukrainians are faced with many obstacles in getting the agriculture sector up and running. Some of the factors are:
- Government Corruption
- Lack of Training and Modern Methodologies
- Lack of Funding
- Cultural Issues Stemming from Inadequacies of the Soviet System
- Rebuilding a Collapsed Economy
Ukraine, because of having vast land resources will eventually rebuild its agricultural sector. The real question is, "Who will assist and benefit the Ukrainians in the rebuilding process?" Illinois based agribusinesses are a part of the answer to the above question. Companies currently engaging Ukraine, range in size from large such as John Deere and smaller companies including Kitchen Seed in Arthur and Equipment Direct in Arcola. Educationally, universities (commonly referred to as academies) do not have the resources and funds to conduct research for business development, whether Ukrainian based or otherwise. Applied research in Illinois could theoretically easily be adapted to Ukraine due to the agricultural similarities. This void could potentially be filled by the University of Illinois.
Poltava Conference 2006
In July of 2006, Brooks led a team of four Extension Educators (including himself, George Czapar, David Seibert, and Michelle Norris) and WILL Radio farm programming personality Todd Gleason to Poltava Oblast in Ukraine to conduct educational activities and build relationships for future collaboration. Citizen's Network for Foreign Affairs (CNFA) provided the following speakers: Jeff Jobin (USDA - Iowa), Ron Godin (Colorado State University), and Lina Dotsenko - CNFA). The main conference was held at Poltava State Agrarian Academy. Attempts in communicating with the Academy proved to be difficult in the initial stages. Language and cultural barriers definitely hindered progress. A Peace Corp volunteer, Jennifer Wiley was contacted by the Academy to assist in negotiations. Wiley proved to be vital to the success of the program, being able to translate and understand cultural differences.
Further meetings were held with the following:
- Poltava Press Club
- Khoral Technical College
- Khomotets Animal Science College
- Village of Chutava
- Cooperative of Gorby
- Private Farm near Poltava
- Organizational Meetings with Administration and Department Heads at Academy
- Cooperative of Verbke
- Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs - Kyiv
