Towards a New Era for the Institute of Tropical Agriculture
The Institute of Tropical Agriculture (ITA) at Kyushu University has consistently contributed to research and education in tropical Asia and has played a significant role in supporting universities in these regions through JICA projects. Particularly from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, the ITA was actively involved in establishing a graduate program in agricultural sciences in Bangladesh and strengthening the Hanoi Agricultural University in Vietnam (now Vietnam National University of Agriculture). Since then, we have continued to participate in international cooperation and joint research through JICA and various other schemes, including initiatives that utilize ICT for agricultural information support.
Since its establishment in 1975, the ITA has reached its 50th anniversary, having spanned a quarter-century in both the 20th and 21st centuries. We take pride in our active participation in international cooperation since the first decade of the ITA, making substantial contributions as one of the leading agricultural institutions in Japan. Meanwhile, the field of tropical agriculture has seen significant changes over these decades. Global issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, and excessive development have led to the establishment of key international frameworks, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. These frameworks promote sustainable use of natural environments and agricultural activities in tropical regions, greatly influencing sustainable agricultural practices and natural resource management in tropical Asia. More recently, the widespread adoption of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and their guiding principle of “leaving no one behind” has strengthened the foundation for seriously addressing poverty, hunger, and environmental challenges in tropical regions. Consequently, the landscapes, communities, and resources in tropical Asia have become increasingly complex and diverse.
The challenges surrounding tropical agriculture and forestry in Asia are multifaceted and cannot be addressed by a single academic discipline alone. Combining interdisciplinary approaches from fields like biology, engineering, social sciences, and political science can generate new ideas and innovative solutions. Tropical agriculture, which demands research grounded in field realities, now requires inclusive research approaches that encompass various disciplines.
Our journey at the ITA has progressed from the founding phase (1975–late 1980s) to a period of focus on international cooperation (late 1980s–2010s), and we are now entering a new phase in the 2020s, which we call “Version 3.” In November 2021, Kyushu University formulated “Vision 2030” to drive societal transformation through “integrated knowledge” and tackle the complex challenges of the future. We at the ITA are committed to furthering research, education, and international cooperation to contribute to a sustainable society that fosters diverse forms of well-being.
We look forward to building collaborative relationships with all of you, both within and beyond the university, as we continue our activities. Thank you for your continued support of the Kyushu University Institute of Tropical Agriculture.
Professor Kimihiko Hyakumura
Director, Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kyushu University