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Technical
Cooperation
Brazil-
Africa
Successful partnerships kindle
African development
Algeria - Benin - Botswana - Brazil - Senegal - Togo
|
2019
|
Technical
Cooperation
Brazil-
Africa
Successful partnerships kindle
African development
Algeria - Benin - Botswana - Brazil - Senegal - Togo
|
2019
©Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) / TECHNICAL DATA
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), 2018 1) “Knowledge Transfer in Gem Cutting, Jewelry and
Stone handicrafts” Project.
a. Partner country: Algeria
Reproduction of the contents of this b. Term: 2010-2018
c. Partner institutions:
publication is prohibited for commercial i. In Brazil:
purposes. 1. Brazilian Association of Small and
Medium-scale Manufacturers of Gems,
Jewelry and Similar Products (ABRAGEM)
www.abc.govb.br ii. In Algeria:
1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2. Ministry of Tourism and Crafts
Production: Proativa Comunicação d. Area: Handicrafts
2) “Institutional Strengthening of Benin’s Vocational
Editing: Flávio Resende RP-4237 DF and Technological Education in Agroecology and
Cooperativism” Project.
a. Partner country: Benin
Wrinting: Luciano Marques b. Term: 2011-2018
c. Partner institutions:
i. In Brazil:
Review: Dayane Holanda e Janaina 1. Federal Institute of Bahia (IFBA)
Plessmann 2. Federal Institute of Brasília (IFB)
ii. In Benin:
1. Ministry of Secondary Education and
Photography: Agência Brasileira de Vocational Training (MESFTP)
2. Lycée Agricole Medji Sekou (LAMS)
Cooperação (ABC) d. Area: Agriculture
3) “Institutional strengthening of the cooperative
Visual Project e Diagramming: Vinícius Souza system in Botswana based on a pilot project with
vegetable farmers” Project.
a. Partner country: Botswana
b. Term: 2013-2017
c. Partner institutions:
i. In Brazil:
1. Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives
(OCB)
ii. In Botswana:
1. Ministry of Agricultural Development and
Food Security (MDASA)
2. Ministry of Investment, Trade and
Industry (MITI)
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
d. Area: Agricultural Cooperativism
4) “Support to the PAIS Project in Senegal” Project.
a. Partner country: Senegal
b. Term: 2011-2015
c. Partner institutions:
i. In Brazil:
1. Technical Assistance and Rural Extension
Service of the Federal District (Emater-DF)
2. Institute of Social and Environmental
Studies
ii. In Senegal:
Brazil. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 1. Ministry of Agriculture
2.National Agency for Agricultural
Brazilian Cooperation Agency. Integration and Development (ANIDA)
Brazil-Africa Technical Cooperation. d. Area: Agriculture
Successful partnerships kindle African
development/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 5) Projeto “Apoio Institucional ao Instituto Togolês de
Brasília, Brazilian Cooperation Agency. Pesquisa Agronômica (ITRA)”
a. Partner country: Togo
b. Term: 2010-2017
68p. c. Partner institutions:
i. In Brazil:
ISBN: 978-85-60123-13-1 1. Brazilian Agricultural Research Company
(Embrapa)
ii. In Togo:
I. International Technical Cooperation.
1. Togolese Institute for Agronomic
II. Brazilian Cooperation Agency. Research (ITRA)
d. Area: Agriculture
CDD: 327.81
FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL BRAZILIAN COOPERATING
INSTITUTIONS
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Brazilian Association of Small and
Medium-scale Manufacturers of
MINISTER OF STATE Gems, Jewelry and Similar Products
Ambassador Ernesto Araújo (ABRAGEM); Federal District Technical
Assistance and Rural Extension Service
SECRETARY GENERAL OF FOREIGN (Emater-DF); Brazilian Agricultural
AFFAIRS Research Corporation (Embrapa);
Embaixador Otávio Brandelli Federal Institute of Bahia (IFBA); Federal
Institute of Brasília (IFB); Institute of
SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN TRADE Social and Environmental Studies;
AND FINANCIAL POLICY Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives
Ambassador Santiago Irazabal Mourão (OCB).
DIRECTOR OF THE BRAZILIAN ABC TECHNICAL STAFF
COOPERATION AGENCY Ana Carla Rodrigues Pereira do Valle;
Embaixador Ruy Pereira André Gustavo Barros; Armando
Vieira Filho; Camila Guedes Ariza;
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE Fábio Webber Tagliari; Melissa Sendic
BRAZILIAN COOPERATION AGENCY Sudbrack; Paula Silveira.
Embaixador Demétrio Bueno Carvalho
GENERAL COORDINATION OF
TECHNICAL COOPERATION OF THE
AFRICA, ASIA AND OCEANIA
Nelci Peres Caixeta
Foreword
South-South Cooperation, first many Brazilian institutions over the past
endorsed by the United Nations in 1978, 31 years. Brazil was previously limited
is a framework for interaction among to receiving technical assistance from
developing countries that has gained developed partners, but in the last few
momentum and importance in recent years, it has become an important player
decades. Partner countries share their in South-South cooperation.
experiences and best practices in South-
South cooperation (SSC) to address The ABC has acquired expertise in
common challenges. This document implementing projects and programs
presents successful SSC partnerships that are based on a set of principles
between Brazil and five African countries that include the horizontal approach to
over the past few years: Algeria, Benin, such relationships. It also developed a
Botswana, Senegal and Togo. methodology in which work is always
collaborative. There is no ready-made
The federal agency in charge of recipe; all aspects, including project
coordinating these SSC initiatives is the design, are jointly devised with the
Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), a partner countries by both sides sharing
branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs their knowledge.
(MRE). The Agency has undertaken
hundreds of successful SSC projects These are the principles that underpin
that span over three decades and delve the cooperation projects with Algeria,
into several areas of knowledge in more Benin, Botswana, Senegal and Togo,
than 100 countries. all of which represent successful
initiatives that shaped the relationship
The ABC was established in 1987 to between Brazil and Africa in recent
coordinate the federal government’s times. Brazilian cooperation with other
technical cooperation activities within developing countries is demand-driven,
the framework of Brazilian foreign policy. in compliance with the guidelines set out
It focuses on strengthening Brazilian by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which
technical and humanitarian cooperation upholds tenets such as non-interference
delivered abroad and on coordinating in the partners’ domestic affairs and
received technical cooperation from non-conditionality.
other countries.
Algeria recently uncovered substantial
Developed countries and international gemstone lodes and relied on Brazilian
organizations have fostered capacity technical expertise to update their
building and boosted the expertise of jewelry production techniques. Brazilian
experts supported Benin in improving countries involved in each project.
their understanding of Agroecology
and smallholder cooperativism, which Given that Africa is a priority in
was the same demand forwarded by Brazilian foreign policy, this publication
Botswana and Senegal, while Togo is an expression of the Itamaraty’s
improved its knowledge regarding the commitment to the provisions set forth
cultivation and processing of cassava, in Item 4, article IX, of the Federal
an important domestic product. Constitution, according to which
“international relations established
It is important to bear in mind that all SSC by the Federative Republic of Brazil
initiatives that the ABC undertakes are are governed by “, among others, the
only possible because of the expertise principle of “cooperation among peoples
and partnerships established with the for the progress of humanity”. This is the
Brazilian cooperating institutions and vital linchpin in Brazilian international
with the governments of the foreign cooperation.
Summary
10
ALGERIA
Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in
gems and jewelry manufacture
25
BENIN
Institutional Strengthening of Benin’s Vocational and
Technological Education in Agroecology and Cooperativism
35
BOTSWANA
Institutional strengthening of the cooperative system in
Botswana based on a pilot project with vegetable farmers
SENEGAL
Support to the PAIS Project
in Senegal
42
59
TOGO
Institutional Support to the Togolese Institute of
Agronomic Research (ITRA)
|
Algeria
Brazil and Algeria: a
decade of cooperation
in gems and jewelry
manufacture
Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
Saharan Treasure
Decade-long cooperation between Brazil and Algeria has shared leading-ed-
ge jewelry making techniques, especially in Tamanrasset, where gemstones
for finishing are abundant.
Algeria is a North African country mainly for improvement and their artisanship
known for its vast oil and natural gas required strengthening.
reserves. However, resources in this
quarter of the Sahara are nor restricted In this context, the “Knowledge Transfer
to these commodities. Geological in Gem Cutting, Jewelry and Stone
studies have shown that the southern handicrafts” Project was launched and
part of the country is teeming with mines signed in June 2008. It is coordinated
yielding high quality precious gems. by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency
When duly processed they can become (ABC/MRE) in partnership with the
unique jewelry - a source of income for Brazilian Association of Small and
local artisans that diversifies the local Medium-scale Jewelry Manufactures,
economy and improves the quality of life Miners and Prospectors (ABRAGEM) and
of local families. the Chamber of Crafts and Trades (CAM)
in Tamanrasset, a town in Algeria. This
Excepting the limited manufacture of the capacity-building effort led to a local and
renowned handmade Algerian jewelry, to a nationwide increase in the quality
these vast gemstone lodes had not been and bulk of jewelry manufacture in a
mined until a few years ago. Jewelry matter of years.
making is a thousand-year-old Algerian
tradition: smiths cast and forge silver This initiative sought to contribute to
in a painstaking ritual with traditional Algeria’s socioeconomic development
hand-held instruments, while seated by improving artisans’ skills, introducing
before bonfires. However, the southern stone handicraft production techniques
part of this African country has more and promoting social inclusion.
potential to tap. Local resources needed Although this was an unexpected result,
“
to be put to better use, the technical the project also fostered a paradigm
and artistic skills of local artisans called shift. Algerian women, who have
The project invested a substantial sum over
the course of its implementation, totaling $3
million.”
10Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in gems and jewelry manufacture
Uma das maiores conquistas
da parceria entre o Brasil e a
Argélia foi a inclusão de mulhe-
res nas capacitações realizadas
no âmbito do projeto. O setor
de ourivesaria e artesanato era
predominantemente de homens.
Mulheres passaram a integrar
os cursos na Escola-Piloto e,
aos poucos, ganharam espaço e
reconhecimento local. O projeto
já formou artesãs em ourivesa-
ria, design de joias manual e 3D,
e artesanato mineral.
historically been estranged from this all technical cooperation projects with
trade, had the opportunity of attending English and French-speaking African
the training sessions, dicovering a countries at the ABC.
career and achieving social and financial
independence.
“The fact that jewelry production in TAMANRASSET
Algeria was a male-dominated trade
caused considerable resistance. Algerian The population of Tamanrasset is
families did not readily welcome the approximately ninety thousand people,
involvement of women, but the Brazilian mostly Tuareg (it is considered the
artisans’ engagement process was quite Algerian capital for this nomadic people).
measured and the Algerian women Tamanrasset became a regional trading
realized that they had great potential,” center thanks to its historic trade routes
says Nelci Caixeta, who coordinates with neighboring countries. It choice
11Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
was strategic because of its wealth production bulk and establish more
of precious gems and other mineral efficient negotiation and marketing
deposits. Furthermore, handicrafts are channels with Algerian partner
an important source of income for the institutions and other potential markets.
local population.
While visiting the African country
One of the major results achieved by in 2010, Rogério Viana Leite, the
this South-South technical cooperation Abragem vice-chairperson , was
initiative, which celebrated its tenth amazed with local potential. “It was
anniversary in 2018, was the creation of a very important visit and to a certain
a model Training Center to hold training point it was very emotional for us. We
sessions for artisans from Tamanrasset saw the disadvantaged population
and other regions. from Tamanrasset, mainly from Tuareg
desert tribes, benefit from a promising
To this end, Brazilian specialists shared center for research and knowledge
new and updated jewelry making dissemination at a higher level that
techniques with Algerian artisans to was already set up in such an isolated
improve their working conditions, using location, even though the school hasn’t
the machinery and equipment that Brazil yet achieved University status,” says
provided. Rogério, who is a gemologist.
This initiative also helped artisans to Six years later, Harilton Sobrinho, the
establish a producers’ cooperative to Abragem, described the initiative. “The
foster knowledge sharing, increase project is a major success for both
12Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in gems and jewelry manufacture
partner countries in cooperation, and “In the past, people were not aware of
we hope the methodology is replicated how to polish or identify a precious stone,
throughout the entire Algerian nation, but now many are,” says Choukri. “The
because the partners spared no effort to jewelry that was manufactured in this
introduce the rare and wonderful stones region used to have some shortcomings,
of the Sahara desert to the world for but now it doesn’t anymore. Artisans
the first time thanks to the creativity of used to design the jewelry in their minds,
Algerian artisans”. but today they command both manual
and 3D expertise in jewelry design. In
According to Benzarour Choukri, national the past, artisans used to work on the
director for the promotion of handicrafts floor, but today they work in a studio
and the project coordinator in Algeria, with machinery. The Training Center
this initiative is iconic, high profile and is gradually becoming well-known,
offers the opportunity to contribute attracting tourists and becoming part
effectively towards raising the living of the tourist circuit in Algeria. People
standards of artisans in Tamanrasset and have finally realized the worth of these
other communities, while also displaying Saharan gems. Now there is a precious
their local culture. stone market in the region and, for us, it
is the beginning of a brilliant trajectory”.
Implementing the model Tamanrasset
1 Handicrafts Training Center. Purchasing and
installing the machinery required to deliver
courses at the training center.
PROJECT PILLARS
Training Algerian craft workers at the
2 Tamanrasset Model Training Center to boost
local jewelry manufacture to industrial and
competitive levels.
Fostering a cooperativism-minded approach
for artisans designed along the lines of the
3 successful Brazilian model through training
in cooperativism and the creation of a crafts
cooperative.
13Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
THE TRAINING CENTER generations to come, from casting and
gem cutting, up to the design approach
Algerian artisans took about a week to that transforms rough stones into
produce a single piece using ancient gemstones using the set of techniques
and simple techniques. The Brazilian known as Stone Handicrafts, hitherto
cooperation project showed them that unknown in Algeria. Model Training
with new methods and machinery they Center students themselves set up a
could accomplish the same project in a crafts cooperative. The “Tirtit N’Ahaggar”
single day. Nevertheless, it is important is committed to ensuring that the lessons
to mention that their traditions, practices brought by Brazilian specialists are not
and customs in jewelry manufacturing, forgotten. It is hoped that this initiative
which are handed down from father to will help the region become a national
son, were duly preserved. Protecting hub for designer jewelry, gemology and
their cultural heritage for the next stone handicrafts, thereby increasing its
generations is essential. tourist appeal.
The Training Center is located in the The first group to graduate from the
Handicraft House in Tamanrasset. Model Training Center underwent
Nowadays they expect to continue four training stages. Besides the basic
teaching jewelry manufacture for concepts in gemology, the first stage
14Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in gems and jewelry manufacture
encompassed in-depth training in was successful. “Through mutual
artisanal and facet cutting. The second support, democratic management and
stage focused on jewelry and foundry, in equal rights for all - men and women
which the stones finally become jewelry. - the students understood that in a
The third and fourth stages covered cooperative their eye or skin color is
stone artisanship, where stones are irrelevant, and that it doesn’t matter if a
used to create sculptures, and manual person is rich or poor, or if he or she is
and 3D design, with which sophisticated related to the Queen of Sheba. Everyone
pieces can be created. is the same and enjoys the same rights,
duties and responsibilities,” explains
The Training Center covers 6,000 square Evandro Ninaut, a Cooperativism
meters, 2 floors and 25 apartments. The consultant. “The consultants only sowed
idea is to welcome students from all the seed of modern cooperativism in
over the country. The Training Center is Algeria. It is up to the students to nurture
now under Algerian management, but their tree’s germination and growth until
Abragem remains available, if necessary, it bears the fruit they desire”.
to expand cooperation between both
countries. He also emphasized the significance of
the project for young people. “It is very
In a recent visit to Tamanrasset in October important for youth to have a different
and November 2017, Brazilian specialists vision of the future. This is what leads to
concluded that project implementation growth in any region,” he concluded.
15Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
SAHARAN JEWELRY Manufacture and Stone Handicrafts,
which was created under the project, 26
Over 500 items of jewelry manufactured students were given additional training
by the students from the Training Center in Minas Gerais, with the support of the
that was set up in Tamanrasset were Federal Institute of Minas Gerais (IFMG),
exhibited in Brazil at the gallery of the which also operates in Ouro Preto. They
Industry Federation of the State of Minas improved their skills in faceted cutting,
Gerais and at the Du Veloso Mine, both manual cutting, basic goldsmithery,
located in the city of Ouro Preto, in Minas jewelry casting, jewelry design and
Gerais. stone handicrafts.
The pieces were made of Algerian silver Harilton Sobrinho, president of Abragem,
and gemstones found in the Sahara said the exchange was very expedient
Desert. The necklaces, bracelets, rings, for the continuity of the initiative. “Since
and earrings, among other items, also this mission lasted only ten days, I
featured ebony wood from Africa in their believe that the students’ experiences
designs. were worthwhile, since those who
excelled in the training process in Algeria
Aside from improving their career in came to Brazil. I believe that the mission
Algeria via the Training Center for Jewelry was successfully accomplished. They
16Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in gems and jewelry manufacture
all acquired new skills and improved The host, Ambassador Eduardo
the techniques they had learned in Barbosa, and the Minister for Crafts
Tamanrasset. of the Algerian Ministry of Territorial
Planning, Tourism and Crafts (MOTTA),
Irapuã Rodrigues da Silva, a goldsmithing Aicha Tagabu, praised the initiative.
teacher, trained the Algerian students However, the excellent results achieved
in Brazil. He pointed out the students’ in terms of productive social inclusion
enthusiasm. “The training site, which is were mainly attested by the smiles and
a historical city in which gold and gems expressions of satisfaction displayed by
were mined, stimulated the students the artisans who exhibited their pieces.
very much. All the techniques that were Eight of the students in attendance were
taught were palpably applied, which women trained by the project.
confirms a good uptake of expertise” he
said. Simultaneously, another group of
Brazilian specialists went on a technical
In the year before the Ouro Preto mission to Algiers, Batna, Tipaza and
exhibition, the precious items made Blida to assess cooperativism in these
by Algerian artisans were exhibited in regions. According to Kleber Damasceno,
their homeland. In December 2016, the a consultant in cooperativism, the visit
students presented the pieces they highlight was discovering the prestige
wrought to the public at the Brazilian that the jewelry sector enjoys locally.
Embassy in Algiers, launching a new Impressed with the jewelry exhibition
and prosperous window of opportunity sponsored by the project in the Brazilian
for the local jewelry craft. Algerian Embassy in Algiers, the consultant
authorities, heads of foreign companies stated, “Visitors were impressed by the
and members of the diplomatic corps size of the exhibition area, the diversity,
attended the exhibition’s opening quality and beauty of the exhibits, and
ceremony. the excellence and level of detail of the
items”.
foto
17Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
THIS IS JUST THE but also international trade. “We know
BEGGINNING that this is only the first step. Now we
Algerians need to persevere with this
project and make it grow. All we are
Project coordinators on both the Brazilian doing here is sowing a seed: it needs
and Algerian side delivered the closing to be nurtured and transplanted all over
ceremony presentations, showing Algeria,” said the General Director for the
successful initiative outcomes that Promotion of Handicrafts of the Ministry
unveiled jewelry and stone handicraft of Crafts.
sculptures made from Saharan precious The director of the Chamber of Crafts and
stones to the world. Besides the historical Skilled Trades of Batna, who attended the
innovation, the project also emphasized closing ceremony, noted that a request
social inclusion by integrating individuals for the inclusion of Stone Handicrafts
who did not belong to the traditional (which were introduced by the Brazilian
local jewelry-producing families with cooperation) in the Vocational Training
the trained artisans. This culminated in category was filed with the Ministry of
the establishment of the first market- Labor.
oriented cooperative in Algeria. The Algerian representative also stated
Tandarat Bengaoui, one of the project- that the project had given hope and
trained artisans, already runs her own brought more self-confidence to artisans.
shop, where she sells the jewelry she “If you want to change somebody’s
manufactures. Tandarat emphasizes the destiny, give them skills and confidence.
importance of being one of the local The main lesson, in my opinion, is that
groundbreakers - “I am proud to be the changes have to come from within the
first woman to attend the Training Center person concerned. Training is a means
and to have paved the way for other from which one can acquire knowledge
women,” she declares. and the will to change. All Tamanrasset-
According to Benzarour Choukri, the trained artisans know that now they have
project’s success opens new doors and a skill and training, all they have to do
new horizons for local crafts, which will is decide how to harness and use this
reach not only other regions in Algeria, knowledge set,” concluded Choucri.
THE WAY FORWARD
One of the major challenges now will undoubtedly be increasing output and marketing finished
products. Besides the creation of the cooperative and the support given to artisans in identifying
market opportunities for selling jewelry, we must continue to innovate. One of the goals of the Algerian
artisans is the continuity of the Brazilian partnership in a potential next project phase, wherein a
gemology workshop would be set up. The advantage brought by the new facility would be speed and
accuracy in the identification and classification of precious gemstones discovered in the Sahara Desert.
18Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in gems and jewelry manufacture
TECHNIQUES
FACET
CUTTING The optimization of manual and ancient gem finishing techniques
that uncover their beauty and diverse colors, appreciated by
thousands of human beings since our earliest days. It is, currently,
the technology of cutting precious stones using machinery. The
cut stone radiates a brilliance that has captivated men and women
of all ages, in all ages.
HAND GOLDSMITHING AND JEWELRY
CUTTING SILVERSMITHING CASTING
The art of transforming uncut The art of manufacturing A technique and art wherein
gemstones into brilliant facets jewelry from a combination melted wax is fashioned into a
using one’s own hands, of precious metals, such as cast for jewelry manufacture.
bringing gemstones to life gold and silver, and adding Once the wax hardens, it can
through the wisdom and precious stones after casting reproduce the same piece in
natural endowment of the to embellish and enhance precious metals hundreds of
artist who shapes a gem out human beauty. times
of a rough and lifeless stone.
3D JEWELRY ARTISANAL STONE
DESIGN JEWELRY DESIGN ARTISANSHIP
State-of-the-art technique, Art of hand drawing a piece It is the art of creating
whereby the artist uses a of jewelry based on the sculptures, utilitarian
computer program to create observation of nature and objects and adornments
hundreds of jewelry designs people. This art form fosters from imagination and visual
for the precious metal casting creativity and accuracy in observation out of unhewn
industry. all details. This technique stones, both opaque
creates designer jewelry. and transparent, using a
combination of mechanical
and electrical equipment.
19Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
BRAZIL-ALGERIA 2, 1983. Brazil received this request
for technical cooperation from the
RELATIONSHIP Algerian government in 2007 and, after
Friendship and cooperation in negotiations and joint project design, it
several areas are the hallmarks of became operational in 2010.
the relationship between Brazil and
Algeria. From a cultural standpoint, for According to the Abragem chairperson,
example, they share a strong bond: Harilton Sobrinho, the idea of exploring
architect Oscar Niemeyer designed the Saharan desert gemstones arose
two important projects in Algeria - the when the Algerians discovered that
Constantine University and the Bab those minerals could be fashioned into
Ezzouar University. jewelry. “Algeria has gorgeous stones;
we were delighted when we heard that.
The “Knowledge Transfer in Gem Many people think that there is only
Cutting, Jewelry and Stone handicrafts” sand in the Sahara desert, but that is not
project is another example of successful true,” he says.
cooperation between the two countries.
The initiative was developed within the Another reason behind the partnership
framework of the “Basic Agreement was the fact that Brazil is home to the
for Scientific, Technological and world’s greatest diversity in precious
Technical Cooperation” signed on stone and is a benchmark in gemstone
June , 1981 and enacted on December and jewelry production, while also
Southern Algeria has proved to be rich in beryl, corundum, topaz,
piezoelectric quartz, distenium, calcite, zircon, garnet, fluorite, agate,
jasper, chalcedony, tourmaline, turquoise, quartz-pink, nephrite,
serpentinite and apatite mines.
Beryl
The purest beryl stones are colorless, but they may be found in
hues of green, blue, yellow, red and white. Some varieties are
precious or semi-precious stones. Green beryl, for example, is
called an emerald, and the extremely rare red beryl is called a
red or scarlet emerald.
Jasper
A variety of quartz that is mostly used as decoration.
It is opaque to slightly translucent, harboring an
immense range of colors, depending on the amount
of impurities in it: hematite produces a red color;
clays produce white, gray and yellow shades;
goethite produces a dark brown color.
20Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in gems and jewelry manufacture
exporting approximately one third of its and that the partner country is in a
gemstones. position to tailor these Brazilian best
practices to its own context, and thereby
On the Brazilian side, the ABC/MRE is improve its own institutions in response
in charge of coordinating, negotiating, to their local needs.
approving and monitoring the activities
planned under the project. ABC has over Abragem was created in 2000 to uphold
30 years of experience in international the rights of small and medium-sized
cooperation. It fosters the international enterprises belonging to Brazilian gold
sharing of knowledge, skills and and silversmiths, stoneworkers, artisans
successful experiences of Brazilian and small-scale miners and prospectors.
institutions, with a focus on capacity It was in charge of implementing Project
development and mutual learning activities. Abragem consists of an
among players. experienced technical staff entrusted
with delivering specialized consulting
The technical cooperation sponsored services and technical training to
by the ABC/MRE is grounded in the practitioners in the sectorfor the social
principles of South-South cooperation, inclusion of persons of low income in the
in which the horizontal approach to labor market.
partnerships and non- conditionality,
among others, drive the initiatives. All this
is done to ensure project sustainability
Turquoise
Well known for its sky-blue, bluish-green or yellowish-green
shade. It ranges from semi-transparent to opaque and
possesses a porcelain luster, while most gemstones display a
glassy shimmer. The most valuable of all varieties is compact
and sky-blue.
Topaz
One of the most traditional gems. Topaz is a
prismatic crystal that is colorless or white, yellow,
orange, brown, pink, salmon, red or blue. It has a
glassy brilliance and ranges from transparent to
translucent. Topaz cannot be synthesized on a
commercial scale, so it is highly prized.
21Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
Timeline
June 2007 January 2010
Abragem Mission to Algeria to Algerian delegation mission to
perform an assessment of the Brazil for final adjustments and
Algerian context. The experts project on 28 January at the ABC/
noted the presence of a primary MRE headquarters.
trade in handcrafted pieces,
although without gemstone inlays,
revealing the scant importance
given to local gemological
material.
February to September to March to
May 2016 December 2015 June 2015
Technical training in manual and Training in Goldsmithery Course on Faceted Lapping
3D jewelry design, delivered and Jewelry Casting, held in and Artisanal Lapping, held in
to 12 Algerian craftspeople in Tamanrasset. Tamanrasset, with twenty Algerian
Tamanrasset. artisans in attendance.
December 2016 December 2016 August 2017
Technical mission to Algiers, Exhibition and sale of jewelry and Technical mission to Ouro Preto (MG)
Tipaza and Blida to assess the local costume jewelry produced by for training activities with support
cooperatives and obtain inputs for Tamanrasset artisans held at the from the Federal Institute of Minas
the creation of a cooperative. Brazilian Embassy in Algiers. Gerais (IFMG). Twenty-six Algerian
craftspeople attend the training,
improving their skills in: faceted
cutting, artisanal cutting, basic
goldsmithery, jewelry casting, jewelry
design and stone handicrafts.
22Brazil and Algeria: a decade of cooperation in gems and jewelry manufacture
March 2010 April 2010 May 2010
Abragem Representatives attend Mission to Tamanrasset to deliver “International Seminar on Cut
the “15th International Traditional technical support in determining Gems, Jewelry and Stone
Handicrafts Fair (SIART)”, held in the required adaptations for reno- Handicraft Production Techniques”,
Algiers. Brazil was the only Latin vation of the building where the held by ABRAGEM, in Algeria, with
American country to attend the Handicraft Model Training Center about 80 attendees.
event. was later installed.
November 2013 May 2013 July 2012
Inauguration of the Training Center Technical mission to Tamanrasset The equipment and machinery
of Cut Gemstone Manufacture. to install and test the machinery donated to the Craft Model
The ceremony was attended by and equipment donated under the Training Center in Tamanrasset
the Minister of Tourism and Crafts, project. arrives in Algeria.
Mohamed Amine Hadj Said. The
first training course for a class of
20 students is also held during this
month.
October to July 2018
December 2017
Final evaluation mission and pro-
Training course about ject closure.
cooperativism for students from
the Tamanrasset Training Center
for Production of Cut Gems. The
“Tirtit N’Ahaggar” cooperative
is established by the students
themselves.
23Brazil - Algeria International Cooperation
• Training of 80 artisans from several
Main regions of Algeria in the following
subjects: cutting of faceted and
Achievements
handcrafted gems (20 students);
Metalwork and jewelry casting (20
students); Jewelry design, manual and
3D (20 students); and Stone handicrafts
• Implementation of the Model Craft (20 students);
Training Center in Tamanrasset;
• Training course about cooperativism
• Training of skilled Algerian labor for 45 artisans in Algeria;
in the jewelry industry and jewelry
manufacturing; • Establishment of a cooperative for the
production of stone handicrafts, made
• Sharing of technologies and important up of 27 students from all segments;
industrial innovations for jewelry
manufacturing; • A specialization course in jewelry skills for
26 Algerian artisans in Ouro Preto - MG;
• Creation of trade and professional
associations in the jewelry industry; • Publications and technical materials
produced under the project;
• Sharing of knowledge in precious
gem identification and classification, • Widespread press coverage during
contributing to the qualification of local the project, confirming its significance
businesses; for Algeria.
24| Benin Promoting Rural Cooperativism
Brazil - Benin International Technical Cooperation
Agroecology and
cooperativism are
strengthened in Benin
Brazilian experts trained Cotonou teachers on how cooperatives and family
farming can go hand in hand with sustainability and care for the environment.
Benin is a West African country that and the Federal Institute of Brasília
nestles between the Atlantic Ocean to (IFB). The project was co-designed with
the south, Niger to the north, Togo to Benin following their formal request for
the west and Nigeria to the east. Its over cooperation and was also supported
11 million citizens are spread over some by the Lycée Agricole Médji de Sékou
112,622 km² in an agriculture-driven (LAMS), a public agricultural college 45
economy with enormous untapped km from Cotonou.
growth potential. In this scenario, a
technical cooperation initiative between The project began when the Beninese
the Brazilian and Beninese governments government identified two major
intends to foster improvement of policies priority challenges: the need to improve
regarding agriculture, which account for their economy’s global and sectoral
38% of Benin’s GDP. competitiveness and the need to
afford its population better quality of
Porto-Novo is the administrative capital life. As such, the international technical
of Benin, while Cotonou is its economic cooperation initiative would comply with
hub, boasting a significant concentration Benin’s vision for development.
of the Republic’s institutions. Benin’s
economy relies on its transit trade. The project’s main goal was
Although the economy is agriculture- strengthening vocational education
based, it is not very competitive due to institutions in Benin and increasing the
the lack of production tools to ensure number of graduates in the world of
better quality and bulk. work by promoting cooperative and
agroecological practices. The first stage
The “Institutional Strengthening of involved capacity building for the faculty
Benin’s Vocational and Technological of the Sékou Médji Agricultural School.
Education in Agroecology and The second step was the implementation
Cooperativism” project began in 2011, of a food-processing center that would
under Brazilian Cooperation Agency also be a business incubator to support
(ABC) coordination, in partnership with local cooperative projects.
the Federal Institute of Bahia (IFBA)
26Institutional Strengthening of Benin’s Vocational and Technological Education in Agroecology and Cooperativism
Vânia Costa Pimentel, a teacher at
CHALLENGES IFB, was the project coordinator in her
institution. “Our first mission to Benin
Benin’s agricultural production is was in 2011. It was a fact-finding mission
characterized by the prevalence of small to design the project according to
rural properties and their vulnerability to demands, to the local context. We held
climatic phenomena. It also lacks access several meetings with the Beninese
to modern technologies to increase teachers to work out exactly what
yields and formalize its activities. experience we could share. We realized
Agricultural production also occupies a that the school was lacking in teaching
significant percentage of the country’s materials and from a pedagogical point
workforce, which is why continuous of view. The issues of cooperativism
strengthening and growth is so vital. and agroecology were going to be very
important. Their agricultural systems
were based on the French systems,
THE PROJECT since France colonized them. These
techniques ae designed for cold climates,
The “Institutional Strengthening of although the climate in Benin is tropical.
Benin’s Vocational and Technological It was a poorly adapted framework for
Education in Agroecology and that region,” explains Vânia.
Cooperativism” project began in 2011,
with a visit by professors from the The Brazilian teachers realized that the
Federal Institute of Bahia (IFBA) and the vocational school students were the
Federal Institute of Brasília (IFB) to the children of local farmers and that most
Médji de Sékou College. This agricultural of them produced pineapple, the first
college is a public vocational school in and foremost local commodity. This was
Benin that covers the last three years the starting point for the introduction
of secondary education and prepares of agroecology, which promotes the
students for higher education. coexistence of agriculture with the local
27Brazil - Benin International Technical Cooperation
environment. “We worked on pineapple explains. “The first stage consisted of
processing. Up to that time it was only teacher training in a six module course.
sold in natura, so losses were massive The second stage was setting up the
because of high outputs and because business incubator, which is a food
the product is extremely perishable. The processing facility.
Beninese learned that you can make
pulp, jam, juice The course
and other long- was tailored to
lasting products the social and
from pineapple,” Twenty-eight trainers were economic contexts
the IFB teacher trained in Benin. They, prevailing in Benin.
says. in turn, will pass on their The teachers
knowledge to other teachers from the partner
The plan was and to LAMS graduates. institutions
training the Lycée d i s c u s s e d
Agricole Médji de topics such as
Sékou teachers Associativism and
and making Cooperativism in
sure that relevant entrepreneurship, a Solidarity Economy; Agroecological
cooperativism and agroecology Principles and Concepts; Strategic
knowledge was shared. “Our intention Planning and Entrepreneurship;
was to work with the school teachers Agroecology and Social Technology ,
so they could train students to become Practices, among others.
trainers in their own communities,” she
28Institutional Strengthening of Benin’s Vocational and Technological Education in Agroecology and Cooperativism
The Beninese teachers were asked practical experiences and to bring new
to make a verbal defense of their ideas back to their homeland. “We took
term papers at the headquarters them to properties that were involved in
of the Brazilian Embassy in Benin, the agroecological process. We visited
broadcasted simultaneously via Skype a group in Padre Bernardo, from the
to the supervising teachers, who were Colônia Settlement, which processes fruit
in Brazil and attended the presentations from the Brazilian savannah (known as
at the MEC (Ministry of Education) “Cerrado”). This rural community operates
headquarters. under the principles of cooperativism.
We also went to Fazenda Malunga, an
organic farming estate in Brasilia created
VISITING BRAZIL by Forest Engineering students, where
we focused on the use of alternative
The teachers who were trained in Benin inputs and on the support given to local
came to Brazil on two occasions to smallholders. It is one thing to be in the
supplement the new expertise they had classroom and talk about composting, for
acquired. The first group was made up example, it is quite another to see it all
of six teachers, and the second group happening on the ground. You can see
comprised six other teachers. the challenges and the potential of this
type of production system on the ground”
After assimilating theoretical knowledge Vânia points out.
during the training course, the Beninese
visited Brazilian enterprises in the Federal The IFB project coordinator explained
District, in Goiás and in Bahia, where that two-way learning has helped the
they used the concepts of cooperativism Beninese to have a better understanding
and agroecology to learn from their of how agroecology works and
29Brazil - Benin International Technical Cooperation
appreciate their local products and for local products at the Lycée Agricole
the importance of people cooperating Médji in Sékou, where students could
within a community. “We tried to show use the skills acquired during training,
some experiences that focused on this not to mention obtaining income through
approach to social organization. We direct marketing of the items they
visited, Coopercuc, in Bahia, for example. produce. The “Business Incubator” was
They produce candy, jellies and the housed on the same site as the LAMS
like by processing products from the College and received all the processing
Caatinga . We wanted them to be aware machinery as a Brazilian donation. The
of their own circumstances in Benin. We facility has a food reception and storage
tried to make them identify their own local room and a room where area these
products, their soil and their marketing. products are sold to the community.
This process of learning and building
was very rewarding for them and for us. Carlos Alex Cypriano, IFBA teacher and
The Brazilian teachers engaged in the coordinator of the People’ s Cooperative
process also gained a lot of experience Technological Business Incubator (ITCP),
from technical cooperation”. works with extension projects in solidarity
economies and people’ cooperativism.
He was one of the Brazilian experts who
BUSINESS INCUBATOR helped design and set up the Business
Incubator in Benin.
The second part of the project in Benin
consisted of building a processing facility “The food processing facility, as they
call it, was equipped from a social and
technical point of view, that is, with
straightforward and simple equipment
that they could use. Sometimes, when
you donate sophisticated equipment
to a particular place, it breaks down
immediately after the first problem
because of the lack of technical expertise
to repair it. We brought a number of
machines that were best suited to local
techniques and energy sources. The
power supply over there, for example,
is both difficult and expensive,” Carlos
Alex explains.
According to Mr. Cipriano, it took more
than training for local producers to realize
the need to appreciate local produce.
“The purpose of the business incubator
was to not only train graduates in food
30Institutional Strengthening of Benin’s Vocational and Technological Education in Agroecology and Cooperativism
processing, but also to add value to the GOOD FRUITS
produce, making the most of their raw
produce. Formerly they only marketed OBrazilian specialists, who returned to
fresh produce, but now they can make Benin in 2018, are still monitoring the
candy, jams, jams and juices, among project. One of these missions focused
others. Dried pineapple is an example. on improving the business incubator’s
Besides being easy to make, it enjoys safety systems and delivering training
high demand and avoids fruit waste, about boiler operation and maintenance,
since pineapples are highly perishable. while the second one delivered training
And this facility is also intended as about equipment. The Federal Institute
a place to foster local smallholder of Bahia (IFBA) was in charge of these
initiatives. activities.
PROCESSING
Processing local produce can bring
many positive social changes to the
communities involved. Tomato is a good
example. Many local smallholders live
off seasonal fruit production. The tomato
season lasts only four months, but
demand is high all year round, since it is
an ingredient in many Beninese dishes.
“For example, we set up an interesting An IFBA teacher visited Benin twice to
project with tomatoes. It could be teach LAMS technicians about boiler
replicated in other Beninese colleges operation and maintenance of business
with excellent acceptance, and this solve incubator machinery. Another IFBA
the challenge of a product that is widely specialist delivered training in operation
used in Beninese cuisine, but which is of additional business incubator
seasonal. In the off-season, the price machinery. 11 teachers from LAMS and
of tomatoes increases thirty-fold. The other local colleges were trained over a
project envisions that canned tomatoes one-week period.
would solve two problems. Firstly, it
would eliminate a great deal of waste, Currently, LAMS continues to train
since a significant part of crops are students and teach about cooperativism
lost during harvest. Secondly, it would and processing. Their diverse processed
provide a highly sought-after product all product portfolio includes tomato sauce,
year round at a much more affordable pineapple jelly, pineapple juice, chili
price,” says Carlos Alex. sauce and chili pepper flakes.
31Brazil - Benin International Technical Cooperation
“Agroecology was welcomed in Benin, first part of the project’s final evaluation.
as were the principles of cooperativism, The increased interest in vegetable
that were already place since colonial processing due to the project was
times, but which are now implemented confirmed. The old building where the
in the context of solidarity economy. The students had classes is currently under
latest news we have is that the project renovation and enlargement.
is still assisting in the creation of new
cooperatives and that this cooperation, Another important aspect that was
this green revolution, is on the rise in reported was the interest in replicating
Benin,” concludes the IFBA teacher. the positive experience acquired during
the project in other colleges. The
In November 2018, a team made up Government intends to set up business
of teachers from IIFB, IFBA and ABC incubators in vocational colleges across
representatives went to Benin for the the country, regardless of location.
LAMS
The Lycée Agricole Médji de Sékou agricultural
college currently has roughly 1,500 students (30%
of them women) and 100 teachers. It specializes in
some agricultural activities such as plant and animal
husbandry, food processing, reforestation, fishing and
soil preparation. In the Food Processing facility, spe-
cial attention is given to food preparation operations
from corn, cassava, pineapple and sugar cane crops.
The average course duration is 4 years, bringing
together theory and practice, through complementary
training with internships in agricultural companies.
32Institutional Strengthening of Benin’s Vocational and Technological Education in Agroecology and Cooperativism
Agroecology
Agroecology is agriculture practiced from an ecological standpoint.
It prioritizes the conscious use of natural resources, while
respecting and preserving them throughout the production
process - from farming to the distribution of products.
Agroecology is an alternative to alleviate the problems arising from the
traditional agricultural model, which causes a decrease in biodiversity,
offering sustainable choices that allow continuous use of the land for
farming purposes.
Green Revolution
Agrochemicals
Sustainable development has Plants
Agroecology does not require
changed the mindset about the needs
the use of pesticides nor
of the present generation without
soluble chemical fertilizers.
compromising the generations to
come. This movement is based on
economically viable, socially just and
ecologically correct development.
Cycle:
All life forms in an
agricultural cycle
Microorganisms are important: Birds
Minerals
History
Basil Bensin, a Russian agronomist, first used
the word ‘agroecology’ in 1928. The transition
to this new concept, however, is recent
and harks back to the point where farmers Developments
began to understand that pesticides, which Agroecology research has evolved
harm nature, could be replaced by practices into approaches that continue to
that respect and protect the environment empower producers to work in an
and provide a better quality of life for both environment-friendly manner, such
consumers and farmers. as studies on biodynamic agriculture,
natural agriculture, ecological
agriculture, organic agriculture and
agroforestry systems.
33Brazil - Benin International Technical Cooperation
Pineapple processing
Pineapple is one of the most important products in the Cotonou
region. Traditionally, small local producers sold fresh pinea-
pples. Teachers from the agricultural vocational college learned
how to process this fruit in the technical cooperation between
Brazil and Benin.
Processing is the act of transforming a primary product into an
industrialized product with higher added value.
Processos:
• The LAMS food processing facility receives, sorts, washes and
stores the fruit;
• Pineapples are fed into different processing equipment, de-
pending on the desired final product;
• Pineapples can be processed into pulp, juice, jam, preserves,
jelly and dehydrated fruit, among others;
• Processing not only adds value to the raw material but also
avoids waste and extends shelf time.
Waste use and treatment:
Leaves, stalks and peel account for approximately 50% of the
total raw material weight which is discarded in the basic fruit
processing process. This waste is not suitable for human con-
sumption, but it can be used as source material for composting
or animal feed.
Composting, one of the most widely employed
concepts in agroecology, produces an ecologi-
cally correct soil fertilizer that can be used in ve-
getable gardens and crops.
34Institutional Strengthening of Benin’s Vocational and Technological Education in Agroecology and Cooperativism
Learning in Brazil
The Beninese teachers first visited Brazil in 2013. They saw businesses that fos-
ter cooperativism and agroecology first-hand:
• Malunga Farm (agroecological production - Brasília/DF)
• Cerrado Permaculture Institute (Pirenópolis/GO)
• Caxambú Community (family agroecological production and artisanal agroin-
dustry - Pirenópolis/GO)
• Colônia I Agrarian Settlement (agroecological production - Padre Bernardo/GO)
• MASSAE (agroecological production - Taguatinga/DF)
• Coopersuc Cooperative (Salvador/BA).
The second visit to Brazil brought the teachers to other projects:
• IFB agro-industrial processing unit (Brasília/DF)
• Mama Gê (Sauce and jelly production - PAD-DF)
• Alimentos Primavera (vegetable processing- Brazlândia-DF)
• DESIFRUT Agroindustry (dried fruits - Sobradinho dos Melos /DF)
• Delícias da Primavera Agroindustry (jellies - Samambaia/DF)
• Rainha das Pimentas (chili pepper jellies and sauces - Lago Oeste /DF)
Main • Technical training of teachers regar-
Achievements ding processing machinery.
• Training of teachers of the Lycée • Construction of a Food Processing Fa-
Agricole Médji de Sékou agricultural cility (business incubator) at the Lycée
college; Agricole Médji de Sékou Agricultural
College;
• Tailoring agroecology and coope-
rativism techniques to the Cotonou • Training of 25 teachers from the Lycée
context; Agricole Médji de Sékou agricultural
college, corresponding to a specializa-
• Sharing industrial technologies and tion in agroecology and cooperativism;
innovations that are significant for
agroecology and cooperativism; • Creation of a center for dissemination
of techniques and support for smallhol-
• Sharing of knowledge in foodstuff der local producer cooperatives.
processing;
35|
Botswana
“Institutional strengthening
of the cooperative system
in Botswana based on a
pilot project with vegetable
farmers “ Project.Brazil - Botswana International Cooperation
Stronger
together
Technical cooperation project involving Brazil and Botswana empowers
small producers in Kweneng North to strengthen local agriculture through
cooperativism.
One of the fastest growing countries in with horticulturists to strengthen the
the world in the last 50 years, Botswana local agriculture.
lies in a landlocked semi-arid region
in southern Africa. It has managed to The Botswana terrain, which borders
increase its per capita income by over South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and
a hundred fold in half a century. A Zimbabwe, is flat and up to 80% of its
former British colony until 1966, when surface is encompassed by the Kalahari
it became independent, this small Desert, which is subject to long-running
republic has focused on areas such droughts that may last years. This may
as mining and ecotourism, whilst still explain why this nation is one of the
harboring an economy largely rooted in most sparsely populated in the world,
subsistence farming, practiced by most with just over two million citizens.
of its population. This is the background
for the “Institutional Strengthening of Botswana is home to ecological parks
the Cooperative System in Botswana” and precious stone deposits that have
project, a technical cooperation initiative boosted the economy internationally,
between Brazil and Botswana with the making it the fourth largest in Africa. On
purpose of implementing a pilot project the other hand, farming is the mainstay
Subsistence agriculture
engages the largest share of
rural populations in Botswana.
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