#Japan #Iwate #FORVAL #SNS Seminars

Empowering Farmers with Digital Skills in Iwate

In an increasingly digital world, the need for farmers to adapt and thrive has never been more pressing. Recognizing this, FORVAL, a consulting company known for its innovative approach to ESG management, has taken significant steps to support farmers in Iwate Prefecture through specialized training sessions. The aim is to provide local agricultural workers with the necessary skills to harness social media and e-commerce effectively.

These seminars were executed as part of the 2023 Iwate Agricultural Digital Talent Development Program, targeting local farmers and fishermen to enhance their digital literacy. Conducted primarily online, the training included multiple sessions focused on leveraging platforms like Instagram and the utilization of e-commerce sites for direct sales. The sessions provided practical knowledge and hands-on advice, enabling participants to promote their goods and engage with consumers effectively.

Objectives of the Program

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed consumer purchasing behavior, leading to an acceleration in online shopping. As a result, creating new distribution channels connecting local producers in Iwate with nationwide customers has become essential. The primary goal of these workshops was to empower producers to adeptly utilize direct sales e-commerce platforms and social media, thereby showcasing the appeal of their products and facilitating a sustainable sales network.

To achieve this, FORVAL assisted in every aspect of seminar execution, from online training to archival distribution and performance reporting. This comprehensive support has continuously enhanced the ability of producers to communicate and expand their market presence.

Seminar Overview

• - Host: Iwate Prefecture (Managed by FORVAL)
• - Format: Primarily online (with some hybrid elements)
• - Target Audience: Farmers and fishers beginning on their digital journey
• - Program:

- Feb 6: Introduction to Instagram
- Feb 9: Basics of EC sales

• - Instructor: Yoshihiro Buchi, a seasoned business architect in the EC and web domain, known for numerous accolades and contributions.

Seminar Results

The impactful learning environment reported an impressive retention rate of 87.5% on e-commerce knowledge, while understanding of social media usage stood at 63.2%. Though there remains room for growth in social media engagement, enthusiasm among participants for enhancing their information-sharing capabilities was evident.

Identifying Common Challenges

Analysis of follow-up questionnaires revealed three common challenges faced by attendees:
1. Expanding distribution channels and securing sales locations
2. Managing production plans and stock
3. Stabilizing revenue and pricing

Additionally, various actionable strategies were suggested, including regular posting, effective hashtag usage, improving e-commerce pages, and more. However, a notable number of participants expressed concerns about pursuing these actions alone, highlighting the necessity for ongoing support to implement the knowledge gained during the seminars effectively.

Moving to the Next Phase

The seminars achieved not just a quantitative improvement in understanding (87.5%) but also laid the groundwork for the next phase focused on practical implementation. Future initiatives will delve deeper into success stories and offer tailored support to individual producers, ensuring the continued impact of this training.

Participation Statistics

The seminars attracted considerable interest from local producers and stakeholders:

• - Feb 6 Session: Instagram Usage Seminar - 37 Participants (12 in-person, 25 online)
• - Feb 9 Session: EC Sales Seminar - 17 Participants (Online only)

Session Details:

• - Feb 6: Beginners’ Instagram Seminar, focusing on the basics of social media marketing and practical skills for content creation.
• - Feb 9: E-commerce Seminar aimed at explaining the essentials of online sales and providing participants with a roadmap tailored to their specific e-commerce needs.

About FORVAL

Established in 1980, FORVAL has become a leader in the field of management consulting, specializing in areas like information technology, environment, human resources, and education. With a capital of 41.05 billion yen and a commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises, FORVAL strives to foster talent that invigorates local economies. Their ongoing projects, particularly linked to digital transformation and sustainable practices, emphasize their role in promoting a more prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.

With the support of local government and private sectors, FORVAL continues to push forward with initiatives aimed at sustainable growth within the community, ensuring that farmers and local producers can adapt to the demands of a changing marketplace.