Strategies for Resuming Inter-Korean Cooperation in Agriculture and Forestry

This study analyzed cases of international support for North Korea’s agricultural and forestry infrastructure and explores directions for resuming sustainable inter-Korean cooperation in this sector. Major international and non-governmental organisations, including the WFP, UNDP, FAO, and SDC, have carried out various projects aimed at ensuring food security, restoring forests, and building agricultural foundations in North Korea. Some of these efforts have also contributed to local employment and the improvement of regional infrastructure. However, most of these cooperative projects took place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the onset of the pandemic and North Korea’s border closures, there has been a halt in external collaboration, resulting in a lack of recent examples. Nevertheless, a systematic review of past initiatives underscores the need to redefine future cooperation strategies between South and North Korea. A critical challenge persists: international sanctions and North Korea’s isolationist policies have restricted support efforts to short-term, limited-scope projects, falling short of fostering sustainable, self-reliant development. Therefore, when inter-Korean cooperation resumes, it is imperative to shift beyond basic food aid and adopt a mid-to-long term framework focused on strengthening agricultural and forestry infrastructure and enhancing North Korea’s capacity for self-sufficiency.