A Case of Leadership Development Program in Korea and its Implication for Global Poverty

This paper begins with an overview of the world’s state of hunger and poverty. Analysis of data shows a world that is suffering, but more worrisome is the vulnerability to greater calamity and mixed results from conventional strategies. As an alternative model for development, the paper presents the case of Canaan Farmer’s School and the Global Agricultural Leadership Development Program. The program’s unique philosophy is to emphasize mindset education instead of outside resources as the key to alleviate national and global poverty. Evidence for this philosophy is demonstrated through the history of Canaan Farmer’s School and its inspiration for Korea’s New Village Movement that led to Korea’s national development in just 50 years. The goal of the Global Agricultural Leadership Development Program is to transfer this experience to other countries by developing national leaders with new mindsets, knowledge, and lifestyles to alleviate poverty in their nations. The results of the training program are presented. Finally, the unique aspects of the training program are highlighted along with implications for the global struggle against hunger and poverty.