YMCA Agriculture

During the early 20th century, Korea was predominantly rural. In an effort to alleviate widespread poverty and improve health and nutrition the YMCA taught modern western farming techniques to Korean men and women. The YMCA started farmers’ institutes that provided training and access to better seeds, crop rotation techniques, western tools, pest control methods, and modern animal husbandry. In 1930 alone, the YMCA conducted twenty farmers’ institutes which were attended by 4,280 people.