Research on agriculture takes centre stage in the region
Univeristy of Stellendotch, CCARDESA sign memorandum on agric research
Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa ( CCARDESA) Secretariat partnered with the University of Stellenbosch to advance agricultural research and development in the region.
The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday and agreed to cooperate on supporting each other in driving strategic projects, joint research and publications on strategic and emerging research topics of mutual interest; exchange of scientific information, knowledge, innovation, and technologies; facilitating agricultural incubation ecosystems in identified areas in the SADC region; and conducting joint fundraising for research, capacity building, and outreach activities.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, CCARDESA Coordinator, Dr Baitsi Podisi said their objective is to increase smallholder productivity through adoption of improved agricultural technologies and improved husbandry and marketing practices. “Among other roles, the organisation coordinates implementation of regional research and development programmes and promotes public- private partnerships in regional agricultural research and development.”
CCARDESA is a Sub- regional Research Organisation established in July 2010 by SADC Member States to facilitate coordination and cooperation in agricultural research and development in the SADC region for purposes of promoting technology generation, dissemination and adoption, in support of improved regional food security and livelihoods. CCARDESA head office is hosted within the premises of the Botswana Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Security in Gaborone.
The organisation is currently working on four projects which include Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa ( APPSA) funded by World Bank, Adaptation to Climate Change in Rural Areas of SADC -( ACCRA) ( 2016- 2021) which ended June 2021, CAADP- XP4 - EU supported: Started in Oct 2019- 2023 and SADCSub- projects: GCCA+ COVID- 19 response ( EU funded).
Since its establishment, CCARDESA has implemented its programmes through cooperation with strategic partners who are operating within the national agricultural research and extension systems in the region. These include universities, agricultural
research institutes, private companies and non- governmental organizations in the agricultural sector in the regional countries.
Stellenbosh University Dean of Agri- Sciences, Professor Kennedy Dzama highlighted that the Faculty has several departments, centres and institutes all involved in the key agricultural value chains and industries in South Africa and the rest of the African continent. “This potential can be harnessed positively to contribute towards development of agriculture in the region. Stellenbosch University is a Higher Education Institute established in 1918 and the Faculty of AgriSciences is one of its leading faculties, which is ranked number one in Africa. ”