First CCARDESA General Assembly

6-7 May 2014. Gaborone, Botswana. More than 180 participants attended the First CCARDESA General Assembly. The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) is a Sub-Regional Research Organisation created by SADC member states to coordinate agricultural research and development in the SADC region. CCARDESA was established in 2010 and formally launched in July 2011.

Members of the GA comprised participants drawn from Ministries responsible for Agriculture and Food Security, the agro industry, agricultural education institutions, farmer organizations and civil society from each State Party.

"Research must respond to farmers needs" said Motsepe Matlala, President of National African Farmers Union of South Africa, representing Farmers at the 1st CCARDESA GA

The General Assembly included to:

• Elect the Chairperson of the General Assembly;
• Recommend to State Parties Ministers, for approval, regional research and development priorities for CCARDESA;
• Approve, monitor and evaluate the CCARDESA strategic direction;
• Appoint, renew or terminate the services of external auditors for CCARDESA;
• Recommend, to State Parties Ministers, new members on CCARDESA Board identified by the sitting Board;
• Form its own committees, as necessary.

Extract:

Keynote presentations:

FARA ED Keynote - CCARDESA GA from CCARDESA

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COORDINATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA from CCARDESA

R and D priorities for Southern Africa - Dr Monica Murata from CCARDESA