Operationalizing an EU Approach to Research & Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Security: drawing on lessons learned Brussels, Belgium, 7 November 2014 Linking Regional Programs to National Systems: case of CORAF/WECARD Harold Roy-Macauley Executive Director of CORAF/WECARD 2 Context Topic Depicts Importance of the existence of CORAF with its four functions A fundamental principle underpinning the existence of CORAF Strong position of CORAF as an SRO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY 380 M population Promote sub-regional cooperation NARS of 22 countries in WCA Create synergies and reduce duplications Transformation of Agriculture Advocacy: increased investment in research and policy influence Created in 1987 Overview of CORAF/WECARD CAADP & sustaining the momentum Food supply & reducing hunger Land & Water Mgt Rural infrastructure & markets Ag. research technology dissemination and adoption Achieve at least 6% agricultural growth to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty by half in 2015 Agricultural research technology dissemination and adoption CORAF Strategy aligned to vision of African Heads of States FAAP & Science Agenda for African Agriculture Convert information to knowledge Establish & support knowledge transfer & experiential learning systems Provide information on strategic options to influence policies Mobilise investment in Ag. Research for development Create & maintain expertise Foster institutional strengthening Develop competencies in implementing IAR4D Encourage common planning, fin. & admin. systems Support pooling of resources Support FAAP compliant programmes Coordinate & facilitate regional research Strengthen capacity of NARS Knowledge Management Advocacy Linking regional programs to national systems and adding value CORAF/WECARD core functions to implement strategy 6 Involving NARS institutions in implementing regional programs Linking regional programs to national systems Identify and validate regional priority research for development themes Competitive projects 98 1 st OP Competitive projects 98 1 st OP Commissionned Projets 9 - 1st OP Commissionned Projets 9 - 1st OP Regional public goods Conduct scoping studies in priority research for development areas NARS and their partners: University Agricultural Colleges National Ag. research institutes Producer organizations Non governmental organizations Private sector Consumers Advanced research institutions (IRD, CIRAD, CGIAR) NARS and their partners: University Agricultural Colleges National Ag. research institutes Producer organizations Non governmental organizations Private sector Consumers Advanced research institutions (IRD, CIRAD, CGIAR) At least 3 countries At least 3 categories of actors Coordination of regional programs by national institutions Involvement of national institutions in 55 regional programs Geographical spread of programs coordination 10 Aligning regional programs to NAIPs Linking regional programs to national systems Creating enabling environment for strengthening linkages Dry cereals Rice Fruits & Vegetables Livestock Mangrove rice Banana & Plantain Roots & tubers Maize Aquaculture 3 WALIC CIRDES IRED PRASAC CARBAP Linking regional programs to national systems Creating enabling environment for strengthening linkages Concept & criteria of a RCOE A structured regional center geared towards excellence and consisting of national institutions sharing the same priorities in the area of agricultural research, innovation and learning Entry point : cross cutting national priorities Regional vocation Experimental sites in several countries in the sub- region Dry cereals Rice Fruits & Vegetables Livestock Mangrove rice Banana & plantain Roots and tubers Maize Aquaculture 3 WALIC CIRDES FARCHA PRASAC CARBAP Four potential RCOE to be initiated NCOS Implementation framework for agric. research Program responding to both national and regional research priorities Contribution to strengthening national systems in WA Quality of research teams Functioning mode and governance of the Centre Efficiency of the information and communication strategy and ISO certification Capacity to put research results (technologies and innovations) into use RCOE Partnerships and strategies for planning and implementing regional AR4D RCOS Trajectory of evolution from NCOS to RCOE Linking regional programs to national systems Creating enabling environment for strengthening linkages CORAF/WECARD funding for OP Funding sources of 1st OP WAAPP Financing Policy makers show more interest in CORAF/WECARD coordination functions and activities Linking regional programs to national systems Creating enabling environment for strengthening linkages Improving Plantain Value Chain through Innovation Platforms Current membership at 600 New knowledge and skills acquired in producing clean planting materials Behaviour and practices changed to ensure impact Employment increased and new businesses created New plantain farms established Plantain marketing in CEMAC zone increased The IP sources of funding diversified and several prices won. Conclusion Thank you Secrtariat excutif Tl (221) Fax (221) Web: