December 20, 2024 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)through the Food Systems and Resilience Programme, in partnership with IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC), and the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), successfully held a Regional Consultative Meeting from 18 to 20 December 2024. The meeting focused on establishing a Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) Knowledge Network to strengthen climate resilience and food security across the region.
This meeting was a critical milestone under the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), a seven-year initiative aimed at enhancing food systems resilience and preparedness in the IGAD region.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Senait Regassa, Project Coordinator of the IGAD Food System Resilience Project, Stated: “ FSRP plans to establish a knowledge Hub, as one of the business models, that will have an online platform for sharing knowledge products on the different thematic issues in the region as well as knowledge networks on the agreed FSRP project themes such as DCAS.” On behalf of Mr. Dahir Elmi, Director of the Agriculture and Environment Division.
The consultative meeting brought together experts and stakeholders from IGAD Member States, including ministries of agriculture, national meteorological agencies, and regional organisations. Participants successfully:
- Defined the Scope of DCAS: Drafted the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the DCAS Knowledge Network, outlining roles, responsibilities, functions and structure.
- Exchanged Insights: Shared regional experiences and best practices in implementing DCAS.
- Mapped Stakeholders: Identified and documented key players within the region’s DCAS ecosystem.
- Action Planning: Drafted a three-year action plan to guide the Network’s operations.
The three-day event concluded with the following outcomes:
- A draft comprehensive ToR to guide the establishment and operations of the DCAS Knowledge Network.
- A stakeholder map detailing organisations and individuals working on DCAS in the region.
- A draft strategic action plan to operationalise the Network over the next three years.
- A detailed report capturing the discussions, recommendations, and way forward for implementing the Knowledge Network.
The DCAS Knowledge Network, once fully established, will function as a vital platform for knowledge creation, exchange, and dissemination. It will enable stakeholders across the region to share knowledge products, experiences, lessons learnt and strategies for enhancing digital agro-climate advisory services. This collaborative effort will support farmers, policymakers, and other actors in making informed decisions to improve resilience to climate challenges.
The meeting reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and integration, driving collective action to address shared challenges at the intersection of climate resilience and food security.
This meeting was conducted under the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), with funding support from the World Bank.
