FSRP has started the process of establishing a knowledge Hub, that will have an online platform for sharing knowledge products on the different thematic issues in the region as well as different knowledge networks on the agreed FSRP project themes such as digital agro-climate advisory services (DACAS), Soil and Climate Smart Agriculture and as well community of practice for sharing knowledge.

The IGAD DACAS knowledge network will always bring together experts from member states and technical partners from the region to share experiences, lessons learnt and discuss various knowledge products that are of significant importance to the region that will be uploaded onto the online platform, to be accessed and shared by different stakeholders in the region. The IGAD DACAS Knowledge Network is aimed at the creation, exchange, dissemination and utilization of knowledge, to improve the digital Agro-climate advisory services in the region.

From 18^th to 20^th December 2024, IGAD convened technical experts from member states and partners for a consultative meeting on DACAS where a lot of presentation on DACAS in the region were made, a draft Terms of Reference for the DACAS knowledge network and an action plan were developed to guide the network.

The consultative meeting developed an action plan with key activities to be undertaken which include the assessment of DACAS in the region, development of the regional framework on DACAS, finalization of DACAS network terms of reference, developing an online platform (Web portal) and launch of the knowledge network. The terms of reference for the assessment of the DACAS in the IGAD members’ states have been developed and expected to begin soon and as well develop a regional framework to guide DACAS. The process of developing an online platform (Web portal) for FSRP for sharing of knowledge products from the region or discussed in the various networks has also commenced with the terms of reference developed for the recruitment of the consultant.

It’s based on this background that the Food Systems Resilience Program in collaboration with the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) which is in the forefront in the promotion of DACAS and with which IGAD FSRP is advised to collaborate with by the World Bank, is organizing a three days meeting to discuss and approve the terms of reference for the network, provide an opportunity for learning on DACAS in the region as a result of the High level learning event that took place in Addis Ababa from 4^th to 6^thMarch 2025 and launch the IGAD DACAS Knowledge network.

Overall Objective of the Meeting

The overall objective of the meeting is to bring together key subject matter specialists and experts from the ministries of agriculture, national metrological agencies and national agricultural research organizations in IGAD Member States who participated in the December 2024, meeting in Addis Ababa, to discuss and approve the draft terms of reference for the knowledge network, provide an opportunity for continued learning on DACAS in the region (Sharing experiences) also taking into consideration the outcome of the High level learning event that took place in Addis Ababa from 4th to 6th March 2025; and to launch the IGAD DACAS Knowledge network. In addition to the MS participants indicated above, FSRP coordinators from FSRP countries in the region (Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia) will be invited.

Specific Objectives of the meeting

1. Discuss the draft Terms of reference as well as action plan for the IGAD DACAS Knowledge Network and approve them.
2. Launch the IGAD Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services Knowledge Network which will be the community of practice for knowledge sharing, learning and dissemination.
3. Share experiences on DACAS in the region and share and deliberate on experiences from the high level learning event that took place in Addis Ababa from 4^th to 6^th March 2025.

Methodology

The draft terms of reference for DACAS and the action plan will be presented, discussed and approved; participating organizations will share experiences on DACAS in the region.  Member States, will provide their experiences on DACAS, reflect on the outcome of the High Level FSRP learning event that was convened in Addis Ababa from 4-6 March 2025 in collaboration with the AUC, CCARDESA and the World Bank. The facilitators will come up with a robust methodology of delivering the expected outputs/outcomes and achieve the meeting objectives.

AICCRA being our partners and with their rich experience of DACAS and their knowledge of the IGAD region will provide technical backstopping support throughout the three days.

Dates and Venue

The meeting will take place from 5^th to 7^th May 2025, in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.