First CCARDESA General Assembly, 6-7 May 2014

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. Its headquarters are in Gaborone, Botswana.

Objectives of CCARDESA

CCARDESA was created to:

• Coordinate and promote collaboration among regional and National Agricultural and Development Systems (NARS) through regional and international cooperation;
• Facilitate the exchange of information and technology among members states
• Promote partnerships in the SADC region between public, private, civil society and international organisations in research and development (R&D);
• Improve agricultural technology generation, dissemination and adoption in the region through collective efforts, training and capacity building; and
• Strengthen research and development in States Parties by mobilizing human financial and technological resources to implement and sustain demand-driven activities.

Functions of the General Assembly (GA)

The governance of CCARDESA requires the convening of a General Assembly every two years. Members of the GA comprises 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. The functions of the General Assembly include 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.

Purpose of the First CCARDESA General Assembly

This First CCARDESA General Assembly will primarily focus on providing an opportunity for research and development stakeholders to give guidance on the governance related issues of CCARDESA.