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Theseus Shambare in JOHANNESBURG
KNOWLEDGE management is key in bolstering agricultural resilience and shaping policies in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region to ensure food security.
The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCADERSA) executive director and mission head, Professor Cliff Dlamini made these remarks while officially opening a policy dialogue on knowledge management in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Prof Dlamini, emphasised the need for effective knowledge management to ensure that research and innovations are translated into practical solutions that benefit farmers, policymakers and practitioners.
“Climate forecasts have shown that East and Southern Africa are expected to be negatively impacted by climate change, especially drought.
“This region is dominated by maize growing systems, making it particularly vulnerable to drought. Therefore, there is an urgent need to diversify agricultural production,” Prof Dlamini said.
Prof Dlamini highlighted the importance of the UKAMA USTAWI initiative, a CGIAR programme aimed at addressing food and nutrition security risks in the region through a climate-resilient, water-secure and socially inclusive approach.
As part of this initiative, CCADERSA has undertaken an assessment to determine the knowledge management capacity needs of agricultural research and development communities in the region.
“Knowledge management is a key thematic area in CCADERSA’s strategic plans, as it is essential for ensuring that the knowledge generated through research and development efforts is well managed and utilized,” Prof Dlamini added.
“CCADERSA has partnered with numerous development and technical partners to develop its knowledge management system, including the development of an organizational information, communication, and knowledge management strategy.”
The Executive Director also highlighted CCADERSA’s efforts to professionalise knowledge management through partnerships with The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) , West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) and Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA).
These partnerships have led to the implementation of professional training programs on knowledge management for focal persons in each member state.
Prof Dlamini aslo highlighted the need for regional countries to establish CCARDESA Information, Communication & Knowledge Management policies, strategies and platforms.
He said mainstreaming knowledge management in their structures will enhance agricultural resilience and improve livelihoods.
Prof Dlamimi called upon participants to actively engage in the dialogue and contribute to developing an effective knowledge management roadmap for the region.
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Bongani Ndlovu