The Centre for the Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development in Southern Africa (CCARDESA), an initiative by the South African Development Community (SADC) to achieve food security through research and innovation, is now open for business in Botswana's Ministry of Agriculture in Gaberone.
“The issue of food security is particularly challenging to our region because despite the various challenges we have, the region is endowed with reasonable resources, that if put to good use, can change the situation,” - Christian de Graaff, Botswana's Minister of Agriculture
Research, innovation and technology are believed to be the key elements to achieving successes in food security with CCARDESA hoping to help remedy the vast needs of the SADC region. SADC's agricultural vein is responsible for food, employment and income for over 250 million people, (80% of the population of the region). In order for these countries to reach their Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), CCARDESA will coordinate the progress of the SADC Multi-country Agriculture Productivity Programme (MAPP), which hopes to meet the goals in research and development of Pillar 4 of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
At the launch of the Centre, Mompati Merafhe, Vice President of SADC said, “CCARDESA recognizes the critical roles and challenges facing both the public and private sectors in promoting the regional experiences and expertise,” challenging the new Centre to generate technologies to drive smallholder and commercial farming production and outputs.
SADC is to hold their next gathering, the 31st Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government on 4 - 23 August 2011 at the Talatona Convention Centre in Luanda, Angola.
Background for this story was found in:
The Botswana Gazette, "SADC centre for agricultural research launched in Botswana"
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, "CCARDESA is up and Running!"
All Africa, Southern Africa: Angola At Launching of Agricultural Research Centre of SADC