The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) recently held a workshop in Gaborone, Botswana, from 9th to 13th September 2024, aimed at finalizing the Agroecology Regional Multi-Actor Research Networks (RMRN) proposal. This workshop followed a competitive selection of a consortium to lead the SADC network, bringing together experts from across Southern Africa to advance agroecological practices.
The workshop's objective was to provide a space for stakeholders to refine the joint proposal to meet funding requirements. Led by a consortium of eight institutions, including the University of Cape Town (UCT), Lilongwe University, and Sokoine University, this initiative is part of an EU-supported push toward agroecology, emphasizing sustainability in farming practices.
YPARD’s involvement in the project is pivotal for engaging young professionals in the region. By leveraging its network, YPARD aims to connect young agrifood experts with consortium members, incorporating them into the research network’s governance structures and providing opportunities for student fellowships and a youth Community of Practice.
"Youth are key to the future of agroecology, and we're excited about the possibilities that it brings. We see AE as an opportunity to be taken seriously as agents of change, as AE values community leadership as one of it's core tenants. This is key for youth."
-Genna Tesdall, YPARD Director
YPARD will also host YPARD Cafes and other learning experiences to disseminate agroecological knowledge regionally and globally, and will link this work with its GP-SAEP project.
"Agroeoclogy is the way to ensure that we have decent working conditions; no young person wants to spray more pesticides than we need to. We want healthy working conditions and harvests--- and we need to do all this with the few resources available to us as young people. Agroecology is the perfect way to do this, and we're eager to share our experiences as YPARD Eswatini and our Rural Grown Foods learning center."
-Gcina Dlamini, YPARD Eswantini
During the workshop in Botswana, CCARDESA's Executive Director, Prof. Cliff Dlamini, emphasized the importance of agroecology in addressing food security and environmental sustainability. He expressed confidence in CCARDESA’s leadership role and the need for collaboration among consortium members to ensure the project's success. Dr. Ndavi Malu, a facilitator from DeSIRA-LIFT, acknowledged the uncertainties in project implementation but stressed the importance of learning through trial and error. He highlighted CCARDESA’s key role in coordinating the project, managing a €5.25 million budget, and overseeing communication with the EU delegation.
EU Representative Tebogo Matlhare reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to agroecology, emphasizing its potential to blend with digital technologies and environmental protection. Dr. Podisi, representing the consortium, discussed plans to produce research, develop practical tools, and support education through PhD programs. European Commission’s Directorate of International Partnerships INTPA’s Faure Guy praised the proposal's potential to enhance agroecological practices, particularly in nitrogen fixation, and underscored the importance of collaboration with key partners like FAO and FARA.
The workshop focused on clarifying roles, refining budgets, and ensuring the project plan met EU requirements. Prof. Rachel Wynberg from UCT emphasized the need for strong governance and collaboration to meet the consortium’s goals. As the workshop concluded, participants left with a clear roadmap to implement the RMRN project, with an emphasis on involving local farming communities. The event was co-hosted by CCARDESA and DeSIRA-LIFT, supported by the European Union.
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