News

CORAF's 13th General Assembly concluded this evening in the Chadian capital, N'djaména, with the approval of new plans to enable Central and West African countries to meet the challenges of food and nutrition security.

Delegates to the 13th General Assembly had gathered in Chad to review and approve an updated Strategic Plan 2018-2027 and Operational Plan 2023-2027. Both documents are now approved and will serve as the framework for CORAF's intervention over the next five years.

Several other governance tools were also approved. These include the revised CORAF statutes, the rules of procedure of the CORAF Board of Directors and the revised manual.

Members are invited to pay membership fees

CORAF is an association made up of national agricultural research institutes. According to the rules, they are required to pay a modest annual fee to keep their membership in good standing. However, few members have paid their annual dues in full. Consequently, the General Assembly called on all NARS to pay their dues. They also encouraged the Executive Secretariat to take steps to raise funds from countries in CORAF's geographical area of coverage and from the AfDB and other donors.

CORAF's position

Amidst the plethora of challenges facing West and Central Africa, it can be easy to overlook the role of research in agriculture and, consequently, the work of CORAF - which is the coordination of research. Delegates at the 13th General Assembly called on CORAF to intensify its advocacy work in favor of research and science, particularly among member countries.

Other important decisions taken included the renewal of the mandate of CORAF Board members until the next General Assembly in April 2024, in Cotonou, Benin.

Finally, participants recommended that CORAF strengthen ties with existing partners while expanding to new players.

Read the Final Communiqué of the 13th CORAF General Assembly here.

Read more :

• In pictures: CORAF's 13th General Assembly
• Plans for closer ties between CORAF and ECCAS approved
• CORAF honors R&D champions
• CORAF Chairman calls for increased R&D investment
• Researchers challenged to find solutions to climate change and COVID-19
• 13th CORAF General Assembly opens in Chad