News

Mobilizing resources for agricultural research is essential to increase productivity, improve climate resilience, and support innovation, thus contributing to food security and rural economic development.

On the eve of the Science and Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC) in Kigali, CORAF brought together key players from agricultural research and development institutions on August 1 and 2, 2024 for an experience-sharing workshop on the operating cost recovery policy. 

"This workshop to share experiences on operating cost recovery policy is an essential step in that direction. We are not alone in this quest. We can learn from the best practices of our different agricultural research and development institutions, and adapt this knowledge for a synergy of actions," declared Dr. Kalifa Traoré, Chairman of CORAF's Board of Directors, in his opening remarks. 

The aim of the workshop was to analyze the different cost recovery approaches and strategies implemented by agricultural research and development organizations. By identifying best practices and key success factors, participants proposed a financing model adapted to the specificities of each institution, thus guaranteeing the sustainability of actions and the effectiveness of services rendered to communities. The event strengthened existing partnerships and opened up new avenues for mobilizing the resources needed to ensure the sustainability of agricultural institutions in Africa. Executive directors and representatives of the regional organizations that are members of the CAADP XP4 consortium, notably ASARECA, CCARDESA, AFAAS and FARA, were present at this sharing session. The Honorary President of ROPPA was also on hand to contribute to the discussions. 

For CORAF's Executive Director, Dr. Moumini Savadogo, this meeting is crucial for developing innovative and sustainable strategies to overcome the financial challenges that threaten the sustainability and autonomy of agricultural research institutions in Africa.

"To move forward, we need to be innovative and pool our efforts in our resource mobilization strategies. This meeting is a valuable platform for identifying best practices and developing a model adapted to our specific context," said Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, during the discussions.

The workshop was attended by Dr. Kalifa TRAORE as Chairman of CORAF's Board of Directors, and Dr. Moumini SAVADOGO as CORAF's new Executive Director. It represents an important step towards the financial autonomy of agricultural research institutions in West and Central Africa.

A number of key recommendations were made during the workshop, including:  

• Develop a joint resource mobilization plan
• Organize a follow-up meeting on the recommendations of the Kigali workshop
• Position the institutions of the CAADP XP4 consortium on agricultural financing dedicated to African countries.