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From April 15 to 17, 2024, the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) held its 14th Ordinary General Assembly in Cotonou, Benin. This regional event brought together key players in the agricultural sector, political decision-makers, representatives of Regional Economic Communities, researchers, development partners and members of civil society. 

During three days of intense discussions and deliberations under the theme: " Increasing collaboration with the private sector in West and Central Africa to mitigate the impact of climate, health and security crises on agriculture ", participants examined crucial issues linked to the strategy for collaboration with the private sector. 

The General Meeting also saw the renewal of CORAF's governing bodies, including the election of new members to the Board of Directors and the Scientific and Technical Committee. The recruitment of Dr Moumini SAVADOGO as CORAF's new Executive Director was ratified by the General Meeting. In his inaugural speech, Dr. SAVADOGO expressed his commitment to continuing to strengthen CORAF's leadership and to promoting a proactive approach to risk management in order to optimize opportunities and develop sustainable partnerships.

" The aim is to instill a new dynamic in order to bring quantitative influences to bear on the formulation and implementation of policies, financing mechanisms, investment and agricultural practices to achieve food and nutritional security, as well as resilience, posterity and social equity ", said Dr Moumini SAVADOGO. 

CORAF's newly elected Board of Directors is led by Dr Kalifa Traoré, who brings with him recognized expertise in the field of rural economics. The other Board members represent a diversity of expertise and experience, reflecting CORAF's commitment to regional collaboration and representation.

In addition to elections and nominations, the General Assembly formulated a set of resolutions and recommendations to guide the future actions of CORAF and its partners. The following recommendations were made:

to governments: put in place incentives to encourage the emergence of a private sector capable of using the results of agricultural research, and ensure that the recommendations of scientific and technical meetings are implemented,

for the regional economic communities: create synergy between the actions to be carried out by the various partners and research institutions in West and Central Africa; develop a sustainable financing model involving the private sector, the public sector and technical and financial partners in the CORAF area; carry out studies on the impact of technologies and innovations on agricultural sector productivity, the balance of trade, increased government revenues, and job and wealth creation, with a view to attracting investment in agricultural research,

for National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS): align research themes with the needs of users, who must be involved throughout the process; include local elected representatives, producers' organizations and end-users in basic policies and training programs; change the approach to seeking private funding by bringing the private sector into the field to guarantee its support; create and multiply gene banks with the support of CORAF to guarantee the conservation, sovereignty and security of genetic resources, particularly in the face of health crises. 

In conclusion, the 14th ordinary session of CORAF's General Assembly marked an important milestone in the organization's evolution. Under the leadership of its new Executive Director and renewed Board of Directors, CORAF is more determined than ever to meet the challenges of agricultural development in West and Central Africa, and to promote innovation, sustainability and prosperity for all. The 15th Ordinary Session of the CORAF General Assembly will take place in Praia, Cape Verde.

CORAF appreciates the support provided by the Government of Benin and the level of commitment of the regional and local organizing committees who contributed to the successful organization of this General Assembly. The high level of commitment shown by General Assembly participants was also recognized and congratulated.

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About CORAF 

CORAF, a sub-regional organization made up of the national agricultural research systems of twenty-three West and Central African countries, is mandated to coordinate the implementation of sub-regional agricultural research policies as defined by governments. Created in 1987 with its Executive Secretariat in Dakar, Senegal, CORAF's main objective is to improve livelihoods in West and Central Africa, through sustainable increases in agricultural production and productivity, and to promote competitiveness and markets. 

For more information: http: //www.coraf.org/ 

Press contact: Christel KENOU, Communications Manager, c.kenou@coraf.org