Strengthening Capacity for Agricultural Research and Development in Africa (SCARDA) is a new programme designed to strengthen national agricultural research and development systems in sub-Saharan Africa.   The Programme was developed following an extensive review of capacity needs in research and development institutions in the region.     It is closely aligned with the vision of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme of addressing human and institutional capacity gaps.  SCARDA therefore contributes directly to the agenda of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

ASARECA Workshop Participants © University of Greenwich

 

Scoping studies have been conducted with key stakeholders in a large number of countries and a set of priority areas has been identified for support.  Capacity strengthening activities will begin with selected institutions in early 2008 and will continue for a 30-month period during the first phase of the Programme.  It is anticipated that, if the initial activities are successful, a further phase will follow in which a wider range of institutions and countries will be involved. 

 

SCARDA is led by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and will be coordinated in the three sub-regions of sub-Saharan Africa by ASARECA, CORAF/WECARD and SADC-FANR.   NRI is a core partner in the programme and is working with African agricultural research and training organizations to help ‘strengthen capacity to strengthen capacity’.

 

SCARDA is supported by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).  For further information on this programme and on NRI’s capabilities in capacity strengthening for agricultural research and development, contact Dr Tim Chancellor (T.C.B.Chancellor@gre.ac.uk).

Related Pages

SCARDA Activities

SCARDA Objectives

SCARDA Inception Report