Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa

Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)
Abbreviation	ASARECA
Formation	1994; 30 years ago
Headquarters	Plot 5 Mpigi Road, Entebbe, Uganda
Region	East And Central Africa
Executive Director	Enock Warinda
Website	asareca.org

The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) is an organization aimed at advancing agricultural research and development in the Eastern and Central Africa region. Established in 1994, ASARECA brings together the National Agricultural Research Institutes from its ten member countries – Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.<ref name=":0">"Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa Family Faming Knowledge Platform". www.fao.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref name=":1">"Who we are | ASARECA". www.asareca.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref>"Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (ASARECA) - SourceWatch". www.sourcewatch.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref name=":2">"Association for strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) – CURAD Incubator". 2018-07-08. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref>

History and background

ASARECA was established in order to support and improve the effectiveness of agricultural research in the Eastern and Central African region.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">"ASARECA". leap4fnssa.eu. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref name=":7">"African agriculture ministers to meet in Kampala". New Vision. Retrieved 2023-05-26.</ref><ref name=":8">"Innovation platforms to bridge gap between farmers and researchers". New Vision. Retrieved 2023-05-26.</ref> The organization was created through cooperation among the national agricultural research institutes of the member countries to address shared agricultural concerns.<ref name=":8" /> ASARECA has been promoting research and innovation for sustainable agriculture since it was founded.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":9">"Minister calls for impactful and transformative agricultural research". Monitor. 2023-05-20. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref>

Mission and objectives

The main objective of ASARECA is to promote market-oriented agricultural research that boosts the region of Eastern and Central Africa's income creation, economic development, food security, and export competitiveness.<ref name=":4">"Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa". uia.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref>"Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)". www.oerafrica.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref>mindq (2018-08-23). "Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa". CCARDESA. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref> To take advantage of size and scope economies, the organization attempts to strengthen regional cooperation in agricultural research.<ref name=":5">"Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)". oerafrica.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref name=":7" /> In addition to attending to the unique requirements and priorities of its member nations, ASARECA aims at promoting productive and sustainable agriculture.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>Adipala, Ekwamu (2013). "RUFORUM's Contribution to transforming Agriculture in Eastern and Southern Africa". Ruforum.</ref>

Research programs and activities

ASARECA conducts a range of research projects and initiatives that are centered on important theme areas. Crop enhancement, livestock production, resource management, climate change adaptation, and capacity building are some of them.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":9" /> By working together on research initiatives, ASARECA seeks to find creative answers to the region's agricultural problems and help farmers live better lives. Additionally, the group promotes knowledge sharing and technology transfer to speed up the adoption of agricultural advances.<ref name=":0" /> ASARECA, in partnership with five regional research institutions, launched a joint regional project in February 2012 to examine the trends in food prices across the East African region and use the data as a tool for forecasting and developing efficient food policies and strategies for the region.<ref>"ASARECA – Economic Policy Research Centre". Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref>"The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) project". projectsportal.afdb.org. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref>

Partnerships and collaborations

To support agricultural research and development in Eastern and Central Africa,<ref>"New regional policy to boost trade in agricultural produce". Monitor. 2021-11-24. Retrieved 2023-05-26.</ref> ASARECA works with a variety of regional and international partners.<ref name=":6">Canada, Global Affairs (2017-01-21). "Project profile". w05.international.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref> The association fosters collaboration and information exchange among these institutes by working closely with the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) of its member nations.<ref name=":3" /> In order to support its research programs and activities, ASARECA also collaborates with universities, development organizations, donor agencies, and other parties.<ref name=":6" /><ref>"Association of Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)". www.devex.com. Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref><ref>"COMESA/ ASARECA Sign Pact to Promote Agriculture – Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)". Retrieved 2023-05-25.</ref>

Impact and achievements

ASARECA has contributed significantly to agricultural research and development in the Eastern and Central African region over the years. To increase agricultural production, food security, and revenue generation, the organization has encouraged the development of cutting-edge technologies, enhanced farming techniques, and policy proposals.<ref name=":3" /> As a result of their joint efforts, ASARECA has improved the region's access to markets, farming systems' ability to withstand shocks, and the management of its natural resources.<ref name=":5"/>