CABI has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture by recently collaborating with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other regional stakeholders to launch the Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DACAS) Knowledge Network.
The IGAD DACAS knowledge network will connect experts from IGAD member states, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti, alongside regional technical partners. This collaborative platform will facilitate the exchange of experiences, sharing of lessons learned, and review of critical knowledge products that are important to the region. All resources will be accessible via an online platform, building collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders.
The initiative forms a vital part of IGAD’s broader efforts under the World Bank-funded Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), which seeks to enhance climate adaptation and food security across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The DACAS Knowledge Network was officially launched during a three-day meeting in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, which brought together over 40 specialists and experts from agriculture ministries, national meteorological agencies, and agricultural research institutions across IGAD member states. Regional technical and development partners, including CABI, Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, ASARECA, CCARDESA, AICCRA, and ICPAC, also participated to discuss and approve the draft terms of reference and action plan, paving the way for the network’s operational rollout.
Dr Meles Mekonen, State Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture Development, Ethiopia, opened the workshop, emphasizing the value of the DACAS Knowledge Network in information exchange, learning, and collaboration as essential to enhancing food system resilience and supporting climate adaptation and sustainable development.
As part of the launch programme, Henry Mibei, Manager, Digital Development, Africa, at CABI, joined a panel discussion alongside representatives from the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, ASARECA, and CCARDESA. The panel focused on sharing practical experiences and lessons learned in the implementation of Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services.
Mr Mibei highlighted the critical role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in co-creating, supporting, and facilitating effective digital advisory services, stressing that strong collaboration across sectors is essential for impact at scale.
“Delivering meaningful digital agro-climatic advisories requires a collaborative approach,” he noted.
“Government agencies, research institutions, the private sector, farmers and other stakeholders must be engaged. When we create solutions in collaboration, we ensure that climate information is not just available but usable, timely, and trusted. I’m particularly glad that the DACAS Knowledge Network builds strong collaboration among diverse stakeholders. It’s this spirit of working together that will drive lasting, regional impact.”
IGAD workshop in progress (credit: IGAD)
During the meeting, participants agreed on key approaches to improve the effectiveness of DACAS, including co-creation with farmers, human-mediated delivery of digital content, capacity building, and addressing the digital divide to ensure access for all.
CABI’s expertise was recognized through its nomination to the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) of the DACAS Knowledge Network. Coordinated by AICCRA, the RTWG will comprise member states’ technical focal points and representatives from technical development partners.
This initiative aligns with CABI’s commitment to implementing FAIR data principles. Through its Enabling Data Access (EDA) project, CABI recently launched the FAIR Process Framework. The framework aims to operationalize FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and responsible data practices within Agricultural Development (AgDev) investment. As well as advancing new technologies for greater global food security, the FAIR Process Framework will enhance data management and sharing in order to maximize the impact of foundation-funded projects around the world.
Additional information
Main image: Participants during the Regional Meeting to Launch the IGAD Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DACAS) Knowledge Network held in Bishoftu, Ethiopia (Credit: IGAD).
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