About Fara
Fara: The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa
Fara is a leading organization that coordinates and advocates for agricultural research for development (AR4D) in Africa. As the apex continental organization, Fara is responsible for promoting sustainable agriculture and food security across the African continent.
With a mission to enhance the contribution of AR4D to sustainable agricultural growth, Fara works closely with national agricultural research systems (NARS), regional economic communities (RECs), and other stakeholders to promote innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.
Fara's History
Founded in 2002 by African governments, Fara has been at the forefront of promoting agricultural research as a key driver of economic growth and development in Africa. Over the years, Fara has played a critical role in coordinating AR4D activities across the continent through its partnerships with NARSs, RECs, international organizations such as CGIAR centers and universities.
FARA's Vision
The vision of FARA is to create an innovative system that promotes sustainable agriculture-led growth on the African continent. This vision is based on three pillars: increased productivity; improved livelihoods; and enhanced resilience.
To achieve this vision, FARA focuses on four strategic objectives:
1. Strengthening NARS capacities
2. Promoting partnerships among stakeholders
3. Enhancing knowledge management systems
4. Advocating for policies that support AR4D
Strengthening NARS Capacities
One of FARA's primary objectives is to strengthen NARS capacities by providing technical assistance and training programs aimed at enhancing their capabilities to conduct high-quality research that addresses local needs.
Through its partnership with NARSs across Africa, FARA provides support through various initiatives such as:
- Developing human resources through training programs.
- Providing access to modern technologies.
- Supporting institutional reforms.
- Facilitating networking among researchers within countries or regions.
- Promoting collaboration between researchers from different countries or regions.
Promoting Partnerships Among Stakeholders
Another key objective of FARA is promoting partnerships among stakeholders involved in AR4D activities across Africa. These include governments at all levels; private sector actors; civil society organizations; farmers' organizations; donors; international organizations such as CGIAR centers etc.
By bringing together these diverse groups under one umbrella organization like FARa can help foster collaboration towards achieving common goals related to food security & nutrition while also ensuring sustainability over timeframes beyond individual projects or initiatives alone could achieve without coordination efforts like those provided by FARa .
Enhancing Knowledge Management Systems
Knowledge management plays an essential role in ensuring effective implementation of AR4D activities across Africa. To this end,FARA aims at enhancing knowledge management systems by developing platforms where information can be shared easily among stakeholders involved in AR4D activities across different sectors including academia,research institutions,government agencies,private sector actors,civil society organisations,farmers' organisations,donors,international organisations etc..
Advocating For Policies That Support Ar4d
Finally,FARA advocates for policies that support AR4D activities aimed at improving food security & nutrition outcomes while also contributing towards economic growth & development on the African continent.Furthermore,FarA engages policymakers at all levels - national/regional/international -to ensure they are aware about importance of investing into Agriculture Research & Development(ARD) which will ultimately lead towards better livelihoods especially amongst rural populations who depend heavily upon agriculture-related income sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion,FarA plays an important role coordinating efforts related towards Agricultural Research & Development(ARD)across entire African Continent.This includes working closely with National Agricultural Research Systems(Nars),Regional Economic Communities(RECs),International Organizations(CGIAR Centers/Universities)and other relevant stakeholders.Furthermore,the organisation focuses on four strategic objectives namely strengthening nars capacities,promoting partnerships among stakeholders,enhaning knowledge management systems,and advocating policies supporting ar 4d.In doing so,it aims creating innovative system which promotes sustainable agriculture-led growth throughout entire african continent thereby contributing positively towards socio-economic well-being people living there!
faraafrica.org
