About Southeast asian regional center for graduate study and research in agriculture (searca)
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is a leading institution that focuses on agricultural research, education, and development in Southeast Asia. Established in 1966, SEARCA has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the region.
SEARCA's mission is to contribute to inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development (ISARD) through graduate education, research and development, knowledge management, policy advocacy, and partnerships. The center aims to achieve this by providing high-quality graduate education programs that equip students with the necessary skills to address complex agricultural challenges facing Southeast Asia.
SEARCA offers various academic programs such as Master's degree programs in agriculture-related fields like agribusiness management, food security and climate change adaptation. The center also provides scholarships for deserving students from different countries within Southeast Asia who are interested in pursuing higher studies related to agriculture.
Apart from academic programs, SEARCA also conducts research on various aspects of agriculture such as crop production systems, natural resource management systems including water resources management systems; livestock production systems; fisheries production systems; forestry production systems; socio-economic analysis of farming communities among others. This research helps identify innovative solutions that can be implemented by governments or other organizations working towards ISARD.
In addition to its academic programs and research activities, SEARCA also engages in knowledge management initiatives aimed at disseminating information about best practices related to sustainable agriculture practices across the region. This includes organizing workshops/seminars/webinars on topics such as climate-smart agriculture or agroforestry which are attended by stakeholders from different sectors including government agencies responsible for agricultural policies.
Furthermore, SEARCA advocates for policies that promote ISARD through partnerships with governments or other organizations working towards this goal. The center collaborates with international organizations like FAO (Food & Agriculture Organization), ADB (Asian Development Bank), IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), and others to promote sustainable agriculture practices in Southeast Asia.
In conclusion, SEARCA is a leading institution that has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers across Southeast Asia. The center's academic programs, research activities, knowledge management initiatives, and policy advocacy efforts have contributed significantly to inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development in the region. With its commitment to excellence in education, research, and development, SEARCA is poised to continue making significant contributions towards achieving ISARD in Southeast Asia.
searca.org
