In a strong signal of inclusion and transformation, the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) has placed women and youth at the forefront of its governance agenda during its fourth General Assembly.
The gathering, hosted by Lesotho through the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA), not only elected a new chairperson from Mozambique but also formally announced a renewed focus on empowering marginalised groups in agricultural development across the SADC region.
Held from April 1st to 4th, 2025 at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, the CCARDESA General Assembly brought together key stakeholders in agricultural research and development including government officials, academic institutions, farmer representatives, and private sector players from SADC member states such as Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Lesotho.
The event was officially opened by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Thabo Mofosi, who highlighted the significance of inclusive development in the face of ongoing climate change and food insecurity challenges.
“You will agree with me that this vision highlights the aspirations of the region, given the magnitude and gravity of the impacts of climate change that the region is likely to continue to face in the future. I am convinced, this vision will allow the region to put in place adequate measures to increase adaptive capacities and resilience of our people,” he said.
The minister noted; “Agricultural Research for Development is a facilitator of production, productivity, policy formulation, and understanding the social, cultural and technical dynamics of the sector. It provides essential elements for long-term regional planning. I therefore challenge the General Assembly, CCARDESA and National Research Institutions to stir the development and dissemination of technologies that facilitate mitigation and adaptation to climate change.”
During the Assembly, CCARDESA’s governing bodies committed to creating a gender policy, mainstreaming gender across all initiatives, and fostering youth engagement through partnerships, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network based in Cameroon. This approach is aimed at empowering women and youth to actively participate in agricultural value chains, market access, and sector commercialisation.
Professor Lala A. Razanfiinjara, chairperson of the CCARDESA board, emphasised the urgency for SADC countries to become self-reliant in food production and resilience.
“The need for us to look within ourselves and devise innovative ways to feed our region has never been as critical as now,” he stated, urging stronger regional collaboration.
The scientific conference that followed the General Assembly served as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge research, innovations, and technologies aimed at improving agricultural productivity and food systems.
Outgoing CCARDESA chairperson Dr. Grace Kaudzu reflected on the organisation’s progress, noting the completion of a revised strategy and the proposal to host a SADC regional soil health and fertilizer hub as key milestones since the last GA held in Durban in 2023.
The General Assembly also aligned CCARDESA’s goals with the African Union’s new agricultural development strategy adopted in January 2025. This continental strategy aims to increase “agrifood” output by 45% by 2035, reduce post-harvest losses by 50%, and improve nutrition outcomes across Africa.
CCARDESA’s inclusive and strategic direction reinforces the central role of agricultural research in transforming food systems while ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities are not left behind.
As Razanfiinjara concluded, “Pursuing agricultural development that delivers impact cannot be achieved through the effort of public Agricultural Research for Development institutions alone. We need strong partnerships, and I am glad to see the voices of farmers and non-state actors represented in this regional forum.”
