CARDESA has been facilitating the implementation of the APPSA programme, which is supported by the World Bank in three countries (Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia) since 2013. Malawi was capacitated to be the Centre of Leadership in maize-based farming systems. Mozambique was supported to be a leader in rice-based farming systems. On the other hand, Zambia was supported in becoming a leader in legume-based farming systems. Angola and Lesotho joined in later in 2019. The Republic of Angola’s RCoL deals with cassava and cassava-based farming systems, while Lesotho deals with some horticulture products. Other SADC countries, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe are yet to establish new Regional Centres of Leadership (RCoLs). In this regard, a study was commissioned by CCARDESA to assess the remaining gaps or challenges faced by those countries that have already been supported. The targeted gaps were in the areas of (1) human resources; (2) infrastructure; (3) finance; and (4) climate-related challenges. Furthermore, these countries were assessed regarding high-level policy gaps, initiatives, institutional arrangements and even budgeting decisions that have cross-cutting relevance to food systems resilience. For countries yet to establish Regional Centers of Leadership (RCoLs), the study sought to Identify the priority research and development commodities for the National Agriculture Research and Extension Systems (NARES) based on the country’s preferences and regional competitiveness. This included assessing the country's needs and gaps covering the abovementioned areas. The study also analysed CCARDESA’s role in strengthening the RCoLs' response to food security and resilience challenges.
This report presents the summary findings of the assessment done. Using a literature review, questionnaire surveys with focal persons in each country and field visit outcomes, the study found several capacity gaps in human resources, infrastructure, financing, and institutional policies among established RCoLs in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. It also determined priority research and development commodities for National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) in other SADC countries. Additionally, the assessment examined relevant needs and policies for supporting the sustainable management of RCoLs and agriculture and CCARDESA's value proposition in supporting RCoLs.
Key recommendations include targeted capacity building, infrastructure upgrades, sustainable financing mechanisms, policy harmonisation, and strengthening CCARDESA's coordinating role. Implementing these recommendations will enhance the effectiveness of RCoLs in driving agricultural innovation and resilience across the SADC region. This abridged version of the report is accompanied by a detailed report highlighting specific methods and findings for each country and accompanying recommendations.
