CCARDESA Facilitates APPSA Regional Communications and M&E Working Group Workshops

The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) hosted the Regional Communications Working Group (CWG) and Regional Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Working Group workshops for the Agricultural Productivity Programme (APPSA) from the 30th of May to the 2nd of June 2022, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to deliberate on achievements made thus far and concretize their plans for the next two quarters.

In these regional workshops, M&E delegates from the two implementing countries (Angola and Lesotho) together with CCARDESA, updated the: (1) Reference document for indicators; (2) Template for data collection from the field; (3) Template for collecting information on Lead Farmers; (4) Template for collecting data on beneficiaries; (5) ToRs for Data Analysis training for scientists; and (6) M&E Best Practices. The workshop also discussed preparations for the June Implementation Support Mission as well as the Midterm review.

Members of the APPSA Regional CWG were trained on the use of CCARDESA ICKM platforms for regional knowledge sharing and exchange. The Regional CWG also finalized the compilation of regional impact/success stories and facilitated the validation of the Cassava and Horticulture RCoLs’ Communications Strategies which were recently developed through a consultancy service. The validated Communication Strategies will provide RCoLs with guidance in the implementation of country and regional communication activities, including the: (1) promotion of RCoLs and APPSA visibility – increasing awareness, understanding and support of the APPSA approach; (2) facilitation of knowledge sharing, collaboration and networking among researchers, farmers, and extension officers; and (3) increasing of awareness of available technologies among key stakeholders. The validation session included the participation of APPSA country Project Implementation Units (PIUs), Scientists from implementing countries and CCARDESA.

APPSA is a World Bank funded regional initiative that seeks to improve technology generation and dissemination within and among participating countries in southern Africa by building capacity within national R&D systems and enhancing regional collaboration. APPSA was launched with the participation of three countries—Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia in 2013, and expanded in 2019 to Lesotho and Angola. Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia have successfully established Regional Centres of Leadership (RCoLs) on Maize, Rice, and Food legumes, respectively. Angola is establishing an RCoL in Cassava and Cassava-based farming systems, whereas Lesotho is focusing on Horticulture and Horticulture-based farming systems.