The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex continental body mandated to coordinate and facilitate agricultural research and innovation across Africa. It serves as the technical arm of the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) for mobilizing science, technology, and innovation (STI) in support of the continent’s food and agricultural development goals. These goals are anchored in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and reinforced by the 2014 Malabo Declaration on agricultural growth and transformation.
Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, FARA has operated for over two decades and works closely with the four sub-regional agricultural research organizations (SROs):
ASARECA – Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa
CCARDESA – Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa
CORAF – West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development
NAASRO – North Africa Agriculture Sub-regional Organization
FARA also partners with the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Education, Extension, and Research, among many others. Together, these institutions support national agricultural research and innovation systems to deliver results that enhance food and nutrition security, increase incomes and employment, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable natural resource management.
More information: AASW9 – African Agribusiness and Science Week