Strengthening the capacity of SACAU members
Strengthening capacities of SACAU members in climate resilience and further topics of strategic importance through peer learning and exchanges
The Agriculture in Southern Africa
The agricultural sector in Southern Africa is facing major challenges: Climate change impacts are already clearly visible and a number of other strategic issues require locally adapted solutions. Farmers’ organizations (FOs) are predestined to identify the challenges of their members and to develop services and solutions. However, inade- quate thematic and organizational capacities all too often prevent FOs from fulfilling their role.
The Project
The exchange and cooperation of FOs is an effective approach to benefit from each other and strengthen capacities. In the project, SACAU - the umbrella organization of 19 national FOs in Southern Africa - organizes virtual exchanges and expert information trips with representatives of its member associations. The aim is to strengthen climate resilience and capacities in other self-selected topics of strategic importance. German expertise is involved in order to share and further develop proven approaches. The strengthened capacities of FO representatives should ultimately always benefit the FOs’ members: the farmers.
Project Goals
- Strengthening the organizational, thematic and technical capacities of FOs in Southern
- Improving the climate resilience of farmers through the services of
- Development of solutions for topics of strategic importance for the agricultural sector in Southern Africa by FOs.
- Exchange of experience and knowledge with German
Results and Successes
The highlight to date was the regional conference "Putting young Agripreneurs, Technological Innovations and Policy at the Center of Climate Action" in May 2023: Over 150 stakeholders from FOs as well as representatives from BMEL and other projects took part in the discussions. As part of numerous virtual exchanges and study tours, the FO representatives in the "Community of Practice on Climate Resilience" strengthened their expertise in climate-resilient agriculture and exchanged ideas with regional and German research and technology centers. At the same time, the FOs’ capacity to act is being strength- ened through work and trainings on strategic topics.
Project Partners and Cooperations
- Andreas Hermes Akademie im Bildungswerk der deutschen Landwirtschaft e.V. (AHA)
- The regional umbrella organization Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions SACAU
- 19 member organizations in SACAU from 12 countries in Southern Africa
Project Partner on Operational Level
- Project Lead: Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)
- Project Coordination: Andreas Hermes Akademie (AHA)
Link to the project website: SACAU
Address
Strengthening the capacity of SACAU members
Strengthening capacities of SACAU members in climate resilience and further topics of strategic importance through peer learning and exchanges
Unit 9, Block 2, Falcon Crest
142 South Street,
0157 Lyttleton, Centurion Pretoria
Südafrika
