Session 12
Chairperson: Mrs Mildred Sandi
Rapporteurs: Dr None Mokitimi
Mr Eduardo Mondhlane
The following presentations were
made:
• Strengthening FANRPAN nodes and the role of
civil societies in regional FANR: The case of
CISANET in Malawi by Mr Victor Mhoni.
• Strengthening FANRPAN country nodes & the
role of civil societies in he regional FANR by
Anthony Mwanaumo.
Main issues from presentation:
• FANRPAN country nodes we traditionally located at
universities.
• Universities have been found not to be performing as
expected.
• Strengthening of FANRPAN country nodes project
supported by USAID has been initiated.
• The project is being run as a pilot in 5 countries (South
Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola)
• In Zambia and Malawi the country nodes are being
relocated from universities to civil societies.
Main issues from presentation:
• In Malawi the country node is being relocated to
Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET).
• In Zambia the country node is being relocated to
AFC.
• The relocation of country nodes was seen as
beneficial as they are close to all role players in
agriculture.
• Universities will be utilised in undertaking
research .
Discussions
• CSO’s should be represented in SACAU .
• Why 5 pilot countries as many country
nodes in the region are dormant.
• Reason for relocating country nodes from
Universities to CSOs.
• What should be done to strengthen
country nodes?
• Country nodes should be located within
legal entities.
Recommendations
• There is need for a review of country node
activities.
• All country node in all SADC countries should be
strengthened.
• FANRPAN Secretariat should hold workshops in
each SADC country to review the workings of
country nodes and market FANRPAN activities.
• New nodes like Angola visit other nodes with
experience e.g. Zambia.
• All nodes should sell FANRPAN in their
organisations.