African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services

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about AFAAS Country Fora (CFs)

Overview:

The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) works through Country Fora (CFs), which are multi-stakeholder platforms established at the national level in African countries. These fora bring together key actors involved in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS), including government bodies, NGOs, private sector, farmer organizations, research institutions, academia, and development partners.

Purpose of Country Fora:

  1. Coordinate AEAS Stakeholders at the national level for knowledge sharing, joint planning, and collaboration.
  2. Promote Good Practices in agricultural extension and advisory services through innovation platforms and partnerships.
  3. Strengthen Institutional Capacity of AEAS systems through policy dialogue, professionalization, and standard setting.
  4. Serve as an Interface between national AEAS systems and the continental AFAAS platform, ensuring alignment with regional and global initiatives.

Key Functions:

  • Facilitate knowledge management and learning among AEAS actors.
  • Advocate for supportive policies and enabling environments for AEAS.
  • Mobilize resources for the development and sustainability of extension services.
  • Support the scaling of innovations, technologies, and best practices to farmers.

Structure of a Country Forum:

  • National Steering Committee / Executive Committee
  • Secretariat / Host Institution (often an agricultural ministry or NGO)
  • Thematic Working Groups (on youth, digitalisation, agribusiness, climate change, etc.)

Countries with Established CFs (Examples as of 2024):

  • Uganda (UFAAS)
  • Kenya (KeFAAS)
  • Malawi (MaFAAS)
  • Ghana (GFAAS)
  • Ethiopia (Ethiopia Forum)
  • Nigeria (NiFAAS)
  • Rwanda (RAES)
  • Benin (Benin Forum)

(AFAAS currently works with 20+ CFs across Africa)

Benefits of CF Membership:

  • Access to regional and continental AEAS networks and resources.
  • Capacity development opportunities.
  • Participation in knowledge exchange platforms (e.g., Extension Week, learning visits).
  • Enhanced visibility and influence in policy processes.

Alignment with AFAAS Strategy:

CFs implement activities in line with the AFAAS Strategic Plan, particularly in areas of:

  • Knowledge Management
  • Capacity Strengthening
  • Partnerships and Networking
  • Policy and Advocacy
  • Digitalization of Extension Services