23 Jun 2013

Crops For the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) and Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) have signed an Memorandum of Understanding which will start co-operation in developing novel agricultural technologies especially in relation to underutilised crops.

The two international organisations signed the MoU on June 17 following positive discussions on the way forward for collaborative research.

The instrument is the first legal formal agreement of its kind between the two given that the two parties have been communicating and discussing issues on the matter for months.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CFFRC chief executive officer, Professor Sayed Azam-Ali said under the memorandum, the organisations will start to co-operate in a number of areas including research on underutilised crops for food and non-food uses, technology development and transfer practices, biotechnology and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

Professor Sayed Azam-Ali added that both he and Professor Timothy Simalenga and their respective teams were fully committed to making the project a very long and fruitful relationship.

The new centre in Malaysia also received funding of around P40 million to aid its establishment.

Other area of focus will include development of products and supply chains from underutilised crops and the contribution of such crops to improve human and animal wellbeing.

The collaboration will also include exchange of staff, resources and knowledge, joint research proposals and staff training and development.

CFFRC, Prof. Azam-Ali said aimed to improve community nutrition through diverse products from underutilised fruits and vegetables, especially in relation to micronutrient availability and uptake, reduced postharvest losses, appropriate agro-processing and strengthening of supply chains from farmer to consumer.

However, based near Kuala Lumpur and supported by the Malaysian government and the University of Nottingham, CFFRC is the first global centre for research on underutilised crops.

Meanwhile, the CCARDESA was established in 2011 by SADC as an autonomous sub-regional organisation with a mandate of coordinating agricultural research and development in the region.

CCARDESA supports agricultural research and development across member states that incorporate thematic areas such as farmer empowerment and market access, institutional development, training and capacity, among others. ENDS