Regional Meeting on Establishing Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services Kicks Off in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, May 5, 2025 (ENA) --- A three-day regional meeting focused on establishing the Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DACAS) Knowledge Network across IGAD region kicked off today in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.

Organized by IGAD in collaboration with Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), the meeting brings together experts from IGAD Member States, and regional technical partners.

The DACAS Knowledge Network aims to strengthen regional collaboration and innovation in digital agro-climate advisory services helping build climate-resilient food systems across Eastern Africa.

Speaking at the occasion, Ethiopia’s state minister of Agriculture Meles Mekonen said the establishment of the DACAS Knowledge Network will play a vital role in enhancing these efforts by enabling a more focused and streamlined approach to tackling these challenges.

 

This network will not only help us mitigate the impacts of climate change but also enable us to anticipate and prepare for future challenges,  he added.

The DACAS Knowledge Network will focus on facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences across key thematic areas, such as soil health, climate-smart agriculture, and climate resilience.

It will also create an online platform where stakeholders can share valuable insights and access resources to enhance food security and sustainability, the state minister indicated.

IGAD Director for Environment and Natural Resources Daher Elmi Houssein said IGAD with funding from the World Bank is implementing a seven-year program on Food Systems Resilience.

 

The Program Development Objective (PDO) is to increase the resilience of food systems and preparedness for food insecurity in participating countries.

The focus of this workshop, is to facilitate and coordinate a sustainable and inclusive DACAS platform across IGAD Member States.

It aims to foster an integrated digital agro-climatic information system that supports information exchange, learning, and collaboration, ultimately enhancing food system resilience and promoting climate adaptation and sustainable development.

The Network will facilitate the creation, exchange, and dissemination of knowledge, while also promoting the sharing of experiences, lessons, and best practices, among key stakeholders, to inform decision-making.

Hence, he stated that this meeting aims to bring together key subject matter specialists and experts from ministries of agriculture, national meteorological agencies, and agricultural research organizations across IGAD Member States, along with regional technical partners.

The goal is to discuss and approve the draft terms of reference and action plan for the DACAS Knowledge Network, as well as to officially launch the network.

 

IGAD Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Abebaw Bihonegn, stated that IGAD has been working tirelessly to enhance food and nutrition security, ensure the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment, and build resilience to disasters and climate change across the region.

Therefore, "Digital Agro-Climate Advisory is pivotal in achieving our vision and as IGAD we are delighted that were close to launching the regional network," he stated.