The ASARECA-CGS is a funding mechanism to promote strategic agricultural research of relevance for the Eastern and Central African region, with direct participation of the NARS of the countries of the region in priority setting and implementation of research projects.

The ASARECA-CGS was launched in 2004, with funds comprising monies received from multi-donor allocations, as a research funding mechanism through which regional integrated agricultural research for development [IAR4D] projects are commissioned on a competitive basis. It aims to sponsor creative, innovative, high quality regionally coordinated research that adds value to national programs. The CGS is particularly concerned that research results demonstrably address outcomes that are communicable to end-users and that enhance communication between researchers and end-users in the region.

The CGS support to IAR4D, therefore, targets output and impact oriented work which aims to deliver measurable results within a three year period, in support of regional objectives and priorities defined in the ASARECA strategy documents. These objectives and priorities are articulated in the CGS priority and thematic areas specified in each Research Call issued. The CGS also aims to promote a more demand-driven and pluralistic approach to increasing agricultural production, through encouraging the development of institutional and organisational partnerships together with the empowerment of end-users.

Successful applicants for CGS grants are selected through a process of transparent competition, to a fixed schedule with applications conforming to agreed formats, criteria and priorities. A Technical Support Group (TSG) and panels of Peer Reviewers composed of technical experts with a broad knowledge of the agriculture and development issues facing the ECA region review all proposals submitted for funding.

Awards are in the form of grants to successful organisations in collaborative partnerships. The CGS targets government, non-government, educational, private sector and civil society organisations involved in IAR4D. It aims to encourage these organisations to compete for partial or complete funding of projectised activities which are designed to promote the overall development of the regional agricultural system. Funding limits and duration are established in each call for proposals. The grant program is not intended to provide funding for core or permanent salary costs, large capital items and investment in construction of buildings or research facilities.

The CGS is governed by a seven-person Grant Authorising and Advisory Board [GAAB]. It is housed in the Monitoring, Evaluation, Analysis and Planning Unit (MEAPU) of the ASARECA Secretariat and administered and operated by a Grants Management Unit (GMU) headed by a CGS-Research Manager.

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Guidelines

This is the first edition of the ASARECA-CGS Procedures Manual, prepared on the basis of Consultants' Reports and suggestions from the CD and stakeholders that were considered at the meeting held on May 24-28, 2004 in Nairobi, Kenya. It gives the guidelines for application, preparation of proposals and management and reporting of research activities supported by the CGS.

To download the complete version of the Manual of Operations in PDF format, click here The individual Forms and Reporting Formats can be downloaded through this link.

News

This page contains briefs on previous and on-going events, forward plans and budget forecasts, click here.

Calls for Proposals

This page lists the general and NPP-specific calls issued by the CGS, click here.

Research Projects

This page summarises the research projects supported by title, institutions and countries, principal researchers, lead institutions, resources assigned, start and completion dates, click here.

Reports and Publications

This page lists the reports and publications issued or arising out of research supported by the CGS, click here.