Identification of policy capacity needs: A capacity gap assessment is conducted among key stakeholders to identify individual and institutional capacity needs. The key stakeholders include: policy makers and policy experts from NARIs, RECs, Universities, NGOs and ministries responsible for agricultural research; farmers and private sector.

Identification of priority policies for analysis: Consultative meetings are held with key stakeholders including Ministries responsible for agricultural research, NARIs and RECs to identify problems in agricultural policy at national and regional levels. The identified policy issues together with the policy capacity needs identified (above) are then consolidated into regional policy priorities and then mainstreamed within the ASARECA Strategy and Results Framework, Mid-Term Operational Plan and Annual Work Plans and Budgets for implementation.

Policy analysis: Policy analysis is conducted using the ASARECA Policy Manager Tool. It tracks and ranks the adequacy of agricultural policy formulation and implementation among the member countries, identifies policy gaps and develops appropriate policy recommendations. The policy analysis is conducted by the Secretariat and the ASARECA Policy Movers and Shakers. The ASARECA Policy Movers and Shakers are a community of practice comprising selected policy makers and experts from the Member Countries and RECs and is dedicated to monitoring policy national and regional level agricultural policy changes and advocating for desired policy reforms. Results of the policy analysis are packaged into policy briefs for dissemination to policy makers and other key stakeholders.

Harmonization of policies, regulations and standards: Key areas of harmonization are identified through consultative meetings with RECs, NARIs and Ministries responsible for agricultural research in the Member Countries. Writeshops for technical experts from Member Countries and RECs are then organized to develop harmonized policies, regulations and standards.

Policy advocacy: The Secretariat conducts policy advocacy mainly through capitalizing on existing governance structures comprising the: (i) Council of Patron Ministers, (ii) Board of Directors, and (iii) the General Assembly. Results of the policy analyses are disseminated to and discussed with key stakeholders during policy dialogues and meetings of the Board of Directors and General Assembly. High level policy issues and recommendations are discussed with the Council of Patron Ministers for action during their annual meetings. The Council of Patron Ministers comprises Ministers responsible for agriculture in the 15 ASARECA Member Countries