Addis Ababa, May 5, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s State Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture Development, Meles Mekonnen, today called for strengthened regional cooperation to confront the growing threat of climate change on food systems, as IGAD launched its Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DACAS) Knowledge Network in Bishoftu.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day regional meeting, Meles emphasized that the DACAS Knowledge Network marks a major milestone in collective efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and ensure food security across the Horn of Africa.
“This network will be a critical tool for advancing climate-smart agriculture, sharing knowledge, and equipping the region’s farmers and agricultural systems to cope with climate change,” he noted, commending IGAD and its partners for their work under the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP).
The minister praised the IGAD Agriculture and Environment Division for spearheading efforts that link national institutions and regional partners through technical support and knowledge exchange. He noted that DACAS will not only be a digital platform but a living community of practice connecting ministries, meteorological agencies, and research bodies.
Recalling the groundwork laid during a 2024 consultative meeting and a March 2025 learning event, Meles said the launch builds on earlier momentum and will result in the formal adoption of Terms of Reference and an action plan to guide the network’s work.
“DACAS is a vital resource for those on the frontlines of agriculture. Our responsibility is to ensure that farmers and pastoralists have timely, relevant, and actionable information,” he stressed.
The event, organized by IGAD under FSRP with support from the World Bank and AICCRA, brings together representatives from IGAD Member States, regional technical organizations, and development partners to finalize the DACAS roadmap and operational framework.