Bishoftu, Ethiopia, May 7, 2025 (FMC) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially launched the Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DACAS) Knowledge Network, a major step toward strengthening climate resilience and food security across the Horn of Africa.
The network was introduced during a three-day regional meeting held from May 5–7 in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
The event brought together representatives from IGAD Member States, technical partners, regional organizations, and development agencies. It was organized under the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), in collaboration with the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) and with support from the World Bank.
It has been indicated that the DACAS Knowledge Network will serve as a regional hub for sharing digital agro-climatic information and advisory services.
The platform is expected to support farmers and pastoralists in adapting to climate change by improving access to real-time weather data, climate forecasts, pest and disease alerts, and other essential information to guide agricultural decision-making.
According to discussions held at the meeting, the initiative aims to enhance cooperation among national meteorological agencies, agricultural institutions, and research centers, facilitating a coordinated approach to climate-smart agriculture. It was also noted that the platform will play a key role in strengthening institutional capacities for delivering tailored digital advisory services to local communities.
The event builds on a series of regional consultations held in 2024 and early 2025, and it culminated in the formal endorsement of the Terms of Reference and Action Plan for the network.
Representatives from member countries—including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda—were joined by experts from regional bodies such as ASARECA, AFAAS, CIAT, and CCARDESA to chart a roadmap for operationalizing the platform.
The DACAS Knowledge Network is now officially operational and is expected to serve as a key instrument in IGAD’s broader strategy to promote climate resilience and sustainable agriculture across Eastern Africa.