The Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development was created to promote effective, targeted investment and build partnership, capacities and mutual accountabilities at all levels of the agricultural system to meet the needs of resource-poor farmers and their communities. The GCARD process helps refine regional and global agricultural research priorities, as identified by different stakeholder groups and representatives.

GCARD1, in 2010, resulted in the “GCARD Road Map“, a six-point plan for transforming agricultural research for development around the world. In 2012, GCARD2 identified pathways to impact, which led to 15 new commitments around partnership, capacity development and foresight in the CGIAR – the international agricultural research system.

GCARD3

Over the course of 2015 and 2016, GCARD3 is providing a range of opportunities for stakeholders to positively influence the direction and activities of international research for development over the next 10 years.

There are 20 national consultations being coordinated by CGIAR Centers with national partners.

Organized by GFAR and regional partners, there are 5 regional consultations – Middle East North Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.

The GCARD3 Global Event is being held 5-8 April 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa and is hosted by the South African Agricultural Research Council, CGIAR and GFAR. Based on the theme of No One Left Behind: Agri-food Innovation and Research for a Sustainable World, the Program will broadly cover:

• Scaling up from research to impact
• Demonstrating results
• Keeping our edge, staying future focused
• The business of farming
• Better agricultural futures

Sessions at the Global Event will reflect upon the outcomes of the national and regional dialogues with a view to bridging the gaps between the generation of new ideas and their impact in development.

By the end of this intensive engagement process, the agri-food research and innovation community will have a clear understanding of what’s needed for national and regional systems to be effective and accountable, and how international agricultural research can be an effective partner in national development outcomes.

For more information and the detailed program, visit the GCARD3 website.