The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today officially launched a new regionally coordinated digital platform designed to enhance agricultural resilience and climate adaptation across the Horn of Africa. The initiative, known as the Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DACAS) Knowledge Network, is set to revolutionize data-driven support for farmers and pastoralists in the region.
Introduced during a three-day regional meeting held in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, the DACAS Knowledge Network will provide real-time, location-specific climate and agricultural information. This crucial data aims to empower smallholder producers in vulnerable areas with the knowledge needed for informed decision-making on critical aspects such as crop planning, pest and disease management, and the sustainable use of resources.
DACAS is envisioned as a shared regional tool, fostering collaboration by linking national meteorological services, agricultural institutions, and research centers across IGAD's Member States. Countries including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda are expected to leverage this framework to collectively strengthen their capacity to tackle the increasing impacts of climate change on their food systems.
The platform is a component of IGAD's broader Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) and receives support from the World Bank and the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project. Its establishment follows prior regional consultations that underscored the vital role of digital technologies in bridging the gap between climate science and the practical needs of farming communities.
Discussions during the meeting highlighted that the DACAS network will facilitate essential data sharing, technical cooperation, and peer learning among member states. The initiative also aligns seamlessly with national policies on climate adaptation, digital innovation, and rural development.
According to FBC, the regional meeting concluded with the formal unveiling of the platform's Terms of Reference and Action Plan, signaling the commencement of its operational phase. Stakeholders present emphasized the critical need for sustained collaboration and investment to ensure DACAS becomes a durable cornerstone for agricultural resilience in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.