CACAARI: General Information

Central Asia and the Caucasus Association of Agricultural Research Institution

The leaders of the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) of Central Asia and the Caucasus jointly decided to establish in January, 2000 an Association for Regional cooperation. The Forum was established to provide a neutral platform for scientific intenface and partnership.

Supporting Organizations

• Global Forum for Agricultural Research (GFAR)
• Project Facilitation Unit (PFU)-CAC/ICARDA Regional Program for CAC

Partners

• Armenia: Ministry of Agriculture
• Azerbaijan: National Agrarian Science Center
• Georgia: Academy of Agricultural Science
• Kazakhstan: Science Department, Ministry of Agriculture
• Kyrgyzstan: Center of Agricultural Research and Consulting Services
• Tajikistan: Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences
• Turkmenistan: Science Department, Ministry of Agriculture
• Uzbekistan: National Science Production Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources

Goal

Teh main goal fo teh Regional Association is to foster required regional cooperation for strengthening agricultural research for sustainable development in Central Asia and teh Caucasus.

Objectives

The specific objectives of teh Association are:

• to promote the exchange of scientific and technical know-how and information;
• to encourage the establishment of appropriate research and training programs in accordiance with identified regional, bilateral or national priorities;
• to strengthen research organizational and management capability of member instutionsl; and
• to build cross-linkages with regional and international research centers and organizations through involvement in jointly-planned research and training programs.

Activities

1. The Regional Research Priorities Identified Are:
   • Productivity enhancement of crops and thrust on seed develpment; also, search for genotypes that can better withstand low-input conditions;
   • Soil and water management;
   • Conservation of genetic resources;
   • Livestock improvement and management;
   • Crop diversification;
   • Post-harvest management, storage and value addition of crops, livestock, fruit and vegetable products;
   • Socio-economic and policy research for infrastructure development;
   • Strengthening NARS and human resource development.
2. Establishment of Regional Agricultureal Information System (RAIS) to promote sharing and exchange of information and knowledge in the area of agricultural research for development (ARD) at national, regional and internationl level.
3. Establishment of Inter-Regional Network on Cotton (INCANA) to strengthen regional collaboration for improving cotton production technology in Asia and North Africa through research, sharing of information, exchange of germplasm and participation in annual meetings, workshops and training programs.