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The APRP Brain Storming meeting was held on Wednesday 2nd October 2002 and attended by 25 participants representing all seven AP countries, invited experts from FAO, UAE University and Sana’a University, ICARDA’s ADG-R and ICARDA-APRP scientists. Following a short statement form Dr. Ahmed Moustafa Acting APRP Coordinator, the floor was opened for all to share their views and discuss the future of ICARDA-AP program. In his opening statement Dr. Moustafa indicated that the program is approaching its current phase (ending July 2003). The purpose of the meeting was to come up with new ideas for the continuation of program activities. He asked the participants to take into consideration the new changes which are taking place. One of these changes is the decision by Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) to become a member of the CGIAR. He also suggested the idea of developing a number of sub-projects under APRP rather than one “mega” project. This might make it easier to secure funds from many donors with project preferences. Dr. Erskine, ICARDA’s ADG-R called on the participants to give their thoughts and ideas for the new project based on the priority set by the region. He emphasized that the APRP is a shared program for seven countries and should be based on “give what you have and take what you need”.
Dr. William Erskine ADG-R addressing APRP Brain Storming Meeting in Sana’a, Yemen
The participants in their deliberations stressed the importance of highlighting what had been achieved by the program and what need to be done. The following main points summarize what has been agreed upon. a) The priority research themes of the program will remain the same, which are rangeland, protected agriculture and water. Under these three themes will remain the shared common tools i.e. information technology and biotechnology. b) Attention should be given by APRP to reach out for the end users (emphasis on technology transfer). This would require more links and involvement of the extension. c) The meeting agreed that projects be developed linking one or more countries outlining the objectives and the expected outputs within the main themes of the program. The original initiative will come from individual countries which will be developed further by ICARDA and submitted to donors. d) APRP to coordinate initiatives in the area of biotechnology in AP countries. It must be noted that a committee has already been established by APRP (consisting of scientists from the region) to develop and strengthen this area. e) It was agreed that APRP should work only on thematic topics of interest to all or at least four member countries. Topics of socio-economic should be given special considerations while topics of individual interest should be considered by NARS. f) It is recognized that the date palm is gaining more emphasis by many AP countries (reference the priority setting meeting in ICARDA). The specific research area to be recommended for APRP involvement by the individual countries shall not be in conflict with the activities carried by NARS, the Regional and or International Organizations. g) Member countries agreed to exercise the identification of donors in the region who can support the program. This is necessary, as funds from international donors are getting less reliable. h) AP countries are still in vital need for more support in the field of capacity building, training workshops and seminars.
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