With ‘country teams' we refer to existing institutional structures that have been set-up under most Agricultural Programmes in Africa . These can come in the form of Consultative Platforms, Programme Desks, Advisory Forums, Advisory Groups, Coordinating Units, Stakeholder Platforms etc. Although their particular role may vary, in general all are set-up with the aim to support the implementation of Agricultural Sector Programmes in the country concerned. Their most important differences relate to;
- their mandate, which can range from a purely advisory role to a clear responsibility for the (coordination of) implementation of the programme;
- the membership or composition with the most important difference being whether or not the private sector is represented; and;
- their institutional context , in particular with respect to level and location. The level of existing structures varies from technical staff, policy makers, Permanent Secretaries all the way to Ministerial level. Their institutional location may be within the line Ministry, the central Ministry (e.g. under the Ministry of Finance) or even as Inter-ministerial Platform.
Representatives of such country teams have taken part in the annual Africa Forum since its beginning in 1997. It was also their request for more, inter-forum, support, which led to the development of this website. Wherever possible, the Africa Forum on Rural Development will aim to support these teams to (i) enable them inform policy in their country (ii) strengthen knowledge and skill in PBA management and (iii) represent a “view from the ground” at international donor platforms. Depending on the need and circumstances support can range from obtaining access to information or training, organising country exchange visits or enabling representatives attend international conferences.
