1. Session 12 Chairperson: Mrs Mildred Sandi Rapporteurs: Dr None Mokitimi Mr Eduardo Mondhlane

2. The following presentations were made: Strengthening FANRPAN nodes and the role of civil societies in regional FANR: The case of CISANET in Malawi by Mr Victor Mhoni. Strengthening FANRPAN country nodes & the role of civil societies in he regional FANR by Anthony Mwanaumo.

3. Main issues from presentation: FANRPAN country nodes we traditionally located at universities. Universities have been found not to be performing as expected. Strengthening of FANRPAN country nodes project supported by USAID has been initiated. The project is being run as a pilot in 5 countries (South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola) In Zambia and Malawi the country nodes are being relocated from universities to civil societies.

4. Main issues from presentation: In Malawi the country node is being relocated to Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET). In Zambia the country node is being relocated to AFC. The relocation of country nodes was seen as beneficial as they are close to all role players in agriculture. Universities will be utilised in undertaking research.

5. Discussions CSO’s should be represented in SACAU. Why 5 pilot countries as many country nodes in the region are dormant. Reason for relocating country nodes from Universities to CSOs. What should be done to strengthen country nodes? Country nodes should be located within legal entities.

6. Recommendations There is need for a review of country node activities. All country node in all SADC countries should be strengthened. FANRPAN Secretariat should hold workshops in each SADC country to review the workings of country nodes and market FANRPAN activities. New nodes like Angola visit other nodes with experience e.g. Zambia. All nodes should sell FANRPAN in their organisations.