The objective of the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) is to develop partnerships between the Irish Agri-Food Sector and African companies to support sustainable growth of the local food industry, build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa. The partnership involves new and additional resources to the Agri-Food sector and may include a combination of finance and technical assistance. Initiatives are based around the key themes of: Food Safety; Animal Health/Veterinary; Business development o Production systems; Training/Mentoring; Technology transfer; R & D; Project Management.

The AADP combines the expertise and experience of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to support initiatives that can directly contribute to the development of agriculture and food systems in Africa.

Irish agribusinesses in partnership with African entities.

Grant support for feasibility studies and/or commercial projects; Support for grant recipients to establish in-country private and public sector contacts through Irish Embassy networks. The grant must equal a maximum of 50% of the project's total costs.

In relation to this reporting period (July 2018- July 2019), there was a call for applications, launched in February 2018 that has been concluded with disbursement in Q4 of 2018 that comprised a total of EUR 832,000 (EUR 416,000 each from DAFM and DFAT). Another call for applications was launched in October 2018, the evaluation process has been concluded and both departments are set to disburse approx. EUR 747,700 (EUR 373,850 each between DAFM and DFAT) to the successful grant recipients in Q3 2019.

Agri-Food/Agri-Business.

For African countries to move "beyond aid" they must increase their own trade and attract investors. The development of business and agri-trade is a priority for many African countries where the majority of the population live in rural areas and are dependent on farm incomes. Many agricultural interventions have relied on increasing primary production of food and cash crops without adequate investment in developing markets, infrastructure and the necessary investment climate for business. There is broad consensus amongst development partners that increased, local, regional and international trade will drive food production in developing countries. For investors, Africa still poses many difficulties. Many Irish investors perceive Africa as a high-risk environment due to a combination of limited human resources, weak services and fragile governance structures. In the Irish context, we recognize the benefits of partnerships between private sector investors, development agencies and host governments. The desirable outcome is investment, growth and trade that is inclusive (meaning it delivers for the poor and/or marginalised groups), profitable and sustainable beyond the normal cycle of development assistance programmes. The Irish agri-food sector can play a central role in the development of agri-business in Africa by bringing a much-needed business perspective to the sector, supported where possible by investment and mutually beneficial trade. Irish expertise, both public and private, in areas such as animal health, food production, veterinary practice, food safety, agri-food business is well established and respected internationally. These kinds of expertise represent a significant learning resource for the agri-food sector in Developing Countries.

Autre

The AADP was re-launched in July 2017 and it is intended that a further review of the programme's scope and management process will be undertaken following the recent completion of an overall review of Ireland's Private Sector Engagement in Development programming.

N/A

aadp@agriculture.gov.ie

To improve surgical skills in East, Southern and Central Africa

Royal College of Surgeons Ireland

College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa

Fellowships in seven specialities.

2013 – EUR 500,000 2014 – EUR 500,000 2015 – EUR 500,000 2016 – EUR 250,000 2017 – EUR 400,000 2018 to 2020 – EUR 1,200,000 (budgeted at EUR 400,000 per annum)

Health

COSECSA has graduated 346 qualified specialist surgeons since 2008. Through a train the trainer approach, the programme has supported the standardisation of surgical training across the region through the training and development of over 350 surgical trainers. Specific technological innovations developed by the programme include: Development and administration of an Africa centric surgical e-learning platform. Creation of a bespoke surgical electronic logbook which enhances COSECSA assessment and is the biggest dataset of African surgical training operative information. Interactive e-learning tool for non-surgeon cadres performing basic surgery and anaesthesia in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Development of examination standard operating procedures, collaboration on delivery of various seminars, exchange of examiners, and assistance in the establishment of a Court of Examiners. There are currently 534 COSECSA trainee surgeons from East, Central and Southern Africa and there are 118 accredited training hospitals Other key outcomes include: 83% retention rate for graduates from 2014 2017; 35% of surgeons working in COSECSA region are COSECSA members/fellows; 14% of graduates are women and 17% of trainees are women.

Actuel ou en cours

2017 – 2020 (new programme).

Anna Cunniffe, Deputy Directory, Development Cooperation and Africa Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 13-15 Lower Hatch St, Dublin 2. Telephone: +353 (0) 1 408 2458; E-mail: anna.cunniffe@dfa.ie