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Background

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC)’s mandate in Zimbabwe is enshrined in the Agricultural Research Act (Chapter 18:05) established by an Act of Parliament in 1971. The ARC has a role of coordinating, keeping under review and promoting all aspects of agricultural research in Zimbabwe with particular attention to the adequacy of such research for the needs of the country. It has a responsibility for periodically monitoring how research influences the sector with regards to value for money. The ARC operates under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement (MLAFWRR).

Mission

To coordinate and support agricultural research and development in Zimbabwe.

Vision

A leader for the development and advancement of agricultural research by 2030.

Core Values

Integrity

We take an honest, ethical and fair approach to business conduct.

Accountability

We take full responsibility for ideas and decisions undertaken.

Transparency

We are open, accessible and communicative.

Inclusivity

We enable equal access to opportunities.

Professionalism

We adhere to set standards and codes of conduct.

Overall Functions

Review agricultural research and development with particular attention to the adequacy of such research for the needs of Zimbabwe.

Promote all aspects of agricultural research and development.

Ensure maximum coordination between persons or authorities who are undertaking or about to undertake any form of agricultural research and development.

Support agricultural research and development in Zimbabwe.

With the approval of the Minister, carryout agricultural research for development.

Technical Division Functions

Facilitating the identification and priority setting of agricultural research and development issues.

Assessing the relevance, adequacy and impact of agriculturally based research and development.

Coordination of multi-disciplinary research teams and institutions.

Coordination and facilitation of outcome-based agricultural research and development.

Coordination and facilitation of evidence based agricultural research policies.

Reviewing and facilitating capacity development and quality assurance of research-based services.

Collation, packaging and dissemination of research and development information.

Technical Division Outcomes

Improved performance of the National Agricultural Research System

Improved agricultural research and development support

Improved availability of and access to agricultural research and development information.

State of Operations

Challenges

The main constraining factors to research and development include but are not limited to the following

Limited local and international partnership and support to research and development due to the economic environment.
Limited resource mobilisation for agricultural research and development
Limited resources for agricultural research and development coordination which is the key for agricultural growth and implementation.
Deterioration of infrastructure and obsolete equipment in research institutions

Possible interventions and support required

The possible intervention and support required include but are not limited to

The creation of partnerships with relevant stakeholders in research and development along the value chain
Resource mobilisation for research and development
Participatory prioritisation of relevant research and development projects
Support for coordination and implementation of research and development
Capacity development for research and development