28-29th November 2013, ACT in partnership with COMESA and NEPAD held the CA equipment manufacturers’ workshop to help identify issues and practical actions for strategic interventions in the advancement of conservation agriculture in Africa.
The meeting was attended by stakeholders from within Africa, Latin America, and India who brought in a wide range of experiences and a diversity of business models in CA practice and coincided with the Tanzania Trade Fair Display of CA equipment and services at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam.
The objectives were:
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To draw key lessons on CA equipment manufacturing and supply as a basis for Communities of Practice of Practice - COPMSSP knowledge sharing and networking.
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Guidelines for manufacturers and importers of CA equipment on compliance to standards, principles and clients (with reference to those of FAO) for prequalifying to quality assurance by peers and international tenders shared and discussed.
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The possibility of the formation and networking of a CoP for CA equipment manufacturers, suppliers and service providers (COPMSSP) explored and the benefits of COMHSSP discussed.
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A practical CA Equipment Manufacturers Climate Change roadmap developed.
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Business opportunities secured through the Tanzania Trade Fair and role of ACT to help nurture the business opportunities defined.
Some of the deliberations focused on Innovation platforms and Communities of Practice. For innovation Platforms there was a need forIntegrated Agricultural Research for Development, well defined roles and identification of a champion who should be someone with experience. the same roles applied to the 
, which also called for the need of clearly defined functions and responsibilities, champions who were experienced and had total commitment and a volunteer spirit.