In 1996, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI)
was mandated by the Caribbean Heads of Government to develop an agricultural
science and technology system for the region. Now termed PROCICARIBE, the
Caribbean Agricultural Science and Technology Networking System is designed
as the mechanism to implement the sub-programme on technology generation,
validation and transfer under the Regional Transformation Programme (RTP).
PROCICARIBE provides the institutional framework within
which Caribbean governments, R&D institutions, the private sector,
NGOs, farmer groups and other stakeholders design and implement strategies
for the integration and co-ordination of agricultural research and development
efforts at both the national and regional levels with linkages to international
organisations. The key strategies of integration and co-ordination involve
agreeing on research priorities and designing and operating research and
development networks to implement projects based on these priorities.
PROCICARIBE's mission is
"to contribute to the development of competitive
agricultural business systems and enterprises for the sustainable development
of the Caribbean's agricultural sector by the co-ordination of science
and technology programmes among the public and private sectors, NGO's,
and other agricultural R&D entities".
The goal of PROCICARIBE is to develop an integrated science and technology
networking system, among the public and private sectors, NGO's and other
agricultural entities in support of agriculturally based industries in the
Caribbean region for the attainment of international competitiveness.
In order to achieve its objectives, PROCICARIBE will organise and facilitate
the coordination and operation of the following Industry and Thematic Networks:
- Caribbean Rice Industry Development Network (CRIDNET)
- Caribbean Fruit Network (CARIFRUIT)
- Caribbean Integrated Pest Management Network (CIPMNET)
- Caribbean Plant Genetic Resources Network (CAPGERNET)
- Caribbean Biosystematics Network (CARINET)
- Caribbean Small Ruminants Network (CASRUNET)
- Caribbean Land and Water Resources Network (CLAWRENET)
- Caribbean Post-harvest Technology Network (CAPHNET)
- Caribbean Agri-business and Marketing Network (CAMID)
- Caribbean Roots and Tubers Network (CAROT)
- Caribbean Vegetable Network (CARIVEG)
Their focus is on the generation, validation and transfer of technology
and information, nationally and regionally with links to regional and
international strategic alliance partners. The aim of the networks is
to improve the productivity and marketablity of the agricultural sector
so as to increase the competitiveness of the region's priority commodities
while sustaining the natural resource base.
PROCICARIBE will concentrate its efforts in the following areas:
Research policy harmonisation and priority analyses.
PROCICARIBE will promote the co-ordination and harmonisation of agricultural
research policy and planning at the national and regional levels through
National Coordinating Committees (NCCs).
Organisation and management of Research and Development.
Agricultural R&D in areas of regional priority will be coordinated
within Thematic and Commodity networks to reduce the duplication of
efforts, while maximising the work of others in the region.
Global Linkages.
PROCICARIBE will promote collaboration and networking amongst members
of the public and private sectors, NGOs, farmers groups, etc. and
provide an interface between the region and the CGIAR and other international
systems concerned with sustainable development and will have strong
relationships with other relevant entities.
Resource mobilisation.
The Co-Sponsors and the PROCICARIBE Secretariat will establish donor
and technical support for accessing financial and other resources
for the implementation of programmes and projects of the networks.
Information exchange and dissemmination.
PROCICARIBE will promote the generation, publication and exchange
of scientific information important to the region.
