The National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting was held on February 27, 2025, in the Ministry of Production and Economic Resources hall in Kosti, White Nile State, with wide participation from relevant stakeholders, both in-person and virtually. The goal of the meeting was to discuss the achievements of the project, the existing challenges, future opportunities, and to formulate strategies to enhance resilience to drought for small farmers and pastoralists in the IGAD region, under the DRESS EA project framework.
Key Points of the Meeting
Opening Session: The meeting was opened with a welcoming speech by the Honorable Minister of Production and Economic Resources, who emphasized the importance of the project and the role of the steering committee in achieving its goals. This was followed by the introduction of the members of the National Steering Committee, which facilitated communication between the participants.
1. Review of Project Achievements: The project coordinator presented a detailed report on the progress made, key achievements, and challenges faced since the project’s inception. This was followed by an interactive discussion among committee members to assess performance and suggest improvements.
2. Discussion on Work Plan and Procurement Strategy: The executive team reviewed the future work plan and procurement strategy, outlining the implementation mechanisms and priorities for the upcoming phase. A discussion session was opened, where participants provided technical feedback and suggestions to improve implementation efficiency.
3. Enhancing Collaboration and Implementation Mechanisms: The session addressed ways to improve implementation mechanisms, enhance cooperation among stakeholders, and ensure the sustainability of the proposed initiatives. The meeting saw active participation from both in-person attendees and virtual participants, providing a platform for broad discussions and exchange of views.
The meeting resulted in several practical recommendations that will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and ensuring its sustainability, with a focus on:
✔ Strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.
✔ Enhancing cooperation between government and non-government entities to support the implementation of initiatives.
✔ Adopting an integrated approach to enhance the ability of farmers and Pastoralists to adapt to the challenges of drought.
✔ Ensuring sustainable financing and activating procurement plans to serve the project’s objectives.
Conclusion
The meeting reflected a spirit of cooperation and commitment among the participants. The discussions resulted in a clear vision for the next steps, with an emphasis on the importance of continuous coordination between all parties to ensure the desired impact in supporting agricultural and pastoral communities in the IGAD region.