CFAs to support Agricultural Families through Resilient Livelihoods & Modern Networks – Philippines

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is a non-profit organization established by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) in 1966. Its highest policymaking body is the SEAMEO Council, which comprises the Ministers of Education of the 11 SEAMEO Member Countries, namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

SEAMEO also has Associate Member Countries, namely: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

SEARCA is hosted by the Philippine government on the campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.

Goals

• SEARCA aligns with other global, regional and national organizations toward contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address global challenges to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The Center commits to contribute and allocate resources toward the achievement of five SDGs that directly align with its mandate and focus, with greater emphasis on creating partnerships (SDG17).
  • Zero Hunger
  • Quality Education
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Climate Action
  • Partnership for the Goals
  • No Poverty
  • Gender Equality
  • Responsible Consumpiton and Production
• The Center will make this possible by enabling its key partners, which include National Governments, Development and Financial Organizations, Industry, Academic Institutions, Cooperatives, and Farmers’ Associations, to help farmers and farming families:
  • Access new and innovative financial services
  • Adopt new, sustainable, and resilient production technologies and systems
  • Integrate with modern postharvest and logistics systems
  • Gain access to and operate in modern networks and markets

Objectives

• As SEAMEO’s center of excellence in agriculture, SEARCA is mandated to:
  • Provide to the participating countries high quality graduate study in agriculture;
  • Promote, undertake, and coordinate research programs related to the needs and problems of the Southeast Asian region; and
  • Disseminate the findings of agricultural research and experimentation.

Priority Areas

• Agri-Business Models for Increased Productivity and Income
• Sustainable Farming Systems and Natural Resource Management
• Food and Nutrition Security
• Transformational Leadership for Agricultural and Rural Development (ARD)
• Gender and Youth Engagement in ARD
• Enhanced ARD towards Climate Resilience
• EcoHealth/One Health Applications to ARD

Outcomes

• These shifts are expected to produce the following outcomes:
  • Stakeholders embodying mindset transitions.
  • Enabling policies and regulatory frameworks supporting ARD at the local, national, regional, and international levels.
  • Wider access to innovative products and services, and business models for increased productivity and income.
  • Increased levels of investment in the agricultural and rural sector.
  • Food and nutrition security from a range of choices ensuring well-being in an evolving lifestyle.

Eligibility Criteria

• A Filipino citizen
• Holder of a doctoral degree in agriculture or related fields
• Exudes national, regional, and international stature based on previous positions, experience, and performance
• Track record of excellent leadership as manager and administrator
• Demonstrates outstanding ability to generate and raise resources
• Has broad experience in effectively establishing national, regional, and international linkages and networks with donor and partner institutions focused on agricultural and rural development (ARD)
• Must be in good health and fit to travel
• Known for high level of integrity and uprightness in public and private life.

For more information, visit SEAMEO SEARCA.