The recent FAO Regional Office for Africa capacity building workshop held in Harare, Zimbabwe, brought together 130 participants from diverse backgrounds to explore the transformative potential of strategic networking and cross-continental collaboration. The workshop aimed to foster meaningful professional relationships among African FAO Country Offices, emphasizing the importance of building connections across borders.
One of the key insights that emerged from the two-week training was the significance of interdepartmental cooperation in achieving organizational success. Participants from various roles such as program management, operations, procurement, and administration came together to share experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions. They recognized the value of integrated approaches and collaborative problem-solving strategies in addressing complex developmental issues.
Two compelling narratives shared during the workshop highlighted the importance of adaptability and knowledge exchange. The Enhanced Resilience for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe (ERVHIZ) Project, a collaborative effort between FAO, UNICEF, and the Government of Zimbabwe funded by the European Union, showcased how integrated approaches could revolutionize farming practices and nutrition education. Similarly, Patrice Talla’s experience implementing a locust program in Madagascar underscored the critical role of rapid learning, risk-taking, and interdepartmental communication in complex interventions.
The workshop introduced innovative collaboration platforms such as monthly task force meetings, technical coordination units, cross-functional learning platforms, and digital knowledge sharing mechanisms. These mechanisms aimed to facilitate sustained collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.
Participants identified strategic areas for future collaborative efforts, including standardized knowledge transfer protocols, digital collaboration platforms, biennial training initiatives, expanded sub-regional networking, and integrated project management approaches. The emphasis on continuous learning and professional development underscored the organization’s commitment to investing in its people.
The workshop also gave rise to an emerging network known as the “Harare Group,” encouraging participants to maintain connections beyond geographical and departmental boundaries. This network symbolized a new model of organizational collaboration, transcending traditional silos and fostering genuine cross-functional understanding.
The training highlighted the need for enhanced digital collaboration tools, flexible learning methodologies, adaptive organizational structures, and continuous professional development to support the evolving landscape of collaborative work. Overall, the FAO workshop represented a shift towards a more integrated, collaborative approach to addressing complex developmental challenges across the African continent, laying the groundwork for a more responsive and innovative organizational culture.
