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ICRAF’s South Asia Regional Programme (SARP) was instrumental in supporting the emergence of the world’s first National Agroforestry Policy in India. The roll-out of this policy, and its adaptation and implementation in neighbouring countries remains a major focus in the region, demonstrating the importance of presence and context in the delivery of appropriate and relevant solutions and options.

The regional programme places strong emphasis on implementation with and through the national agricultural and forestry research, education and extension systems of partner countries, universities, corporates, and civic and advocacy bodies. This has resulted in innovative partnership arrangements among CGIAR Centres, the national systems and more recently, enterprises engaged in corporate social responsibility.

SARP has an active collaborative programme with national partner countries to accelerate adoption of well-tested agroforestry systems. All these aim to enhance food, nutrition, fodder and fuel availability and to improve the livelihoods of smallholders. The programme also pursues a very strong capacity development agenda involving a wide range of stakeholders.

The South Asia Regional programme focuses on four agroecological environments:

  • The mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, northeast India and Nepal
  • The Indo-Gangetic Plains of Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan
  • Humid coastal areas of Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka
  • Semi-arid lands of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Disclaimer: Map depicted here is not drawn to the national political boundaries

The regional office is based in New Delhi, India.