About ACSAD

ACSAD was established in Damascus, Syria, in 1971 as an autonomous, intergovernmental organisation, working within the framework of the League of the Arab States.

ACSAD divisions include Soil and Water Uses Studies, Water Resources Studies, Animal Health Studies, Plant Studies, Economy and Planning and the Financial and Administrative Affairs.

The main mission of ACSAD is to face the challenge imposed by the arid and semi-arid environments which are characterized by fragile farming systems. This is achieved through the provision of scientific and applied data and advanced techniques. This will help the large-scale agricultural and social development and the optimum exploitation of the natural resources.

The results of ACSAD research and studies are disseminated through

• the cooperation between ACSAD and national agricultural research centres, regional and international organisations

• scientific conferences and training courses organised by ACSAD, including long-term group and individual training.

The holding of workshops and the publication of reports and specialised scientific studies plays a vital role in this respect.

ACSAD has gained increasing support and growing recognition as a specialised centre in the field of water resources and water use at both Arab and international levels. The Arab Ministers for Agriculture and Water Resources decided in the 23rd Session of ACSAD General Assembly convened in Cairo in 1996 that ACSAD is a centre of excellence in the sphere of water in the Arab Region.

ACSAD objectives:

• Unification of Arab efforts to develop the scientific agricultural research in the arid and semi-arid areas

• Exchange of information and experiences

• Promotion of modern agricultural techniques in order to increase agricultural production