Seminar Support Programme (SSP)
Selection criteria

1.1.1

Candidates must be ACP nationals and reside in one of the 79 ACP countries signatory to the Cotonou Agreement (nationals from the host country are not eligible) and should belong to one of CTA’s main target groups: researchers, planners, extension workers, governmental and non-governmental agricultural and rural development agency staff, rural association groupings (producers’ organisations, women’s organisations, rural youth) and representatives of the private sector. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

1.1.2

The conferences must correspond to one of the priority themes of agricultural and rural development of the ACP States. In accordance with its mandate and because of the nature of agricultural development in question, the Centre focuses its attention and its capacities on the following:

• Market-oriented production and trade
• Environmental protection & Natural Resources Management
• Agricultural and socio-economics and policies
• Animal production and health (included aquaculture and fisheries)
• Crop production and protection
• Information and communication
• Rural dynamics

1.1.3

Priority is given to conferences organised in ACP countries or in the countries of the European Union. CTA ensures that there is a balance between ACP countries and regions when processing applications submitted. Conferences which are purely national in character are not supported.

2.1.1

Conference organisers must, preferably, pre-finance the travel and accommodation costs of the participants selected and are responsible for all practical matters. Documentary proof of expenditure (hotels bills, air ticket stubs, receipts and bills for accommodation etc.) must be submitted to the CTA immediately after the meeting in order to obtain reimbursement.

2.1.2

Conference organisers must inform all the participants selected of the fact that the CTA will cover their expenses.

2.1.3

Conference organisers must also provide the CTA with copies of the documents produced in the course of the meeting as well as a copy of the reports when these are published.

3.1

Organisations and individuals must complete the “Application for Seminar Support Programme” form that should reach CTA at least three months before the meeting. This form comprises the following elements, among others:

• Personal details and contact information
• Conference details
• Conference programme and objectives
• List of participants requesting financial support, including their nationality, position, address and the name of their organisation
• Role of the participant(s) during the meeting (resource person, keynote speaker, participant, etc.)
• Estimated budget for each participant
• Letter of recommendation letter for individual applications from ACP nationals.

3.2

Individual applications received from ACP nationals, which are not accompanied by a letter of recommendation are sent on to the conference organisers, who are asked to confirm their interest in having these persons participate.

3.3

An internal committee assesses the applications received. Candidates are subsequently informed of CTA’s decision.

3.4

When the selection is made, priority is given to keynote speakers from ACP countries whose speech or publicity material has been accepted for presentation during the meeting. Similarly account is also taken of priorities identified by the conference organisers.