An external evaluation of the QAS commissioned by the CTA in 1997 recommended the devolution of the service to appropriate institutions in the ACP countries over a period of 2 to 3 years. As a result, the Centre developed a strategy for the QAS devolution that favours the development of regional QAS taking into account the need to promote regional networking activities, subject orientation and linguistic lines. In 1997, a feasibility study of the QAS devolution was carried out involving the key information sources and services in South Africa. Following the successful pilot QAS devolution in Southern Africa, CTA expanded the process of setting up other QAS nodes in other ACP regions. Institutions have also been identified to cover specific countries in Central and West Africa.
Plans are also under way to set up a centre in Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Region.
This is a service where the designated national or regional information centres, respond to questions on demand by users through verbal, bibliographic references, full text documents, factual information, referral and advisory service. To facilitate access and utilisation of information for the benefit of agriculture and rural development and to reinforce the capacities of national and regional organisations in information and communication management. In addition, the service aims at improving networking, developing partnerships, providing advisory services and provision of training. Eligibility Criteria Stakeholders of the National Agricultural engaged in agricultural and rural development activities are eligible for the service. Local Entrepreneurs Agro-industries Packaging and Storage Agencies Transport Agencies Chambers of Commerce and Trade 7.