In the development of its new strategic plan, ASARECA identified knowledge management, technology uptake and upscaling as among the critical thematic areas in agricultural research for development (AR4D) that require strengthening. The strategy review process noted that while the ASARECA networks had adopted a production-to-consumption concept in their approach to AR4D and had, to some extent, acquired experience with technology uptake, there were still weaknesses in capacity, especially in competencies and in understanding emerging approaches for upscaling knowledge and technologies. In addition, a need for greater integration of the ASARECA technical portfolio was highlighted as critical for harnessing the synergy of programmes and for providing support in cross-cutting thematic issues such as upscaling, policy and natural resource management to commodity oriented programmes.
The Knowledge Management and Upscaling Programme (KMUS) was established as one of the 7 research programmes and mandated to address technology uptake and upscaling, and knowledge management. The programme was further mandated to implement the elements in CAADP Pillar IV that deal with technology dissemination and adoption, agricultural extension, education and training, and farmer empowerment.