The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, was created in 1996 to take the place of the IGADD (Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development). The IGADD was put in place due to the consistent and severe droughts. It was formed to help find solutions to the problems, such as lack of food, due to the droughts. While in existence, the group had slowly started to take on other issues within the region. Therefore, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development was formed.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development was to help with supplying food, protecting the environment, and to help keep peace and security. They work to create well working policies in social, technological, and scientific fields. The group forms policies for trade, transport, along with many other projects and programs. They work toward forming free trade and for people to move freely throughout the region. They also start up and promote programs for food security and environmental protection to work against drought.
The strategy of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development is to set up a structure to help achieve peace, prosperity, and regional integration. It uses experiences from the past, the current structure of development cooperation, along with challenges and issues that come up that the region faces.
Operational Structure of Intergovernmental Authority on Development
The IGAD is made up of four policy parts:
- The Assembly of Heads of State and Government
This group makes the policies that are to be followed.
- The Council of Ministers
This group helps to come up with policies, approves work programs, and the annual budget.
- The Committee of Ambassadors
This group comes together when needed to advise the Executive Secretary.
- The Secretariat
This group helps brainstorm to come up with and implement projects and programs that have been approved.