1. Exchanging and collecting information
· FICA will collect, collate and analyze relevant data from African countries and store this in a data base, accessible to all national authorities. These systems will facilitate the effective participation of all African states in FICA activities, and also provide adequate information to FICA in relation to activities undertaken within individual countries.

· The Management Board of FICA will give the highest priority and appropriate resources to developing the practical infrastructure necessary for the greater involvement of African countries. Essentially, FICA’s website will be developed to facilitate the exchange of scientific and communications information among all its member countries.

· FICA will task all member countries to develop an implementation plan for the exchange of scientific information between national authorities and consumers. These plans will be integrated into the strategy of FICA for cooperation and networking.

· In order to further strengthen co-ordination and coherence of communication, FICA will engage in a 2-way exchange of communication materials, including pre-notification of press releases issued by member states; develop a common approach for assessing and monitoring public perception on food related issues in Africa; support key actors and information multipliers within the countries in order to reach consumers with messages adapted to their needs and concerns; and to develop strategies and guidance documents on sensitive communication issues.
2. Sharing risk assessment practices
· The Advisory Forum together with the Scientific Committee of FICA will encourage member countries to undertake joint projects. This will enhance collaboration among members and also raise the profile of FICA and its network with national authorities within the member countries.

· FICA will establish a program of courses in risk assessment involving experts from member countries. Such courses will be supplemented by a program of study tours, between member countries, involving both senior managers and staff directly involved in risk assessment. The aim of these initiatives will be to share experiences among member countries.
· FICA will establish a database of national experts who could be called upon to participate in the work of the Scientific Committee in response to urgent issues and crisis situations to facilitate the preparation of scientific opinions within a very short period of time.

· A working group on communications, within the Advisory Forum, comprising all communications unit of the member countries should be established to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences and to serve as the bases for the coordination of the communications activities between the national authorities and FICA.