COAG/01/Inf.3


 

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Sixteenth Session

Rome, 26-30 March 2001, Red Room

REPORT OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON FOOD FOR THE CITIES

 

1. In 1999, the 15th Session of COAG recommended that an interdisciplinary and inter-departmental group be established on urban and periurban agriculture (UPA). In response, an Interdepartmental Working Group on Food for the Cities (IDWG-FFC) was established which incorporated technical units involved in the two domains of UPA and Food Supply and Distribution to Cities, to enable the evolution of a fully integrated and coherent programme of work.

2. The Group operates with sub-groups for these technical issues and is addressing activities aimed at providing linkages and developing synergies among FAO units working on urban food security and urban food systems, and linkages between urban and rural food production and distribution. "Food for the Cities" was declared a Priority Area for Inter-Disciplinary Action in the Medium-Term Plan and it was recommended that the IDWG-FFC accept a coordinating role. Focal Points for FFC and UPA for external and internal communication were appointed. An information facility on FFC was developed at FAO, including a web site containing information on FAO areas of expertise related to FFC and links to partner organizations.

The major activities undertaken under the two sub-groups are:

    1. Sub-group: Urban and Periurban Agriculture
    1. Sub-group: Food Supply and Distribution to Cities
      1. Information and awareness raising activities