MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.5:
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
AND SPECIAL PROGRAMME THRUSTS

659. Major Programme 2.5 embodies the SD¹⁰⁹ Department's mandate of promoting sustainability and other cross-sectoral issues, in countries and in FAO's own work. It includes FAO focal point responsibilities for follow-up to major UN Conferences with particular focus on UNCED¹¹⁰, as well as extensive involvement with PAIAs¹¹¹.

660. The proposed activities in this MTP 2004-2009 reflect the essential orientations of the previous MTP 2002-2007, with only slight changes to the programme structure. These consist of the addition of a department-wide entity 252A4 entitled Analysis and Mitigation of the Impact of HIV/AIDS on Food Security and Rural Development, and the related cancellation of entity 252A2 Inter-relations between Gender, Population and Food Security. This is in response to the importance given to this serious problem by FAO's Governing Bodies.

661. The highlights of the three programmes of responsibility of SD are illustrated below.

662. Programme 2.5.6 covers the coordination, monitoring, formulation and implementation aspects of the SPFS¹¹². Based on the catalytic contributions of the Regular Programme allocation, substantial extra-budgetary resources are expected to be mobilised to expand the SPFS at field level. As in past years, the South-South Cooperation (SSC) initiative, which is a full-fledged component of the SPFS, will enable advanced developing countries to send field technicians and experts to recipient countries to work directly with local rural communities.

663. By 2009, it is expected that Phase I of the SPFS, which is implemented at the farm, local and regional level, will be in operation within 40 countries. In addition, 35 countries will have reached the stage of Phase I extension. Phase II, which results from the wider implementation of the programme at the national level, would have been initiated in 15 countries.

Programme 2.5.1: Research, Natural Resources Management
and Technology Transfer

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

251A1

TP

Integrated Use of Information for Sustainable Development

251A2

TP

Youth in Agriculture, Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods

251A3

TP

Partnerships for Improving Application of Biotechnology in Agriculture

251A4

TP

Integrated Development and Dissemination of Agricultural Knowledge and Technology for Food Security and Sustainable Development

251A5

TP

Secretariat of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR)

251A6

TP

Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management

251P1

CP

Environmental Geo-Information Infrastructure and Services

251P3

CP

Information and Communication Technologies in Support of Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Systems

251P4

CP

Secretariat of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the CGIAR

251S1

TS

Technical Support Services to Member Nations, the Field Programme, and Other Related Activities

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

664. This programme brings together important activities on research, human resources development and natural resources and environmental management. It aims at making national institutions more effective in the generation of knowledge and in the adaptation of technologies relevant to national agricultural contexts. It promotes national, regional and international cooperation in research and technology. It is the integrative point for matters relating to the environment, energy, natural resources information and monitoring, agro-meteorology and promotion of eco-technologies.

665. Many programme entities, by essence, contribute to several FAO's strategic objectives, and make significant contribution to a number of PAIAs. In effect, the programme supports the Secretariats of the Inter-departmental Working Groups on Climate Change, Organic Farming, Biological Diversity and Combating Desertification. It convenes Inter-departmental Working Groups on Training and Education and hosts the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) (soon to become Science Council) of the CGIAR¹¹³ and the Secretariat of the GFAR¹¹⁴.

Rationale

666. Development problem to be addressed: insufficient access to reliable environmental and natural resource data, gender and population data, and information management tools limits the ability of national planners, decision makers and scientists to assess environmental conditions and anticipate significant emerging trends at the local, national and regional levels. Many developing countries lack capacity to use environmental information management systems and related decision support tools. This has a negative impact on national policies and consequently on agriculture sector development.

667. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: improved quality of, and access to information (e.g. on gender, demography, ecosystem change, land quality issues, water availability, biodiversity, climate change) facilitates assessment, analysis, and decision making in the agricultural and rural sectors, and consequently supports a dynamic agricultural and rural development process.

668. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: farmers and general public will benefit from more effective policies, if based on better information.

Objective(s)

669. Wide adoption by countries of more appropriate environmental, social and economic information tools, data and knowledge, to support sustainable agriculture and rural development (SARD) through improved national policy making and more active participation in international environmental agreements and global/regional observing systems.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of improved national policies, as well as enhanced participation in international environmental agreements based on, or due to FAO's data and information.

Major Output(s)

1. Assistance in using information from in situ and satellite-based environmental observing systems.
2. Improved gender and demographic factors in agricultural statistics.
3. Decision support tools and sustainability indicators for national and regional environmental management.
4. Database on land tenure.
5. Website dedicated to information and knowledge development, dissemination and exchange.

Rationale

670. Development problem to be addressed: although youth make up a large percentage of rural populations in most developing countries, their potential to make significant contributions to food security and sustainable development is often overlooked by government policy makers and international development strategists.

671. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: policies to involve youth in the development process and strengthening of youth associations and institutional capacity to support them, will lead to better integration of young women and men in the rural development process and in the fight for food security.

672. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the end beneficiaries are girls and boys as well as young women and men who, through effective rural youth development programmes, will gain the necessary knowledge, skills and experiences towards an economically-rewarding life for themselves, their families and in rural communities.

Objective(s)

673. Increased awareness of the importance of youth among national decision makers, relevant government ministry personnel and development strategists; assist with policies for better integration of youth in the rural development process; youth organizations have a clearer, shared vision and use it to improve education and training in food security and rural development.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries with new rural youth development projects, explicitly leveraging FAO's contribution through this entity.

Major Output(s)

1. Global, regional and national strategies to promote and support rural youth development programmes for food security and sustainable livelihoods.
2. Building human capacity of youth professionals through staff development, training and knowledge and information support.
3. Improved content, design and delivery of gender-sensitive rural youth development programmes through education, extension and communication for development.

Rationale

674. Development problem to be addressed: biotechnology is still out of reach for most developing countries. They lack information about the latest scientific developments and their political, environmental and socio-economic implications. They often lack adequate regulatory policies and frameworks for biotechnology application. Developing countries need to be brought to an equal level with developed countries in this respect.

675. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: adequate regulatory frameworks and appropriate information will assist developing countries in harvesting the benefits of biotechnology in agriculture, and help them be on an equal footing with developed countries.

676. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: producers and consumers of food and agricultural products, due to application of biotechnology to producing more food at lower costs and with lower environmental impact; increased revenues of rural families and lower market prices for food; proper controls on the use of the new products will safeguard both farmers and consumers.

Objective(s)

677. Biosafety regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are applied in national regulatory frameworks, possibly harmonised regionally, and biosafety regulatory bodies established, strengthened and trained in the risk assessment of transgenics; a wider and more accessible knowledge base on policy issues related to biotechnology; an effective inventory of biotechnology informs policy makers and is used to identify gaps, needs and opportunities for research.

Indicator(s)

1. List of countries with improved national policy frameworks and institutions, as well as functioning regulatory bodies for biotechnology, developed utilising FAO information.
2. Inventory of biotechnologies in use or in the pipeline in developing countries.

Major Output(s)

1. National and regional regulations and regulatory frameworks developed for biosafety of GMOs.
2. Information collected and disseminated for policy formulation and assessment of selected biotechnologies.

Rationale

678. Development problem to be addressed: the weakness of national agricultural research, extension, education and communication services and the generally limited access of clients to these services in most developing countries hinder the wide adoption of improved approaches and technologies, slowing agricultural and rural development.

679. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: support to appropriate policies and strategies will enable member countries to better integrate and develop agricultural research, extension, education and communication services, leading to better information for farmers, increased production, higher incomes, more food, and ultimately the reduction of poverty and food insecurity.

680. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the end beneficiaries will be rural families, as they receive integrated agricultural and rural knowledge and information which would, not only address improved technologies, but also emphasise human aspects.

Objective(s)

681. More appropriate national policies and strategies aimed at strengthening and integrating agricultural research, extension, education and communication services through improved organisation, staff performance, communication, priority setting and sustainable funding.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of national rural and agricultural development plans, with integration of two or more components of research, extension, education, and communication.
2. Number of countries making verifiable and specific improvements in the policy, organisation and staff performance aspects of national systems for agricultural extension, education and communication for development.

Major Output(s)

1. Support to the policy, methodology and staff performance aspects of national systems of extension, education and communication.
2. Capacity building for national and regional agricultural research systems relating to priority setting, ensuring sustainable funding and technology assessment and transfer.
3. Support to research, extension, education, and communication (REEC) interfaces and national agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKIS).

Rationale

682. Development problem to be addressed: weakness of national agricultural research institutions as a relay in passing the results of research in CGIAR institutions down to the field level, and as lead institutions in setting priorities, result in slow dissemination and inappropriateness of new agricultural technologies, slowing down agricultural and rural development.

683. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the GFAR mechanism helps agricultural research stakeholders to better prioritise and utilise resources at national level, and to have a voice on this prioritisation at regional and global levels, thereby contributing to more sustainable agricultural and rural development.

684. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the end beneficiaries are farmers in developing countries, i.e. from better access to improved agricultural technologies coming out of international agricultural research.

Objective(s)

685. Strengthening of GFAR, through provision of institutional support to all GFAR stakeholders, in particular the developing countries National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and their regional and sub-regional fora, in order for them to actively participate in the emergence of a Global Agricultural Research System.

Indicator(s)

1. Evidence of active collaboration of stakeholders, such as global partnership programmes and information and communication sharing, at regional and global levels.

Major Output(s)

1. Strengthening NARS and their regional and sub-regional fora.
2. Support to cost-effective, innovative research partnerships among stakeholders of agricultural research and sustainable development.
3. Facilitation of the flow of information and knowledge among stakeholders.

Rationale

686. Development problem to be addressed: natural resources and the environment are degrading rapidly in many developing countries, increasing rural poverty and food insecurity. Many countries lack capacity for the implementation of Agenda 21 and post UNCED environmental agreements, and need to ensure better coordination and harmonisation of inputs and actions concerning various conventions for preservation, rehabilitation and development of natural resources (soil, water, vegetation, biodiversity).

687. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: through support to implementation of international conventions, capacity building and policy advice, FAO can assist national decision makers with integrated policies and programmes related to the sustainable management of their natural resources. This will lead to conservation and renewal of these resources through more sustainable use and management, and thus increased agriculture production or productivity, particularly for populations living under conditions of environmental stress.

688. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: communities exploiting natural resources in the rural areas, in particular in ecosystems under stress due to population pressure and recurrent climatic events, but also the rural population in general, will benefit from more sustainable use and management of natural resources.

Objective(s)

689. Focusing on cross sectoral priority issues (e.g., biodiversity, climate change, desertification, organic farming, energy, ecosystem management), decision makers at national and sub-national levels will formulate or improve policies which relate to management of natural resources; national capacity for implementation of related programmes to be strengthened.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries putting in place new national policies that integrate environmental issues in agriculture, due to FAO's support and capacity building efforts.
2. Number of countries implementing new national programmes that integrate environmental issues in agriculture, due to FAO support and capacity-building efforts.

Major Output(s)

1. Secretariat of FAO's inter-departmental activities on the three international conventions to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2. Coordination of cross-sectoral activities linked to organic agriculture, energy, integrated ecosystem management and follow-up of Agenda 21.
3. Policy guidelines on priority environmental issues.
4. Capacity building and advisory services to countries on high-priority environmental issues.

Rationale

690. Development problem to be addressed: There is substantial requirement for accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive and geo-referenced information, especially for monitoring, management and conservation of renewable natural resources and the environment. Weakness of national spatial data and information infrastructures prevents most developing countries from filling this gap. This slows or limits effective rural development.

691. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the ability of FAO, the international community and national governments to make scientifically-based decisions on resource conservation and rural development, and to undertake timely preventive and mitigative actions against natural disasters (drought, floods, pests) is highly dependent on access to dynamic spatial information on the environment and natural resource base. Decisions and policies based on accurate information of this kind are much more likely to obtain the desired impact.

692. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: End beneficiaries are primarily the disadvantaged farmers and rural populations living in environmentally threatened areas. They will benefit from better policies and planning for environmentally sustainable development as a result of better information.

Objective(s)

693. To assist governments as well as international organizations and donor agencies in making timely and effective scientifically-based decisions and formulating policies in relation to the development of food production, natural resources management and the migratory pests situation, through accurate and timely geo-referenced information.

Indicator(s)

1. National or international policies and programmes in the areas of sustainable food production, poverty alleviation, early warning or environmental management that make explicit reference to FAO's data and models.

Major Output(s)

1. Support to environmental data acquisition and management.
2. Tools and methodological frameworks for integrated analysis of geo-information.
3. Monitoring of, and periodic reporting on natural resources conditions and trends.

Rationale

694. Development problem to be addressed: farmers and other producers, as well as consumers, require access to timely and appropriate knowledge and information to make informed decisions. Existing information delivery systems for agricultural research, extension and education are often weak, unresponsive to users' needs, not gender-sensitive, and lacking effective mechanisms for interaction.

695. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: capacity building of agricultural research, extension and education staff in the use of appropriate and adapted information and communication technologies (ICTs) and in participatory communication will enhance their ability to meet the priority information and knowledge needs of male and female farmers. This effort should be also gender-sensitive.

696. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the end beneficiaries will be male and female farmers, producers and consumers, i.e. from increased and more equitable access to diversified sources of timely information and knowledge that reflects their needs and priorities. In addition, they should gain access to new channels of communication that may enable them to influence development decisions.

Objective(s)

697. To harness the potential of new information and communication technologies to assist countries in addressing major obstacles in agricultural and rural development.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of countries demonstrating improvements in national research, extension and education systems and information exchange due to their adoption of ICTs.

Major Output(s)

1. Application of ICTs to the establishment of innovative linkage mechanisms and networks for national agricultural research, extension and education systems.
2. Conceptual frameworks, methodologies and training materials for ICT applications and content development, distance-learning and information dissemination, and impact assessment.
3. Support to ICTs for accelerated advancement of rural women and rural girls.

Rationale

698. Development problem to be addressed: research is essential to ensuring increased, sustainable food and agricultural production in all regions. Results of research need to be transferred in an effective manner to farming communities. A key player in this global effort is the CGIAR - a major network of internationally-funded scientific research facilities, whose Technical Advisory Committee - jointly funded - is hosted by FAO.

699. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the TAC - soon to be replaced by a Science Council - contributes to ensuring relevance and quality of science in the CGIAR and advises the latter on strategic scientific issues relevant to the Group's goal and mission. In view of current transitional arrangements, the title of the entity has been left unchanged.

700. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: farmers, producers and consumers in developing countries who will benefit from the results of high-quality research and appropriate scientific solutions to many rural development problems.

Objective(s)

701. Improved quality and delivery of the CGIAR system institutions; testing and evaluation in country of technologies and approaches promoted by CGIAR institutions; and ultimately integration of the most promising technologies and approaches into national extension curricula.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of CGIAR-promoted technologies and approaches taken up and successfully tested by NARS and other national stakeholders.

Major Output(s)

1. Advice on CGIAR science policy, priorities and strategy, and resource allocation.
2. Assessments of relevance and quality of science in the CGIAR through external and peer reviews.
3. Ex-post impact assessment of CGIAR activities.
4. Organisation and implementation of TAC meetings.
5. Dissemination of information and documentation to TAC and CGIAR members and stakeholders of TAC decisions, reports, strategic studies and reviews.

702. This entity covers advisory services and backstopping in a wide range of technical disciplines, such as environment, geo-information infrastructure and services and integrated use of information.

Programme 2.5.2: Gender and Population

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

252A3

TP

Gender and Natural Resources Management

252A4

TP

Analysis and Mitigation of the Impact of HIV/AIDS on Food Security and Rural Development

252P1

CP

Promotion of Gender and Population in Policies, Legislation and Civil Institutions

252S1

TS

Technical Support to Member Nations and the Field Programme

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

703. The programme focuses on policy advice, technical assistance and training support to countries and civil society partners for mainstreaming of gender and population issues in agricultural, environmental and rural development policies, programmes and projects, as well as in agricultural censuses and surveys, and in relevant legislation. It provides tools and methods to analyse and address the gender and socio-economic dimensions of poverty and food security, in order to come up with more equitable development programmes. It will also address several emerging issues, such as the impact on agricultural productivity and food security of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and of progressive rural ageing. This programme includes the function of corporate focal point regarding gender mainstreaming, for which the FAO Plan of Action on Gender and Development (2002-2007)¹¹⁵ will be the main instrument of implementation.

Rationale

704. Development problem to be addressed: women's and men's different knowledge, practices and access rights must be taken into consideration for effective natural resource management in support of food security and sustainable livelihoods. Rural development institutions still lack sufficient tools and capacity to effectively integrate the gender dimensions of natural resource management in their activities.

705. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: building and strengthening institutional capacity for gender-responsive and participatory natural resource management planning, and helping with enhanced opportunities for equitable participation of women and men in policy and programme formulation.

706. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: rural communities and individuals (both women and men), who will see their needs and priorities with regard to natural resources adequately addressed in rural development policies and programmes.

Objective(s)

707. Policies, programmes and projects that ensure gender equality in the distribution and management of natural resources and increased farmers' participation in policy and programme formulation processes.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries which have integrated gender in natural resources management policies and strategies, with help from this entity.
2. Number of related projects supported by FAO and other agencies which integrated gender sensitive approaches in part thanks to this entity.

Major Output(s)

1. Gender-responsive methods for natural resources management.
2. Support for gender-responsive natural resources management policy.

Rationale

708. Development problem to be addressed: the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries is impacting dramatically on food security and rural development efforts. Government agencies lack the necessary knowledge and experience to face this problem effectively and mitigate its effects on poverty and food security.

709. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the development of policies on mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on agriculture and rural development will have a direct positive influence on the agricultural sector in the worst affected countries, improving the livelihoods and food security of the poorest groups.

710. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the end beneficiaries are the rural people (particularly women and the rural poor) in countries hard hit by HIV/AIDS.

Objective(s)

711. Appropriate interventions and policy instruments to counter the effects of HIV/AIDS on the rural and agricultural sector.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries formulating AIDS-sensitive agricultural policies with explicit reference to FAO's policy tools and/or assistance.
2. Number of countries taking specific measures to mitigate the effects of AIDS on the agriculture sector with explicit reference to FAO's information, tools and/or assistance.

Major Output(s)

1. Gender-sensitive methodologies, policy and decision support tools on HIV/AIDS.
2. Technical assistance for HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation.
3. Studies on HIV/AIDS and land tenure.

Rationale

712. Development problem to be addressed: gender issues and population dynamics have many implications for rural development and food security, especially for the poorest groups. However, they are not always effectively incorporated in governments' decision making, plans and programmes, due to a lack of awareness, information and methodological tools. Within FAO itself, sufficient awareness of both must be nurtured, but especially of population issues.

713. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: mainstreaming of gender and population issues in FAO's work and that of its direct clients will lead to more sensitive (and, therefore, more effective) rural development policies and programmes. This will be achieved primarily as a result of awareness-raising, training and improved databases produced by this entity.

714. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: primarily the population involved in agriculture and the rural economy, which will benefit from gender and age differentiated priorities and needs' assessments in rural areas.

Objective(s)

715. FAO staff and governments will be able to utilise population and gender information in support of national and sub-national planning and decision making; reduce or eliminate discrimination by gender, age and/or socio-cultural characteristics, and enhance capacity to use population and gender analysis methodologies.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of cases where contents of a Socioeconomic and Gender Analysis (SEAGA) workshop were explicitly translated into policy, plans and/or projects.
2. Number of countries formulating gender-responsive legislation and policies with verifiable reference to FAO's advice, information or training.
3. Number of national institutions which have adopted and use population and gender analysis methods and tools in agricultural and rural development planning.

Major Output(s)

1. Support to national capacity for SEAGA in agriculture and rural development.
2. Advisory assistance to countries on gender-responsive national legislation and policies.
3. Support for gender mainstreaming in FAO's technical work.
4. Analysis of inter-relations between gender, population and food security.

716. This entity covers services of general nature regarding gender and population mainstreaming, not otherwise addressed in the above entities.

Programme 2.5.3: Rural Development

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

253A1

TP

Access 21: Land Tenure Institution Building for Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development

253A2

TP

Improved Rural Institutions and Services to Promote Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

253A4

TP

Participatory Approaches and Methods to Support Sustainable Livelihoods and Food Security

253P1

CP

Management and Support to the UN System Network on Rural Development and Food Security

253S1

TS

Technical Support Services on Participatory Approaches, Institutional Development and Access to Land Resources

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

717. Programme 2.5.3 actively fosters people's participation and supports food security objectives. Its entities and their major outputs are directed principally at corporate strategy A: Contributing to the eradication of food insecurity and rural poverty as well as at supporting the PAIA on Local Institution Building to Improve Capacity for Achieving Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. The programme also supports the Secretariat for the UN System Network on Rural Development and Food Security, and its national thematic groups. It provides tools and disseminates best practices for Members to address inter-related components of improving access to land and other natural resources through state interventions and land market transactions, and improve security of tenure in private property regimes and common property resource management systems. It is also concerned with strengthening decentralized capacities of public, private sector and civil society institutions (cooperatives, farmers' groups and producer associations), with particular emphasis on reaching disadvantaged rural groups (e.g., small farmers, agro-pastoralists, the landless and disabled).

Rationale

718. Development problem to be addressed: inadequate rights of access to land and other natural resources, and insecure tenure of those rights, entrench poverty and are significant impediments to rural developments and the alleviation of food insecurity. Countries lack adequate institutional arrangement to determine such rights.

719. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the development of enhanced land tenure policies and their effective implementation should lead to improved access to land and tenure security for the rural poor.

720. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the intended beneficiaries are the rural poor, both men and women, as increased access to land and other natural resources and improved tenure security enable people to build sustainable rural livelihoods.

Objective(s)

721. New policy and legislation formulated which strengthens land tenure security for the disadvantaged, especially women, and which supports increasing production; strengthening or establishment of land tenure regulation institutions; and increasingly effective land markets.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries considering policies and legislation to improve access to land and tenure security, particularly by women.

Major Output(s)

1. Methodologies for government-assisted land tenure policies.
2. Formulation of market and private land transaction policies and institutional support to improve access by the poor (especially women) for sustainable use of natural resources.
3. Land tenure modifications to promote rural development under indigenous and common property resource management.
4. Support to land tenure regularisation and institution-building in peri-urban and peri-rural zones.

Rationale

722. Development problem to be addressed: public institutions delivering services to farmers and private sector organizations (e.g. producer organizations) in developing countries and countries in transition are often not in a position to respond effectively to actual farmers' needs. However, poor agricultural producers in the rural and peri-urban areas require essential services for sustainable livelihoods, also need more equitable access to resources.

723. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: enhanced service delivery capacities of local public, private sector and civil society institutions should lead to improved access to resources and services.

724. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: poor farmers and other agricultural producers served by rural institutions, including members of producer organizations, living in the rural and peri-urban areas in developing countries and countries in transition.

Objective(s)

725. Rural institutions, local civil society and voluntary producer organizations in countries have enhanced management capacity, are more participatory in nature and are better coordinated, allowing them to better service agricultural producers.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of supported public rural institutions that have been successfully decentralized, have reformed their processes, become more transparent and participatory.
2. Examples of supported producers' organizations with increased financial self-reliance, more members, a better gender balance, with more transparent and democratic functioning.

Major Output(s)

1. Support to restructuring and decentralization of rural institutions.
2. Capacity building of small farmers and rural producer organizations.
3. Institutional mechanisms for multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration.

Rationale

726. Development problem to be addressed: the insufficient use of participatory methods and approaches by government staff and NGOs in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of field project and programme interventions limits their effectiveness in promoting sustainable livelihoods and achieving food security objectives.

727. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the increased use of participatory and sustainable livelihoods methods and approaches by FAO officers, government staff, NGOs and other development partners will lead to improved food security of the rural poor.

728. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the rural, peri-urban and urban poor will be able to reflect more effectively their needs and capacities in the design and implementation of rural and agricultural development programmes and projects.

Objective(s)

729. Programmes and projects, funded by national governments and international development agencies, aimed at food security, sustainable use of natural resources and rural development, adopt and/or implement appropriate participatory methods and sustainable livelihood approaches; FAO's normative outputs incorporate sustainable livelihoods approaches and methods.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries where approaches and tools from this entity were tested and adopted in development programmes.
2. Extent of use of the sustainable livelihoods approach in FAO's substantive activities.

Major Output(s)

1. Inter-disciplinary application of participatory approaches and methods for sustainable rural livelihoods and more equitable access to resources.
2. Identification and dissemination of appropriate indicators to assess the degree and quality of participation in rural development and food security projects and programmes.
3. Dissemination and exchange of information on the use of participatory methods.
4. Capacity building, institutional learning and enhanced methodologies for sustainable livelihoods approaches in inter-departmental and cross-sectoral FAO's normative and field activities.

Rationale

730. Development problem to be addressed: developing countries, particularly the Low-income, Food-deficit Countries (LIFDCs) need to enhance food security through rapid increases in food production and productivity, reducing year-to-year variability in food production on an economically- and environmentally-sound basis and improving people's access to food.

731. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: enhanced collaboration among development partners will facilitate more cost-effective and sustainable results.

732. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: ultimately, the food insecure and rural poor will benefit from strategies and programmes that are formulated and implemented in a more coherent and coordinated manner.

Objective(s)

733. The adoption and/or implementation by national and international organizations of multi-stakeholder perspectives and strategies, and coordinated programmes on food security and rural development.

Indicator(s)

1. List of countries adopting and/or implementing multi-stakeholder programmes and strategies on food security and rural development.
2. Examples of UN System Network recommendations tried and/or implemented at national and international levels.

Major Output(s)

1. Management of the Network secretariat, including support to national Thematic Groups.
2. Information and knowledge development, dissemination and exchange.

734. This entity covers the usual range of technical services related to the disciplines or issues addressed by Programme 2.5.3.

Programme 2.5.6: Food Production in Support of
Food Security in LIFDCs

735. Significant extra-budgetary resources are expected to support implementation of the SPFS (over US$ 600 million in the period of coverage of the Plan), hence the need to increase the catalytic provision under Programme 2.5.6.

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

256P1

CP

Management and Coordination

256P2

CP

SPFS Formulation

256P3

CP

SPFS Implementation

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

Rationale

736. Development problem to be addressed: developing countries, particularly the Low-income, Food-deficit Countries (LIFDCs) need to enhance food security through rapid increases in food production and productivity, reducing year-to-year variability in food production on an economically- and environmentally-sound basis and improving people's access to food.

737. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the SPFS has been designed to address the above problem. This entity ensures coordination and monitoring of the various stages of the SPFS. Attention is paid to promoting funding of the SPFS through mobilisation of resources from donors, financial institutions and the concerned governments. The entity facilitates successful formulation and implementation of the SPFS in an increasing number of participant countries, especially LIFDCs. This includes securing the involvement of the pertinent technical services of the Organization, guided by an external oversight panel.

738. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: recipient governments are assisted in addressing food security on a sustainable basis. Donors and financial institutions are provided with a common framework to contribute to improved food security.

Objective(s)

739. Effective coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the SPFS at all levels; promotion of South-South Cooperation (SSC) initiatives and increased mobilisation of funds from donors and financial institutions in support of the SPFS.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of active SSC agreements, including number of experts contracted.
2. Number of countries engaged in the SPFS, at each phase.
3. Contributions received for SPFS from donors.
4. Examples of replications of SPFS approaches, in non-SPFS projects.

Major Output(s)

1. Coordination and monitoring at Headquarters and decentralized structures.
2. Coordination and monitoring of the formulation of the SPFS and SSC components.
3. Coordination and monitoring of the implementation of SPFS.
4. SPFS guidelines and reports, dissemination of information.
5. Capacity building for SPFS programme management at country level.

Rationale

740. Development problem to be addressed: in joining the SPFS, interested governments need assistance in programme and project formulation.

741. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: food security issues are addressed in close collaboration with recipient governments by assisting in the formulation of SPFS Phase I, Extension of Phase I and Phase II at the country level, taking into account the needs of targeted populations and a sustainable production approach. Moreover, the entity provides for joint formulation of SSC partnerships, including tripartite agreements.

742. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: government departments and institutions are empowered in creating the policy and institutional framework needed for an expanding SPFS. Farmers in the project areas are the immediate beneficiaries together with community based organisations which provide input services and assistance in efficient utilisation of resources (e.g. Water User Associations) on the production side and in post harvest activities.

Objective(s)

743. Assist countries, especially LIFDCs, in achieving food security through the formulation of an SPFS National Programme Document and Plan of Action and of Phase I or extension/expansion of the programme.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of new national SPFS projects and regional programmes formulated and approved by all parties.
2. Number of SSC agreements formulated and approved by all parties.

Major Output(s)

1. Formulation of national SPFS programmes at Phase I, Phase I Extension and Phase II levels.
2. Formulation of SSC within the framework of the SPFS.

Rationale

744. Development problem to be addressed: the effective implementation and expansion of the SPFS to meet requirements and expectations of interested countries requires a steady flow of resources.

745. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: FAO provides technical assistance and financial support comes from various sources, including bilateral and multilateral donors, development banks and other financing institutions, NGOs, private sector entities and FAO itself. This combination of factors creates an enabling environment to address food insecurity in an effective and sustainable way.

746. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the prime beneficiaries are malnourished people, with unreliable access to food at all times.

Objective(s)

747. To provide essential financial support to food security enhancement of LIFDCs, through rapid increases in productivity and food production in an economically- and environmentally-sound basis; to improve people's access to food; to promote diversified food production on a self-reliant basis through better input supply services and access to village credit.

Indicator(s)

1. Proportion of farmers supported in areas where SPFS is implemented.
2. Stability of food production in countries where SPFS is being implemented (Phase I, Phase I Extension or Phase II).
3. Increased production and diversification of food in countries where SPFS is being implemented.

Major Output(s)

1. Implementation of national SPFS programmes at Phase I level.
2. Implementation of national SPFS programmes at Extension of Phase I/Phase II levels.
3. Implementation of SSC activities in SPFS countries.

¹⁰⁹ Sustainable Development Department

¹¹⁰ United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

¹¹¹ Priority Areas for Inter-disciplinary Action

¹¹² Special Programme for Food Security

¹¹³ Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research

¹¹⁴ Global Forum for Agricultural Research

¹¹⁵ C 2001/9