PART II

Strategies to Address Members' Needs

THE MEDIUM-TERM RESPONSE

MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.1: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

72. This major programme responds to a number of explicit social and technical challenges. As the World Food Summit made clear, the reliable production, processing and delivery of more food is the key to reducing the number of vulnerable, malnourished people living in rural and urban areas, and often in fragile environments. Solutions demand intensifying agricultural production in a sustainable manner. But the issue is not just more food. Increasingly, agriculture is called upon to provide other services to society, such as improving livelihoods, safeguarding ecosystems, watersheds and biodiversity, and contributing to green belts around cities.

73. To address these challenges, the major programme will give priority to promoting technologies to sustainably intensify agricultural production; reducing the effects of agriculture-related environmental degradation and market failures on vulnerable, food insecure households; and addressing the biosecurity risks of exchanges of agricultural inputs and products to facilitate expanded international trade. About one-third of the programme's major outputs contribute to Strategic Objective C2 on technology to sustainably intensify production systems. Furthermore, through its multifaceted involvement with the regulatory, protection, information and decision-support dimensions of agricultural development, and through the provision of a neutral forum for policy debate and negotiations, the major programme provides important contributions to Strategic Objectives A3, B2, C1, D1 and E1.

74. Work connected to emergency preparedness and assistance (A3) is exemplified by the two components of EMPRES dealing with locust control and transboundary animal diseases, without overlooking activities on seed security and agricultural support services. Key regulatory instruments (B1 and B2) serviced by this major programme are the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides and the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. Normative activities carried out under the umbrella of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (for whose Secretariat the intra-departmental entity 210P1 is introduced) span two programmes: crops and livestock.

75. Contributions to enhanced livelihoods of small farmers (A1) are to be seen more particularly through one entity dealing with the role of livestock in poverty alleviation and a specially designed entity for this purpose (214A1) under Programme 2.1.4, Agricultural Support Systems. While it is often difficult to draw a firm line between contributions to Corporate Strategies C and D in the perspective of this strongly action-oriented major programme, natural resource conservation (D) is self-evidently an important dimension of Programme 2.1.1, and to a lesser extent Programmes 2.1.2 and 2.1.3. Finally, information dissemination activities (E) are to be found throughout the major programme which deals with important disciplines and sub-sectors of agriculture.

76. Committed to applying inter-disciplinary approaches, the major programme has identified and will address geographically explicit, ecologically coherent, time-bound agricultural problems. Science-based solutions will be developed and refined through field activities, while normative channels such as the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) will provide points of reference for local and regional innovation and problem solving. Hence, the programme will further encourage partnerships involving local communities, NGOs and private enterprise, as well as with bilateral and multilateral stakeholders in order to develop and test solutions to food insecurity and rural poverty, particularly through the Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS). Acting as an honest broker among partners, the major programme will concentrate on provision of international agricultural public goods both locally and globally.

Intra-departmental Entities

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

210A1

TP

Sustainable Intensification of Integrated Production Systems

210A2

TP

Promotion of Conservation Agriculture

210P1

CP

Secretariat of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

210S1

TS

Committee on Agriculture (COAG)

210S2

TS

Technical Services for Partnership Development and Information Enhancement

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

• The projected rapid growth in demand for food and non-food products from agriculture in the early 21st century requires the intensification of production, while protecting natural resources and ensuring equity, food security and human health. The transformation of production systems, especially at the level of small-scale producers, requires a holistic approach, and recognition of the economic and social dimensions of upgraded technology. Integration needs to be horizontal, seeking improved management across components of the farming systems and vertical, seeking improved management of commodities through the production, processing, distribution and marketing stages.
• This project is to coordinate and enhance FAO activities related to intensification of integrated production systems and will address eco-regional priorities. In this context, it will strengthen technical support to the SPFS.
• The multi-disciplinary nature of the project will enable concerted approaches to important issues such as nutrient cycling, energy efficiency, waste management and pollution control, the conservation and sustainable use of soil, water and biological resources, including watershed and ecosystem services. It will also encourage multi-stakeholder dialogue in order to meet the needs of consumers and producers and address issues such as rights, access, local knowledge and culture with a view to achieving sustainable livelihoods and food security for all.

Objectives

To disseminate promising integrated production techniques and best management practices for several major agro-ecological zones, and ensure coordinated approaches to the intensification of production systems.

Major Outputs

1. Coordination mechanisms, including networking of national institutions and stakeholders in countries to facilitate information exchange, conferencing, negotiation and interpretation of codes of conduct, agreed principles of resource use and best management practices and development of related analytical and planning tools.
2. Integrated crop management practices for sustainable intensification of rice-wheat systems in Asia.
3. Support to integrated farming systems in West Africa, particularly in the context of oncho-freed ecozones.
4. Development of integrated production systems in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa (CILSS, IGAD and SADC areas).
5. Strategies and technologies for integrated production systems in the arid and semi-arid areas of the Near East region.
6. Support to integrated production systems in the semi-arid areas of Latin America and the Caribbean (especially through networking and information exchange).
7. Strategies for supporting intensification in specific sub-regions and agro-ecosystems and assistance for economic and financial evaluation of intensified production systems, with an initial focus on the SPFS (including field guides and training materials).

Indicators

• Evidence of uptake of new technical concepts and analytical tools relating to integrated production systems in selected agro-ecosystems.
• Application of tested technologies and strategies, as developed under this project.
• Degree of participation and interest of stakeholders in the discussion of best management practices, principles of resource use and codes.

Rationale

• Soil degradation and inefficient use of plant nutrients and water are major reasons for concern, not only for livelihood improvement of smallholder farmers, but also for addressing growing environmental and sustainability problems in agriculture.
• Crop production based on conventional tillage practices cannot fully respond to the need to achieve and sustain enhanced food production and, at the same time, protect the natural resource base and environmental integrity.
• In addition to this, conventional agriculture is producing emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly of CO2, through burning or the incorporation of crop residues during intensive tillage. Soil tillage has been the main cause for the reduction of soil carbon.
• Conservation agriculture techniques, based on permanent soil cover, have demonstrated increases in production and soil fertility and are being adopted successfully in several regions. Conservation agriculture brings economic benefits for farmers, reduces the long-term use of external inputs and fuel, increases water infiltration, reduces soil erosion dramatically and converts agriculture into a CO2 sink. It is a concept that involves sociological aspects of community development and gender issues, as well as more global environmental aspects such as biodiversity.
• Conservation agricultural practices still need promoting in many regions, despite the obvious advantages.

Objective

To achieve increased sustainable agricultural production through better land husbandry based on principles and practices of conservation agriculture.

Major Outputs

1. Dissemination and promotion of appropriate mechanisation technologies for sustainable land husbandry.
2. Technical guidance on crops and cropping system strategies for conservation farming.
3. Promotion of soil and moisture conservation techniques in production systems (including testing of technologies, guidelines, training and information exchange).
4. Guidelines and models for the integration of livestock into conservation agriculture systems.
5. Diagnostic and monitoring methodologies and enhanced national capacities to support the intensification of integrated crop-livestock systems through improved conservation farming practices.

Indicators

• Number of governments that adopt policies supporting conservation agriculture and of field projects/organizations adopting the concept of conservation agriculture in their work in each agro-ecological region where the technical project is being focused.
• Increase in the area under conservation agriculture in agro-ecological regions (assessed by national statistics and local field surveys integrated into field activities carried out in collaboration with regional and national networks).
• Uptake of guidelines/technologies, as well as outreach of training activities.

Rationale

• The Commission is the main intergovernmental forum for consideration and negotiation of policy instruments, agreements, regulatory frameworks, and specific action programmes for genetic resources for food and agriculture and related technologies, including on access and benefit-sharing. It keeps under continuous review all matters relating to FAO's policies, programmes and activities in this field.
• The CGRFA articulates relevant policy development in food and agriculture, in harmony with other relevant international processes. The work of the CGRFA is being extended on a step-by-step basis to the various sectors, with a primary focus on plant and animal genetic resources.
• The Commission has established two subsidiary sectoral Intergovernmental Technical Working Groups (ITWGs) on Farm Animal Genetic Resources and on Plant Genetic Resources. Entity 213A5 supports the ITWG on Animal Genetic Resources; entity 212P4 supports the ITWG on PGRFA.

Objective

To facilitate and support the work of the Commission and attendant intergovernmental agreements.

Major Outputs

1. Regular Sessions of the CGRFA.
2. Adoption and entry into force of the revised International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
3. Development of internationally agreed policy and regulatory frameworks for animal and plant genetic resources, and other sectors.
4. Support to FAO's activities on Ethics in Food and Agriculture (including Panel of Eminent Experts).

Indicators

• Evidence of impact of adoption of sectorial and general instruments on GRFA.
• Development of the policy and regulatory frameworks for genetic resources in harmony with those in the environmental and trade sectors.
• Interest by governments and civil society in FAO's work on ethics in food and agriculture.

This entity covers servicing of COAG, the technical committee which reports to FAO Council on the programmes of AG, ES and SD Departments, involving also the preparation of issue papers.

This entity covers several activities of interest to the whole Agriculture Department:

• Task Manager function for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) of Agenda 21 of UNCED.
• Coordinated contributions to global perspective studies, as well as Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other partnership agreements.
• Advocacy publications and Agriculture Department's Website, inputs to regional reporting and general liaison work.

Programme 2.1.1: Natural Resources

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

211A1

TP

Agricultural Water Use Efficiency and Conservation

211A2

TP

Land and Soil Productivity

211A3

TP

Integrated Land, Water and Plant Nutrient Management

211P7

CP

Land and Water Information Systems, Databases and Statistics

211P8

CP

Knowledge Management and Partnerships

211S1

TS

Direct Support to Member Nations and to the Field Programme

211S2

TS

International Programme for Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage (IPTRID)

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

• This technical project operates against a backdrop of acute competition for scarce water resources among economic sectors. Optimising the efficiency of agricultural water use requires simultaneous improvements in water management, technology, knowledge and capacity-building at all levels, from farmers through irrigation agencies to basin and national water resources institutions.
• Similarly, the sustainability of existing and new irrigation schemes requires innovative approaches, an increased role of the private sector, and a framework of national water policies, regulations and economic measures that are conducive to rational allocation of water resources.
• Recent international meetings such as the second World Water Forum and the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) have underlined the pressing need to take action in this regard and there is growing demand for technical assistance, capacity-building, technology transfer and increased investment.

Objective

To promote efficient use and conservation of water in agriculture through improved irrigation and water harvesting technologies, effective water management and related water resources policy and institutional reforms.

Major Outputs

1. Support to on-farm water control and management (including a set of training materials, curricula and guidelines duly tested and used in national programmes, particularly through SPFS interventions).
2. Studies, training and advice on techniques and procedures for effective and precise management of water for optimal crop production under diverse agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions, including supplementary and deficit irrigation.
3. Field testing of methodologies for the improvement and expansion of smallholder irrigation (publications, manuals, databases, training workshops and through the Internet).
4. Support to irrigation systems improvement and modernisation, through capacity-building of the leaders of water user associations, technical staff and managers of irrigation systems, and institutional measures.
5. Promotion of appropriate water policy and river basin management (including
   information-sharing).

Indicators

• Evidence of increased irrigated agriculture production and water use efficiency at local and regional levels, through the adoption of new, cost-effective irrigation and water resources development technologies.
• Evidence of increased investment in irrigation by the public and by the private sector and reduction of conflict situation in transboundary river basins.
• Outreach of training and demand for information products generated by the project.

Rationale

• In a context of intensification of production, governments need to ensure viable land use and efficient resource utilisation through effective policies and strategies taking into account specific agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions.
• This entity will in particular contribute to the SPFS and the Soil Fertility Initiative (SFI).

Objective

To improve soil productivity and sustainable land use through: integrated plant nutrition management and soil fertility enhancement; soil management and soil and water conservation technologies; and policies and strategies for land use options, land management and fertiliser use.

Major Outputs

1. Advice on integrated soil and plant nutrient management.
2. Technical guidelines, information-sharing and support to national capacity-building for the management, conservation and rehabilitation of degraded and problem soils.
3. Promotion of analytical tools and assistance in the formulation of policies and plans for management and conservation of land resources.

Indicators

• Evidence of adoption of soil fertility and integrated plant nutrition management practices by farmers.
• Similarly, adoption of efficient soil management and soil moisture conservation technologies in food production.
• Implementation of policies for optimal land use options, land management and fertiliser use, as outreach of this technical project.

Rationale

• This entity focuses on the main issues of integrated land and water management, complementing the two preceding discipline-oriented entities (211A1 and 211A2).
• It addresses five major aspects: a) conservation agriculture, through the use of appropriate soil moisture conservation methods and soil fertility management in areas with restricted, irregular and distinctly seasonal rainfall patterns such as drylands; b) sustainable management and conservation of wetlands; c) the impact of land use on water resources in rural and mountainous watersheds and mechanisms for balancing costs and benefits accrued to upstream and downstream stakeholders in medium-size watersheds; d) mitigation of waterlogging and salinity through drainage and the rehabilitation of saline soils; and e) mitigation of the impact of natural disasters through integrated land and water policies.

Objective

To promote an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach to land and water management, taking account of major land-water interactions.

Major Outputs

1. Field-testing and promotion of moisture conservation in rainfed areas (including training and information-sharing).
2. Appraisal tools and specific measures for wetland development and conservation.
3. Guidelines for improved understanding of land and water linkages in rural watersheds, and promotion of mechanisms to ensure benefit-sharing of all user groups.
4. Advice on waterlogging and salinity control (including information-sharing through networks and newsletters).
5. Standards and guidelines on water quality management and environmental effects of irrigation (for the safe use of wastewater).
6. Support to improved preparedness, and advice on land and water planning and management to mitigate natural disasters.

Indicators

• Effective application of methodologies and technologies.
• Active participation of partners in networks and outreach of training.
• Evidence of improved preparedness of countries.
• Demand for information products.

Rationale

• This continuing programme activity covers the exercise of FAO's mandate in providing Members and civil society at large with up-to-date information (and analysis) on the global status of land and water resources, water development and land and fertiliser use and availability.
• Countries also require assistance to set up national monitoring systems and enhance their capacity to use such systems; together with norms and standards for improving land and water data collection and analysis.

Objective

To provide a recognised point of reference and a continuous forum for exchange of experiences, norms, data and information on the state of land and water for food and agriculture in the world.

Major Outputs

1. Integrated land and water information system, including standards for data collection and periodic reports on the state of land and water resources of the world by region and individual countries (including support to networks and training workshops).
2. Geo-referenced land databases and statistics.
3. Comprehensive, up-to-date water information database (AQUASTAT) and contributions to the World Water Development Report (joint initiative of concerned UN system organizations).

Indicators

• Extent of acceptance and use of norms and standards for quality of land and water data in countries.
• Adequate coverage of agricultural issues in periodic UN monitoring reports.
• Effective use by countries and institutions of published frameworks and guidelines, periodic reports in various languages.
• Increased access to and use of land and water information (through periodic surveys to assess how quality of land and water information has improved worldwide).

Rationale

• International, regional and national institutions and agencies should make full use of FAO's knowledge base and obtain timely advice and reliable synthesised information on all aspects of land, water and plant nutrient management including: resources availability; best practices in soil conservation and management; water management and development and irrigation technology; and plant nutrient management.
• This continuing programme activity will be based on a system of regular updates and electronic dissemination of information and contribute to major issue papers and perspective studies at global, regional and national level. It will make full use of AGL's documentation centre, which is the custodian of one of the largest map collections worldwide.

Objective

To provide a service and reference centre on important land, water and plant nutrition issues to guide effective planning and sound management of land and water resources and application of fertilisers.

Major Outputs

1. Operation of a global centre on land and water issues, including a fully documented Website, electronic newsletters and links to various networks.
2. Periodic contributions to the preparation of major issue papers and perspective (e.g. Agriculture Towards 2015/30, and for international fora such as Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC), Global Water Partnership).

Indicators

• Demand for information products, and effective use/uptake of information/assessments through surveys and reflection in major international initiatives.

This entity will be heavily involved in supporting the formulation and implementation of projects including SPFS and emergency and relief operations from the perspective of land and water issues.

A joint initiative of several partner institutions, IPTRID will continue to enhance applied research and technology transfer of irrigation and drainage in developing countries through analytical reports, thematic networks, formulation of policies and projects, as well as information dissemination activities.

Programme 2.1.2: Crops

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

212A1

TP

Alternative Crops and Cultivars for New Opportunities

212A3

TP

Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems

212A4

TP

EMPRES - Plant Pests Component

212A5

TP

"Mainstreaming IPM" by Enhancing Essential Ecological Processes

212A7

TP

Strengthening National Seed Production and Security Systems

212A8

TP

Facilitating Plant Production and Protection Decision Making

212P1

CP

Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)

212P2

CP

Pesticide Management

212P3

CP

Migratory Pest Management

212P4

CP

Support to the FAO Global System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA)

212P5

CP

Support to Strategy Formulation and Promotion of Specific Action for Rice Development in Member Countries of the International Rice Commission (IRC)

212S1

TS

Advice to Countries and Support to 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

Rationale

• In order to implement successful diversification strategies, away from exclusive reliance on a few staple food crops and varieties, novel technologies in emerging crops, crop cultivars, protected agriculture and cropping systems need to be tested and made available to countries, aiming at the establishment of suitable species and high value cultivars with food, feed, fuel, fibre and pharmacological potential.
• The identification of alternative crops and improved technologies, including plant breeding, should be based on comparative advantage within a given agro-ecological and socio-economic context, and should avoid further degradation of natural resources.
• This technical project would support the introduction of alternative crops, holistically, with production, processing, marketing technology and nutritional information elements.

Objective

To assist countries with crop diversification options in specific eco-zones, in relation to food security and income generation targets and market opportunities.

Major Outputs

1. A collection of knowledge on lesser-known crop plants with localised and/or international potential, and dissemination of information (including training and networking).
2. Assessment and promotion of high value crops and cultivars and their improvement for distinct agro-ecological environments.
3. Testing, information and networks in support of the introduction of expansion of cultivation of palms in Africa.
4. Support to technology transfer for integrated greenhouse crop production and protection management.

Indicators

• Evidence of impact through increased planted areas of locally adapted or introduced crops, and reduced environmental degradation through the verified use of stabilising species (particularly perennials).
• Interest shown by governments, public institutions, donors and private enterprise in novel technologies.
• Uptake of information and training material on adapted species or varieties.

Rationale

• All major assessments point to the inability of present cropping systems and agricultural practices to achieve true sustainability and long-term conservation of natural resources. Often, technologies are available in a particular country or international research centre, but have not been transferred to benefit production at farm level or to other countries. Information needs to be more readily available both to countries and within countries.
• Also, there has often been a failure to integrate all needed components and issues related to plant production and protection. An inter-disciplinary approach is required, with due attention to crop and grassland production technologies, seeds and Integrated Pest Management.

Objective

To assist with strategies and integrated production technologies capable of reducing food insecurity, generating income and contributing to the sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity.

Major Outputs

1. Enabling policies for better management of available resources in smallholder cropping systems (including sharing of experiences).
2. Introduction of improved crop and cropping systems technologies for increased and sustainable productivity.
3. Support to national strategies and technology transfer for natural, low-input grassland systems, with due attention to protecting biodiversity.
4. Improved knowledge base and technologies for intensive forage production and conservation.
5. Implementation of the global cassava development strategy, together with partners in this initiative.
6. Dissemination of information to users at large, through selected crop/grassland databases.
7. Guidelines for sustainable community-level seed production enterprises to conserve local crop genetic resources, and related direct assistance to countries.
8. Support to countries on plant biotechnology.

Indicators

• Evidence of successful application to field level of various guidelines and technologies.
• Uptake of information and outreach of training.
• Interest of countries through demands for strategy formulation.

Rationale

• Members expect a proactive involvement of FAO in transboundary pest monitoring and control, as a conduit for, and catalyst of international and national actions.
• As endorsed by the Council in 1994, this component of EMPRES deals with transboundary plant pests, in particular the desert locust, which pose a continuing threat to the livelihoods of rural populations and overall food security of affected countries (see also 213A7 for the livestock component of EMPRES).

Objective

To promote concerted efforts by donors and affected countries to prevent major desert locust upsurges through early warning, early reaction and relevant research.

Major Outputs

1. Mobilisation and coordination of actions (including regular consultative meetings, sensibilisation of stakeholders, project formulation and information support).
2. Enhanced locust survey and early warning systems (including intensive training of local personnel, and guidelines).
3. Assistance with early locust control capacity, and effective preventive control strategies (including the promotion of economically sound and environmentally safe new locust control products/methods).
4. Improved management and planning capacities of national locust control units.

Indicators

• Evidence of impact through upgraded communication systems in locust-affected countries and improved reporting procedures, and effective survey capabilities and contingency planning processes.
• Outreach of training and demand for information products from all stakeholders.

Rationale

• Intensification usually causes instability associated with outbreaks and abnormal population increases of pests such as insects, diseases, weeds, rodents and birds. By promoting farmers' understanding of essential ecological processes, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) makes intensification of food production more sustainable, and is the most widely practised means of establishing farmers field schools to support other components of food security. By providing a forum to discuss concepts and through its long experience with technical assistance, FAO has enabled countries to establish about 40 national IPM programmes and/or to formulate IPM policies that in turn encourage local participatory IPM initiatives.
• This entity, buttressed by substantial extra-budgetary resources especially through the Global IPM Facility and other projects, enables FAO to make of IPM a model of knowledge and science-based agricultural practices.

Objective

To expand the number of national programmes, especially in countries covered by the SPFS, to enable these programmes to better and more sustainably identify, analyse and enhance essential agro-ecological processes based on local decision-making, and to facilitate related policy and institutional changes.

Major Outputs

1. Guidelines and training on evaluation of weed population ecology, analysis of field impact of herbicide resistant crops and other support to national IPM programmes related to weed science.
2. Policy advice, training and information exchange in support of national IPM programmes.
3. Technical guidelines and case studies on pest population dynamics and epidemiological analyses, and strategic studies on the role of evolution in plant protection and IPM.

Indicators

• Documented examples of sustainable, explicit use and conservation of agro-biodiversity through participatory IPM.
• Demands for appropriate policy scientific and technical support by national programmes.
• Outreach of training and interest in information-sharing through networks.

Rationale

• The availability of quality seeds (or other planting materials) for a wide range of varieties represents an essential prerequisite to sustainable crop production and food security. The further required increases to food production depend in great part on the use of quality seed and planting material of high yielding and well-adapted crop varieties.

Objective

To promote country commitment and farmer participation to strengthening farmers' seed production and supply systems, particularly within the framework of the SPFS, and due attention to seed security.

Major Outputs

1. A global strategy on sustainable seed production and seed security (including regional technical meetings, expert consultations and regional networks to foster national application).
2. Manuals and direct advice on sustainable seed production systems.
3. Quality control and certification regulatory mechanisms in line with international standards, facilitating national and international trade of seed and planting material.
4. Support to effective regional and national seed security programmes and mechanisms (including establishment of seed security consultative group, operation of a seed information and early warning system, and seed security networks).

Indicators

• Evidence of impact through enaction in countries of appropriate seed regulations, increase of international seed trade and exchange as a consequence of harmonisation of seed regulations.
• Outreach of training and effective adoption of guidelines.
• Evidence of countries having developed national seed policy and programmes as a result of regional network activities.
• Documented improvement of reaction capacities of countries in calamity-prone areas, through the use of the consultative group, networks and Seed Information and Early Warning System database.

Rationale

• This technical project is to facilitate an open-source, Internet-based forum and to mobilise cooperation of FAO's partners to collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate technical information.
• It will also add a hitherto neglected dimension of ecological knowledge to seed and planting material technology and crop production and plant protection management, so that the
  short-term objectives of these disciplines are not implemented at the cost of long-term ecological sustainability and sound management of natural resources.

Objective

To meet the substantial demand for technical information on seed and planting material, crop production and plant protection.

Major Outputs

1. Maintained plant production and protection decision-support system and attendant modular data products (including global network of institutions and NGOs).

Indicators

• Evidence of effective collaboration among agencies which own information and knowledge complementary to FAO's own data.
• Extent of application of procedures and protocols.
• Evidence of increased availability of technical information and reduced end-user costs to support policy and on-farm decision-making.

Rationale

• This entity supports the implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention, providing the Secretariat to the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures and implementing the work programme for the global harmonisation of phytosanitary measures to facilitate the international movement, including trade, of plant material and agricultural products.
• It assists membership in establishing appropriate regulatory frameworks for the protection of national plant resources and biodiversity from the introduction and spread of harmful plant pests.

Objective

To facilitate effective implementation of the Convention, including the improvement of national capacities.

Major Outputs

1. Global harmonisation of phytosanitary measures (including meetings of the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, expert working groups to draft standards and Standards Committee meetings to approve them, publication of standards).
2. Collaboration and liaison (including WTO, CBD, national and regional plant protection organizations).
3. Mandated information exchange and support to information exchange among parties.
4. Technical assistance to national phytosanitary systems.

Indicators

• Establishment and wide application of international standards for phytosanitary measures.
• Active work programme for the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures.
• Evidence of better coordination and collaboration among Members regarding implementation of the Convention.

Rationale

• Standards for product quality and the estimation of maximum residue levels facilitate the trade of pesticides and agricultural products, while at the same time protecting human health and the environment.
• Guidelines, information exchange on pesticide hazards, promotion of less hazardous alternatives linked with improved technologies and facilitation of the disposal of obsolete pesticides are also required to reduce risks associated with the use of pesticides.
• The entity supports the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides and provides the Interim Secretariat for the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC).

Objective

To promote sound pesticide management practices and reduction of risk to human health and the environment associated with pesticide use.

Major Outputs

1. Promotion of the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides (including updated guidelines, and direct advice to countries).
2. Standards for pesticide product quality and recommendations for maximum residue limits (MRLs).
3. Interim Secretariat services to the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (including assistance to countries on the implementation of the Convention).
4. Prevention of the occurrence of obsolete pesticide stocks and facilitation of their disposal (including consultations, guidelines and advice to countries).
5. Provision of know-how and technical services for sound pesticide management.

Indicators

• Evidence of improved pesticide management practices through the implementation of the Code of Conduct and its guidelines.
• Adoption and use of MRLs and pesticide quality standards.
• Reduction of trade, use and risk of hazardous pesticides through PIC, impact on disposal of obsolete pesticides and wider use of less hazardous alternatives.

Rationale

• This continuing programme activity supports regional and inter-regional coordination of the management of migratory pests, in particular desert locusts but also other locusts, grain-eating birds and armyworm. It is complemented by EMPRES (212A4).

Objective

To facilitate information exchange and collaboration among affected countries on migratory pests, coupled with sensitisation of the international donor community and assistance to countries affected by migratory pests.

Major Outputs

1. Monthly bulletins on the desert locust situation providing a regular flow of current information to all interested parties including forecasts, the issuance of special alerts on critical desert locust situations and of summaries of situations concerning other locust outbreaks.
2. Promotion of cooperation in desert locust management including servicing of established consultative mechanisms (Desert Locust Control Committee and Regional Desert Locust Commissions) and training.
3. Technical advice on migratory pest emergencies, including evaluations of outbreaks in the field and project development on migratory pest management.

Indicators

• Outreach of training and demand from interested partners for information products.
• Evidence of cooperation among concerned countries.

Rationale

• This entity supports the FAO Global System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), and the dynamic evolution of its components: a) the Global Plan of Action (GPA) for PGRFA including a facilitating mechanism and effective monitoring by all stakeholders, as agreed by the FAO Conference; b) a periodically updated Report on the State of the World's PGRFA; c) the World Information and Early Warning System on PGRFA and Seed (WIEWS); d) the International Network of Ex-Situ Collections under the auspices of FAO; e) global, regional and crop-related networks; f) in situ conservation areas and community genebanks; and g) codes of conduct related to PGRFA.
• This continuing programme activity will also ensure follow-up to decisions and recommendations of the CGRFA and its Intergovernmental Technical Working Group (ITWG).

Objectives

To provide advice on PGRFA at all levels and across disciplines; to optimise decision-making for their efficient management and sustainable use; and to promote exchange of information and knowledge in line with the rolling GPA.

Major Outputs

1. Refined GPA for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA (including promotion of more integrated approaches and priority setting).
2. Facilitating mechanism for the implementation of the GPA, and regular monitoring of progress.
3. Maintained and improved WIEWS, including an integrated information system to facilitate the monitoring of the GPA implementation and the periodic assessment of the State of the World's PGRFA.
4. Support to PGRFA networks (including ex situ collections and in situ conservation).
5. Technical support to the CGRFA, and its ITWG on PGRFA.

Indicators

• Interest of countries and stakeholders in supporting the revised rolling GPA, including through projects prepared with FAO technical assistance and/or financially supported by donor agencies for the implementation of specific priority areas of the revised GPA.
• Outreach of training on aspects related to PGRFA.
• Extent of participation of countries/institutions joining the international network of ex situ collections under the auspices of FAO, and global, regional and crop-related networks.
• Expansion of ex situ collections, in situ conservation areas and community genebanks established and managed following FAO standards and guidelines.
• Use of PGRFA/seeds information systems and demand for information products.
• Evidence of use of FAO codes of conduct in national policies and programmes on PGRFA.
• Adequate and timely follow-up to the recommendations of the CGRFA and its ITWG on PGRFA.

Rationale

• Rice is the staple food and provides 50-60% of daily energy requirements for more than 3 billion people. It is grown in 111 countries, many of them are Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs). However, the world's annual growth rate of rice production decelerated from 3.1% in the 1980s to only 1.1% in the 1990s, while there are serious post Green Revolution concerns on productivity decline, yield ceiling, large yield gap, social inequity and environmental degradation.
• International and regional cooperative efforts are, therefore, needed to reverse these trends.

Objective

To assist the International Rice Commission (IRC) and related cooperative action aimed at increasing the productivity and efficiency of rice production systems for the benefit of income-poor farmers and consumers, while maintaining a healthy environment for future generations.

Major Outputs

1. Harmonisation of national and international action on rice development in countries through IRC sessions, meetings of Steering Committee and other consultations, and inter-regional cooperative networks.
2. Assistance for the implementation of the Commission's recommendations in countries and monitoring of its impact (including training).
3. Collation, analysis and dissemination of innovative rice technologies, production factors, constraints and opportunities in different agro-ecologies.

Indicators

• Interest through participants from countries and partner institutions in sessions, meetings, and workshops organised by the Commission and its supported networks.
• Verification through surveys of the extent of interest and adaptation to national needs of guidelines and technologies.
• Demand for information products: reports, proceedings, newsletters and other publications related to the IRC and its recommendations.
• Outreach of training.

This entity will be involved with active support to the pertinent SPFS components, as well as evaluation of projects financed by the TeleFood Special Fund.

Programme 2.1.3: Livestock

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

213A3

TP

Contribution of Livestock to Poverty Alleviation

213A5

TP

Developing the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources

213A6

TP

Veterinary Public Health Management and Food and Feed Safety

213A7

TP

EMPRES - Livestock

213A8

TP

Technologies and Systems for Efficient Natural Resource Use in Livestock Production

213A9

TP

Environmental Management of Insect Borne Diseases

213B1

TP

Livestock Sector Analysis and Strategy Development

213P1

CP

Global Livestock Information System and Knowledge Framework

213S1

TS

Advice to Member Countries and Support to 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

Rationale

• Livestock rural producers in resource-poor areas face numerous constraints, e.g. lack of access to markets, goods and services; weak institutions; and lack of skills, knowledge and appropriate technologies. Both production and productivity remain well below potential and losses and wastage can be high. However, adapted breeds and local feed resources are available, along with proven technologies that include preservation and value-added product processing, which could substantially improve productivity and income generation.
• This technical project addresses small-scale, low-input livestock production systems in resource poor areas and fragile eco-systems and will also provide technical support to the Special Programme for Food Security. It will adopt an inter-disciplinary approach, integrating feeding, breeding, animal health, husbandry and product processing aspects.

Objective

To provide decision-makers, including NGOs and bilateral agencies, with the rational basis to exploit the potential of livestock and improve livelihoods of the rural poor.

Major Outputs

1. Elaboration and dissemination of decision-support tools for sustainable resource use in small-scale, low-input livestock production systems (technical options, best management practice guidelines, impact assessments).
2. Guidelines and assistance in strategy formulation for value-added processing and distribution and waste reduction in small-scale, low-input livestock production systems.
3. Strategies and measures to improve access to goods and services for the emerging small-scale livestock producer (in terms of both inputs - supplies and veterinary services, and outputs - collection and marketing).

Indicators

• Evidence of the application of proposed options/strategies in improving performance of the small-producer sector.
• Demand for advisory services and information.

Rationale

• The World Food Summit recognised that management of animal genetic resources (AnGR) was a key component of food security and sustainable rural development. Accordingly, countries are committed to the utilisation and conservation of a wide range of these resources. These are also fundamental objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), whose Conference of the Parties endorsed the development of the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources and FAO's lead role.
• This Global Strategy covers awareness, capacity-building, action at all levels, a country-driven State of the World reporting process on the characterisation, use, conservation of, and access to this sector of agro-biodiversity.

Objective

To lead the development and implementation at country level, regionally and globally, of a strategic framework and put in place the various constituents of the Global Strategy.

Major Outputs

1. Refined framework for implementation of the Global Strategy and established supportive country mechanisms (national and regional focal points).
2. First State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources Priority Activities Report (2003) and Full Report (2005), together with formulation and initiation of field activities.
3. Follow-up mechanism to the State of the World Report and its implementation for country assistance.
4. Formulation of AnGR policy issues and integration with pertinent international regulatory protocols, e.g. biosafety, access, benefit-sharing, biotechnology, as a comprehensive policy framework.

Indicators

• Interest in countries through participation in policy and project formulation, as well as reports.
• Degree of acceptance of policy and regulatory frameworks and impact on national activities.

Rationale

• The process of rapid intensification of animal production systems is bringing significant health risks to the animal populations themselves, and also human health risks. Poor hygiene and inadequate (or non-enforced) food and feed safety measures and informal marketing channels further contribute to food-borne illnesses, most of which, however, go unrecorded. At the same time, traditional production systems still suffer from insufficient or inadequate veterinary infrastructures in many regions.
• Decision-support systems are needed in countries for the selection of cost-effective control strategies for major zoonotic diseases together with guidelines on prudent use of antimicrobials and quality control mechanisms for livestock products.

Objective

To develop and promote efficient veterinary public health structures and functions through strengthening of relevant institutions.

Major Outputs

1. Tested concepts and models for appropriate national veterinary public health programmes and units, to be complemented by the identification of critical points for control and intervention to reduce human exposure to zoonotic pathogens, and support to national and regional prevention, contingency planning, risk assessment, control and eradication of important zoonotic diseases.
2. A comprehensive set of codes of conduct, best practices and guidelines on the application of Codex approved food safety principles, prudent use of antimicrobials and quality control mechanisms along the food chain using suitable bio-safety principles, and decision support systems for control interventions and safe animal feeding practices.

Indicators

• Evidence of functional sustainable veterinary public health units established in countries.
• Reduction in number of zoonotic diseases measured on a country-by-country base.
• Evidence of use and application of guidelines for improved quality of livestock products.

Rationale

• Members expect FAO to address containment and control of the epidemic diseases, particularly those with transboundary implications and which have the potential to cause serious production losses, constrain international trade in livestock and livestock products, threaten food security, and impede sustained economic production.
• EMPRES - Livestock, is already catalysing cooperation between livestock disease managers, both in developing and developed countries. This entity will consolidate the leadership role of FAO in international animal health management and will be directly linked to concepts/initiatives for sustainable and economic livestock production, facilitating trade in animal and animal products and sustainable livelihoods of livestock farmers (see also 212A4 for the plant pest component of EMPRES).

Objective

To promote the effective containment and control of the most serious epidemic livestock diseases as well as newly emerging diseases by progressive elimination on a regional and global basis through international cooperation involving early warning, early/rapid reaction, enabling research and coordination.

Major Outputs

1. Functional early warning systems for transboundary animal diseases at national, regional and global levels.
2. Enhanced early reaction capability, including contingency planning and strategic disease analysis for animal disease emergency management.
3. Application of biotechnology to diagnosis, vaccines and strategic epidemiological analysis of transboundary animal diseases.
4. Leadership and coordination of the Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme, through standards, epidemiological analysis, technical assistance, information exchange, coordination of major national and regional activities, and regular reviews of progress.
5. Coordinated strategies for regional control of priority transboundary animal diseases.

Indicators

• Global freedom from rinderpest disease expected by 2005, verified global freedom from rinderpest by 2010.
• Regional disease control networks active in at least three regions by 2007.
• Uptake of guidelines and advice by countries, through evidence of effective surveillance, emergency reaction and control systems.
• Interest of countries through reporting obligations.

Rationale

• The projected strong global increase of the demand for livestock products in the early 21st century, and the consequent changes in the livestock sector, often described as the "Livestock Revolution", require a new set of research and development paradigms for all stakeholders.
• This entity aims at the development and enhancement of such paradigms, to protect and strengthen the public goods equity, (veterinary) public health and natural resources that are at stake in this process.
• It focuses on resource use technologies and processes in medium to high potential areas, on modalities for the formulation of necessary concepts, codes and decision support systems, and on animal species most relevant in this development (pigs, poultry and dairy cows).

Objective

To facilitate widespread adoption of decision-support frameworks for meeting the challenges of the "Livestock Revolution", and novel technical and procedural approaches to livestock intensification and product processing.

Major Outputs

1. The "Livestock Environment and Development Initiative" (including design of policies to correct negative environmental effects of livestock and crop production which are not reflected in product and input prices, and technology transfer).
2. Promotion of integrated breeding, feeding, production, product processing and health intervention technologies in intensive and expanding livestock activities in high potential agro-ecosystems.
3. Support to technology transfer aiming at more efficient delivery of veterinary and livestock support services.

Indicators

• Endorsement of policies at national and inter-governmental levels, as part of the Livestock Environment and Development Initiative.
• Testing and evidence of adoption of technical concepts relating to livestock production and product processing strategies.
• Uptake of best management practices, principles of resource use and codes of practices by governments and other stakeholders.

Rationale

• FAO launched a Programme Against African Animal Trypanosomiasis (PAAT) to support rational disease management strategies and concerted action against the disease in man and livestock. PAAT is an inter-agency alliance comprising FAO, IAEA, OAU-IBAR and WHO, and was endorsed by the Conference in November 1997.
• Further to PAAT, this technical project will address other insect-borne diseases, such as the screwworm, particularly to clarify the dynamic epidemiology of insect pests in livestock at national, regional and international levels.

Objective

To support insect-borne diseases control through monitoring and clarifying the changes in disease transmission levels, the development of strategies for intervention and concerted regional action.

Major Outputs

1. Further implementation of the Programme Against African Animal Trypanosomiasis (PAAT), especially by managing the transition from strategy development to effective regional programmes for tsetse and trypanosomiasis control.
2. Assessment of interactions between insect-borne diseases and environmental factors and assistance with insect and disease control strategies.

Indicators

• Improved understanding of insect-borne disease occurrence leading to better regional control strategies, as assessed by stakeholders.
• Uptake of novel disease intelligence products through their effective incorporation in regional programmes.

Rationale

• The demand-led expansion of the livestock sector is associated with a dynamic structural shift towards increased market orientation and integration, larger scales, geographic concentration and intensification. While the number of on-farm jobs should decrease, there will be a substantial increase of jobs at the off-farm level, in handling, processing and marketing.
• There is a consequent need for: analysis of the driving forces and consequences of increasing livestock production; regular assessments of the livestock sector and related policy options, which take into account the total costs and benefits of different forms of livestock production as well as their distribution, once all externalities are considered; and tools for livestock policy analysis and methodologies for policy formulation aimed at positioning the livestock sector towards attaining multiple development objectives.

Objective

To facilitate livestock farming that is economically and ecologically efficient and safe, while enhancing social objectives (poverty alleviation).

Major Outputs

1. A comprehensive analysis of important bio-physical, agri-technical and socio-economic factors to enable informed decision-making on the livestock - public goods interface, with a particular focus on external cost and benefits (to be complemented by specific - country - case studies together with the development of a methodology for such assessments at different scales).
2. Strategies covering general principles as well as more specific regional, national and sub-national approaches, including areas of conflict and trade-offs.
3. Support to policy dialogue for the integration of environmental and public health issues, and equity and distributional aspects into national policy formulation and related international harmonisation.

Indicators

• Effective use of analysis and impact assessment as well as application of strategy elements in countries.
• Number of decision-makers trained.
• Evidence of adoption of technical standards and guidelines.

Rationale

• Objective, timely and comprehensive information is required by national governments and the international community to respond to the social, environmental, health and ethical challenges ensuing from the on-going "Livestock Revolution". In particular, there is a need to describe and project animal agriculture in the context of international public goods, namely natural resources employed in livestock production, public health as affected by livestock production and products, and equity in benefiting from livestock sector development.
• FAO has the breadth and depth of technical expertise and integrated knowledge bases for advising countries on the optimal allocation, sustained use and development of resources employed in the production process (feeds, breeds, land, labour, and capital) and in product transformation. The project aims to apply this experience and information to develop a decision-support framework for livestock development, for Members' use in responding to the major challenges of the "Livestock Revolution". The current deficit of information particularly underlying these challenges minimises the participation of small farmers in supplying the expanding demand. A "Global Livestock Knowledge Framework" is needed to facilitate the dissemination and uptake of livestock development options.

Objectives

To collate, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information and develop tools for livestock policy analysis and methodologies for policy formulation.

Major Outputs

1. A "Global Livestock Knowledge Framework" to support decision-making and agreements for sustainable resource use in the livestock sector (including information exchange; conferencing and negotiation; educational, analytical and planning tools; codes of conduct and agreed principles of resource use; promotion of best management practices).
2. Global Livestock Information System (covering an integrated set of databases on different aspects of livestock production).

Indicators

• Evidence of use of information products and assessments.
• Demand for services and uptake of policy recommendations, as reflected in national development plans.

This technical service agreement entity includes considerable technical support to the SPFS and to emergency and relief operation projects.

Programme 2.1.4: Agricultural Support Systems

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

214A1

TP

Enhancing Small Farmer Livelihoods

214A2

TP

Meeting Urban Food Needs

214A3

TP

Sustainable Commercial Provision of Input Supply, Mechanisation, Investment Support and Marketing Services

214A4

TP

Agribusiness Development

214A5

TP

Agricultural Services - Data and Information Systems

214S1

TS

Field Programme Support and Advisory Services to Countries

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

• Small farmers, especially in developing regions and countries in transition, face unprecedented opportunities and risks as a result of market liberalisation, privatisation of agricultural services, and trade globalisation.
• In this context, countries need to put in place enabling conditions, including advisory services, supporting small farmer efforts to improve their livelihoods.
• This entity meets this need within a multi-disciplinary approach covering: guidance on supportive policies and programmes for small farmers identification and appraisal of new opportunities; improvement of management skills; guidance on appropriate tools, equipment and mechanisation; and improvement of advisory and support services to the small-farmer sector.

Objective

To improve small farmer livelihoods, and in particular small-farmer incomes and competitiveness.

Major Outputs

1. Comparative studies on trends affecting small farm commercialisation and competitiveness, and advice to countries on supportive policies and the effective use of sustainable livelihoods approaches (including field guides on the design and implementation of livelihood enhancement programmes).
2. Appraisal and promotion of opportunities for increasing farm income under various agro-ecosystems (including field guides, information materials and databases on farmer options and trade-offs).
3. Field guides and training materials for improving management skills in small farming businesses.
4. Advice to countries on appropriate tools, equipment and mechanisation policies and programmes.
5. Assistance to countries for strengthening small-farmer advisory and support services (including for assessment of small-farmer advisory and support service requirements, guidelines and training materials to reinforce farm management extension, marketing information systems and marketing extension, and field guides on self-help community action relating to agricultural support services).

Indicators

• Uptake of guidelines and outreach of training activities.
• Demand by countries/institutions for policy advisory services.

Rationale

• Rapid urbanisation trends and the harsh reality of urban poverty, require improved food supply and distribution systems to address increasing levels of urban food insecurity, while securing higher farmer incomes.
• This technical project is designed to assist countries in implementing more efficient national food supply and marketing activities, and improved rural-urban linkages.

Objective

To provide the basis for government and municipal authorities to identify changes needed in order to improve the efficiency of food supply and distribution operations to, and within, urban areas.

Major Outputs

1. Training materials, guidelines and planning frameworks to assist in the analysis of local problems and the identification of solutions to enhance rural urban linkages and establish sustainable production systems to meet increasing and changing urban food needs.
2. Policy, planning and investment support tools for city and local authorities and civil society organizations to enhance the efficiency and safety of food marketing systems in urban areas.
3. Guidelines, strategies and analytical frameworks to identify technologies for value-added products to satisfy increasing and changing urban food needs within a safe environment, while reducing post-harvest losses and increasing the utilisation of residues and waste products.
4. Guidelines and training for appraisal of profitability and sustainability of urban and peri-urban farming.
5. Identification of key factors and opportunities in the intensification of urban and peri-urban agricultural production systems.

Indicators

• Uptake of guidelines and planning frameworks by governments, municipal and local authorities and civil society organizations.
• Application of models and innovative technologies.
• Demand for services, and outreach of training.

Rationale

• The efficient functioning of input supply, product marketing and rural financial services is essential for the development of market-oriented agriculture. In many countries, governments are divesting themselves of these services and are looking to the private sector to take them over while both the input supply sector and/or the marketing sector are still largely under-developed in a large number of countries.
• This entity is designed to provide the required assistance for an enabling policy environment, strategies and programmes for commercial input supply and output marketing services to the farming community as a whole.

Objective

To support improved performance of the agricultural sector, through increased efficiency of input-output systems and the private and government services pertaining thereto.

Major Outputs

1. Advice in the formulation of policies for sustainable provision of commercial services (input supply, machinery, finance and marketing).
2. Practical guidelines, bulletins, training materials, workshops, software systems on key aspects of commercial support services to farmers, and covering the four main areas: a) input supply (fertilisers, seeds, chemicals); b) mechanisation and engineering services; c) financial services; d) marketing services.

Indicators

• Demand for advisory services from governments and institutions.
• Uptake of guidelines and information products.
• Evidence of policy change leading to more effective input supply rural finance and marketing services.
• Outreach of training.

Rationale

• More efficient coordinating mechanisms in the post-harvest sector are essential in many countries for preserving and maintaining the value, safety and nutritional integrity of primary crops and are thus critical in generating rural incomes and eliminating food insecurity.
• In the same way, countries need to encourage the development of profitable agribusiness enterprises - which are major contributors to employment and earnings in rural areas - making use of local resources and simple and sustainable technologies, thereby empowering entrepreneurs in the agribusiness and post-harvest sectors.

Objectives

To enhance the integration of production, processing, packaging, transport and storage of marketable commodities and value-added products from the farm through to the consumer, and to support entrepreneurs in rural and peri-urban agribusiness development.

Major Outputs

1. Elaborated management tools for entrepreneurs in agribusiness, together with related information and training packages.
2. Promotion of appropriate technologies, including biotechnology, for agro-industries and post-harvest management and related training.
3. Identification of opportunities for strengthening farm-agribusiness linkages, leading to advisory materials and field guides and training materials on skills for meeting agribusiness standards and contractual obligations.
4. Post-harvest analytical framework to determine the functional inefficiencies existing in, and advise on policy, management and infrastructural adjustments to the post-harvest system.

Indicators

• Uptake of guidelines, technologies and methodologies in countries.
• Outreach of training.
• Interest shown in agribusiness sector by governments, donors and private enterprise through requests for information and project interventions.
• References in technical and professional literature to the outputs.

Rationale

• This technical project is to develop standards as required, and to meet substantial requirements of the membership and users at large for information and data relevant to farm power and mechanisation, post-harvest technologies, farm resources and production systems and banking services, all essential to support policy and programme formulation.

Objective

To collect and disseminate up-to-date information as relates to key agricultural services.

Major Outputs

1. Maintained global information and data on farm power and mechanisation, including support to information exchange and networking.
2. Standards and codes of conduct for agricultural tools and machinery, including key safety aspects and reduction of environmental hazards.
3. Global database and Website on sector specific post harvest information, and database on the institutional provision of credit and other financial services to farmers.
4. Country-based farm data and information systems, including appraisal, design and pilot development and complementary development and promotion of field guides, software and training materials for farm data collection and analysis, particularly in support of SPFS.

Indicators

• Effective application of standardised formats for classifying and presenting data.
• Demands for information and expanded geographic coverage of countries.
• Acceptance by countries of generic standards and codes of conduct.
• Uptake of guidelines and outreach of training.

Besides covering the broad range of disciplines under Programme 2.1.4, this entity is to provide substantial inputs to emergency projects.

Programme 2.1.5: Agricultural Applications of Isotopes and Biotechnology

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

215A1

TP

Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-Building

215A2

TP

Sustainable Intensification of Livestock Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-building for Mitigation of Constraints and Risks

215P1

CP

Capacity Building and Risk Analysis Methodologies for Compliance with Food Safety Standards and Pesticide Control and Strengthened Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures through Irradiation of Food and Agricultural Commodities

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

• In a context of increasing crop intensification and globalised trade, current knowledge of measures which optimise the use of inputs and conserve resources within diverse cropping systems and agro-ecological zones, and which safeguard the quality and safety of products are limited by the quality of the tools available to identify and monitor constraints and risks and to test and develop practices for prevention and mitigation against sound criteria.
• Through this technical project, the joint FAO/IAEA Division supports capacity-building and international cooperation in the development and application of nuclear-based methods for identifying practices to improve and diversify crop production, while managing natural resources in a more sustainable manner.

Objective

To develop and disseminate improved techniques, products and practices for constraint and risk assessment, prevention and mitigation to be used by National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and plant protection authorities and transferred to extension services, NGOs and farmers.

Major Outputs

1. Techniques and strengthened capacities for measuring nutrient and water dynamics and soil erosion within cropping systems, and evaluating interventions for sustainable intensification.
2. Technologies and enhanced capacities for crop germplasm improvement, characterisation and functional genomics.
3. Procedures and enhanced capacities for risk assessment and management of major trade-related insect pests of crops and biological control agents.

Indicators

As the Joint Division operates through support and coordination of research networks, technical cooperation projects, training courses and information exchange and dissemination, involving personnel of NARS, there are a wide array of quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess the impact of its work, including:

• Increasing number of laboratories able to conduct specific analyses
• Number of requests from Members for analytical services
• Increasing adoption and application of methodologies, guidelines and decision support tools in developing countries, as documented
• Numbers of fellows placed for training
• Increased use of mutated germplasm for breeding and genomics research in national and international programmes
• Increased number of molecularly characterised mutated germplasm of crop plants
• Increase in areas declared fruit fly free, and
• Compliance by mass rearing facilities with updated quality control manuals for the production of fruit flies

Rationale

• In a similar context of intensification of livestock production systems, livestock owners and government authorities are having to grapple with the challenge of increasing productivity without degrading the feed and genetic resources upon which production depends, while at the same time ensuring that diseases, particularly those of a transboundary nature and which impact on trade and human health are brought progressively under control or eradicated.
• This technical project seeks to apply a number of specific and cost-effective isotope and related biotechnological methods, also integrated with other methodologies to provide substantial added value to national and international efforts to enhance livestock productivity and protect human health and the environment through more effective feed and genetic resource utilisation, breeding management and disease control. It also further promotes the sterile insect technique (SIT) for the eradication of selected pests.

Objective

To develop and disseminate improved techniques and practices for constraint and risk assessment and management, to be used by NARS and transferred to livestock production and veterinary authorities, extension services, NGOs and livestock owners.

Major Outputs

1. Technologies and enhanced capacities for integrated management of natural resources in small-scale dairy production systems.
2. International standards for biotechnological methods to improve diagnosis, surveillance and control of livestock diseases.
3. Risk assessment and management procedures for screwworm flies.
4. Contribution to trypanosomiasis programmes in Africa, through area-wide policies and integration of SIT into intervention campaigns.

Indicators

• Uptake of methodologies, as documented through reports, and participation in training activities.
• Eradication of screwworm from additional areas verified by population sampling and earlier detection of screwworm outbreaks in different regions.
• Risk assessment decisions made and area-wide interventions planned on the basis of feasibility studies.
• Use of feasibility studies in planning and implementation of tsetse SIT programmes and support to tsetse mass rearing facilities in Africa.

Rationale

• In a context of increasing concerns about food safety domestically and in relation to trade, countries are giving increasing priority to implementing food control systems that ensure quality and safety throughout the food chain, and need to meet recognised standards.
• Nuclear and related analytical methods and techniques coupled with the use of isotopically-labelled compounds are essential components of the armoury used by food and environmental control, pesticide registration and monitoring systems for analysing food and environmental samples and commercial products for compliance with the Codex Food Standards, the FAO Specifications for Pesticide Products and the International Code on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides.
• Additionally, irradiation is an effective method to control food-borne pathogens in solid food such as poultry, meat, seafood and spices without affecting product quality. It is also a broad spectrum control method for insect pests and is endorsed as a phytosanitary measure by regional plant protection organisations operating within the framework of the International Plant Protection Convention.

Objectives

To foster strengthened capacities within national food and pesticides control laboratories to implement risk analysis procedures for food contaminants and residues and compliance with pesticide standards, to promote safe use of food irradiation, thereby facilitating trade.

Major Outputs

1. Procedures and strengthened capacities for risk analysis related to food safety and pesticide management (including guidelines, technical manuals, training and support to networks for method validation and information exchange).
2. Support to international standards on irradiation as a sanitary and phytosanitary treatment for food and agricultural commodities (including harmonisation of regulations, feasibility studies and related databases).

Indicators

• Adoption of the procedures by laboratories and participation in training activities.
• Uptake of the standards by international organizations and nationally.