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Regional Dimensions

 

Major Programme

Global

Inter-Regional

Africa

Asia and Pacific

Near East

Europe

Latin America / Caribbean

Total

2.1

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

46,795

14,303

74,693

62,406

170,711

28,185

18,564

415,657

2.2

Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

59,094

9,177

14,603

11,394

17,132

4,933

7,535

123,868

2.3

Fisheries

26,325

27,542

7,932

13,513

4,922

3,427

6,560

90,221

2.4

Forestry

12,151

9,610

7,016

9,523

5,350

3,824

6,421

53,895

2.5

Contributions to Sustainable Development and Special Programme Thrusts

26,005

5,971

22,689

17,966

11,722

2,734

40,129

127,216

3.1

Policy Assistance

6,153

4,312

8,082

10,910

7,695

3,378

7,255

47,785

Total

176,524

70,916

135,014

125,712

217,531

46,481

86,464

858,642

Introduction

732. The Programme of Work is presented in a "unified" manner in the PWB document. The constituent entities under the established programme structure are designed to address the problems and issues faced by Members, while at the same time being directly related to the strategic objectives reflected in the Strategic Framework. Substantive programmes are in most cases jointly executed by Headquarters departments and the corresponding outposted teams in Regional or Sub-regional Offices. Many activities involve, therefore, participation of both Headquarters staff and that of outlying offices.

733. While references may be made to region-specific requirements and outputs in the narratives, the latter seriously understate what will be accomplished in each region. As was done in the PWB 2002-03, this section provides cross-cutting views of activities in the Programme of Work of particular interest to individual regions. It covers substantive activities within Chapter 2, Technical and Economic Programmes and Major Programme 3.1, Policy Assistance, irrespective of locations, i.e. whether inputs originate from Headquarters or decentralized offices.

734. For the sake of brevity and to avoid unnecessary duplication, these regional overviews are deliberately selective. In effect, many programmes or activities are of obvious interest to all regions. Therefore, repetitive references have been avoided, unless there is some aspect which could be worth highlighting in the regional context.

735. At the beginning of each narrative, a summary table indicates the breakdown, by major programmes, of the resources estimated to relate to the respective region, under both the Programme of Work and extra-budgetary resources. It should be noted that while the allocations shown under the "Decentralized Offices" columns reflect the amounts allocated to Regional and Sub-regional Offices, the amounts under the "Headquarters" column are statistically derived. As most of the budgetary provision for country offices is under Major Programme 3.4, FAO Representatives, it is not reflected in the following tables.

Africa

 

Regular Programme

Trust

 
 

Programme

Headquarters

Decentralized Offices

Total

Fund Activities

Total

2.1

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

9,589

6,809

16,398

58,295

74,693

2.2

Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

8,905

2,791

11,696

2,907

14,603

2.3

Fisheries

3,893

2,666

6,559

1,373

7,932

2.4

Forestry

4,124

2,273

6,397

619

7,016

2.5

Contributions to Sustainable Development and Special Programme Thrusts

8,487

2,432

10,919

11,770

22,689

3.1

Policy Assistance

1,834

6,248

8,082

0

8,082

Total

36,831

23,219

60,050

74,964

135,014

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

736. The main priorities in the region are to enhance the present generally low levels of productivity and make national systems less vulnerable to climate and pest induced losses; to improve management of natural resources, water and soil fertility; to move from primary to secondary agricultural products by value addition and transformation; and to support capacity building for the application of, and compliance with, sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

737. Planned activities include:

  1. support to New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in irrigation development, land and water management as well as soil fertility improvement in the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), through the Soil Fertility Initiative, and work on conservation agriculture;
  2. transfer of technologies leading to higher yield thresholds of traditional crops and rice, particularly New Rice for Africa (NERICA), support to non-traditional crop and livestock enterprises and effective use of advanced agricultural research results and adapted production technologies, including biotechnologies;
  3. promotion of increased awareness of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures and assistance to national phytosanitary systems to facilitate international trade and protection of plant health;
  4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes, making full use of farmers field schools approaches;
  5. support to pesticide regulatory and management systems and the African Stockpiles Programme;
  6. control of migratory pests, especially desert locusts, through improved coordination among countries in West and North-West Africa; and
  7. advice on functional early warning and early reaction systems for major epidemic animal diseases, coupled with tsetse and trypanosomiasis management programmes in the priority areas agreed in the Programme Against African Trypanosomiasis (PAAT) and the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC), and strengthened systems for delivery of integrated veterinary and livestock services.
Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

738. The region requires substantial assistance to use food-based approaches to improve household food security and reduce malnutrition in urban and rural areas, including to alleviate food insecurity in HIV/AIDS affected households. Work on food and nutrition assessment and country-level nutrition policies and programmes will take account of NEPAD objectives. Country support will also seek to develop food composition databases (AFROFOODS) and to improve efficiency of national food safety systems, including the harmonization of national food standards with the Codex Alimentarius.

739. The enhancement of national statistical information systems towards improved relevance, quality and reliability as well as attendant capacity building and methodological research will fully benefit from the on-going Initiative for Agricultural Statistics in Africa with the World Bank and USDA, and the Inter-Agency Partnership for Strengthening Agriculture and Rural Statistics in Africa.

740. FAO will also support systems for accurate and timely information on the incidence, nature and causes of food insecurity and vulnerability, such as the Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping System (FIVIMS).

741. In the area of commodities and trade, support to governments will focus on capacity building for World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations as well as trade policy formulation.

Fisheries

742. The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) will be promoted as the framework for improving resource use efficiency and increasing fisheries and aquaculture production systems, including capacity building at national level. Assessment of the environmental impact of fisheries and aquaculture operations, while promoting responsible fisheries, will feature in disseminating the CCRF. Assistance to improve statistical data services to generate up-to-date information for monitoring stocks will also be important.

743. Countries in the region will also require substantial assistance in planning fisheries and aquaculture development, reduction of post-harvest losses through improved techniques and improving livelihoods in artisanal fisheries communities, in particular under the auspice of the Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods programme, which operates in 25 West African countries.

744. The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF), the Committee for Inland Fisheries of Africa (CIFA) and their subsidiary bodies and working groups will continue to be supported, in collaboration with other non-FAO regional fisheries bodies and arrangements.

Forestry

745. Regional priorities will include: the conservation and evaluation of forest genetic resources in Central Africa, the implementation of Criteria & Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management in dry zone Africa and support to strengthened national capacities in West and Central Africa to undertake Forest Resources Assessment.

746. Directly related to poverty alleviation in Eastern and Southern Africa, emphasis will be placed on processing and marketing of indigenous fruits and nuts, on opportunities arising from forest mushroom production and the development of the bamboo and rattan industry. Improved collaboration between the forest and energy sectors should facilitate wood energy planning.

747. Towards food security, FAO will seek to ensure the sustainable utilization of forest foods as a source of protein and income generation, especially in the context of the impending bush meat crisis. This will involve working with governments and Non-governmental Organization (NGO) partners to improve forest-food statistics, develop safety standards, encourage domestication and sustainably manage dwindling natural supplies.

748. Building on the International Year of Mountains and the International Year of Freshwater, the CAADP and NEPAD Environment Initiatives will be assisted, e.g. to protect upstream watershed catchment functions through maintenance of forest cover and the use of agro-forestry and associated soil conservation practices.

749. In follow-up to the recently completed Forestry Outlook Study for Africa, several activities will aim at improving capacity for forest strategic planning at sub-regional and national levels. There will also be continuous support to the formulation, updating and implementation of national forest programmes, supported in part by the National Forest Programme Facility.

750. The African Forestry & Wildlife Commission will be enhanced, especially through its Executive Committee, expanding regional collaboration on forestry and wildlife priorities and the implementation of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) process, follow-up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and building strategic partnerships with regional and sub-regional organizations. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of forestry in the context of NEPAD initiatives.

Sustainable Development

751. Main planned activities include:

  1. support to national data collection institutions to collect gender disaggregated data and strengthen the capacities of planners to use these data;
  2. facilitation of improved access to proven agricultural knowledge and technologies, including adequate regulatory frameworks at national and regional levels to apply needed biotechnologies;
  3. capacity building for national agricultural research systems, particularly for technology assessment and transfer;
  4. promotion of the use of socio-economic and gender analysis planning tools, including support to Ministries of Agriculture through the preparation of strategic policy documents and training in the use of these tools;
  5. support to governments in the areas of land policy and legal reforms, adapting land tenure arrangements under common property resource systems to promote sustainable rural development and for the design and implementation of land settlement and land distribution programmes;
  6. advice on rural farmer and producer organizations, including institutional support to broader, national-based federations, to engage and influence strategic policy debates and outcomes, build networks and generate wider synergies;
  7. support to vulnerable groups, including HIV/AIDS affected populations.
Policy Assistance

752. Within the NEPAD context, policy assistance to Members will focus on reviewing and updating strategic and policy frameworks at national and sub-regional level. Countries interested in the preparation of national NEPAD agricultural and food security programmes will be supported, including in the preparation of bankable projects. Other policy assistance services will cover advice and capacity building in the formulation and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes for sustainable agricultural and rural development and food security (including national poverty reduction strategies and assistance in the formulation of common country assessments [CCAs] and United Nations Development Assistance Framework [UNDAF] documents).

753. At sub-regional level, FAO will assist the concerned regional economic organizations in the implementation of respective Regional Food Security Programmes. The latter are typically addressing agricultural trade, harmonization of policies, food safety issues and regional support to national food security and agricultural development initiatives. Due attention will be paid to institutional reforms, the implications of international trade issues, capacity building in policy development and preparation of plans and strategies for post-emergency rehabilitation and development.

754. At the regional level, prominence is to be given to the African Union’s NEPAD Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme and, in particular, to the NEPAD Implementation and Steering Committees. Support will be provided in close cooperation with other development partners, like the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, other concerned United Nations entities and representatives from the private sector and farmers’ organizations.

Asia and the Pacific

 

Regular Programme

Trust

 
 

Programme

Headquarters

Decentralized Offices

Total

Fund Activities

Total

2.1

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

7,364

6,097

13,461

48,945

62,406

2.2

Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

7,317

1,968

9,285

2,109

11,394

2.3

Fisheries

3,525

1,627

5,152

8,361

13,513

2.4

Forestry

3,327

1,813

5,140

4,383

9,523

2.5

Contributions to Sustainable Development and Special Programme Thrusts

4,490

1,427

5,917

12,049

17,966

3.1

Policy Assistance

1,196

3,198

4,394

6,516

10,910

Total

27,219

16,130

43,349

82,363

125,712

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

755. The region needs to foster more integrated approaches, combining the regulatory, protection, information and decision-support dimensions of agricultural development. To that end, planned activities of direct interest are highlighted:

  1. regional collaborative programme on modernizing irrigation systems and strategic planning for rural water resources management;
  2. implementation of standards, as developed by Codex, the International Office of Epizootics (OIE) and IPPC, and where appropriate regional standards, making full use of the Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) and the Regional Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA);
  3. strengthening of national phytosanitary systems and establishment of a regional plant health information system under the APPPC;
  4. support to the application of IPM, in particular for cotton and vegetables as well as root crops, coconuts, bananas and fruit tress in the Pacific;
  5. decision-support tools to facilitate formulation and implementation of regional policies for safe livestock production and promoting market opportunities for farmers;
  6. transfer of appropriate technologies and improved management methods and policies for mitigating the negative impact of industrial livestock production on natural resources and biodiversity;
  7. promotion of post-harvest management and agro-processing technologies as applied to commercial crops, cereals, horticultural crops as well as animal and fishery products; and
  8. advice on agricultural intensification and diversification strategies, along with the provision of efficient agricultural support services.
Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

756. The following activities may be highlighted:

  1. support to FIVIMS in selected countries, and initiated at the regional level;
  2. training, policy and programme support to address specific undernutrition and malnutrition problems;
  3. food consumption studies to promote healthy diets and food composition databases for multipurpose uses;
  4. training and policy support to upgrade national early warning, preparedness and mitigation systems against emergencies, especially in relation to floods and droughts;
  5. trade policy analysis and support to trade negotiations;
  6. training and advice on improved national statistical systems in the food and agriculture sector; and
  7. review of policies for resource management and environmental protection in the context of Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD).
Fisheries

757. In a context of fisheries playing an important role in the economies and for food security in most countries in the region, FAO will need to address continuing weaknesses in fisheries and aquaculture systems and foster inter-country cooperation through:

  1. advisory services to strengthen national fishery statistical systems; promotion of regional information exchange and harmonization of fishery inquiries; development of new approaches on status and trends reporting;
  2. regional study on commercial aquaculture, with focus on farmer associations, certification and promotion of best management practices; technical assistance to small-scale aquaculture and aquatic resource management through partnership programmes;
  3. technical assistance and capacity building to review legal frameworks to support community-based management and co-management of fisheries resources and to facilitate institutional development within small-scale fishing communities;
  4. Secretariat services to the Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission (APFIC) as a regional forum to discuss emerging regional issues; support to other FAO regional fisheries bodies and backstopping of non-FAO bodies; contribution to the greater integration of agricultural activities with aquatic resource management practices and greater recognition of the role of aquatic resources in rice-based livelihoods through the framework of the International Year of Rice and the Dialogue on Water, Food and Environment; and
  5. of particular relevance to the South Pacific sub-region, assistance to ensure effective seafood quality assurance systems and inspection to meet the requirements of major international trading partners as well as for the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries in the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Forestry

758. Further progress in achieving sustainable forest management will be dependent on improving livelihoods in rural communities, increasing the participation of multiple stakeholders in all aspects of forest management, effective conservation of forest resources, developing equitable institutional arrangements and sound policies and strengthened national capacities, calling for integrated technical cooperation efforts with member countries.

759. In this context, follow-up will be ensured to the recommendations of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission, including:

  1. advice on policy and regulatory frameworks, incentive systems for forest conservation, improved forest management and equitable benefit-sharing;
  2. assistance for reforming forestry institutions, devolution in decision-making and participatory processes as well as testing innovative institutional arrangements for forest management;
  3. appropriate practices and technologies for sustainable forest management, plantation development and conservation;
  4. timely information on sustainable forest management experiences, especially on decentralization and devolution of forest management;
  5. strengthened capacities for formulation and implementing national forest programmes; and
  6. fostering increased understanding of international forestry issues and linkages between forests and water.
Sustainable Development

760. The following activities may be highlighted:

  1. support to needs assessment relating to the potentials of biotechnology, training and capacity building for agricultural research and technology transfer, as well as strategy formulation for information and communication technologies (ICTs);
  2. assistance in the formulation of gender-responsive policies to assist rural women benefit from emerging agriculture technologies, production alternatives and market linkages; application of ICT and distance education modalities for improving living standards and household food security;
  3. as regards land and tenure issues, advice on leasing arrangements, decentralization of rural services through land taxation and improving tenure security by strengthening land administrations;
  4. technical support to improve local institutions and sustainable livelihoods through devolution of decision-making, enhanced participatory approaches and more effective delivery of services for small and marginalized farmers, people with disabilities and hill tribes;
  5. studies, publications, national and regional meetings and networking on successful cases relating to improved local governance and rural small-enterprise promotion.
Policy Assistance

761. Policy assistance work in this region will benefit countries interested in reviewing and updating their respective strategic and policy frameworks, taking into consideration the WFS:fyl commitments and recommendations. Key aspects will be institutional reforms, the implications of international trade issues, capacity building in policy development and preparation of plans and strategies for post-emergency rehabilitation and development. Whenever applicable, FAO will emphasize agriculture and rural development within the context of national poverty reduction strategies, as well as assistance in the formulation of CCA and UNDAF documents.

762. At the sub-regional level, policy assistance will continue to be provided to regional economic organizations like the Association of Southeast-Asian Nations (ASEAN), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), in follow-up to respective Regional Programmes for Food Security.

Europe

 

Regular Programme

Trust

 
 

Programme

Headquarters

Decentralized Offices

Total

Fund Activities

Total

2.1

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

1,708

1,445

3,153

25,032

28,185

2.2

Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

3,220

1,250

4,470

463

4,933

2.3

Fisheries

1,403

0

1,403

2,024

3,427

2.4

Forestry

2,505

839

3,344

480

3,824

2.5

Contributions to Sustainable Development and Special Programme Thrusts

1,357

1,321

2,678

56

2,734

3.1

Policy Assistance

761

1,897

2,658

720

3,378

Total

10,954

6,752

17,706

28,775

46,481

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

763. In the light of major regional priorities of ensuring sustainable livelihoods and management of natural resources as well as successful transition to market economies, in particular in the Balkan and Caucasian countries, attention will be given to:

  1. appropriate river basin management and water policies, as well as the modernization of irrigation systems;
  2. the assessment of high-value crop production systems for specific agro-ecological environments, with particular emphasis on fruits and vegetables;
  3. assistance towards modernization of post-harvest handling, processing and marketing of agricultural products, as well as reinforcing standards for food quality and safety (also for export);
  4. analysis of trends to reinforce supply of livestock products and ensure the responsiveness of livestock systems to changing consumption patterns and trade outlook, coupled with dissemination of good agricultural practices for livestock, milk and meat production;
  5. support to capacity building at national and regional levels to control transboundary animal diseases;
  6. management and utilization of farm animal genetic resources for efficient livestock production;
  7. support to national IPM programmes, in particular in connection with the regional project on IPM strategies for the control of the Western Corn Rootworm;
  8. strengthened capacities of national phytosanitary and plant quarantine systems in the context of the IPPC.
Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

764. Analytical work will concentrate mainly on two sub-regions, the Balkans and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, in view of their greater need for assistance, compared with the European Union (EU) accession countries. This work will address the formulation of rural development policies and strategies for increasing farm incomes in cooperatives and for rehabilitation in countries affected by war or natural disasters.

765. In the area of nutrition, food quality and safety, support is to be provided for the harmonization of food safety and quality standards and regulations with the Codex Alimentarius and on understanding and complying with WTO requirements, with a view to trade facilitation and product acceptance in international trade. Capacity building in food and agricultural statistics in the Balkans and the CIS countries will seek to improve national systems to meet new data needs as a result of economic liberalization. The same countries will also be assisted to adapt the World Agricultural Information Centre’s (WAICENT) applications and tools to meet specific national needs.

Fisheries

766. In addition to several important field projects – e.g. Scientific Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (ADRIAMED), Cooperation Networks to Facilitate Coordination to Support Fisheries Management in the Western and Central Mediterranean (COPEMED) and Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and Ecosystems in the Strait of Sicily (MedSudMed) – Regular Programme activities will aim at the active implementation of the CCRF, the modernization of aquaculture and fisheries (in particular in Eastern Europe) and improvements in ecosystem-based fisheries management.

767. As relates to inter-country cooperation, attention will be given to bring into effect the Agreement of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). The work undertaken by the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission (EIFAC) to enhance aquaculture and inland fisheries – through interactive and flexible arrangements among institutions in the region – will continue. Ad hoc consultations between FAO and the European Commission on fishery policies and management and other issues are also expected to continue, as well as support to fisheries activities of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

Forestry

768. In conjunction with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), FAO will continue to coordinate the assessment and monitoring of a wide range of forest resources and values, as well as production, consumption and trade in forest products. In addition, assistance will be provided for the conservation of forests and fragile ecosystems (e.g. in relation to sustainable mountain development including action resulting from the observance of the International Year of Mountains and for the implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification); institutional capacity building for sustainable management of mountain watersheds and upland resources; training in participatory processes and approaches; and assistance in the definition and development of the legal framework for public and private forestry management to ensure sustainable utilization of resources.

Sustainable Development

769. FAO will continue to support capacity building for research, extension, communication and information exchange according to the specific needs of the region, including those resulting from the transition to market economies. Special attention will be given to specialized and value-added agricultural production, food safety and quality and sustainable management of natural resources.

770. In addition, FAO will continue to strive for recognition of rural women’s contributions to development and for their empowerment in the public and political spheres, promoting gender-responsive approaches to agriculture and rural development and disseminating them to potential users, thereby ensuring gender mainstreaming at all levels through normative as well as field development activities.

771. Other planned activities will include:

  1. advice to scientific institutions and national authorities on the implementation of harmonized biosafety regulations through guidelines, training and consultations;
  2. continued facilitation of exchange and networking regarding multi-disciplinary agricultural research, education and research policy, integrating needs of multiple stakeholders in the region;
  3. servicing of the Working Party on Women (WPW) and the Family in Rural Development, including organization of its 12th Session, and two expert meetings on gender and rural development;
  4. assistance for improved access to land through leasing arrangements and land markets, territorial organizations and financing of decentralization of rural services through land taxation;
  5. technologies associated with the development and management of modern land information systems.
Policy Assistance

772. In this region, policy assistance will focus on institutional and capacity building in the rural sector, to help the process of transition to a market economy. In particular, it will aim at improving production support services in the Central Eastern European (CEE) and CIS countries, particularly in the Balkans. In countries affected by natural and man-made disasters, support will be directed to the establishment of appropriate legal, policy and institutional frameworks for the rehabilitation and sustainable development of the agricultural and rural sector.

773. At the sub-regional level, FAO will concentrate efforts on the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization, in follow-up to the Regional Programme of Food Security, addressing in particular food safety issues and private sector initiatives for agricultural and rural development, and in close cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Latin America and the Caribbean

 

Regular Programme

Trust

 
 

Programme

Headquarters

Decentralized Offices

Total

Fund Activities

Total

2.1

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

4,292

4,194

8,486

10,078

18,564

2.2

Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

4,940

2,595

7,535

0

7,535

2.3

Fisheries

3,393

1,809

5,202

1,358

6,560

2.4

Forestry

3,646

2,159

5,805

616

6,421

2.5

Contributions to Sustainable Development and Special Programme Thrusts

2,375

1,908

4,283

35,846

40,129

3.1

Policy Assistance

1,285

4,232

5,517

1,738

7,255

Total

19,931

16,897

36,828

49,636

86,464

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

774. Main activities to address core regional priorities are:

  1. promotion of watershed-based planning and management of natural resources, improved soil and water productivity in rainfed agriculture and increased irrigation water efficiency;
  2. expansion of the Technical Cooperation Network on Plant Biotechnology (REDBIO) to include experts and institutions working on animal, forest and aquaculture biotechnology;
  3. transfer of technologies for integrated crop production and protection, including good agricultural practices and those for intensive production under urban and peri-urban conditions;
  4. promotion of high-value crops for distinct agro-ecological environments, with particular emphasis on orphan crops, fruits (nuts) and vegetables;
  5. assistance in the implementation of the IPPC and International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, including capacity building;
  6. coordination of regional control of priority transboundary animal diseases, information exchange on insect-borne diseases, effective control strategies for major regional zoonotic diseases in coordination with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and technical assistance for national veterinary services modernization according to WTO guidelines;
  7. guidance for national policy formulation in food marketing systems; and
  8. promotion of food quality and safety programmes for small-scale agro-industries, with emphasis on technical training and promoting cooperation of various stakeholders in the food chain, enhancing their competitiveness and accessibility to new markets.
Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

775. Capacity building will aim at improving national food control systems, including quality assurance for food analysis laboratories; strengthening national structures involved in the work of Codex; and enhancing consumers’ information and education. Analytical support to agricultural trade negotiations in the WTO as well as regional fora, such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), will also be of major interest to the region.

776. Three major sub-regional FIVIMS initiatives will provide a platform for national level food security information systems in the sub-regions of Central America, the Caribbean and the Andes.

777. As regards outreach of WAICENT, emphasis will be put on information and knowledge which is locally relevant and important for the agricultural and economic sectors, following two distinct but inter-related pathways: i) at the community level – support to rural knowledge systems using a series of basic models for virtual extension, research and farmers communications; and ii) at the institutional level – providing advisory and training services to support decision-support systems of governments.

Fisheries

778. As regards industrial fisheries and aquaculture, priority activities will address:

  1. capacity building of fisheries institutions to avoid over-exploitation within respective Economic Exclusive Zones (EEZ) through better information collection, sector analysis and policy formulation, improvement of related legislation, enforcement and control as well as a better distribution of benefits; and
  2. cooperation with governments in the implementation of International Plans of Action, principally for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fleet capacity.

779. As regards small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, FAO assistance will focus on:

  1. management of fishery resources in large rivers and coastal areas to avoid over-exploitation and increase fishers’ income;
  2. ensuring better access of fisheries communities to markets, reduction of post-harvest losses, increased value-added fish products through better handling, conditioning and small-scale processing at landing places; and
  3. promoting aquaculture production.

780. In a more general context, FAO will seek to:

  1. foster regional cooperation in aquaculture, fish genetic resources and aquatic animal health management and information exchange;
  2. strengthen the existing regional fisheries bodies; and
  3. promote regional arrangements for resource management.
Forestry

781. Attention will be given to strengthening the Latin America and Caribbean Forestry Commission (COFLAC) and supporting national forest programmes as mechanisms to promote partnerships for achieving sustainable forest management. Countries will also need assistance for implementing the proposed actions and recommendations of the United Nations Forum on Forests and international conventions related to forests, including the conventions on climate change, biodiversity and combating desertification.

782. Also of direct relevance to the region is improving forestry institutions by revising and supporting the enforcement of policies and legislation, strengthening forest information systems and capacities and promoting participatory and market-oriented approaches in the forest sector.

783. As follow-up to the International Year of Mountains and the International Year of Freshwater, FAO is to support integrated efforts to manage the forestry resources of mountain regions and conserve soil and biodiversity. Sustainable management of the biodiversity of fauna and flora will be promoted through more effective national and regional conservation units, and active information exchange through the Regional Network of National Parks and Protected Areas.

Sustainable Development

784. Many countries in the region require assistance for improved access to land through agrarian reform, effective land markets and leasing; and for improved tenure security through land registration and improved capacity to finance decentralization of rural services through land taxation. In the context of decentralization, ownership of land, water and forest resources remains a key issue, requiring the clarification and security of not just property but also resource rights. FAO will address specific aspects such as land markets, contract agriculture, protection of biodiversity and ethnic rights to eco-knowledge systems.

785. The intensifying migration rates, both within and outside national borders of many countries in the region, also demand a wide array of new responses. These will depend on understanding of the gender impact, the role of remittances, the complexity of rural family economic strategies and the implications for natural resource management policies. In this context, FAO will develop and validate policy instruments in collaboration with local institutions.

786. Assistance to countries on gender-responsive national legislation and policies will include:

  1. training in gender disaggregation;
  2. inclusion of gender, age and socio-cultural dimensions in agriculture censi;
  3. mainstreaming of gender in national and regional agriculture policies; and
  4. identification of progress and impact indicators.
Policy Assistance

787. In this region, policy analysis and assistance work will follow-up to the Initiatives for Food Security and Rural Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, in close partnership with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), Comunidad Andina de Naciones, Consejo Agropecuario Centroamericano and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM)/Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Important dimensions are: promotion of agricultural trade and competitiveness; information systems; policy frameworks with adequate incentives encouraging investment and the development of strategic alliances; integrated approaches to agriculture, health and food safety systems; and rural education and human resource development. Cooperation with the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and other concerned development partners will be emphasized, as recommended in recent regional meetings.

Near East

 

Regular Programme

Trust

 
 

Programme

Headquarters

Decentralized Offices

Total

Fund Activities

Total

2.1

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

4,404

5,317

9,721

160,990

170,711

2.2

Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

3,653

1,514

5,167

11,965

17,132

2.3

Fisheries

1,850

557

2,407

2,515

4,922

2.4

Forestry

3,139

920

4,059

1,291

5,350

2.5

Contributions to Sustainable Development and Special Programme Thrusts

1,748

1,689

3,437

8,285

11,722

3.1

Policy Assistance

1,240

3,869

5,109

2,586

7,695

Total

16,033

13,866

29,899

187,632

217,531

Agricultural Production and Support Systems

788. Countries in the region need to address conservation and rational management of land, water and other natural resources towards sustainable increases in food production and productivity while ensuring drought mitigation. They also seek active technical and economic cooperation among themselves, including expansion of intra-regional trade in agricultural products.

789. Planned activities in this context are:

  1. support to improved water demand management and use in agriculture, as well as policies and programmes for use of non-conventional water resources;
  2. crop improvement programmes including: seed development, biotechnology applications as well as diversification, intensification and integration of crop and livestock production;
  3. support to indigenous species, concomitant with the development of range and fodder seed production to arrest rangeland degradation and biodiversity loss;
  4. control of transboundary plant pests and animal diseases, including control of desert locust threats, through assistance to countries in the implementation of early warning and early control systems, upgraded national infrastructures and use of bio-pesticides;
  5. capacity building on containment and eradication of epidemic animal diseases, with particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation among countries through the Animal Health Commission for the Near East;
  6. programmes for development of agro-industries, including reduction of post-harvest losses, use of crop residues, capacity building and support to micro-industries; and
  7. promotion of viable micro-finance systems.
Food and Agriculture Policy and Development

790. FAO’s assistance will focus on the improvement of nutritional status, including implementation of National Plans of Action for Nutrition (NPAN), assessing food needs of populations and food consumption studies.

791. High priority will also be given to regular monitoring of food security, covering conditions at household, national and regional levels, including the establishment and improvement of FIVIMS at national level. The dissemination of emergency and disaster preparedness methodologies and the development of national programmes of action will also be sought.

792. Regional information dissemination and management will be ensured through advisory services to countries on the basis of the global WAICENT Outreach initiative, as well as capacity building in establishing and developing WebAGRIS and relating to the Virtual Extension, Research and Communication Network (VERCON). Trade policy support will focus on capacity building for WTO negotiations, as well as trade policy formulation.

Fisheries

793. FAO’s assistance to countries in the region in developing their fisheries resources and aquaculture on a sustainable basis will focus more particularly on:

  1. improvement of collection, quality and reliability of fisheries statistics;
  2. promotion of regional and sub-regional cooperation, including management of shared stocks and intra-regional trade;
  3. strengthening of regional and sub-regional fisheries commissions, in particular the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI); and
  4. active implementation of the CCRF and related International Plans of Action, including capacity building at national level.
Forestry

794. The predominantly arid nature of the region and relatively low forest cover will require continued priority to the expansion and sustainable management of forests and trees. This will include:

  1. the dissemination of best forestry practices in tree planting and watershed management and conservation;
  2. improved methodologies for assessing and monitoring forest resources;
  3. undertaking a comprehensive forestry sector outlook for the region;
  4. development of effective capacity building programmes including curriculum development in educational institutions;
  5. studies on the impact of forest policies and programmes on poverty alleviation and food security;
  6. assisting countries to implement the recommendations of the intergovernmental forest policy dialogue; and
  7. technical support to the Secretariat of the Tehran Process for low cover forest countries.
Sustainable Development

795. FAO will continue to promote research and application of suitable technologies for perishable food products, biotechnology application and awareness of genetically modified organism (GMO) biosafety issues.

796. Work on extension and education will include assistance to countries to review and assess performance of their extension systems and study options for reform. Specific attention will be given to the development and facilitation of effective research, extension, education linkages and interactions at national and regional level, including the use of VERCON at national and regional levels.

797. In the promotion of gender and population policies, FAO will adapt the Socio-Economic and Gender Analysis Programme (SEAGA) to the context of the Near East countries. Training courses will be organized to benefit specific target groups, and gender approaches in the formulation of agricultural policies and programmes will be ensured.

798. Also of direct relevance to the Near East region will be capacity building for improved pastoral livelihoods, management of common property resources and tenure security for pastoralists. Support will also be given to farmers’ organizations and public institutions to facilitate the consolidation of small, fragmented agricultural parcels and for disaster preparedness.

Policy Assistance

799. Besides the other typical outputs provided by the FAO decentralized policy assistance staff, such as enhanced country focus, field programme development, and assistance in the formulation of CCA and UNDAF documents, policy assistance work in this region will particularly address international trade issues and the sustainable use of natural resources, especially water. Countries will also be supported in reviewing and updating respective strategic and policy frameworks.

800. Regional Programmes of Food Security prepared by the regional economic organizations active in the region, will receive further assistance, in close cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank and other development partners. Economic integration, promotion of inter-regional agricultural trade and regional-based support to national agricultural development and food security efforts will continue to be addressed, in line with the importance assigned by countries to these issues.

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