In the framework of the 33th FAO's Regional Conference for the Near East, this  discussion paper is dedicated to small-scale agriculture.  The majority of agricultural activities in the NENA region involves small-holders (small-scale farmers, pastoralists, forest keepers, fishers and aquaculture farmers) who produce the bulk of fresh food supply. The paper analyses the challenges facing the small-scale farmers, and highlights those faced by women, and proposes a vision for the sustainable improvement of productivity in order to empower those engaged in small-scale activities in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, including strengthening professional organizations and supporting youth and women's employment.