On December 10 2019, Norway through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) officially signed an agreement to become a contributing member of FAO’s Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism (FMM). The agreement, which was signed by FAO Assistant Director-General Roberto Ridolfi and Norad Director Mette Møglestue, commits to support of NOK 90 million (approximately USD 10 million) for FMM programs and sub-programmes over the next three years. It emphasizes Norway’s support for strengthening FMM’s programmatic focus on resilient and sustainable food systems, and climate change and agriculture.

“Norad aims to be an active member of the FMM donor group and wants to contribute to a strong and forward-looking mechanism for collective support and good results on the ground,” states a joint letter from Norad Assistant Director Rannveig Rajendram and Senior Advisor Anne Wetlesen. “We also look forward to following the project implementation and participating in field missions when feasible.”

FMM Senior Coordinator, Festus Akinnifesi said that thanks to recent revamps, “The FMM witnessed a tremendous transformation in 2019 as FAO’s main mechanism for less earmarked funds. The Resource Partner base is expanding and we are excited to welcome Norway.”

FAO + Norway: A shared vision for sustainable global development

FAO and Norway have a long-standing partnership built on shared values, goals and global commitments.  Norway’s cooperation has been directed towards food security through the eradication of poverty and hunger, including technical development interventions, food and agricultural emergency and rehabilitation assistance.

In 2016, FAO and Norway signed a new Framework Agreement, paving the way for a substantially streamlined cooperation and an even closer level of partnership in the coming years. Norway’s contributions across most of FAO’s areas of work have enabled the Organization to deliver notable results in thematic areas spanning forestry, fisheries, the right to food, climate-smart agriculture, and food loss and waste. At present, the FMM is strategic for achieving even more impactful, cost-effective and collaborative ways of working together.

Norway’s collaboration with FAO and the other resource partners in advocating un-earmarked funding signifies a growing momentum for the FMM and a positive step forward in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The objective of this opportune collaboration is to enable more inclusive and efficient food systems at local and international levels, as well as sustainably increase the provision of goods and services in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

About FMM

The FMM is FAO’s main pooled funding mechanism that allows the Organization to prioritize and allocate resources to yield objective-based results. The fund is gaining more support thanks to key improvements such streamlined governance, a shift from project to programmatic approach, and more robust decision on prioritization and resource allocation. It is an effective tool for achieving Zero Hunger and sustainability in food and agriculture, reducing rural poverty and enabling inclusive and efficient agri-food systems. The FMM pioneering resource partners have started to see the catalytic impact and value for money of this innovative funding mechanism.

Links for more information:

• FMM success stories
• Norway and FAO partnership highlights
• FMM Resource Partners Consultation meeting