Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Guidance on strengthening national science-policy interfaces for agrifood systems – Draft report

In the context of Afghanistan, I think FAO can help the country in various ways through its Science and Innovation Strategy. Here are few areas that it can focus: 

  1. Agricultural Research and Development: FAO can support Afghanistan in conducting research to develop high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties suitable for local conditions. This includes investing in the development of drought-resistant seeds, pest-resistant crops, and crops with improved nutritional content.
  2. Capacity Building: FAO can facilitate training programs and workshops to build the capacity of Afghan farmers, extension workers, and policymakers in modern agricultural techniques, including sustainable farming practices, water management, and post-harvest handling.
  3. Agriculture higher education: FAO can and should help in building agriculture educational institutions for long term and sustainable results not only in food security but in forest, environment, wildlife, livestock and fishery sector as well. 
  4. Technology Adoption: FAO can assist Afghanistan in adopting innovative technologies such as precision agriculture, drip irrigation systems, and mobile applications for weather forecasting and market information. These technologies can help increase agricultural productivity and improve resource efficiency.
  5. Infrastructure Development: FAO can support the development of agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks. Improving infrastructure can help reduce post-harvest losses, increase market access for farmers, and enhance overall food security.
  6. Value Chain Enhancement: FAO can work with Afghan stakeholders to strengthen agricultural value chains, from production to consumption. This includes promoting agro-processing activities, improving market linkages, and facilitating access to credit and market information for smallholder farmers.
  7. Focus on producing less policy documents, act more. FAO and several other UN agencies generated a lot of documents. Most of them under dust and shelves here and there in different countries. I think it is time to work, we have enough evidence of issues in various countries.