From 28 June to 1 July 2021, FAO and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) jointly conducted a virtual workshop on responsible investment in agriculture and food systems, focusing on risks and benefits of different business models used in agriculture, with an emphasis on large-scale agribusiness investments.

The workshop aimed to discuss with Government Officials in Eastern and Southern Africa about how to find the most adequate business models to attract responsible investment in agriculture and food systems by both the public and private sector as well as to share country experiences. Each of the four sessions was attended by up to 48 participants from a total of ten different countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.

After opening remarks by Mr. Joel Hudson Okwir on behalf of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the introductory session introduced the CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI Principles) as a framework to promote fair, balanced and equitable legal tools in the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to national and regional development objectives. The three subsequent thematic sessions focused on the legal and policy risks as well as potential benefits of particular business models, namely agri-Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), agriculture growth poles and corridors, Joint Venture Agreements and Concession Agreements, as well the potential of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS). The workshop also discussed the role of incentives in enhancing responsible investment in agriculture and food systems.  

The workshop showed that governments are increasingly interested in using different types of PPPs to enhance investment in agriculture as well as in finding ways to better integrate small-scale producers in agricultural value chains. The workshop session on VSS drew attention to the potential of these standards, particularly in benefitting small-scale producers. However, participants highlighted the need for raising awareness on VSS and showcasing their environmental, economic and social benefits as well as the importance of political commitment for VSS to fully develop their potential.

Following the workshop, IISD just launched the Agricultural Investment Community of Practice, which is a virtual space for agriculture investment officials from across Asia and Africa to meet and exchange ideas digitally. The community aims to share interesting articles, reports, and event invitations, and to share thoughts, experiences and ideas amongst government officials to promote more responsible investment in agriculture.

More information

Guide on incentives for responsible investment in agriculture and food systems

IISD’s work on Food and Agriculture: https://www.iisd.org/topics/food-and-agriculture   

IISD’s work on Standards and Value Chains: https://www.iisd.org/topics/standards-and-value-chains

IISD’s Agricultural Investment Community of Practice: https://www.iisd.org/projects/advisory-and-capacity-development-services-legal-and-policy-frameworks-responsible

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA): https://www.comesa.int/