Increased investment in agriculture and food systems – from both the private and public sectors – is critical to enhance food security and nutrition, reduce poverty, and adapt to climate change. To generate sustainable benefits, this investment must be responsible. Responsible investment in agriculture and food systems is primarily determined by the enabling environment. Hence, beyond the essential public investment that governments make in the agricultural sector, governments also play an important role in facilitating and supporting responsible investment by small-scale producers and other private sector investors in agriculture and food systems. Strategic policy interventions, such as targeted investment incentives, can help to steer investors to invest more and in a responsible manner, with a view to promoting sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Responsible investments in agriculture and food systems can be major drivers for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Watch this video to know more

Women play a key role in agriculture in Sierra Leone. Yet, gender inequality affects their capacity to produce food and achieve their full potential. FAO is supporting agricultural stakeholders in Sierra Leone to strengthen capacities around three objectives: 1. Promoting inclusive decision-making related to responsible investments in agriculture. 2. Fostering gender-responsiveness of the policy, legal and incentive frameworks. 3. Improving services and organizations to empower women and promote gender equality.

This video explains why more responsible investment in agri-food systems are needed, and the guidance provided by the CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems.