In recent decades, the governance of food and agriculture has been increasingly transformed on a global basis by new technological, knowledge-based, financial and managerial resources and innovation. Increasingly, the private sector has been instrumental in the development and often at the origin of these transformations.
Effective engagement with the private sector can help the fight against hunger and malnutrition by enhancing FAO’s work in agriculture, fishery, forestry, natural resource management, the food value chain from farmer to consumer.
For FAO the private sector includes individual enterprises whether entirely or partly privately owned; special purpose coalitions and consortia; financing institutions; international industry associations; other representative business organizations; intermediary organizations of private or mixed ownership; private foundations and research institutes. This applies to all actors from small and medium-size enterprises to the largest international corporations.
Key partners include national mechanisms and networks for food security and nutrition, the UN country teams and other coordination mechanisms such as the Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition (AAHM) and its National Alliances, food security thematic groups, regional intergovernmental bodies and a large number of civil society networks and private sector associations operating at the regional and national levels.
Areas for partnering with FAO
FAO is interested in partnerships where the business capacity is linked with key areas of interest. There are three main categories of private sector contribution to FAO’s activities.
In-kind
This type of contribution is a broad category that encompasses provision of services, such as communication and advocacy campaigns, and contributions of agricultural inputs or tools that contribute to strengthening FAO’s impact on development initiatives.
Managerial, technological and scientific expertise
This category includes the exchange of expertise in human resources, and research and development.
Project funding
An important category of contribution is constituted by private sector direct funding for field development programmes or projects.
Public-private partnerships may fall within this category.
FAO-Private Sector Tools
FAO Strategy on Partnerships with the Private Sector (currently being reviewed)
Link: FAO Strategy on Partnerships with the Private Sector
Principles and Guidelines for FAO Cooperation with the Private Sector (currently being reviewed)
Link: Principles and Guidelines for FAO Cooperation with the Private Sector
