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Government of Japan makes significant additional contribution to FAO


More than 10 million USD will advance food and nutrition security and sustainable agricultural livelihoods through projects in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia

19/03/2019 - 

On 1 March 2019, the Government of Japan confirmed an additional voluntary contribution of 10 268 749 USD to FAO’s work. Specifically, these funds will allow for the implementation of 19 humanitarian and development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia, advancing food and nutrition security in the partner countries, restoring and strengthening livelihoods in areas affected by social, environmental, and economic crises, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, resources management and productivity.

"It is our great pleasure to announce that Japan will support FAO's work through additional resources from its supplementary budget 2018", said His Excellency Mr. Keiichi Katakami, Ambassador of Japan in Italy. "FAO, being the leading UN specialized agency in the area of food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, plays an important role in realizing a better and hunger-free world for all. This role only becomes more important as threats like climate change and conflict in many parts of the world jeopardize development gains made. We are confident that working with FAO we can help rural communities in the partner countries face these challenges and build more prosperous futures.”

More about the projects

The most important share of Japan’s contribution - 5.8 million USD - will facilitate emergency support in the Middle East and North Africa region. The focus is on helping local, migrant and host communities in Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen cope with the impacts of ongoing conflict, by restoring irrigation infrastructure, promoting economic and social stability and self-reliant agricultural livelihoods. Projects in Afghanistan and Algeria will provide assistance to regions affected by drought and wildfire.

Furthermore, 3.7 million USD are allocated to the implementation of eight projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Immediate support will go to Angola, Botswana, Malawi and Zimbabwe to ensure food and nutrition security of rural communities confronting displacement, transboundary plant pests like the Fall Armyworm, and human-wildlife conflict. Projects with the Governments of Eritrea, Ghana and Liberia will enhance the sustainable management of natural resources, while promoting the productive potential of farmers and fishers.

0.8 million USD, finally, will be used to reinforce measures undertaken by FAO and the Government of Japan together with Bangladesh, aiming at mitigating the environmental impacts of the refugee crisis in the country. 

About the Japan-FAO Partnership

Japan is a strong supporter of FAO as the second largest contributor of assessed contributions, one of the major donors of voluntary contributions and as a source of expertise and knowledge. In 2018, Japan provided voluntary contributions of USD 35.2 million - the highest amount since 2014 - and is currently supporting almost 40 ongoing humanitarian and development projects across the world. 

Since 2017 particularly the partnership has been growing in breadth an in depth, which also reflects Japan’s increasing recognition of the importance of FAO’s activities to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The collaboration between FAO and Japan encompasses various levels, and various key stakeholders, including the Government, Parliamentarians, the private sector, civil society and academia.