SAVE FOOD: Global Initiative on Food Loss and Waste Reduction

Closing Workshop for Project "Capacity Building for Food Loss Reduction in the Near East"

24 - 25 July 2017
Cairo, Egypt

Context and Background

The main objective of TCP/SNO/3501 “Capacity Building for Food Loss Reduction in the Near East” was to implement a training and awareness-raising program to strengthen national capacity of local leaders of producer associations, food industry managers and extension personnel on good practice in food handling and improved value chain management. The participating countries are Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Lebanon whom all share the same common issues of concern for food security; food loss and waste (FLW) reduction; poverty alleviation; health and safety of the population and preservation of the natural environment. In the context of this project, each country chose a specific food sub-sector to focus project activities on: wheat in Egypt; meat in Iran; vegetables in Jordan; and apples in Lebanon.

This TCP project falls within a growing field program on FLW reduction, and a “Regional Strategic Framework for FLW Reduction in the Near East and North Africa Region (NENA Strategic Framework) that was requested by and endorsed by FAO’s member countries in 2014. The goal of the NENA Strategic framework is to improve the efficiency of the food system, make better use of natural resources and increase the agriculture sector’s contribution to economic growth and stability through FLW reduction in four components; i) data gathering, analytical research and knowledge generation;  ii ) awareness raising and promotion of good practices; iii ) develop policies and regulations, and strengthen collaboration, coordination and networking; and, iv) Promoting investment and engaging the private sector. 

Building on the above, the closing workshop for this project is taking place on the 24th and 25th of July in Cairo, the event will revolve around presenting the different activities that took place and their outcomes from the participating member countries. This workshop is an opportunity to request recommendations from member countries to develop and move forward with FLW reduction in the NENA region. Cross country experience exchange is also a vital topic to discuss as member countries in the NENA region will be available to exchange views on ongoing projects related to FLW and their achievements.

The objectives for the workshop being to present the country achievements from Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Lebanon under the TCP project, the expected outputs are the following,

  1. Key capacity development needs, challenges and mechanisms for FLW reduction are identified
  2. National priorities concerning FLW reduction are highlighted
  3. Recommendations for future FLW actions at national level
  4. Recommendations for next steps on FLW reduction at Regional Level.

Programme

Day 1: Present country achievements under TCP/SNO/3501 and exchange experience concerning FLW reduction programmes and projects.

Day 2: Technical overview of food systems, FLW, and sustainable food value chain development including FAO experience. Discussion of the priorities and way forward for FLW reduction at country-level.and in the region