The Technical Cooperation Programme makes FAO experience and expertise available to requesting governments, through small, well-defined projects. For reporting purposes, these projects are grouped in two main categories: Development Support (D); Emergency Assistance and Support to Rehabilitation (E).

An indicative figure of 15 percent of the TCP appropriation is earmarked for Emergency projects, accessible to all FAO State Members.

Under the Development Support Category, the following sub-categories illustrate part of the diversity of technical themes and areas of action that TCP may cover: investment promotion; training; advisory services; formulation and programming missions; inter-country cooperation, etc. More generally, the TCP may be used in all areas of action that pertain to FAO’s mandate. TCP projects can thus address, among others, issues related to food security, poverty reduction, nutrition, institutional reform, policy and strategy formulation, strengthening of production and support systems in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors, market access and international trade, management of natural resources, pest and disease prevention and management, pre-investment activities and formulation of project proposals to leverage additional resources for rural development, implementation of international standards, needs assessments and emergency response, etc.

Since January 2006, a TCP project has a budgetary ceiling of US$500 000 and a maximum duration of 24 months, which may be extended to 36 months when justified, and on a case-by-case basis.