FAO recognizes that non-state actors (NSAs) play a critical role in the fight against hunger. FAO classifies NSAs into the following groups: Academia and Research Institutes, Civil Society Organizations (including Cooperatives), Parliamentary Alliances and Private Sector.
Academia and Research Institutes
As sources of knowledge, expertise and innovation, academic and research institutions are natural partners for FAO. Their comparative advantages add value to FAO’s work in the region, particularly training, capacity-building and knowledge management activities. FAO is proud to partner with the following institutions located in the Africa region:
· AfricaRice Center
· International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
· Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)
· Sam Moyo African Institute for Agrarian Studies
· University of the Western Cape
· International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
· The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
· World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
FAO also offers opportunities through its Internship, Volunteer, and Fellows Programmes. More information can be found by clicking on the specific programme of interest.
Civil Society Organizations and Cooperatives/Producer Organizations
Civil Society Organizations and Cooperatives/Producer Organizations
FAO recognizes that civil society organizations play a critical role in the fight against hunger – given their experience, their proximity to local communities and representation of the hungry and poor, and their increasing presence in the field. FAO appeals to their field knowledge and capacity on a variety of issues related to food security.
At a regional level, FAO is pleased to support a biennial meeting of CSOs prior to the Africa Regional Conference. This CSO Consultation (2018 gathering in Khartoum, Sudan pictured above) produces a Declaration, which is presented by CSO representatives to the Assembly of Ministers of Agriculture during the Regional Conference for Africa, FAO’s highest governing body in the region. To learn more about the conference, please visit the Africa Regional Conference page.
Parliamentary Alliances
Parliamentary Alliances
In October 2016, FAO formalized its partnership with the Pan-African Parliament, a body of over 200 representatives elected by their national legislatures, headquartered in Midrand, South Africa. FAO supports the Pan-African Parliamentary Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition (PAPA-FSN) through a technical cooperation programme (TCP) project. FAO is also collaborating with subregional groupings of parliamentarians (East African Legislative Assembly, Economic Community of West African States) and national legislatures (Cameroon, Djibouti, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Uganda).
Private Sector
Private Sector
FAO partners with the private sector to increase responsible and productive investments in agriculture, enhance efficiency in the supply chain, make advancements in data and science, improve the management and dissemination of knowledge, and encourage sustainable business practices in corporate social responsibility programmes. The private sector plays a crucial role in efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. FAO is pursuing partnerships with the private sector at all levels. FAO includes the following entities under the label of private sector:
Farmers and farmers’ organizations
Producers’ organizations and cooperatives
Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)
Large firms (national and multinational companies, including state-owned enterprises)
Financial institutions
Industry, trade associations and private-sector consortia
Philanthropic foundations
Across Africa, FAO is currently working with the following foundations: Bill and Melinda Gates, Rabobank, Rockefeller, as well as the International Fertilizer Association and ENI.