MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.2: FOOD AND AGRICULTURE POLICY
AND DEVELOPMENT

(All amounts in US$ 000)

Objectives and Priorities

334. Major Programme 2.2 is central to FAO's mandate related to food and nutrition, agricultural and trade policy and development, and food and agricultural information management and dissemination. It is particularly influenced by the recommendations arising from major international events and agreements, including the World Food Summit (WFS) Plan of Action, the International Conference on Nutrition (ICN), Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), and the multilateral trade arrangements under the World Trade Organization (WTO). It takes into account a range of pressing issues linked to: globalization and trade liberalization, the need to ensure sustainable agricultural development, food security and adequate nutrition, and the incidence of natural disasters and man-made emergencies.

335. In this context, key priorities are identified as follows:

• international and national food and agricultural information, statistical and decision support systems;
• world food, nutrition and agriculture assessments, outlooks and perspectives for the provision of situation and outlook analyses at national, regional and global levels;
• agricultural commodity market development, the strengthening of international trade cooperation and capacities of developing countries to participate in Multilateral Trade Negotiations (MTN);
• international science-based food standards and national quality control systems for consumer protection and to facilitate international trade in food;
• policies for sustainable agricultural and rural development, including policies and programmes to improve nutrition and household and national food security; and
• prevention, preparedness and early warning of food, agriculture and natural resource emergencies.

336. Based on an assessment of the Organization's comparative advantage in addressing the above priorities, major functional work areas are identified for 2000-01, as follows:

• monitoring implementation of the WFS Plan of Action and assessment of progress towards achieving WFS targets;
• developing Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping Systems (FIVIMS) at the global and national levels in collaboration with other UN agencies, international NGOs and Members;
• assisting developing countries to prepare for the forthcoming Multilateral Trade Negotiations;
• enhancing policy analysis and recommendations bearing on major current and emerging issues for agriculture development and food security (in collaboration with the Policy Assistance Division (TCA));
• promoting food quality and safety and improving nutritional well-being, with added emphasis on nutrition aspects in emergency relief and rehabilitation;
• production of the State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and of Agriculture Towards 2015/30;
• improving the quality, reliability and comprehensiveness of statistical information systems, including gender-specific statistics, and strengthening national information systems;
• enhancing the World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT), including strengthening national capacities for management and dissemination of FAO's technical and scientific information;
• further enhancing the quality and dissemination of outputs of the Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS).

337. The major programme has been restructured to respond to the above priority areas and to achieve greater coherence between programmes. The new structure reflects a continuum involving: the collection, management and dissemination of information (2.2.2); monitoring, assessments and outlooks (2.2.3); and, based on these, the development of policy concepts and recommendations (2.2.4). Therefore:

• Programme 2.2.3 is retitled: Food and Agricultural Monitoring, Assessments and Outlooks (previously Agriculture and Economic Development Analysis) and is refocused on short, medium and long-term situation, outlooks and perspectives of food, agriculture, commodity markets and trade, and food security at national, regional and global levels;
• Programme 2.2.4 is retitled: Agriculture, Food Security and Trade Policy (previously Food and Agricultural Policy) and now covers all work on policy issues related to agriculture, food security and trade. Direct advice arising from this work is carried out in cooperation with other units such as the Policy Assistance Division (TCA) and the Rural Development Division (SDA).

338. The constituent programmes make provision for direct advisory services to Members and technical support to the field programme in their respective areas.

Resources

339. As a result of the modification of the programme structure mentioned above, more than US$ 8 million in net resources are being transferred from Programme 2.2.2 (Food and Agricultural Information) to Programme 2.2.3 (Food and Agricultural Monitoring, Assessments and Outlooks) and Programme 2.2.4 (Agriculture, Food Security and Trade Policy). However, the reduction under 2.2.2 is less, reflecting in particular the new entity 222P5, Programme for the Improvement of Language Coverage, (see narrative for 2.2.2 below). A shift of resources from the Library and Documentation Systems Division (GIL) to the Regional Offices within Programme 2.2.2 is made, in order to establish a post of Information Management Specialist and provide associated operational resources for the Regional Office for Africa (RAF), the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) and the Regional Office for the Near East (RNE). In addition, US$ 400,000 is being transferred from the Economic and Social Department (ES) technical divisions to the Global Perspectives Studies Unit (ESDG) to establish a new FIVIMS Coordinator post with associated operational funds. Restructuring of MSUs affects Programme 2.2.9.

Programme 2.2.1: Nutrition

(All amounts in US$ 000)

340. The programme develops methodologies for monitoring, surveillance and assessment of human nutrition and household food security requirements and situations. It provides informative guidelines and technical support for developing and implementing specific nutrition programmes and activities. It also provides a forum for risk assessment of food production and processing methods, and for the development of international science-based food standards and related instruments for use by governments to protect consumers and ensure fair trade practices. Policy and technical advice to Members relates to the implementation of national plans of action and other food and nutrition activities aimed at improving nutritional wellbeing as a follow-up to the ICN and the WFS, and to food control systems to ensure food quality and safety and to support international food trade. Emphasis is placed on sustained access to nutritionally adequate and balanced diets, with specific attention to nutritionally vulnerable households and population groups and to emergency situations.

341. Application of the new programme model results in one technical project (TP) (covering Codex work), four continuing programme activities (CPs) which mirror to a large extent previous sub-programmes in meeting on-going requirements of the membership, and one technical service agreement (TS) regrouping support services to Members, including through the field programme.

342. Close collaboration is maintained with other UN organizations with interest in nutrition issues, particularly: IAEA, IFAD, WFP, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNU and the WB. The programme also involves collaborative activities with the private sector and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs).

221A1 - Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme (Codex Alimentarius)

Rationale and Objective

343. This TP provides a framework for international negotiations and decisions leading to the development of science-based standards for food quality and safety that can be used in national and international legal and regulatory frameworks. Such standards are needed by Members and the international community for the effective implementation of the Uruguay Round agreements and the enhancement of trade opportunities, food security, and consumer protection. The major objective is to develop international science-based food standards and related instruments for use by governments to protect consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

Approach

344. Continued use will be made of the subsidiary machinery of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to elaborate various standards, as well as Codex national structures to promote Codex-related activities at country level. A number of national, sub-regional or regional seminars on the application and use of Codex standards or the strengthening of national Codex structures are to be organized in collaboration with Regional Offices. It is expected that the Commission would adopt a variety of new or revised international standards and other instruments relating to: food import and export inspection and certification systems; protection of consumers' health from risks associated with food additives or contaminants; consumer protection, nutrition and food labeling and trade facilitation, in addition to standards for specific food commodities, either individually or by group.

Links

345. Internal links are maintained with other nutrition programme entities (221P1 and 221P5) relating to scientific information on nutrition requirements and food composition for use in elaboration of standards, as well as the evaluation of safety of chemicals, veterinary drugs, environmental and biological contaminants in foods and related matters; and with Programme 2.1.2 for the scientific evaluation of safety of pesticides.

346. The key external partner is the World Health Organization (WHO), the joint sponsor of Codex which contributes 25 percent of the funds for joint activities and meets about 18 percent of total costs. Another key partner is the World Trade Organization (WTO) with which close consultations are ensured in connection with Uruguay Round agreements.

221P1 - Food and Nutrition Assessment

Rationale and Objective

347. This CP develops improved estimates of the composition of food in terms of nutrients. These estimates are essential for the identification and diagnosis of food insecure, malnourished and nutritionally vulnerable populations and for the design of intervention plans and programmes aiming at improving nutrition. In addition, a better knowledge of the composition of food facilitates international trade through better food labeling. This CP also contributes to a regular updating of nutrition requirements, in collaboration with WHO as a basis for the assessment of the nutritional situation in the world. The objective is to assist countries and the international community to assess and monitor the food and nutrition situation as a basis for the design of policies and programmes for nutritional improvement.

Approach

348. A number of studies are planned together with decentralized offices on issues related to the calculation of energy and protein requirements; at the same time, support will be provided to regional networks on food composition to facilitate inter-country coordination and information exchange, and directly to countries for establishing/improving national databases on food consumption. Published outputs will cover updated national or regional food composition tables and training manuals on the evaluation of nutritional requirements.

Links

349. A direct link exists with 221P2 as updated nutrition requirements are used for nutrition planning. Joint expert consultations are convened with WHO.

221P2 - Nutrition Policy at Country Level

Rationale and Objective

350. As a follow-up to the International Conference on Nutrition, most Members have prepared national plans of action for improving nutrition. The World Food Summit confirmed the importance of refining and implementing such plans with particular attention to food security. Member countries need continuing support through guidelines, manuals and other guidance for the implementation of these plans of action. The objective of this CP is, therefore, to assist countries in the implementation of national plans of action and regional programmes for improving the nutritional status of their population, as a follow-up to both the ICN and the WFS. This includes the effective introduction of nutritional objectives and components in development policies and programmes. This assistance will make systematic use of lessons drawn from successes and failures of past interventions.

Approach

351. Analytical work to underpin advice to countries is to continue with studies covering, for instance: the evaluation of changes in food habits in Africa and implications for nutrition policy and planning; the analysis of the main constraints and incentives concerning the formation of intra and inter-sectoral alliances for improving nutrition in the framework of national plans of action for nutrition; the analysis of experience of five countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia on differential responses of the public sector and civil society to malnutrition risks generated by recent crises (financial and economic, political unrest); and the analysis of coping strategies in the groups of populations most affected by malnutrition in Africa. This work will lead to the issuance of training manuals and guidelines (e.g. targeting of nutrition interventions, partnerships among civil society agents for nutritional improvement in large cities of the developing world, nutrition safety nets in poverty alleviation programmes, etc.). The decentralized offices will have a prominent role in direct assistance to countries.

Links

352. There is full complementarity of action with entity 221P3. WHO is the main external partner.

221P3 - Nutrition Programmes

Rationale and Objective

353. National macro-economic and sectoral efforts to improve household food security and nutrition, need to be complemented by community- and food-based strategies aiming to ensure year-round availability and consumption of nutritionally adequate food supplies, including during and following emergencies. There is a parallel need to build national capacities to provide effective dietary guidance and nutrition education that addresses a wide variety of food, nutrition, health and lifestyle factors. The objective of this CP is to promote sustained access to, and consumption of nutritionally adequate and balanced diets, with specific attention to nutritionally vulnerable households and population groups.

Approach

354. Policy and programme advice on household food security, community nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies, nutrition in emergencies, and nutrition education and training is provided directly to countries (also involving the decentralized offices) and through a number of manuals, guidelines, reports and articles. In addition, a programme of workshops is planned covering, for instance: improved nutrition during relief and rehabilitation phases of emergencies; curricula development for nutrition education; the development of community nutrition programmes; nutrition through home gardening.

355. Publication activities will include five issues of the periodical "Food, Nutrition and Agriculture", and various training manuals. Regularly updated pages of the FAO Internet Website dealing with nutrition and food quality will assist further with information dissemination.

Links

356. As required, links are maintained with activities under other programmes (crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry) which have a direct bearing on nutrition improvement and the ability of poor households to acquire and utilize food more effectively. These links aim at ensuring close relationships between production and consumption within an overall framework of sustainability. Main external partners are WHO, UNICEF and the WB.

221P5 - Food Quality Control and Consumer Protection

Rationale and Objective

357. Ensuring food quality and safety is an integral component of food security as stressed by the ICN and the WFS. Requirements for assistance from Members in this field are, and will remain extensive. The CP provides the framework for the provision of technical guidance to Members on the establishment of effective food quality assurance and food control systems at both national and local levels. Thus the objectives are to promote the establishment and operation of food control systems and programmes at national and local levels that ensure food quality and safety throughout the food chain and enhance international food trade; and to provide scientifically-based evaluation of risks and benefits associated with food production and processing methods including biotechnology, the use of food additives, veterinary drugs, presence of chemical, environmental and biological contaminants in foods.

Approach

358. A number of important meetings are planned, including two joint FAO/WHO expert consultations on risk assessment of biological contaminants in food, and four sessions of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the outcome of which will lead to several monographs and publications dealing with specifications of identity and purity of food additives, evaluation of veterinary drug residues and contaminants in foods. Together with decentralized offices, four regional training workshops will be held on the application of quality assurance systems, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control (HACCP) principles in food handling and processing, while assistance to 4-5 institutions/food industries in the establishment and operation of food quality assurance systems is provided in each region. The decentralized structures will also support the establishment/strengthening of four regional training centres for food inspection and food analysis in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Near East.

359. Methodological work will address risk assessment of biological contaminants in food, of biotechnologically derived foods and of genetically modified organisms in foods. Studies will also be carried out on food quality assurance systems for medium and small-scale enterprises. Guidelines will be issued for the planning, establishment and operation of regulatory food control systems at national and sub-national levels, including technical guidelines for the evaluation of food quality and safety activities (auditing) and for the operation of food quality assurance systems at all stages of the food production processing and distribution chain. Planned publications will include an updated directory of food control institutions.

Links

360. Work implies continuous interaction with Codex to assess Members' needs in normative aspects as well as technical assistance in the field of food quality promotion and control. Collaboration with other programmes takes place as regards activities dealing with the control of pesticide residues in foods (2.1.2 Crops), quality control of foods of animal origin (meat and meat products, milk and milk products - 2.1.3 Livestock) and quality control of fish and fish products (2.3 Fisheries). Major partners are UNEP (sponsorship of activities related to the control of environmental contaminants in food), WHO, WTO and the Joint FAO/IAEA Training and Reference Centre.

221S1 - Technical Support Services to Member Nations and the Field Programme

361. Besides some aspects of direct advice to the membership already included in the preceding entities, this technical services agreement (TS) covers a wide range of technical support provided by nutrition staff at Headquarters and in the regions to assist Members in their efforts to improve the quality and safety of food supply and to facilitate food trade at national and international levels. The TS is also to assist countries meet their requirements to assess the nutritional status of their population and to implement national plans of action for improving nutrition in particular in domains such as nutrition assessment, introduction of nutrition components into development programmes and projects, and nutrition education.

Programme 2.2.2: Food and Agricultural Information

(All amounts in US$ 000)

362. Members and the international community at large require comprehensive information and statistics with common concepts, standards and definitions to reflect the global situation. The programme, therefore, covers statistics on production, trade and food supply/consumption, as well as economic statistics relating to agriculture and gender-disaggregated statistics.

363. The programme also covers work on Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping Systems (FIVIMS), in partnership with countries themselves, other UN and bilateral agencies and concerned international NGOs. It aims at the provision of accurate and timely information on the incidence, nature and causes of food insecurity and vulnerability in order to assist Members and the international community in formulating and implementing related policies and programmes. FIVIMS is an inter-departmental and multi-disciplinary activity, involving in particular all ES Divisions and GIL (WAICENT).

364. At the national level, the programme provides support and assistance for strengthening statistical information systems so that reliable and timely data are generated for planning and policy decision-making and for monitoring and evaluating effective implementation of such plans and policies.

365. Through WAICENT, the programme seeks to enhance multilingual corporate information systems (FAOSTAT, FAOINFO, FAOSIS, Virtual Library, AGRIS/CARIS, FAO Country Profiles). Efforts are directed at facilitating access to worldwide authoritative sources of information, both electronically and through traditional means. Information exchange agreements will be maintained and extended to other international and national partners (AGLINET, ILRI, the WB, UNDP, CIRAD, REDCAPA, ISNAR, IICA, CTA). WAICENT relies on inter-disciplinary cooperation within FAO and provides effective information management through the targeting of users, development of interactive information-sharing systems, and strengthening of Members' capacity to manage information through their own national networks.

366. Targeted users (researchers, information providers, extension workers and farmers) will be trained in networked agricultural information systems (VERCON, FARM-Net). To further build up national capacities, WAICENT will provide standards and guidelines in managing information. Moreover, new Information Management specialist posts in Regional Offices are to strengthen linkages with national agricultural information systems. Expert consultations will be convened to provide feedback and formulate global strategies on issues related to the management and dissemination of information for agricultural development.

367. The main technical project refers to FIVIMS (222A1), while three smaller technical projects address other time-bound initiatives. The on-going nature of FAO's data and information collection and dissemination work leads to five distinct continuing programme entities. A new entity (222P5) is added to spearhead enhanced language coverage in FAO's work. Technical services to the membership, including through the field programme, with two TSs, complete the picture.

222A1 - Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping System (FIVIMS)

Rationale and Objective

368. FIVIMS, as an outcome of the WFS, is a direct response to the needs of countries and the international community at large for more reliable, accurate and consistent information on the extent and magnitude of food insecurity and vulnerability, at sub-national, national, regional and global levels. This project, of an initial duration of six years, is geared to: (i) increasing attention on food security issues; (ii) improving the quality of food security related data and analysis; (iii) facilitating integration of data related to food insecurity and vulnerability; (iv) promoting better understanding of users' needs and better use of information; and (v) improving access to information through networking and sharing. The overall objective is, therefore, to provide accurate and timely information (including mapping) on the incidence, nature and causes of food insecurity and vulnerability that would assist Members and the international community in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes to achieve World Food Summit goals.

Approach

369. FIVIMS is a multi-disciplinary activity involving more particularly the ESA, ESC, ESN, ESS and GIL Divisions, as well as a broad range of external partners including concerned UN and bilateral agencies and international NGOs. It is foreseen that in the next biennium, national FIVIMS would be established in a minimum of 15 countries, and national focal points designated in a total of 100 countries who will be provided with supportive technical materials and guidance. The international FIVIMS database would operate with links to major relevant databases in participating organizations, and FIVIMS information materials are to be produced and widely disseminated. A biennial report on the State of Food Insecurity and Vulnerability in the world is to be issued. Training activities are contemplated.

370. Participating divisions are to contribute from different perspectives. For instance, ESA will work on (and publish) methodologies for identifying and interpreting global indicators of food insecurity and vulnerability; ESC will provide access to all GIEWS digital data including digital maps, tabular data, and image data (on-going activity throughout the project); ESN will promote and support food consumption and nutrition surveys at national and sub-national levels, as well as nutrition surveillance systems in geographic zones and for groups of population most affected by malnutrition; it will also develop methodologies and guidelines for the assessment of food consumption and nutrition status, and ensure constant updating of nutrition country profiles and their dissemination; ESS is to contribute through updated databases on levels and distribution of food consumption, a compendium of food consumption statistics from household surveys, updated food and agricultural sector profiles and methodological papers on problems of estimating the prevalence of food inadequacy/under-nutrition; finally GIL will bring to bear its WAICENT expertise, develop FIVIMS tool kits and ensure links to the FAO Website.

Links

371. Besides the above divisions, other FAO units and programmes will participate, e.g. 2.5.1 by providing map components for the corporate FAO country profile information system, and 5.2.2 by furnishing technical support to WAICENT systems development. External partners are gathered in an inter-agency working group on FIVIMS to ensure their direct collaboration and inputs.

222A2 - FAO/World Bank/USDA Initiative for Agricultural Statistics in Africa (Phase I)

Rationale and Objective

372. This TP is a joint effort by the World Bank, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FAO to develop integrated and sustainable statistical information systems which will contribute to the availability of improved basic data in the Africa region. The objective is to enable national governments, the private sector and development agencies to have access to reliable and timely food and agricultural statistics for improved sectoral planning and monitoring and evaluating the performance of the agricultural sector, especially as its relates to the World Food Summit commitments.

Approach and Links

373. Together with the Regional and Sub-regional Offices, a number of missions are planned leading to country framework documents for the development of integrated systems of food and agricultural statistics, as well as country data needs assessments. Projects for development assistance will also be formulated. Work will draw on methodologies and training developed or undertaken under other programme entities of the Statistics Division. The World Bank and USDA are co-sponsors.

222A3 - WAICENT Country Profiles and Mapping Information System

Rationale and Objective

374. Despite the existence of a large number of corporate country-based systems, and departmental and divisional systems that have a very similar set of requirements and an almost identical core functionality, there is not yet optimized integration between the information generated by the various systems. Information tends to be generated and used in a circumscribed manner and tailored to a specific system, unit and/or area of interest.

375. This GIL TP supports the integration of all substantive data/information collected or generated by FAO, indexing, cataloguing, cross-referencing and organizing them visually to facilitate their access and interpretation by FAO and Members' users. The methodology, procedures, databases and tools that will be developed will seek to maximize substantive and thematic access to the Organization's wealth of information. The objective is, therefore, to develop and maintain the information systems platform, including the tools, standards and guidelines for integrating the different thematic databases of country-based information available in FAO, together with a corporate visualization and mapping framework and geo-referenced information system.

Approach and Links

376. GIL will develop the data management, analysis and reporting modules for a user-friendly system of country profiles, and test individual functionality. It will also develop the maps repository component of the country profiles system on Oracle. Based on user needs and technical specifications for a common platform and user-friendly interface, relevant interactions will be ensured with existing FAO information systems. Support will be sought from other programmes, e.g. 2.5.1 and 5.2.2. It is expected that the system will be heavily used for instance by FIVIMS, SPFS and for WFS implementation monitoring.

222A5 - Development of Information and Communication Technologies in Support of Food Security and Agricultural Development

Rationale and Objective

377. FAO, through the World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT), has accumulated valuable experience in using Informational Communication Technologies (ICTs) for information delivery and communication in support of food security and agricultural development. Tools have been developed by WAICENT which can be widely used and adapted by groups in Member Nations. FAO is strategically positioned to implement and provide training in the use of these tools and applications. Under this TP, the Organization will work closely with groups in Member Nations to assist them to develop networks for sharing information and communicating, primarily in electronic format. These networks will improve access to, and facilitate the exchange of agricultural information which is locally relevant and important for decision-makers in the agricultural and economic sectors of countries. The objectives are thus to collaboratively design, test and implement agricultural information systems in information-sharing networks in member countries, to improve the amount, quality, relevance of information available to the networks (which would consist of researchers, extension workers, agricultural information providers, among others, depending on the boundaries of individual projects) and to improve the speed with which they receive and exchange information.

Approach

378. In order to improve Members' ability to access sources of agricultural information (including FAO's resources), several information systems will be developed and implemented, with associated training and project documentation. Networks in Member Nations will then adopt and assume responsibility for maintaining the information systems that are initiated in these Virtual Extension Research Communication Networks (VERCON), Telecentre and Farm Information Networks (FARM-Net) activities.

379. A field programme component will allow for the VERCON information system to be tested in pilot-countries, for training programmes to be held for Telecentre staff and targeted Telecentre clients, and for FARM-Net training to FARM-Net centre staff capable of utilizing information systems.

Links

380. Besides internal links with other entities (222P6 and 222S2) and the Research, Extension and Training Division (SDR), responsible for research and extension activities, external partners will include UNESCO, WHO, ITU and IDRC.

222P1 - Agricultural Resources, Inputs and Income Statistics, including Gender Profiles

222P2 - Agricultural Production, Trade Statistics and Food Balance Sheets

Rationale and Objective

381. These two continuing programme activities form the core of FAO statistical work, from compilation through analysis to dissemination. The objectives are to provide the world community with a set of consistent and up-to-date series and indicators relating to land use, agricultural inputs, prices, income, economic accounts and related environmental concerns as well as world-wide statistical series on the agricultural sector for analyzing and monitoring the food and agricultural situation and to support decision making.

Approach

382. The Statistics Division will continue to maintain and update essential data series, in particular on agricultural production, supply/utilization accounts and food balance sheets, demographic estimates and projections, macro-economic aggregates and prices received and paid by farmers. Other updated series will pertain to land use, farm machinery, fertilizer and pesticides statistics, international trade by origin and destination and index numbers. Additional important databases will cover agricultural investment and external assistance to agriculture and environment and food security indicators, the latter involving more particularly collaboration with decentralized offices. ESS will pay attention to gender disaggregated data, whenever relevant.

383. Major published outputs will continue to include: FAO Production Yearbook (two volumes); Fertilizer Yearbook (Volumes 49 and 50); Trade Yearbook (two volumes); FAO Quarterly Bulletin of Statistics; and regular updates of the Summary of World Food and Agriculture Statistics. Updated country profiles will be placed on the Internet for wider dissemination.

384. Methodological outputs are planned such as: guidelines to derive agricultural income and preparation of economic accounts and environmental accounts, guidelines on collection of statistics on land use, use of agro-chemicals and for deriving environmental and food security indicators, publication on methodological development of Supply/Utilization Accounts (SUAs) and a handbook on Food Balance Sheets. One training session on preparation of economic accounts for agriculture and regional workshops for upgrading national capabilities will also be organized.

Links

385. A wide range of external partnerships is involved, e.g. coordination with UN, ILO and other UN agencies in work relating to demographic estimates and projections; collaboration and exchange of information on fertilizer statistics with the International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) and the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC); collaboration with UN, WB, EUROSTAT and OECD on macro-economic aggregates, investment and external assistance to agriculture.

222P3 - Agricultural Statistics Development

Rationale and Objective

386. Over the years FAO has accumulated expertise and developed methodologies, concepts and definitions to support agricultural censuses and surveys which have to be continuously updated and adapted to new technical advances. This CP is to support development of methodologies and technical tools for data collection and to contribute to the production by countries of harmonized and improved basic data. The objective is, therefore, to enhance capacities of national governments to assemble and, together with other users, have access to reliable and timely food and agricultural data for improved sectoral planning and monitoring and evaluating the performance of the agricultural sector.

Approach

387. This CP has strong methodological and training components. Studies and analyses of integrated statistical systems and comparative analysis of agricultural census results will be made, within the overall programme for the World Census of Agriculture 2000. A database on census methodologies and key results will be maintained and guidelines will be issued on the implementation of census methods and the establishment of national databases. In close association with the decentralized structures, a series of training courses will be held to upgrade statistical capacities at country level and related materials prepared. Several statistical statutory bodies in the various regions will be serviced.

Links

388. Major external partners are ECE, EUROSTAT, IICA, OEA and OECD, which are involved in joint activities developed through working groups.

222P5 - Programme for the Improvement of Language Coverage

Rationale and Objective

389. Members have reemphasized the importance of the equal treatment of language in the activities of the Organization and in the production of its outputs. While language coverage is receiving increased attention under each programme entity, the objective of this CP is to provide funds which will allow important gaps in coverage to be attended to without delay.

Approach

390. While the CP will be managed by the General Affairs and Information Department (GI), the allocation of resources will be determined by the Corporate Communication Committee (CCC). This CP is envisaged as a temporary arrangement which will provide catalytic support to the institutionalization of improved language coverage over the next two or three biennia.

Links

391. External partners may include Members who wish to accelerate the process through trust funds arrangements for the languages of their choice. Internal links between producer departments will be ensured through the CCC.

222P6 - WAICENT Corporate Information Systems

Rationale and Objective

392. This continuing programme activity provides the core technological know-how and resources for the design, development, maintenance and enhancement of FAO information systems, training tools and related activities under the corporate World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT). It covers the use of the latest state-of-the-art information technology in developing information systems and tools. By providing Members with more direct access to FAO information systems and related technologies, national data collection activities will improve through streamlined procedures and stimulate greater interactivity between FAO and national partners. Dedicated information management staff, located in Regional Offices and in the Sub-regional Office for Central and Eastern Europe (SEUR), provide user feedback to help target specific information needs of the regions. FAO will also provide a forum on worldwide issues concerning access to information on agriculture and related fields, and strategies for effective management of information. The objectives are to maintain and enhance existing information systems and systems tools, and develop new ones to increase dissemination of knowledge for agricultural development and food security, and to provide an inter-governmental process for Members to review and propose international policies for disseminating information on agriculture.

Approach

393. This CP will continue the development and maintenance of key FAO statistical and textual information systems which operate within WAICENT, including the Corporate Database for Substantive Statistical Data (FAOSTAT), the FAO Information Database (FAOINFO), the International Information System for the Agricultural Sciences and Technology (AGRIS) and the Current Agricultural Research Information System (CARIS). This work will be facilitated by continuous enhancement of indexing systems, corporate data definitions and classification standards. The Multilingual Thesaurus of Agricultural Terminology (AGROVOC) (fifth edition) will be published. Methodological work will include the development of a number of supportive tools and preparation of guidelines and discussion documents. An expert consultation on information system strategies, priorities and plans will be convened to adopt important recommendations in this field and for which active follow-up is foreseen. Other activities include the production of CD-ROM versions of the FAO Website content, including multilingual versions of FAOSTAT, and the FAO Library catalogue.

Links

394. By essence, WAICENT embodies broad house-wide cooperation in bringing under a common umbrella a substantial range of sectoral data and information systems. External partners include IFAD, WFP, WB, ICIE and national centres.

222P7 - Virtual Library Support and Information Management

Rationale and Objective

395. This CP focuses on facilitating access not only to the wealth of FAO's information and agriculture and agriculture-related fields, but also to worldwide knowledge resources and agricultural research systems through the use of Virtual Library services, including electronic reference and bibliographic information services and search databases. WAICENT affords corporate-level standards and practices for the preparation, coding, indexing and cataloguing of documents and other hypermedia files, and ensures the integrity of the intellectual property and institutional memory of FAO. Recognizing that a vast amount of valuable information also exists around the world among research and academic institutions, private organizations and non-governmental organizations, the CP will strengthen information exchange networks in Member Nations and links to WAICENT, so as to ensure that Members benefit equitably from important information services and communication technology developments. The objectives are to enhance FAO information services, facilitate access to worldwide information sources and national agricultural research systems through Virtual Library services, mobilize knowledge and information networks so as to promote the timely access to and exchange of information among all stakeholders.

Approach

396. The main lines of activity will include: the management of a corporate on-line technical document repository as a central part of the FAO Internet Website; the maintenance of a master archival collection as expression of FAO's institutional memory, and for dissemination to FAO staff and Members; the management of FAO's multimedia resource collection buttressed by exchange agreements for multimedia information resources with over 1,000 organizations and institutions. The coordination through AGLINET of a worldwide network of agricultural documentation and specialized information centres will facilitate sharing of information resources at minimal cost. It will be supported by: a planned electronic conference of AGLINET libraries on information resource sharing; on-going technical advice and training to libraries and information services/systems in Member Nations and to Headquarters, field offices and projects, including training of FAO technical staff in effective information navigation and the formulation and implementation of information services and shared information resources. The maintenance of an efficient, full text document delivery service and the provision of customized, targeted information research services to FAO staff and users throughout the world will be pursued. Coordination mechanisms will be established to generate guidelines, standards and methodologies for the World Agriculture Information Resource Database (WAIR), to make available to users a search engine for worldwide information resources; this will be accompanied by the development of Internet-based tools and components for WAIR.

Links

397. By essence, this CP involves a wide range of partners (members of the AGLINET network, national libraries, information and research centres/institutions for joint activities and exchange agreements, etc.). Consultations with UNEP and the WB are foreseen for production of specific outputs linked to the WAIR database. Contacts are also maintained with IFAD and WFP.

222S1 - Technical Support Services to Member Nations and the Field Programme

398. This technical services agreement covers principally advisory services to Members and support to the field programme as relate to statistics, as a combined effort of the ESS Division at Headquarters and decentralized offices. Support will draw heavily on methodological developments and other normative activities under the other entities.

222S2 - Assistance to Countries in Capacity Building for Agriculture and Food Information through WAICENT (including AGRIS and CARIS)

399. This TS will aim at enhancing information exchange capacities and activities in Member Nations, involving all national stakeholders, supporting the establishment of national information networks including AGRIS and CARIS centres, and ensuring their contribution and participatory efforts in FAO-related activities. Work (including training) will be facilitated by the production of Internet agricultural information resources guides and practical guidelines for agricultural information management using advanced information technology. Important dimensions of direct assistance to countries will be the dissemination of WAICENT guidelines and training packages including information management tools, Internet Web page browsing and production tools, and Virtual Library information services tools. It will include the promotion of, and support to training seminars and workshops in the various regions and keeping close contacts with users for feedback to target specific needs of the regions. Partners will include a number of international or national research institutions (including those of the CGIAR, and the established AGRIS/CARIS centres).

Programme 2.2.3: Food and Agricultural Monitoring, Assessments and Outlooks

(All amounts in US$ 000)

400. The programme serves to meet requirements for regular and timely flows of information on, and assessments of, the current food supply and demand situation, the outlook for agricultural commodities, and strategic analyses and perspectives on longer-term food and agriculture and food security at national, regional and global levels.

401. In the first instance, Programme 2.2.3 is to provide Members and the international community with better quality, forward looking information on the food and agricultural commodity situation and outlook that enables them to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities in a more timely fashion. Further, it will contribute to raising awareness of problems emerging in the short, medium and longer term, thereby providing Members with an improved understanding of the national, regional and global contexts, facilitating decision-making and policy formulation.

402. This programme builds on basic information generated mainly under Programme 2.2.2 as well as commodity market information systems. It addresses cross-cutting issues having policy implications, particularly food security in developing countries. Specific priorities are to: enhance the quality and relevance of the State of Food and Agriculture report; strengthen assessments of the world commodity situation and its short and medium-term forecasting; improve understanding of the impact which agricultural development and commodity export earnings have on food security; and strengthen GIEWS and its capacity for crop and food supply assessments. The long-term global perspective study, Agriculture Towards 2015/30, takes account of, amongst other things, technology and natural resource use issues. It will project possible long-term developments of food supply and demand, trade and food security at the regional and global levels.

403. In terms of structure, work on global perspective studies is captured in technical project 223A1, whereas several continuing programme activities (223P2 to 223P6) refer to the preparation of regular major publications (SOFA) or ongoing essential monitoring work (commodity-linked or emergency-linked, i.e. GIEWS). Finally, a technical services agreement covers direct advisory services to the membership or support to the field programme in related substantive areas.

223A1 - Global Perspective Studies

Rationale and Objective

404. Members and the international community at large, expect FAO to carry out at regular intervals well-informed and knowledge-based long-term assessments of world food, nutrition and agriculture prospects taking into account the impact of population growth, use of new technologies, changing patterns in international trade and changes in the status and use of natural resources worldwide. The objective of this TP is to provide a long-term prospective assessment of world food, nutrition and agriculture, including issues of technology and natural resource use.

Approach

405. With a view to having a full report on Agriculture Towards 2015/30 ready by end 2001, it will be necessary to update the required quantitative analytical framework, expand supportive databases and make quantitative projections to 2015 and 2030 for all major agricultural variables for about 100 individual countries. Contributions will be made to non-FAO long-term assessments as required (UN and non-UN).

Links

406. Internally, inputs are expected by numerous substantive programmes to support sectoral analysis in a long-term perspective (fertilizer use, irrigation development and water scarcity, crop yields and land use projections, livestock and farm power requirements, under-nourished groups, commodity-related projections, trade issues, fisheries and forestry issues, sustainability and environmental factors, biotechnology and climate change, institutional aspects, etc.). External partners for exchange of data, assumptions and projections will include IFPRI, IIASA, OECD, USDA, and the WB.

223P2 - The State of Food and Agriculture

Rationale and Objective

407. Regular reporting on the state of food and agriculture is part of FAO's mandate. Through a continuous and consolidated flow of information on the global and regional food and agricultural situation, FAO contributes to raising awareness of the problems of agriculture and food security, and providing policy-makers with background information needed for the formulation of policies and programmes. The objective is to inform the international community in a timely and regular fashion on major events, trends and issues in food, agriculture and food security.

Approach and Links

408. The outputs are the annual publication of the State of Food and Agriculture, and associated documents for Council and Conference. Several other substantive programmes and decentralized offices are involved in the preparation of the worldwide and regional reviews of SOFA. External partners include the IMF and USDA, as relates in particular to economic projections and selected policy contributions.

223P3 - Market Intelligence and Assessments for Basic Food Commodities

Rationale and Objective

409. Members and the international community require a regular and timely flow of data and information on commodity market developments and comprehensive assessments and forecasts of short and longer term prospects and their implications for global food security to facilitate planning and adaptation to changing market conditions. This CP has global coverage and takes into account the inter-linkages between most agricultural commodity markets. The objective is to furnish national governments, development agencies, the commercial sector and NGOs, information to support analysis and decision-making at global, regional and national levels and to facilitate adaptation to changing market conditions.

Approach

410. Up-to-date and high quality information will be maintained and disseminated for basic food commodities, including analyses of short and medium term prospects and the implications of resulting import and export developments on global food security, to facilitate planning. This implies the creation, development and maintenance of country and regional supply and demand balance sheets for cereals, oilcrops, meat and dairy products, roots and tubers, pulses, as well as analytical modeling tools for current situation and short-term market forecasts that take into account the interactions among different food commodity markets. Complementary activities are: the provision of information on commercial trade and food aid flows to the Consultative Sub-committee on Surplus Disposal (CSSD); the generation of market-based global food security indicators for the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and FIVIMS, and the monitoring of food import bills of food deficit developing countries.

411. Published output will include: two editions of the Cereal Policies Review; 3-4 IGG intersessional market analyses for oilcrops, meat products and cereals; the Dairy Outlook, the Rice Market Monitor, the Global Food Prices and Stocks Monitor, as well as market monitors to be developed for other commodities for the FAO Website. Also the monthly update of current international food price indices is to be placed on the FAO Website. Ancillary training and networking activities will be organized, continued moderation of the Dairy Information Exchange Network, and the development of similar moderated information exchange networks for rice, oilcrops and pulses will be provided. Analytical work will include: basic commodity studies and the impact of Uruguay Round implementation (including SPS, TBT).

Links

412. Internal links are close with other ESC entities (e.g. 223P4 and 223P5). Regular consultations, using videoconferencing and other communications tools, will be held with the WB, IMF and WFP on monitoring the world food situation. Other external partners include CGIAR centres such as ICRISAT, ILRI, IRRI, and other institutions such as UNCTAD, IFAD, WTO and OECD.

223P4 - Projections and Global Commodity Analyses

Rationale and Objective

413. This CP meets Members' requirements for authoritative analyses of current market developments and medium-term prospects for agricultural commodities, as well as analyses of the general, cross-cutting issues and policy implications arising out of these assessments. Important aspects are to provide a global overview of commodity market situation and development, identify forces and underlying trends, and highlight problems which agricultural policies have failed to solve or have even aggravated. The CP, in complementarity with other ES Department's outputs contributes to strategic assessments of the situation and outlook of food, agriculture and food security, at global and regional levels, as well as to analyses of trade policy issues and developments. The objective is to allow Members, national institutions, industries as well as other international organizations, to benefit from annual reports on commodity market situation, periodic publications on medium-term commodity projections and analytical studies on selected topics (at least five studies per year).

Approach and Links

414. Two major outputs are planned. The Commodity Market Review (two issues in the biennium) is to provide: (i) a synthesis of key developments in the global economy, commodity prices and export earnings, as well as other developments affecting international trade in agriculture, and (ii) summaries of selected studies on commodities and trade as well as of activities of the FAO intergovernmental commodity groups. The study on Medium-term Commodity Projections up to 2010 is to cover all major countries and regions of the world, and to provide: (i) an overview of developments in commodity markets, trade issues and policy concerns arising from the assessment, particularly in the area of supply stability and access to food by developing and Low-Income, Food-Deficit Countries, and (ii) an analysis of the impact of policy changes and of environmental and other factors on medium-term prospects. Software and manuals will be prepared in connection with an enhanced world food model. Contributions will also be made to general trade policy studies (e.g. diversification, tariff escalation, preferential trade arrangements, etc.) and training organized on projection methodology.

415. The cooperation of partners will be enlisted through the inter-agency meeting on world food outlook. Key external partners are EU, IMF, WB, OECD, WTO and UNCTAD.

223P5 - Market Intelligence and Assessments for Tropical, Horticultural and Raw Material Commodities

Rationale and Objective

416. In complementarity with other activities, this CP is to meet extensive needs for information on commodity market developments and comprehensive assessments and forecasts of short and longer-term prospects to facilitate planning and adaptation to changing market conditions. The main clients are national governments, development agencies, the commercial sector and NGOs which wish to have better information for decision-making at global, regional and national levels especially in connection with adaptation to changing market conditions. In this light, the objective is to assemble and disseminate among these users up-to-date and high-quality information for tropical, horticultural and raw material commodities, including analyses of short and medium-term prospects and of linkages between export earnings and food security.

Approach and Links

417. This CP relies on commodity market intelligence systems for tropical, horticultural and raw material commodities, including supply/demand balances for major tropical, horticultural and raw material commodities. It will be important to monitor the impact of export earnings and food security for selected countries and commodities and establish key indicators for analyzing the impact of changes in export prices on food security of agricultural producers. These systems will facilitate the collection and dissemination of information through electronic means. Contributions will be made to general studies on the Uruguay Round follow-up, environment and trade, biotechnology and trade, whereas regular market information notes will be issued on hard fibres, jute, bananas, citrus and tea. One edition of the Hides and Skins Compendium is planned together with the development of an electronic price monitor for tropical, horticultural and raw material commodities. A training course on tropical fruits market monitoring and analysis will be organized. Analytical studies and contributions will be made to FIVIMS and to inter-agency consultations, including with the WB and IMF and support provided to commodity outlook conferences.

223P6 - Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture

Rationale and Objective

418. Established in the wake of the World Food Conference of 1974, the GIEWS is a long-standing activity, the objective of which remains to provide Members and the international community with information on the current global regional and national food supply and demand situation, and alert them of impending serious food shortages so that timely action can be taken to avoid or minimize human suffering.

Approach

419. Through the regular issuance and timely receipt of the food situation reports and alerts produced by GIEWS, Members and the international community are enabled to formulate and implement appropriate plans and actions in order to minimize the impact of natural and man-made disasters on the food situation of affected populations. The main tools of the system are integrated food supply and demand databases. The extension of data coverage of the GIEWS workstation including to sub-national level; and periodic or ad hoc country-level assessments of foodcrop and food supply and demand situations are envisaged. The main outputs are: 10 issues of Food Outlook and Foodcrops and Shortages; 6 issues of Food Supply Situation and Crop Prospects in Sub-Saharan Africa and 12 issues of the Sahel Weather and Crop Situation Report. These will be supplemented by special reports and alerts, whereas emergency food aid requests from governments will be reviewed. Improvements in the electronic dissemination of GIEWS reports will be sought and contributions made to FIVIMS, as required. FAO decentralized offices, including country offices will play their due role in collecting pertinent information.

Links

420. Besides numerous local partners in vulnerable countries, operation of GIEWS involves participation in inter-agency missions to affected countries, provision of briefing notes for the weekly meetings of the UN Inter-agency Standing Committee (IASC), and contacts with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Cooperation with WFP takes the form of joint FAO/WFP crop and food supply assessment missions with production of joint reports; use of the WFP food aid database, and the joint approval by the FAO Director-General and the WFP Executive Director of those emergency operations with a total cost exceeding US$ 3 million.

223S1 - Technical Support Services to Member Nations and the Field Programme

421. Advisory services to Members will primarily aim at strengthening their capacities in undertaking commodity projections and policy analysis of global commodity developments.

Programme 2.2.4: Agriculture, Food Security and Trade Policy

(All amounts in US$ 000)

422. The main objective of this programme is to achieve sustainable improvements in the standard of living and nutritional status of the whole population, taking full advantage of the contributions made by agriculture to economic and rural development and the reduction of poverty and food insecurity. Sound agricultural policies play a major role in this effort. Furthermore, in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing international trade environment, there is a need for countries to strengthen their agricultural trade performance by improving competitiveness and developing appropriate policies. More specifically with regard to trade policy, the objective is to strengthen international cooperation, particularly among developing countries, and to improve national capacities of developing countries to take part in forthcoming Multilateral Trade Negotiations. There is also the need to improve the competitiveness of agricultural commodities, especially in the light of rapid technological change.

423. This programme involves inter alia comparative analyses contributing to policy advice. Food security and agricultural policy analyses are aimed at enhancing Members' capacity to develop, implement and adjust policies in response to rapidly changing conditions and identifying issues requiring attention by the international community. The programme also seeks to improve nutrition and household food security among malnourished and socially disadvantaged groups, while ensuring that the food insecure benefit from agriculture and economic development and that these groups participate meaningfully in the development process. Policy reforms, determinants of agricultural growth, economics of sustainability and agricultural/non-agricultural interactions in the rural sector are major subjects underpinning advice. The programme monitors the implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of Action together with international and bilateral partners, civil society and regional/sub-regional organizations.

424. In the area of trade policy, attention will be paid to: consolidating reforms of the Inter-Governmental Group (IGG) system including thematic commodity conferences in collaboration with other bodies; strengthening the capacity of developing countries to deal with burgeoning regional trade arrangements and for the forthcoming Multilateral Trade Negotiations through studies, analyses and training; and further work on the linkages between scientific developments and agricultural commodity trade.

425. The above translates into two technical projects (dealing with WFS monitoring and follow-up and a major effort of trade policy support to developing countries in the context of Multilateral Trade Negotiations), several continuing programme activities addressing on-going responsibilities of the ESA and ESC Divisions, and a technical services agreement.

224A1 - World Food Summit Monitoring and Follow-up

426. In the light of the commitment of Members and the international community to implement the Plan of Action adopted by the World Food Summit, this CP provides the venue and monitoring system for keeping track of progress, and identifying any mid-course corrective actions that may be required at international or national levels. The objective is thus to support monitoring of World Food Summit follow-up and analysis of policy issues identified as requiring attention by the international community.

Approach and Links

427. Information on WFS follow-up will be assembled leading to bi-annual reports on implementation of the Plan of Action. This will be supported by the maintenance of a database of source materials, of a dedicated page on the Internet Website of the Organization and of regular exchange of information with partners. In-depth studies of policy issues will be undertaken on a selective basis and technical materials and briefing notes prepared for use by the country-level thematic groups of the ACC network on rural development and food security. Most active external partners will include IFAD, WFP, IFPRI, UNDP, WB and major interested international NGOs.

224A2 - Commodity and Trade Policy Support to Developing Countries

Rationale and Objective

428. This TP responds to requirements of developing countries in support of their regional and global trade activities and aims at building their national capacity to analyze the implications of alternative policy options and of changes in Multilateral Trade Negotiations (MTN) affecting agricultural and commodity trade. The objective is, therefore, to provide developing countries with tailored trade policy advice and associated training to strengthen their capacity to prepare for MTN.

Approach

429. Important component activities will be the provision of on-going support to trade policy conferences and the development of analytical methods and approaches for assessing the impact of MTN. This will feed into publications on issues of concern to developing countries in connection with MTN and technical manuals, seminars, workshops, expert consultations and training programmes, the latter in cooperation with Regional Offices where required.

Links

430. Several other substantive Programmes (e.g. 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.4, 2.3.3, 2.4.3, 2.5.1 and 3.1) are expected to contribute to work related to specific post-Uruguay Round agreements of the WTO (Agreement on Agriculture, TBT, SPS, and TRIPS). External partners include WTO, UNCTAD, WB, IMF, ITC, OECD and the EC.

224P1 - Agricultural Adjustment and Policy Reforms

Rationale and Objective

431. Fast evolving international and national conditions require governments to continuously adjust their global and agricultural policies. Through this CP, FAO will bring to bear its multi-disciplinary expertise related to food and agriculture, and its close relationships with policy making institutions in countries on the understanding and analysis of necessary adjustments and the formulation of recommendations on which to base policy assistance to countries. The objective is thus to enhance the Members' capacity to develop, implement and adjust policies in response to rapidly changing conditions, as they affect the food and agricultural sectors.

Approach

432. One line of activity will be to carry out comparative studies on policy experiences and issues of importance for agricultural development. The results will be used either for inclusion in the SOFA publication or for separate publications. In addition, there will be continuing identification and analysis of current and emerging issues as may affect agricultural policy and economic analysis of development, leading inter alia, to a publication in 2001, and inputs into various information materials (e.g. SOFA). The CP will also cover the analysis of agricultural reform and policies in developing and transition economies leading to several reports on the role of agriculture in the development and transition process and the role of policies in a changing economic environment. The issues selected will depend on the outcome of continuing monitoring work. Finally, a Workshop on Agro-food Policies in Central and Eastern Europe - Reasons and Options for Improvement - will be carried out in cooperation with REU.

Links

433. Internal links will be particularly strong with TCA Headquarters and decentralized staff, involving: on-going collaboration in the identification of current and emerging policy issues; joint review of documents and outputs; regular access by regional officers to normative work generated under the entity; and common approaches to communication and collaboration with technical cooperation agencies. Key external partners are foreseen to include IFPRI and the WB through mutually beneficial exchange of views on policy work.

224P2 - Contribution to Agriculture to Poverty Alleviation, Rural Development and Food Security

Rationale and Objective

434. Poverty, especially rural poverty, and food insecurity represent persistent problems in developing countries, even in the ones which experience satisfactory overall growth rates. This CP responds to countries' needs for effective food, agricultural and rural development policies which can achieve maximum results in combatting poverty and improving food security. FAO's experience with agriculture, food security and rural development issues enables it to analyze the inter-dependencies among them and propose efficient anti-poverty and food security policies. The objective is, therefore, to enhance Members' capacity to analyze and maximize the contribution of agriculture to rural development, poverty alleviation (especially rural poverty) and food security.

Approach

435. Comparative studies will be carried out on the role of agriculture in rural development and poverty alleviation. The results are expected to feed into specific publications or major reports such as SOFA. Contributions will also be made to international debates on food security policies and action programmes, covering major issues such as: agricultural sector management, technology transfer and productivity improvement, market performance, national food assistance schemes, disaster preparedness, food reserves and food aid, and use of improved information for policy work. Methodological work, also expected to translate into publications, will cover: best practices for food security; rural poverty and growth in developing countries - exploring the reverse linkages; poverty, risk and rural development; agricultural growth and poverty. Case studies and guidelines on targeted food assistance schemes and case studies and technical notes on lessons learned from past emergency preparedness and relief work will complete the programme of work for 2000-01.

Links

436. Internal consultations and joint reviews of outputs/publications are planned with other programmes, especially 2.5.3 implemented by the Sustainable Development Department (SD). External partners, as for the preceding entity, will include IFPRI and the WB and also academic institutions.

224P3 -Economics of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability

Rationale and Objective

437. Countries are increasingly concerned with the environmental sustainability of agricultural activities and how to integrate the latter into a sound pattern of natural resources use, including the diversity of genetic resources. They require tools, analysis and advice on how to integrate such sustainability concerns into their agricultural and environmental policies. The objective is, therefore, to enhance Members' capacity to analyze environmental and resource problems (degradation, conservation and rehabilitation of natural and biological resources) and assess resource and environment-related benefits and costs of agricultural and environmental policies.

Approach and Links

438. Work will focus primarily on methodologies and empirical applications of valuations of natural resource use in agriculture and related policy impact assessments. Several publications are planned in these areas. The CP will also be heavily involved with FAO follow-up to Agenda 21 and support to related conventions. Main external partners are UNEP and the WB, especially in the form of mutual consultations and exchange of ideas.

224P4 - Commodity and Trade Policy Support

Rationale and Objective

439. While TP 224A2 above is to cover advice to developing countries in the context of new MTN, this CP covers on-going FAO responsibilities for providing a forum, exploiting its global membership and technical expertise, supporting inter-country consultations, and providing assessments and advice aimed at promoting agricultural commodity trade performance and understanding. The objectives are to provide national governments, development agencies, the commercial sector and NGOs with a range of trade promotion activities, including international cooperation and action in commodities and to provide support to Economic Cooperation among Developing Countries (ECDC) in expanding commodity trade.

Approach

440. The major activity will be the servicing of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) and its subsidiary Inter-governmental Groups (IGGs) on Commodities. The following are planned: the IGG on Meat back-to-back with the Sub-group on Hides and Skins; the IGG on Tea in conjunction with the Commodity Conference on Beverages; joint meeting of the IGGs on Hard Fibres and Jute in conjunction with the Commodity Conference on Fibres; joint meeting of the IGGs on Grain and Rice in conjunction with the Commodity Conference on Basic Food Staples, Trade and Food Security linkages; the IGG on Bananas and on Tropical Fruits, on Oilseeds, Oils and Fats and on Citrus Fruit. Eight meetings of the Consultative Sub-committee on Surplus Disposal (CSSD) will be convened. Besides the above commodity conferences, the following inter-governmental consultations on: raw materials; horticulture; dairy products; feed and livestock relationships; feed ingredients will be supported. The CP will also support ECDC in expanding commodity trade and training and capacity building activities in trade policy analysis. Methodological work will address: the development of methodologies for assessing the loss of preferential tariff margins and analytical tools for assessing the impact of regional integration; whereas regular monitoring of developments will be carried out as relates to regional trade agreements and intra-trade flows.

Links

441. While contacts will be maintained with other programmes as required, external links in terms of regular exchange of information, consultations, joint participation in meetings, seminars and round tables will be maintained with WTO, WB, IMF, UNCTAD, ITC, OECD and the EC.

224P5 - Commodity and Market Development to Enhance Competitiveness

Rationale and Objective

442. There is a need to enhance the competitiveness of agricultural commodities through technical and financial assistance in order to increase productivity, improve quality and achieve product development. As ten IGGs are presently recognized by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) as International Commodity Bodies, FAO will be involved in preparing commodity development strategies, undertaking research studies on selected commodity problems, generating project proposals, liaising with CFC and other international donors to find financing for them and supervising their implementation. The objectives are to enhance capabilities of the public and private sectors of member countries, development agencies and NGOs to adapt to changing competitiveness of agricultural commodities and to promote measures leading to increased productivity, quality improvement and product development, and to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the functioning of commodity markets.

Approach and Links

443. The programme of work contemplates the publication of studies and reports on monitoring and assessing the effect of new technologies and scientific developments on the competitiveness of agricultural commodities (5-10 reports on basic food commodities, tropical fruits and beverages and raw materials). Direct support to commodity development activities will encompass, with the participation of decentralized offices: project formulation, the supervision and evaluation of an average 15-20 projects relating to agricultural commodities, including relevant annual reports and assessment missions for each project. The provision of commodity expertise to countries leading to recommendations for improvements to policies; contributions to agricultural investment projects and sector studies, and support to capacity building in national commodity policy formulation. This work will be underpinned by the development of improved methodologies to measure the impact of new technologies and scientific developments on commodity markets and new databases related to commodity developments, including organics. The major external partner is the CFC.

224S1 - Technical Support Services to Member Nations and the Field Programme

444. The Agriculture and Economic Development Analysis Division (ESA) applies principles of economic analysis to a wide variety of issues related to World Food Summit follow-up. This normative work translates into concrete assistance at field level as the Division is frequently called upon to provide advice and support, including for the development of information systems that will be responsive to policy makers' needs, for the establishment of effective emergency preparedness and response mechanisms, for the formulation of strategies and action programmes to be supported by national WFS follow-up committees and UN system thematic groups, for the implementation of the constraints analysis component of the SPFS, and for the conduct of specific in-depth studies and sector reviews. This support also involves decentralized staff in Regional and Sub-regional Offices. Technical and logistical support is also provided by ESA to the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), and by REU to the European Commission on Agriculture (ECA),

Programme 2.2.9: Programme Management

(All amounts in US$ 000)

445. This programme covers the immediate office of the Assistant Director-General, ES, the offices of Division Directors in ES and GIL and the share of costs of Regional Office direction attributable to Major Programme 2.2. The reduction reflects restructuring of MSUs.