Development problem to be addressed:

174.     Decision makers at sub-national, national, regional and global levels need reliable, accurate and timely information on the magnitude, incidence and causes of food insecurity, malnutrition and vulnerability, for the design, implementation and monitoring of pro-poor policy measures and interventions. Actions taken to address food insecurity, malnutrition and vulnerability within the context of poverty reduction are often poorly targeted, are sectorally focused, and are designed without a careful assessment and analysis of who are food insecure, malnourished and vulnerable, where the food insecure are located and why these population groups are suffering from food insecurity. Policies and programmes designed to address food insecurity and poverty need to be monitored to assess their effectiveness and efficiency, with a view towards improving both.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

175.     Improved information and better analysis of food insecurity, malnutrition and vulnerability within the context of poverty reduction at national and sub-national level will lead to more appropriate and effective actions. These should support: better targeting of policy measures and programmes, improved efficiency in the allocation of public resources, more effective coordination and collaboration among multiple stakeholders, and effective monitoring of progress towards achieving national food security, poverty reduction and nutritional related development goals and targets.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

176.     All food insecure, malnourished and vulnerable groups will benefit from better designed and targeted policies, programmes and interventions

177.     Provision of accurate and timely information on the incidence, nature and causes of food insecurity, malnutrition and vulnerability at the national and sub-national levels to assist Members and the international community in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and programmes to achieve national and global food security and poverty reduction goals within the framework provided by the MDGs.

Major Output(s)

• Improved methods, techniques and tools for FIVIMS
• Enhanced capacity in countries in information management and use
• Coordinated actions by national and international partners in support of FIVIMS
• Global assessment and monitoring of progress towards food security targets

Indicator(s)

• Countries where FIVIMS outputs were used as justification for national budget allocations supporting food security targets.
• Examples of use of FIVIMS information and outputs by key national institutions.
• Countries where FIVIMS information was used, or referred to in policy formulation.
• Total budget allocation used to produce outputs by key FIVIMS agencies at country level (this is irrespective of source).
• Percentage of total budget allocated to produce outputs from national sources.
• Countries where budget allocations to FIVIMS-related national institutions increased (reflecting increase in staff number or operation and maintenance).
• Information products with assessment and monitoring of progress towards food security targets at global and national levels.

Development problem to be addressed:

178.     The entity will focus on the identification of upcoming problems associated with long-term developments in world food and nutrition due to changes in population composition (e.g. aging) and in the location of population (increasingly urbanized).

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

179.     Policies and strategies need to be based on better informed decisions, which in turn need to rely on an accurate assessment of major trends in diets. FAO will provide an assessment of the major long-term changes foreseen in diets and their underlying causes. This should form a basis for policy makers to formulate measures to deal with undesirable and detrimental effects of unhealthy diets.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

180.     Essentially policy makers in countries, and the public at large depending on measures taken.

181.     Increased awareness at national and international levels of expected long-term developments in food consumption and nutrient intakes, and informed policy and programmatic choices, as a result.

Major Output(s)

• Analysis of the impact of demographic changes on food consumption and diets

Indicator(s)

• Examples of public debates, public awareness campaigns, programmes or policies that were influenced by the analysis and assessment from this entity

Development problem to be addressed:

182.     There is widespread acknowledgement within the scientific community that not only developed countries, but also developing countries are undergoing a "nutrition transition" stemming from rapid socio-economic, demographic and technological changes, which is leading to a shift in dietary consumption and physical activity patterns. While there is clear evidence to that effect in developed countries, there is relatively little data from developing countries which make a link between dietary pattern changes and rising risks of non-communicable disease. There is a need: 1) to build capacity in developing countries for collection, analysis and dissemination of data in order to adequately and convincingly document dietary transition; 2) to raise countries' awareness on the problem and its consequences; and 3) to develop appropriate responses including strategies and programmes that effectively promote healthy diets.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

183.     The scope of this entity is dual: 1) to bring about a solid base of national and even local evidence for changing dietary patterns and increasing risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases, so that national, district and municipal authorities can commit necessary resources to develop appropriate programmes for promotion of healthy diets; and 2) to develop and disseminate information materials and guidelines to raise awareness and to strengthen national capacities to implement nutrition promotion programmes.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

184.     Populations and individuals undergoing nutrition transition. The more immediate beneficiaries will be: technical institutions responsible for data collection and analysis for purposes of informing policy makers as well as programme managers in government; NGOs who are responsibile for implementing nutrition promotion programmes.

185.     Enlightened decision making and related programme development, including formative research for testing and evaluating effective education and communication tools.

Major Output(s)

• Dietary consumption surveys and data analysis in relation to nutrition transition
• Promoting healthy diets to meet consumer dietary needs

Indicator(s)

• Countries with programmes in place to monitor the impact of the "nutrition transition" on nutritional status
• Countries with programmes in place to educate and inform consumers about healthy dietary choices
• Countries showing evidence of increased intake of fruits and vegetables, particularly among poor urban populations

Development problem to be addressed:

186.     The changing nature of commodity value chains affects the sharing of benefits and profits within those chains, notably between developing country producers/ exporters and large international trading/processing and retailing enterprises. In this context, there is a requirement to analyze price transmission and the make-up of the final prices. Increasing concentration along commodity chains has also obvious implications for food security.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

187.     It is expected that the food and agricultural commodity markets could function more effectively as a result of better information and analysis to be developed under this entity. Decision making of the key market agents at national and international levels would also be facilitated.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

188.     Producers, traders and other national and international market participants as well as governments will benefit from more effective analysis and policy guidance on commodity chains

189.     Enhanced market efficiency and improved decision making in national and international commodity markets by concerned actors in developing countries.

Major Output(s)

• Value chain analyses of international trade in basic foodstuffs
• Value chain analyses of international trade in tropical and horticultural products
• Analysis of changing market structures in international commodity trade

Indicator(s)

• Evidence of market or policy decisions that were influenced by analysis and information provided under this entity.

Development problem to be addressed:

190.     Globalization, urbanization, increasing incomes and the opportunity cost of food purchasing and preparations have led to changes in the distribution and retail of food, in the sense of growing concentration in the processing and retail sectors. Supermarkets have become the dominant food retailer in many developing countries, which seriously impact the organization of the agri-food markets and the related institutions. Since poverty and food insecurity are still widespread in many of these countries, there is growing concern regarding the potential impact on the poor of the changes in national and regional agri-food systems.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

191.     An increased understanding of the factors that promote or inhibit small-scale producers' access to dynamic markets is instrumental to influencing policy decisions and the facilitation of stakeholder alliances.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

192.     Small farms and firms will ultimately benefit through improved policies and improved linkages with dynamic markets.

193.     Improved policies and enabling environment so as to improve linkages between small farms and firms and dynamic markets and facilitate the adjustment of small holders and rural communities to the changing food systems.

Major Output(s)

• Changes in food distribution and retail systems and their impact on rural poverty
• Transformation of production systems and implications for farm structures

Indicator(s)

• Examples of debates relayed in specialised or generalist media on issues addressed by this entity (changes in the food economy, implications for small farmers and food security) and making explicit reference to FAO's positions on these issues

Development problem to be addressed:

194.     This entity is complementary to the preceding one in being of an ongoing nature, as opposed to the one-time, highly focused exercise covered under 220A2.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

195.     Close monitoring of progress towards World Food Summit and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and fostering of information exchange, debate and consensus building on policy issues, will result in more effective implementation of food security policies, strategies and action plans, thus helping to reduce the number of hungry people.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

196.     The vulnerable groups in developing countries suffering from hunger and poverty are also the main beneficiaries.

197.     An operational mechanism is set up, monitoring progress towards the attainment of the WFS goals and helping decision makers in governments, donor agencies and civil society to implement policies and manage food security interventions and take corrective action, as necessary.

Major Output(s)

• Monitoring of World Food Summit achievements
• Analysis of MDG policy issues of relevance to FAO
• Monitoring of, and information exchange on WFS Plan of Action implementation
• Thematic analyses on WFS follow-up issues
• Monitoring of MDGs in the context of the UN system

Indicator(s)

• Number of countries and international organizations providing and extracting information to and from the monitoring system.
• Example of corrective measures taken in part thanks to the monitoring system (e.g. additional financial commitments, new policies and programmes, changes in approach).
• Web site on follow-up on WFS Plan of Action regularly updated and facilitates exchange of information
• Coherence and effective collaboration in the response of the various departments in matters relating to WFS monitoring and response to challenges

198.     As this entity largely represents on-demand services to Members which by their nature are difficult to plan in advance, no formulation of rationale and objective is provided.

Major Output(s)

• Servicing of Committee on World Food Security

Indicator(s)

• Number of countries and organizations attending the CFS

Development problem to be addressed:

200.     With the World Food Summit, and its follow up five years later and based on the recommendations of the International Conference on Nutrition, a large number of countries have adopted national plans of action on food security and nutrition. These documents describe major policy orientations and define strategies for meeting the goals of reducing hunger and malnutrition. Different implementation strategies need to be analyzed to draw lessons on best practices of what works and what does not, so as to improve the impact, community participation and sustainability of national actions.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

201.     The intent is to generate lasting effects through capacity building, co-operative learning and empowerment of vulnerable populations and communities. Experience has shown that community-based participatory processes which are able to mobilize populations and empower them are essential for rapid and sustainable reduction of under-nutrition and malnutrition.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

202.     The end beneficiaries are food insecure rural and urban households with particular attention to women, and also community groups, community leaders and local NGOs. Their views and interests will be at the heart of the learning process supported by this entity.

203.     To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of national plans of action for food security and nutrition.

Major Output(s)

• Food security and nutrition policy advocacy
• Assistance in the implementation of National Plans of Action for Nutrition (NPAN) and WFS Plan of Action
• Strategies to meet urban food security and nutrition needs

Indicator(s)

• Countries that have made progress in the introduction of appropriate nutrition considerations in national sectoral and overall policies and plans.
• Evidence of policy at work (inter-sectoral coordination structures, targeted programmes).

Development problem to be addressed:

204.     National and sectoral development policies and programmes must address household food security and be complemented by effective, inter-disciplinary, participatory and community-based action addressing local causes of malnutrition (e.g. chronic or seasonal shortages, lack of dietary diversity, HIV/AIDS, inappropriate feeding practices).

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

205.     Better targeted, more participatory and well coordinated community-based programmes aimed at improving household food security and nutrition, are expected to strengthen community ownership and promote sustainability, thus improving performance and benefits to food insecure poor and vulnerable communities in both rural, urban and peri-urban areas. Lessons learned at the community level will be fed back to policy formulation in order to remove policy constraints to household food security and promote pro-poor policies for improving household food security and nutrition.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

206.     Vulnerable and poor population groups including those living with HIV/AIDS will benefit most from participatory appraisal and planning processes and community ownership of measures for addressing local causes of household food insecurity and malnutrition.

207.     Assist national and international development institutions, NGOs and community groups to initiate, implement and evaluate community-based programmes aimed at improving household food security and nutrition in rural, urban and peri-urban areas; enhance collaboration among development practitioners in practical community-based food security and nutrition interventions.

Major Output(s)

• Methodologies and guidelines for household food security and nutrition strategies and actions
• Capacity building at national, sub-national and institutional levels for household food security and nutrition actions and interventions
• An international forum for promoting household food security and community nutrition

Indicator(s)

• Countries and institutions using methodologies and guidelines for household food security and nutrition strategies and actions.
• Examples of programmes which successfully strengthened community ownership and improved targeting, as a result of, inter alia, using outputs from this entity.

Development problem to be addressed:

208.     FAO's constitutional mandate includes ensuring adequate nutrition, empowering producers and consumers, disseminating nutrition information, improving education related to nutrition and spreading public knowledge of nutritional science and practice. Well nourished, healthy individuals are better able to contribute to social and economic development. The entity addresses the Millennium Development Goals related to education and hunger and malnutrition, as well as the objectives of the ICN and WFS. Practical knowledge and skills are needed to empower individuals to practice lifelong healthy eating habits. Accurate, accessible information enables individuals to make informed food choices. A more informed public will lead to greater consumer demand for a diversity of foods to improve diets, farm incomes and sustain biodiversity. This entity promotes social and policy support mechanisms to enhance poor households' access to a variety of food and to enhance capacities for effective nutrition education and communication to the public. Special attention must be given to highly vulnerable groups (e.g. victims of emergencies and HIV/AIDS affected communities) and feeding and care of children. Public information on Nutrition: Public interest in nutrition, diet and health and food safety has never been so high, requiring unbiased, understandable and readily available information on these subjects.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

209.     Effective nutrition education is a key determinant for ensuring that the benefits of agricultural and economic development translate into adequate diets for all groups. Raising awareness of the benefits of consuming a healthy diet will lead to greater demand for diverse nutritious foods. Malnutrition and diet-related diseases create social and economic losses as well as human suffering. Public information about nutrition will provide information to help professional non-specialists and educated "lay" persons in making informed decisions. The information products under this entity also provide an opportunity for practitioners, as well as researchers to exchange views and experiences.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

210.     General public, consumers, poor households, victims of emergencies, communities affected by HIV/AIDS, children, youth and elderly. Public information on Nutrition: Consumers, the general public and educators should take advantage of unbiased information on nutrition to improve diets.

211.     Strengthened capacities of national and local institutions in developing countries and countries in transition to implement effective nutrition education and communication programmes and activities.

Major Output(s)

• Promotion of better nutrition through schools
• Capacity building in nutrition education and communication

Indicator(s)

• List of national and local nutrition education programmes supported by this entity.
• Examples of nutrition education programmes and institutions having upgraded their capacities and delivery in part thanks to this entity.

Development problem to be addressed:

212.     Natural disasters and complex emergencies, including HIV/AIDS have significant detrimental effects on food security and nutritional status of affected populations. Many countries require assistance and capacity building to assess this impact, understand coping mechanisms and design appropriate relief and rehabilitation programmes, preparedness plans in at-risk areas, and HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation programmes.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

213.     Strengthened local capacities, better inter-agency collaboration and the incorporation of explicit nutrition and household food security objectives into emergency relief and rehabilitation interventions will more effectively safeguard the food and nutrition security of the populations vulnerable to, or affected by such emergencies.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

214.     Population groups and communities affected by natural disasters and complex emergencies, including those affected by HIV/AIDS, will benefit from a combination of interventions geared to ensure household food and nutrition security, including - but not limited to - food aid and group feeding programmes.

215.     National and international development institutions working in emergencies have the technical skills to take due account of food security, nutrition and livelihood aspects in emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation, including HIV/AIDS.

Major Output(s)

• Methods and techniques for incorporation of household food security and nutrition considerations in emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation
• Training programmes for incorporation of household food security and nutrition considerations in emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation
• Mechanisms for coordinated nutrition interventions in emergency situations

Indicator(s)

• Examples of emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation programmes with increased capacity to address nutrition issues as a result of this entity.

Development problem to be addressed:

216.     Comprehensive data on consumption and composition of foods, and establishing international norms for nutrient requirements and limits for macro-nutrients (energy and protein), micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals), and bioactive non-nutrients which need to be regularly updated as new scientific information becomes available. This information is essential for international and national policy makers and planners and is required for agricultural planning, agriculture and trade policy development, food industries, nutrition intervention strategies, emergency responses, assessment of malnutrition, estimation of numbers of undernourished at global, national and sub-national levels, and in the provision of scientific advice to Codex and Codex related activities.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

217.     Accurate and up-to-date information on nutrient requirements, and the contrasting of these with dietary patterns, constitute the basis for advice on healthy diets, for the estimation of the number of under-nourished in a given country or region and trends therein, and for Members in assessing their food needs. Governments, NGOs and civil society use these data to design interventions and programmes to improve nutritional status of populations, as well as to promote healthy diets and food quality and safety. International food trade is also facilitated through nutrient content labelling, and risk exposure assessment is achievable by integrating contaminant or anti-nutrient content with nutrient data.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

218.     Consumers worldwide benefit from reliable, authoritative and evidence based nutrient intake recommendations, food composition and nutrient content; the food insecure, malnourished and vulnerable groups may benefit from better designed and targeted interventions.

219.     Authoritative internationally accepted estimates of the minimum, optimal and maximum or safe level of intakes of macro-nutrients (energy, protein, carbohydrates, fats), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements), non-nutrients, and anti-nutrients are used as a basis to provide advice on healthy diets, to estimate the number of under-nourished and malnourished will assist countries in assessing their food needs and in designing nutrition programmes and interventions.

Major Output(s)

• The Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
• Recommendations and applications of human nutrient requirements
• Dietary consumption and food data systems
• Nutrient needs and dietary assessment for food quality and safety

Indicator(s)

• National and regional committees adopting and using INFOODS standards.
• Countries and international organizations, food industry and regulatory authorities adopting FAO's recommendations on human nutrient requirements and other scientific advice provided by the Organisation.

Development problem to be addressed:

220.     Protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade, require science-based, internationally-accepted standards for food quality and safety that can be used in national and international regulatory frameworks.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

221.     Food standards form the commonly agreed basis for consumer protection and the removal of arbitrary or unjustified discrimination measures to trade. National standards that are based on internationally agreed standards provide adequate consumer protection and lead to the reduction of arbitrary and unjustified technical barriers to trade.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

222.     Food producers, processors, traders and consumers will benefit from the improved confidence in the quality and safety of food products marketed in domestic and international trade.

223.     Internationally accepted, science-based food standards and related instruments are used by governments at the national level, or as a reference in bi-lateral, regional or international agreements to protect consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

Major Output(s)

• Food standards, guidelines and other recommendations for consumer protection and trade
• International policies and principles for food standardisation

Indicator(s)

• List of recommendations from the Codex Alimentarius officially adopted in national and international policies, principles or instruments.
• Examples of cases where Codex Alimentarius standards were used to resolve international trade disputes.

Development problem to be addressed:

224.     Under the WTO agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT), countries are required to harmonize their food safety and quality standards with those of Codex Alimentarius; they also need to establish effective food quality assurance and control systems at both national and local levels to protect local consumer and promote trade. In addition, increased consumer awareness of food quality and safety issues requires objective and science-based risk communication. Developing countries need technical assistance to build their capacity in food safety and quality control to protect their consumers and to participate more effectively in international food standards setting (codex).

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

225.     Well formulated national policies and regulatory frameworks for food quality control and consumer protection will facilitate the establishment of effective food quality assurance and food control systems at both national and local levels, including food import/export inspection and certification and foods distributed through the informal sector. The entity also enhances consumer awareness of food quality and safety issues through objective and science-based risk communication.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

226.     By contributing to the safety and quality of the food supply, this entity will benefit, above all, consumers in all regions.

227.     To help countries organize and manage their food control systems, harmonize their food standards and regulations with the Codex Alimentarius, participate in the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and therefore facilitate access of their products to international food markets.

Major Output(s)

• Harmonisation of national food control regulations with Codex
• Support to national food quality and safety assurance systems and programmes
• Support to risk communication and consumer awareness

Indicator(s)

• List of countries which received technical assistance and used it to reform their food control systems.
• Increase in active participation of developing countries in Codex Alimentarius.

Development problem to be addressed:

228.     Ensuring quality and safety of food in the interest of consumer protection and international trade requires the scientific assessment of risks associated with food additives, contaminants, veterinary drugs, microbiological hazards, and biotechnologies, so as to provide a scientific basis for the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and FAO's member countries. It also helps resolve emerging and/or accidental food safety-related problems.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

229.     Many countries do not have easy access to the expertise and the resources necessary to undertake comprehensive risk assessments. Neutral, independent and scientifically-grounded assessments of food-related risks and contaminant exposure are, therefore, indispensable for them to take appropriate measures in protecting their consumers.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

230.     Consumers should benefit from safer food; and food producers and traders from stronger consumer confidence.

231.     To assist countries with sound, scientific assessments of food-related risks, allowing them to respond appropriately to food-related crises and to implement effective regulatory systems; enhance transparency in international food trade through globally accepted scientific assessments.

Major Output(s)

• Scientific safety evaluations of food additives, contaminants and processes
• Risk assessment through dietary intake studies
• Database on food additives and contaminants
• Food safety rapid alert and crisis management system

Indicator(s)

• Instances where food safety assessments were used in the management of food-related risks at national/international levels.

Development problem to be addressed:

232.     Food quality and safety are paramount to ensure public health, consumer confidence and access to international trade. Yet providing safe and nutritious food to consumers requires a commitment to quality throughout the food chain, i.e. in agriculture production, harvesting, processing and marketing practices, and the set-up of "farm (or sea) to table" quality control systems.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

233.     This entity provides a framework for access to safe and nutritious food, addressing policy advice, safety evaluations, capacity building and technical assistance, and actions that need to be taken along the food chain at national and international level, laying the groundwork for the development of comprehensive and efficient food safety systems.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

234.     Consumers are prime end beneficiaries via the expected improvement of the safety and quality of food supplies. Food producers, processors and distributors should take advantage of improved access to national and international markets.

235.     Contribute to the development of comprehensive and efficient food safety systems and provide a framework for more focused policy advice, provision of safety evaluations, capacity building and technical assistance, and required interventions along the food chain.

Major Output(s)

• Elaboration of strategic frameworks for the food chain

Indicator(s)

• Examples of "farm to table" quality control systems contemplated or implemented due in part to this entity.

236.     As this entity largely represents on-demand services to Members which by their nature are difficult to plan in advance, no formulation of rationale and objective is provided.

Major Output(s)

• Support to regional and sub-regional offices for the implementation of normative information and tools
• Support for conferences and meetings on food data systems and nutrition in development
• Field programme support (ESNP)
• Support to other entities and non-FAO bodies (ESNP)
• Field programme support (ESNS)
• Support to other entities and non-FAO bodies (ESNS)

Indicator(s)

• Reports of activities

Development problem to be addressed:

239.     National programmes could produce more effective results through a cross-sectoral, area-based approach. However, despite the existence of a large number of country-based information systems, the information generated by the various systems lacks integration. Information tends to be generated and used in a circumscribed manner and tailored to a specific system, unit or area of interest, thus contributing to a compartmentalized approach to development.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

240.     The FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System will integrate analytical, multilingual information with thematic databases and a digital map repository. It will facilitate access to information on multiple factors contributing to national food insecurity, fostering an integrated and multi-sectoral approach, decreasing design costs and increasing efficiency of projects and policies.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

241.     The international community at large will benefit, particularly developing countries lacking adequate communication infrastructures, as they will have facilitated access to country information across sectors for coordinated national and international development, especially during and after disaster relief interventions. These benefits will come within reach of grass roots populations (farmers, mountain people, fishermen, pastoral people and victims of conflict and natural disasters).

242.     Analysts, researchers, project formulators and policy makers will have a comprehensive, area-specific view of the state of agriculture, enabling them to take a coordinated approach across sectors, to identify specific target areas and/or populations in need of attention and to better define technical or emergency assistance.

Major Output(s)

• Development and implementation of FAO country profiles and mapping information system

Indicator(s)

• Number of national geographic offices using the system, disseminating its data, or sharing data.
• List of donors and aid agencies routinely using FAO's country profiles and maps in their project documents and evaluations.

Development problem to be addressed:

243.     National governmental and non-governmental rural development organizations, research centres, libraries and universities have a rich store of information, of which only a limited portion is available for sharing through modern information communication technologies such as the Internet. Their content is often non-transferable for various reasons, such as scarce resources, low priority given to information, and lack of good meta data (i.e. for classification and methodological purposes). This results in poor exchange of information amongst stakeholders, redundancies and waste of resources in data collection.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

244.     Access to quality information and peer reviewed literature through AGRIS, AGLINET and AGORA. More effective dissemination of quality agricultural information resources will strengthen abilities within countries and in the international community to formulate, develop and evaluate development programmes and policies effectively.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

245.     Stakeholders involved in agricultural and rural development and food security, including policy makers, rural services providers, farmers' organizations and others. Countries will benefit by having access to the global experience in science and technology for the agricultural sector gained by national and international development organizations, research institutions and universities, and from more coherent and better planned international cooperation.

246.     Decision makers, scientists and development workers will have access to a centralized gateway to multimedia resource collections on research and development in agriculture, and will be better able to search and retrieve information relevant to their work. Members will become proactive participants in the management and networking of national agricultural and research information systems.

Major Output(s)

• Tools and support for information management networks facilitating access to worldwide agricultural information resources

Indicator(s)

• Existing formal and informal collaboration agreements between FAO and other information providers.

Development problem to be addressed:

247.     The lack of a broad and reliable statistical base on the food and agricultural sector, and the limited capacity of countries to produce such data still remain major constraints to the development and implementation of effective policies for food security and rural development in a large number of countries of the continent. This impairs monitoring and evaluation of progress towards development goals, including the Commitments of the World Food Summit.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

248.     An initiative supported by FAO, the World Bank and USDA was launched for strengthening Agricultural Statistics in Africa. This new entity is the continuation and expansion of these activities in a new context of a Multi-Agency Programme (FAO, World Bank, PARIS21, French Co-operation, African Development Bank, etc..). The availability of reliable and relevant statistical information on the rural sector will support evidence-based policy formulation and contribute to increased effectiveness of programmes.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

249.     The rural population at large through more effective and efficient development programmes in the rural sector designed and implemented on the basis of a broad and reliable statistical information base.

250.     Enhanced access by national governments, the private sector and development agencies to reliable and timely food and agricultural statistics for improved sectorial planning and monitoring.

Major Output(s)

• Assessment studies and formulation of food and agricultural statistics component in target countries
• Collection, analysis, storage and dissemination of data in target countries
• Capacity building through regional undertakings
• Technical supervision of progress in specific countries

Indicator(s)

• Periodic analysis of FAOSTAT data provided by countries
• Number of staff trained in target countries

Development problem to be addressed:

251.     Complete and accurate agricultural resources and income and food security statistics are essential to formulation, monitoring and evaluation of economically-sound food and agricultural policies and to supporting appropriate decision making.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

252.     The entity will ensure statistical data on agricultural population, labour force, prices, resources and incomes and major food security dimensions.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

253.     People working in agriculture, people suffering from food deprivation and the public at large are to benefit from food and agricultural policies taking economic and environmental factors into consideration.

254.     To provide analysts and policy makers in governments and development agencies with: a set of up-to-date and world-wide statistical series and indicators relating to land use, population, labour force, agricultural inputs, prices, income, investment, resources and food security issues; and statistical profiles with integrated presentation of key indicators of the agricultural sector.

Major Output(s)

• Agricultural inputs, resources and environmental statistics
• Agricultural prices, income and investment statistics
• Statistical Profiles for Agriculture Sector and Rural Development Analysis
• Government Expenditures in Agriculture
• Food Security Statistics
• Household Surveys

Indicator(s)

• List of international and regional organizations, aid agencies and governments routinely using food security and agricultural resources and income statistics in their policy, programming and evaluation processes.
• Typical use made of food security and agricultural resources and income statistics.

Development problem to be addressed:

255.     Complete and accurate statistical data regarding crop and livestock production, trade and utilization statistics need to be maintained so as to support economic analysis and forecasting, and the development, implementation and evaluation of effective policies and programmes for food security and rural development.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

256.     This continuing programme activity complements the preceding in terms of FAO's core statistical work, covering the key areas of agricultural production and trade statistics and food balance sheets (FBSs).

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

257.     Ultimate beneficiaries will be producers and consumers, as well as investors, benefiting from improved policy outcomes as well as more accurate forecasts by analysts. Better use of resources through investment in agriculture and related infrastructure.

258.     To provide users in FAO and the world community at large with a set of consistent and up-to-date series and indicators relating to production, trade and utilization - crop and livestock - statistics to analyze and monitor the food and agricultural regional and global situation and to support decision making.

Major Output(s)

• Agricultural production statistics
• Agriculture trade statistics
• Supply Utilization Accounts (SUAs) and Food Balance Sheets (FBSs)

Indicator(s)

• List of international and regional organizations, aid agencies and governments routinely using FAO agricultural production, trade statistics and FBSs in their policy, programming and evaluation processes.
• Use made of agricultural production, trade statistics and FBSs.

Development problem to be addressed:

259.     The lack of timely, reliable and comprehensive agricultural data in many countries represents a critical constraint to policy making and development planning, as well as monitoring the performance of the sector and improving food security. To overcome this development problem, this CP supports the development of integrated systems of food and agricultural statistics including the design and implementation of comprehensive agricultural census and survey programmes.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

260.     This CP supports the development of methodologies and technical tools for agricultural censuses and surveys and contributes to the production, by countries, of harmonized and improved basic data which will contribute to better planning, evaluation and policy setting in the agricultural sector.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

261.     Planners and administrators in the public and private sectors will benefit by having a better information base for decision making with the ultimate benefit flowing to society at large.

262.     Improved availability, reliability, timeliness and usefulness of statistics relating to food and agriculture at the national level for improved sector planning, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes addressing food security issues.

Major Output(s)

• Agricultural Censuses and Surveys
• Strengthening of national capacities in agricultural statistics

Indicator(s)

• Participation in the Programme for the World Census of Agriculture
• Development of National Systems of Food and Agricultural Statistics
• Capacity building

Development problem to be addressed:

263.     Members have re-emphasized the importance of the equal treatment of language in the activities of the Organization and in the production of its outputs.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

264.     The funds provided under this entity will enhance FAO's ability at corporate level, to provide its information products and outputs in the required languages, particularly by meeting eventual funding gaps in individual entities.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

265.     Members and civil society world-wide will benefit from the availability of FAO's messages and information products in all official languages.

266.     Ensure that information and normative products generated under all programmes are accessible in the required FAO languages.

Major Output(s)

• Integrated multilingual publishing environment
• Support to multilingual publishing activities

Indicator(s)

• Extent of increased availability of information in all official languages through FAO's Web site and published outputs.
• Increase in the number of hits on FAO's Web pages from countries belonging to various linguistic groups.

Development problem to be addressed:

267.     While information communication technologies, in particular the Internet, have greatly facilitated timely access to corporate information systems in both developed and developing countries, the problem remains to locate and retrieve specific information. Some developing countries also have limited access to information communication technologies, constraining their integration into the evolving global market. Their exclusion is further heightened by the lack of multilingual information and information systems.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

268.     This entity will facilitate the search for, and access to FAO's collection of information by governmental and non-governmental institutions and civil society organizations that will be better able to assess the state of food and agriculture in respective countries, and to establish and implement more effective policies and programmes aimed at food security and sustainable agricultural production.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

269.     The international community at large benefits from WAICENT as it provides timely access to a vast multilingual repository of information on food and agriculture. Developing countries lacking adequate communication infrastructures will benefit from facilitated access and retrieval of authoritative information on food, agriculture and sustainable rural development in a variety of forms.

270.     Decision makers, researchers, planners and evaluators, in particular in developing countries, will be assured timely access to multilingual information on food, agriculture and rural development through the Worldwide Web and other media such as CD-ROM.

Major Output(s)

• Enhanced access to the FAO's Web sites and repositories
• Multilingual information management components to facilitate access to FAO's information through Internet and other dissemination tools
• Support to thematic information systems and related expert networks

Indicator(s)

• Number of monthly hits/visits to the FAO's Web site.
• Estimated percentage of the FAO's Web site content which is available on CD-ROM in developing countries.
• Use made of information.

Development problem to be addressed:

271.     The major constraint to integrating information from different sources and to providing an effective search and retrieval capability is the lack of uniform standards, norms and procedures that guide information collection, processing and dissemination and lend it coherence to manage it. Without such standards, national agricultural information systems will remain isolated and many professionals will not benefit from national and international information resources on agricultural research and rural development.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

272.     This continuing programme activity will develop uniform standards for collecting, archiving and disseminating information and knowledge that will help national communities and international organizations have access to more reliable information at a lower cost.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

273.     Countries and various user groups will benefit from improved access to information, while better informed national policies in support of rural development and international cooperation initiatives are of interest to all populations.

274.     The adoption of international standards and methodologies for the collection, storage and dissemination of electronic information pertaining to food and agriculture, enabling better management of national information systems, and resulting in increased utilization of available information.

Major Output(s)

• A reference framework for the organisation, classification and cataloguing of information in FAO's areas of expertise
• Clearinghouse for the adoption and implementation of information management standards

Indicator(s)

• Number of countries adopting the standards and/or providing information to FAO in a standardised way.
• Partners participating in the Clearinghouse.

Development problem to be addressed:

275.     Complementary to entities 222P6 and 222P7, the problem to be addressed is the limited access to, and exchange of, information and knowledge related to agriculture and food security at local, national, and regional levels. This is to be remedied by the development and strengthening of systems for information management and exchange at all levels, with a strong emphasis on the use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the context of bridging the Rural Digital Divide.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

276.     The programme entity will provide the mechanisms for effective dissemination and uptake of methods and tools for managing and exchanging agricultural information, developed under the WAICENT Framework. These new tools and methods, when applied, will facilitate the flow of information to and from rural stakeholders, helping to bridge the rural digital "divide" and thereby enhancing livelihoods.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

277.     Improved information management, dissemination and exchange systems in countries will enhance access to available information and knowledge bases by stakeholders at all levels involved in agricultural development and food security, including policymakers, rural service providers, farmers' organizations, and others.

278.     Enhanced ability of individuals, organizations, and communities in countries to access and exchange information and knowledge, as well as improve the efficiency, quality and relevance of information being exchanged among the various stakeholder groups involved in agricultural development and food security.

Major Output(s)

• Adaptation of WAICENT methodologies, tools, and applications for information management to support national agricultural and food security systems in countries
• Training and distance-learning materials for agricultural information management
• Support to enhanced visibility of WAICENT

Indicator(s)

• Estimated number of people using WAICENT methodologies and tools worldwide, and by country.
• Estimated number of people accessing FAO's information available through WAICENT

Development problem to be addressed:

279.     Agricultural and rural development depend on knowledge drawn from different sources, including the latest researched and scientific methodologies, pilot projects, and experimentation in the field. However, this needs to be organized into qualitative collections containing the most relevant and up-to-date information.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

280.     When repositories are well-organized, information is more readily available and more easily found by researchers, analysts, scientists or experts. This subsequently provides policy makers with more timely information to address food security issues in countries.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

281.     The public at large will benefit from the possibility to access high quality information from repositories focussed on agricultural and rural development.

282.     availability of repositories of highly relevant expertise in agricultural and rural development; increased capacity of countries to assess appropriate, verified methodologies and measures to be applied at the national level.

Major Output(s)

• Archival and preservation of FAO's technical information
• Information repositories relevant to agriculture and rural development

Indicator(s)

• Content of the Corporate Document Repository (volumes)
• Content of the FAO archives (volumes)

Development problem to be addressed:

283.     Improved coverage, availability and quality of food and agricultural data is an essential basis for decision making and for other analytical uses.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

284.     Complete, accurate and available statistical data for sound policy development and decision making. This entity will build on significant investments to upgrade FAOSTAT.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

285.     Ultimate beneficiaries will be producers and consumers, benefiting from improved policy outcomes by using FAOSTAT/CountryStat.

286.     Wide availability of statistical data of acceptable quality and broad relevance to analysts and decision makers.

Major Output(s)

• FAOSTAT/CountryStat database operation, maintenance and management
• Coordination of FAO statistical activities, and inter-agency statistical activities
• Maintenance and development of agricultural classifications
• FAO Statistical Yearbook
• Evaluation of quality of statistics

Indicator(s)

• Improved coverage of agricultural domains in International Statistical Classifications
• Uptakes of statistical data/publications by users

287.     As this entity largely represents on-demand services to Members which by their nature are difficult to plan in advance, no formulation of rationale and objective is provided.

Major Output(s)

• Advice/assistance to countries on socio-economic indicators relating to agriculture and associated databases
• Advice/assistance to countries on Supply Utilization Accounts (SUAs), Food Balance Sheets (FBSs) and Trade
• Advice/assistance to countries on development of integrated systems of food and agricultural statistics and agricultural censuses
• Contributory support to entities in other divisions and PAIA
• Meetings of statistical commissions and statutory bodies

Indicator(s)

• Direct advice to member countries
• Field Programme Support
• Capacity building

288.     As this entity largely represents on-demand services to Members which by their nature are difficult to plan in advance, no formulation of rationale and objective is provided.

Major Output(s)

• Field Programme Support: Field missions and projects identified and formulated concerning national information services, systems and networks
• Advisory Services to countries: Ad hoc advisory services to governments, Regional and Subregional Offices concerning WAICENT corporate activities, AGRIS/CARIS and establishment and strengthening of national information systems and networks
• Support to non-FAO bodies, Support to Programme Entities in other Divisions, Secretariat Servicing of Statutory Bodies

Indicator(s)

• Number of countries applying the technical advice and recommendations

Development problem to be addressed:

290.     Identification of the upcoming bottlenecks and problems associated with expected long-term developments in world food, nutrition, agriculture and natural resource use, which require corrective agricultural policies.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

291.     Policies and plans need to be based on better informed decisions, which in turn need to rely on accurate forecasts of major problems and trends.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

292.     FAO will provide views on all major long-term global food, nutrition, agriculture and natural resource issues. Hence, producers and consumers in general will benefit from policy decisions and development plans based on more analytic information and informed judgement.

293.     Key decision makers at national and international levels will be more aware of long-term developments, constraints and opportunities in world food, nutrition and agriculture, and will be able to make more informed policy and programmatic choices, as a result.

Major Output(s)

• Analytical framework and database
• AT 20XX all-in-one report and intermediate papers
• Contributions to studies undertaken by UN and non-UN organizations

Indicator(s)

• Examples of public or parliamentary debates, public awareness campaigns, programmes or policies that were influenced by the analysis and assessment from AT 20XX material.

Development problem to be addressed:

294.     In today's fast-paced and increasingly globalized world, trends and constraints affecting agriculture ought to be identified as they emerge, so they can be addressed through collaborative arrangements or local interventions.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

295.     The prime purpose of the SOFA documents is to enhance awareness of agricultural problems and opportunities by policy makers and opinion leaders, thus leading to more appropriate policies and international cooperation aimed at solving specific issues.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

296.     General public and the international community are expected to benefit from more appropriate and timely policy making and/or international cooperation in addressing priority issues in food and agriculture.

297.     Decision makers can make improved policy or planning decisions based on enhanced awareness and understanding of global or major trends, constraints and opportunities in agricultural development.

Major Output(s)

• Review of situation, trends, policies and issues in food and agriculture at the global and regional levels

Indicator(s)

• Evidence of increased awareness of issues highlighted in SOFA, especially among decision makers and opinion leaders, e.g. articles or citations in specialised and generalist media, or public debates.

Development problem to be addressed:

298.     There is a lack of readily available, comprehensive, consistent and unbiased data, information and assessments related to the effects of emerging commodity policies and global market developments for basic foodstuffs, especially dealing with developing countries, that would facilitate planning and adaptation to changing market conditions.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

299.     The food and agricultural commodity market will function more effectively as a result of better information and analysis to be developed under this entity. Decision making of the key market agents at national and international levels would also be facilitated.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

300.     The general public, consumers and producers would benefit from enhanced functioning of food and agricultural commodity markets at national and international levels.

301.     The key actors in food and agricultural commodity market will be able to make better decisions in adapting to changing market conditions. In particular, decision makers in governments will promote appropriate programmes or policies aimed at enabling the private sector to seize emerging commodity market opportunities.

Major Output(s)

• Integrated databases and analytical/modelling tools for basic foodstuffs
• Publications on market situation and short-term outlook for basic foodstuffs
• Reports on global indicators of food security reflecting developments in trade and markets of basic food commodities
• Commodity studies and medium-term projections for basic foodstuffs
• Exchange of commodity information on basic foodstuffs through electronic means and networking

Indicator(s)

• Estimated number of hits and downloads from websites containing assessments and publications on basic food commodities
• Number of invitations received from large private sector associations and institutions prominent in each of the commodity sectors for contributing-to/ attending their meetings
• Evaluation and assessments by Members after attendance at meetings organised for basic foodstuffs

Development problem to be addressed:

302.     Governments, other national and international actors need to make appropriate, effective decisions based on reliable analyses of current global market developments and medium-term prospects for agricultural commodities, as well as analyses of cross-cutting issues.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

303.     The implementation of policies, strategies and plans for trade, commodity development and food security would be assisted by FAO's analysis of current developments and future prospects in global commodity markets.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

304.     Producers, industries, traders and consumers will benefit from informed decisions regarding trade, commodity development strategies and food security planning.

305.     Countries adjust their policies, strategies and plans to seize trade-related opportunities, based on increased awareness of current developments and future prospects in global commodity markets.

Major Output(s)

• Commodity Market Review and analytical studies on market developments and trends
• Analytical studies on commodity outlook and projections

Indicator(s)

• Number of countries that adjusted their policies, strategies and plans for trade and community development, based on projections and global market assessments from the entity.

Development problem to be addressed:

306.     There is a need for improved planning and adaptation to changing market conditions for tropical, horticultural and raw material commodities so as to maximize returns from trade in these commodities, to improve market efficiency and to enhance food security.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

307.     Trade in these agricultural commodities has a significant impact on the growth of the agricultural sector and hence on incomes, employment and food security. Regular, comprehensive and unbiased information to be provided under this entity will facilitate decision making and enhance market efficiency, which in turn will lead to superior resource allocation and maximization of income and food security benefits from commodity trade.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

308.     Producers, traders and other national and international market participants will benefit from more effective participation in these commodity markets.

309.     Enhanced market efficiency and improved participation in commodity markets by developing countries, through better informed policies and decision making.

Major Output(s)

• Publications on market situation and short-term outlook for raw materials, tropical and horticultural products
• Commodity studies and medium-term projections for raw materials, tropical and horticultural products
• Electronic exchange of commodity information and networking
• Integrated databases and analytical/modelling tools for raw materials, tropical and horticultural products
• Reports on food security and export earnings from raw materials, tropical and horticultural products

Indicator(s)

• Evidence of marketing or policy decisions that were influenced by information provided under this entity.

Development problem to be addressed:

310.     Natural and man-made disasters may cause large-scale food insecurity or even famines. There is a need for early warning systems providing timely and accurate information on volatile food security situations, so as to prompt appropriate and coordinated relief operations before a crisis emerges.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

311.     Established on the recommendation of the World Food Conference in 1974 in the wake of the 1972-73 food crisis, the Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) plays a unique role in providing information on a timely and accurate basis, on the impact on food security of natural and man-made disasters triggering relief operations and therefore helping the affected populations and communities to access food and other relief assistance.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

312.     Populations affected by natural and man-made disasters and in need of food assistance.

313.     Enable the provision of relief assistance to people affected by natural and man-made disasters in time to prevent loss of life or minimize human suffering.

Major Output(s)

• Special alerts
• Crop and food supply assessment mission reports
• Food Situation and Outlook reports
• Emergency operations for joint approval by the FAO Director-General and the WFP Executive Director
• Early warning software, database and Internet systems and the dissemination of regular reports, special alerts and food security data

Indicator(s)

• Critical incidents when GIEWS forecasted a crisis and triggered relief operations early enough to effectively alleviate the crisis.

314.     As this entity largely represents on-demand services to Members which by their nature are difficult to plan in advance, no formulation of rationale and objective is provided.

Major Output(s)

• Contributory support to programme entities in other divisions and non-FAO bodies (ESCB)
• Contributory support to programme entities in other divisions and non-FAO bodies (ESCG)
• Contributory support to programme entities in other divisions and non-FAO bodies (ESCP)
• Contributory support to programme entities in other divisions and non-FAO bodies (ESCR)
• Field programme support (ESC)
• Servicing of Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) and its subsidiary Inter-governmental Groups (IGGs)

Indicator(s)

• Requests for assistance
• Meetings

Development problem to be addressed:

317.     There are substantial and firmly expressed requirements of countries for assistance in strengthening their capacity to implement trade agreements and in following-up on trade negotiations. There is a related need for enhanced capacity at the national level to analyse issues on trade agenda relating to agriculture, particularly from the perspective of food security, rural development and poverty alleviation.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

318.     This entity will support effective implementation of trade agreements by countries by strengthening capacities to analyse trade issues and raising awareness about the implications of trade agreements.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

319.     Technical experts, policy advisers, universities and NGOs; the effective implementation of trade agreements and enhanced ability to utilize trading opportunities will benefit economies at large.

320.     Enhanced national capacities to implement agricultural trade agreements and benefit from trading opportunities.

Major Output(s)

• Assistance to implementing commitments on trade agreements at the national and international levels
• Support to continuing negotiations related to trade agreements
• Analysis of implications of trade agreements for agricultural development and food security at the national and global levels

Indicator(s)

• Effective use of impartial advice by government experts, participants in seminars, workshops and symposia
• Proposals and other inputs tabled for trade negotiations, based on FAO's advice

Development problem to be addressed:

321.     A fundamental reason for the slow progress in reducing food insecurity and poverty is that insufficient attention is paid to agriculture and the rural economies of developing countries, both in terms of an enabling policy framework and resource mobilization for the development of the sector. Developing countries need an improved policy framework for agricultural and rural development, one that would mobilize public resources, be conducive to private initiative and investment, and take into account the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

322.     The adoption and implementation of an appropriate policy framework in line with FAO's recommendations will lead to more balanced and dynamic agricultural and rural development, with the participation of the rural poor.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

323.     The poor and under-nourished in developing countries, especially rural dwellers and those who derive their livelihoods directly or indirectly from the agricultural sector, will benefit from more balanced and self-sustaining agricultural and rural development.

324.     Policy makers and international organizations have increased awareness of the need to revise agricultural and rural development policies and their distributional implications; build policy-makers capacity to design, adjust and evaluate policies of relevance to agriculture and rural development, and use this capacity to negotiate and implement enabling policy frameworks for agriculture development.

Major Output(s)

• Analysis of policy trends and agriculture performance in selected countries
• Publications on current and emerging issues in economic analysis and policy research
• Support to agricultural adjustment and policy reform
• Impact assessment of macro and agricultural policies on food security in varying socio-economic contexts

Indicator(s)

• Examples of debates relayed in specialized or generalist media on issues addressed by this entity (e.g. policy reforms on agriculture and the rural economy), and making explicit reference to FAO's approaches.

Development problem to be addressed:

325.     The failure of development strategies and programmes to reduce poverty and hunger at the rates required to meet the MDGs and the WFS targets ultimately stems, among other things, from inadequate understanding of and policy guidance on: the economic benefits from hunger reduction; the causes of poverty and income inequality; the linkages between poverty, inequality and food insecurity; the rural nature of poverty; and the impact that growth in agriculture and rural off-farm activities can have on poverty reduction and inequality. Furthermore, the lack of good quality and relevant household-level data on the income and livelihood strategies of the rural poor is a factor constraining efforts to fill these knowledge gaps. An improved understanding of the relationship between poverty, and agricultural and rural development and added support for the production of more relevant household-level data on the subject are essential steps for designing the appropriate mix of direct interventions and long-term growth policies which will bring about more rapid reduction in poverty and hunger.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

326.     The aim of this entity is precisely to foster a clearer understanding of the above issues. Improvements in the information base at the household level and in the analytical underpinning of policies aimed at better addressing the issue of rural poverty and inequality will lead to more effective development actions at national and local levels to sustain a faster pace in poverty and hunger reduction and meet the MDGs and WFS targets.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

327.     Poor, under-nourished and food insecure people in developing countries, particularly in rural areas, will ultimately benefit from faster reduction than achieved so far in the extent of hunger and poverty.

328.     Strengthened awareness among decision makers at national and international levels about the importance of reversing declining resource flows to agricultural and rural development and improving the policy environment in order to fight hunger and poverty.

Major Output(s)

• Comparative socio-economic analysis and policy implications of the roles of agriculture in developing countries for equitable development
• Contribution of agriculture and farm-off-farm linkages to poverty alleviation
• Assessment of economic costs of hunger

Indicator(s)

• Examples of debates relayed in specialized or generalist media on issues addressed by this entity (economic cost of hunger, roles of agriculture in poverty alleviation) and making explicit reference to FAO's positions on these issues.

Development problem to be addressed:

329.     Great concerns have been expressed about the environmental sustainability of agricultural activities. Environmental management is critical to improving agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner, particularly amongst poor populations, but this needs to be fostered through appropriate policy measures based on scientific understanding of practical issues and needs faced by the producers.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

330.     Appropriate knowledge-based and environmentally-friendly policies and programmes, as supported by work under this entity, will provide incentives and enabling measures for end beneficiaries to realize more sustainable management of natural resources and the environment.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

331.     Agricultural producers, especially those in marginal areas or in areas where environmental degradation is at high risk of causing negative impacts on agricultural productivity and human welfare, will benefit from more sustainable management of important natural resources.

332.     Decision makers, increasingly aware of the economics of environmental degradation, propose, adopt and implement agricultural policies and programmes taking environmental costs into account; supporting the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and conventions. Environmental policy changes reflecting greater awareness of food security concerns.

Major Output(s)

• Methods for valuation of environmental costs and benefits
• Support to implementation of multilateral environmental agreements

Indicator(s)

• Number and/or examples of countries whose policies and programmes were adjusted using the tools and methods advocated by the entity.
• Donors, multilateral agencies and NGOs routinely using the entity tools and analyses in their project documents and policy analyses, and their feedback on the quality and usefulness.

Development problem to be addressed:

333.     Developing countries do not contribute to, and benefit enough from international trade and globalization, in part because their exports are composed primarily of raw agricultural products with little value added. There is a need for developing countries to achieve optimal benefits from trade by strengthening their capacity to market processed and semi-processed goods, and participate in fair and efficient international markets.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

334.     Commodity trade enhances development, eases debt servicing burdens and improves food security. Improved understanding of factors affecting commodity trade and analyses of emerging issues impacting on trade, should provide a basis for improved, more cooperative trade policies, greater access to international markets by developing countries, and a fairer share of trade benefits accruing to same.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

335.     National governments and market participants, especially those of developing countries, will benefit from increased earnings, access to technologies and management skills, as well as greater choice in consumption through fair international trade.

336.     The international trading system becomes better accepted by all countries as a fair and efficient system, and developing countries improve their capacity in maximizing the benefits from trade in processed and semi-processed food and agricultural commodities.

Major Output(s)

• Analytical studies of trade issues of agricultural commodities
• Analyses of the impact of trade and commodity market developments on food security
• Analysis of the effect of new technologies and scientific developments on the trade of agricultural commodities
• Support to Members on regional trade issues and arrangements
• Facilitation of consensus building on commodity and trade issues

Indicator(s)

• List of developing countries' initiatives in support of exports of processed and semi-processed agricultural goods, and using analyses from this entity.
• Evidence of consensus building and fairer regional or international trade in processed and semi-processed commodities, e.g. examples of negotiations and agreements taking into greater account interests of developing countries.

Development problem to be addressed:

337.     There are serious weaknesses in the competitiveness of developing country exports of agricultural commodities and, hence, a need to identify and exploit product and market development opportunities.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

338.     The entity responds to the need to enhance capacity of developing countries in formulating and executing effective commodity trade strategies and programmes to support private sector competitiveness will facilitate trade-led economic growth and improved food security.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

339.     National governments, market participants and producers of developing countries will benefit from greater export opportunities.

340.     More effective national commodity and trade development strategies; enhanced capacity to generate individual commodity and trade development projects aimed at improved competitiveness and exploitation of market opportunities.

Major Output(s)

• National commodity and trade strategies
• Commodity development programmes in collaboration with funding bodies, including the CFC

Indicator(s)

• Number of developing countries whose strategies for commodity trade were reformed in part thanks to the work of this entity.
• Number of projects at national level supported by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) or other donors, with input from this entity, and examples of achievements.

Development problem to be addressed:

341.     Food insecurity is often caused by the interplay of a range of factors. While poverty is a root cause of food insecurity, many other factors also affect the availability, accessibility and stability of food in an increasingly globalized world. There is an urgent need to improve understanding of the causes of food insecurity and impacts of various policies on food security so that the World Food Summit targets may be realized.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

342.     The entity will carry out food security and vulnerability analysis in different contexts from emergency to development situations, leading to more effective food security policies, programmes and interventions.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

343.     Food insecure or potentially food insecure people, through improved policies and faster reduction in the number of undernourished people.

344.     Effective analytical foundation for policies aimed at reducing food insecurity and vulnerability, at country and regional levels.

Major Output(s)

• Analysis of effective programmes to enhance direct access to food
• Analytical studies of vulnerablility to food insecurity, including exposure to risks, as well as the degree of resilience, experienced by rural and urban livelihoods
• Analytical studies and methods on food security, including evaluation of policies, practices and impact in different contexts
• Analytical studies on human rights based approaches for food security and their implications for national strategies, policies and programmes

Indicator(s)

• Use of food security and vulnerability analysis for the design of national food security policies and interventions
• Regional collaboration in reducing food insecurity based on FAO's analytical work
• In-depth debates on food security based on deeper understanding of issues
• Evidence of integration of right to adequate food into policy assistance

345.     As this entity largely represents on-demand services to Members which by their nature are difficult to plan in advance, no formulation of rationale and objective is provided.

Major Output(s)

• Contributory support to programme entities in other divisions and non-FAO bodies (ESAC)
• Contributory support to programme entities in other divisions and non-FAO bodies (ESAE)
• Contributory support to programme entities in other divisions and non-FAO bodies (ESAF)
• Field programme support (ESA)

Indicator(s)

• National food security strategies, programmes and projects
• Number of working groups and joint activities within FAO and /or with other development partners focusing on priority issues of CFS