The FAO Eritrea’s Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2022-2026 was developed at a time when FAO’s new strategic framework and the UN Eritrea’s UNSDCF began. It is well aligned with the priorities of the Government of State of Eritrea. FAO, is an integral part of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), where it is a Co-chair, along with IFAD, for the UNSDCF Pillar III – Inclusive, Diversified Livelihoods. Meanwhile, it was envisaged that, the People of Eritrea, especially the disadvantaged population, has increased livelihood through economic growth, and becomes more inclusive and diversified by 2026. Hence, the CPF is well aligned with the UNSDCF.
With the contribution of key stakeholders, the CPF also outlined FAO’s contributions to national priorities through the following three strategic outcomes that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Eritrea:
- By 2026, state institutions develop and implement legislations and policies by adapting data-driven processes to promote inclusive, diversified, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture and fisheries production systems in Eritrea
- Agriculture producers (crops, fishers, livestock, and forestry), especially smallholder farmers in Eritrea, have increased, diversified, and developed nutrition-sensitive value-chains by 2026
- Rural communities, especially vulnerable populations experience reduced vulnerability and increased resiliency through access to assets, technology, data, innovations, and climate-smart practices by 2026.
This CPF is a result of a broad inclusive, participatory, and transparent process of engagement involving extensive internal and external consultation processes, with varied stakeholders across Eritrea, particularly engagements with the productive-sector line Ministries of Agriculture, Land Water and Environment, as well as Marine Resources.
The development of this CPF took into account a number of factors affecting the national economy, particularly food and nutrition security and rural livelihoods in general. It further built-in flexibility to accommodate potential shocks and the implementation of it has already contributed to building a robust and resilient food systems in the country.