FAO concludes annual planning meeting on a high note

Ezulwini – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened its annual planning meeting for the Eswatini country office, bringing together key leaders from the Subregional Office to reinforce strategic collaboration. The meeting was attended by FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, and International Procurement Officer (IPO) Joseph Rugani, among other senior officials. The discussions centered on advancing FAO’s four Betters—Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life - leaving no one is left behind in building resilient livelihoods.

Opening the meeting, FAO Subregional Coordinator Patrice Talla highlighted the importance of strategic alignment in tackling food security challenges. “This gathering reaffirms our commitment to working together towards a sustainable agricultural future. By fostering cooperative actions, we can address critical challenges in food security and ensure that communities benefit from improved agricultural productivity and resilience,” said Talla.

Throughout the sessions, discussions focused on strengthening project delivery within stipulated timelines and enhancing knowledge-sharing initiatives among farmers. A recurring theme was the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and the country office’s role in implementing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2022-2025. The CPF serves as a blueprint for FAO’s technical support to the Government of Eswatini, ensuring that agricultural interventions align with national development priorities.

A key outcome of the meeting was the reaffirmation of FAO’s commitment to capacity building. Recognizing that agricultural sustainability relies on equipping farmers with essential skills, the discussions underscored the need for training programs that help communities adapt to climate variability and market fluctuations.

The meeting also provided a platform for collaborative problem-solving, particularly in addressing bottlenecks in project implementation. The exchange of insights between country office colleagues and subregional teams ensured that interventions remain effective and aligned with national agricultural policies and community needs.

Joseph Rugani, International Procurement Officer, emphasized the people-centered approach underpinning FAO’s work. “At the end of the day, it is about putting people first. The discussions revolved around practical solutions that are accessible to all stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Our role is to facilitate these conversations and ensure they translate into actionable outcomes,” he stated.

Assistant FAO Representative Howard Mbuyisa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the country office’s strengthened capacity to support national priorities. “FAO Eswatini is better positioned today to support the Government in alleviating poverty and safeguarding livelihoods. Our collective efforts will drive meaningful transformation in the agricultural sector,” Mbuyisa remarked.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. Action plans were outlined to ensure that discussions translate into tangible initiatives, accelerating project implementation and delivering sustainable outcomes. The collaborative spirit displayed throughout the meeting underscored the urgency of unified efforts in tackling food systems challenges.

As FAO Eswatini advances its initiatives, the success of these efforts will rely on strong partnerships and continued engagement with stakeholders, ensuring that commitments made during the meeting lead to lasting improvements in food security and rural livelihoods.

The meeting also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 2: Zero Hunger, reinforcing FAO's commitment to ending hunger and safeguarding livelihoods through strategic interventions.