On 9 December 2021, the Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism (FMM) launched FAO’s first-ever digital field trip targeted towards FMM Resource Partners - Belgium, Flanders, France, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The virtual experience brought resource partners closer to the life-changing initiatives and real-world impact that they support through the FMM.

“I am sure that this event will make you proud of working hand-in-hand with us towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the different countries that we will visit together, you will see concretely how the FMM actively contributes to the creation of more sustainable agri-food systems through Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and a Better Life, leaving no one behind,” said Kazuki Kitaoka, Head of the Outreach, Marketing and Reporting Unit at FAO.

Through the power of video and interviews with FAO staff and beneficiaries in the field, the immersive virtual field trip allowed resource partners to take a glimpse at how their flexible investments are saving and changing the lives of vulnerable people across the world. More specifically, the trip focused on three FMM subprogrammes in four target countries:

• Gender equality and women’s empowerment in food and agriculture in Niger and Kenya
• Forest and farm facility phase II. Climate resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods – expanding the work in Africa in Tanzania
• Nutrition sensitive agriculture and social protection in Guyana     

FMM Resource Partners expressed their appreciation for this event and their willingness to participate future Field Immersions.

The field trip was conceived to take the FMM Resource Partners closer to the field to allow them to witness the impact of their investments. At a time when in-person missions are impaired due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the best way to achieve this was using new technologies, organizing virtual 360 degrees field immersions. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of flexible funding to respond to both immediate and longer-term challenges and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a way to adapt to the new normal, the FMM is adopting innovative approaches such as this event, as well as taking steady steps to become more transparent, inclusive and digital, by putting an even greater emphasis on its results on the ground.

“This initiative has allowed us to accomplish something and motivate other women to join by showing our achievements and it has transformed our lives and families” said Joyce Gaudence, beneficiary of the Forest and farm facility phase II. Climate resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods subprogramme in Tanzania.

Moving forward, the ability to tackle fast changing threats and crises in a globalized world is paramount. For this reason, the availability of flexible funds has become even more crucial, as it strengthens the agility to respond and recover to build resilience of communities and the environment.

About the FMM

Over the past 10 years, the FMM has been FAO’s main pooled funding mechanism for resource partners willing to contribute flexible, voluntary and multi-year resources to the Organization, becoming a successful corporate model of flexible funding for the achievement of tangible results in support of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.

The FMM has been instrumental for testing and scaling up essential development initiatives around the world. The strength of the Mechanism is that funds are not earmarked or limited to specific projects or initiatives, permitting much needed resources to be directed in a cost-effective manner to where and when they are most necessary.

Thanks to the trust and support of its resource partners, the FMM has tripled in magnitude since its inception in 2010 and has improved the lives and livelihoods of people in over 70 countries across five regions.