The project’s objective is to support the GACSA in its governance and the activities developed by its three action groups (Knowledge, Investment and Enabling Environment) and to support collaboration with regional alliances on CSA.

Status of the project
On going

PARTNERSHIPS
The GACSA has 525 members, and it is collaborating with many of them.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Given the wide range of messages generated, the best medium to showcase results would be in brokering a participatory and social media format. With its convening power, GACSA aims to create an interface between stakeholders by creating platforms for multistakeholder dialogues. The dialogues provide an opportunity to amplify the voices of the less visible stakeholders, such as farmers and equipping them with skills for effective engagement. Outputs are then packaged and disseminate in a manner that is relevant and effective for the different audience.

POLICY ADVICE
The project’s goal and objectives are fully aligned with FAO’s strategic priorities and its goals to enhance resilience to threats and crises, end hunger and poverty and sustainably manage natural resources under a changing climate.

CATALYTIC EFFECTS
One of the objectives of this project aims to scaled up public and private investments in CSA, and several opportunities for matchmaking have been identified to link up with ongoing initiatives carried out by GACSA members (e.g. Regional Alliances and projects led by other international partners). These potential pilot projects may link the work of key technical divisions at FAO headquarters. This will likely result in a substantial upscaling of the activities and products developed under the project.

CROSS-SECTORAL WORK
Apart from the GACSA member, GACSA also collaborates with FAO’s Climate and Environment Division (CBC), Agrifood Economics Division (ESA), Land and Water Division (CBL), Agriculture Department, plus officers that are part of the CSA major area of work. The proposal supports SP2 and SP5.

GENDER
The project team seeks to shape all activities and products developed through the project in a way that is attentive to gender equality and issues particularly in its Governance body, and with key conferences such as the GACSA Annual Forum.

INNOVATION
This is ongoing through a matchmaking stakeholder approach, where members work collaboratively through three action groups (knowledge, investment, enabling environment) and a regional engagement task team, focusing on bringing concrete solutions to fruition, accelerating coordinated efforts within and across regions on scaling up CSA initiatives, and facilitating match making and project development towards tangible effects on the ground.

CHALLENGES and LESSONS LEARNED
The project is on track and no major challenges have been encountered to date. However, COVID-19 interfered with the organization of the main event, the Annual Forum 2020.
Key immediate follow-up actions are to include the following:

• Finalize the work plan and schedule, particularly in terms of assigning responsibilities across the broader project team (i.e. including the different technical divisions involved).
• Develop concept notes for pilot countries (tentatively Viet Nam, or alternatively Indonesia).
• Discuss options to postpone Annual Forum 2020 with co-Chairs.