The Fair Trade Advocacy Office ('FTAO') welcomes the initiative launched by the FAO, to identify and understand the opportunities and challenges for better and more transformative engagement between FAO and with CSOs.
Bottom line, FTAO identifies several relevant opportunities where FAO and CSOs could maximize their efforts and results. However, to reach that point, FAO should revisit its administrative procedures for engagement with CSOs (for more deep partnerships with CSOs) and should ensure equal representation in high level FAO lead forums (avoiding spaces for corporate capture).
The FTAO wishes to convey its input replying in detail to the questions posted hereinto:
1. To date, the efforts towards SDGs have not succeeded in reducing socio-economic inequality within and between countries. How can FAO and CSOs work together to regain the momentum lost and work jointly to "leave no one behind”?
Firstly, FTAO should be more open to collaborate with CSOs on a more equal footing. FTAO wanted to establish a framework for cooperation with FAO and it was not possible. There are many restrictions to work closely with FAO at a deeper level and that does not contribute to effective and deep work.
More concrete ways of collaboration:
- FAO can provide its expertise in collecting and analysing agricultural and food security data, while CSOs can contribute their grassroots insights. Together, they can produce comprehensive reports highlighting disparities, enabling evidence-based policy advocacy.
- CSOs, with their strong networks and community connections, can advocate for policies that address inequalities in access to resources, land, and markets. FAO can support these efforts by providing technical expertise and data to strengthen advocacy campaigns.
- FAO can offer training and capacity-building programs to empower CSOs in understanding and addressing the root causes of inequality
- Collaboratively, FAO and CSOs can engage with governments, donors, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources for projects and initiatives targeting vulnerable populations.
- FAO and CSOs can jointly monitor progress toward SDGs, ensuring that policies and programs are effectively reducing inequalities. They can hold governments and other actors accountable for their commitments to leave no one behind.
- CSOs can facilitate community participation and empower marginalized groups to actively engage in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping policies and initiatives.
2. FAO seeks to accelerate transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable as a mean to achieve the 2030 agenda. What and how can CSOs contribute to such transformation to boost impact on the ground? Please suggest concrete actions.
FAO has hard data on what is happening in the ground and has resources to bring those voices to bigger - high level tables. However, is it our belief that, at least at EU level, FAO is not connected enough to grassroots organisations nor to CSOs and so FAO’s work stays in a level not transformative enough.
Concrete actions through which CSOs can contribute to boosting impact on the ground:
- CSOs can engage local communities, especially marginalized groups and small-scale farmers, to ensure their active participation in decision-making processes related to agrifood systems.
- CSOs can advocate for policy reforms that promote sustainable agrifood systems. They can lobby governments to implement and enforce regulations that incentivize sustainable farming practices, equitable access to resources, and fair market opportunities for smallholders.
- CSOs can monitor the progress of agrifood system transformation, holding governments and other stakeholders accountable for their commitments to sustainability and inclusivity.
- CSOs can collaborate with governments, international organizations, and private sectors to leverage resources, expertise, and technology to drive meaningful change on the ground.
3. Climate change threatens our ability to ensure global food security, eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. What FAO and CSOs could maximize collective impact to adapt and/or mitigate climate change?
Jointly facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives. FAO, as a leading international agency in agriculture and food security, can provide technical expertise and research capabilities. CSOs, on the other hand, can contribute localized knowledge, community engagement, and advocacy efforts. Together, they can empower communities with the necessary tools and information to adapt to changing climate conditions.
Secondly, FAO and CSOs can work in tandem to influence policy development and implementation at various levels. CSOs often have strong grassroots connections, allowing them to collect valuable feedback from vulnerable populations. FAO can then utilize this input to inform global and national policies that prioritize climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land management.
Thirdly, they can collaborate on resource mobilization efforts. FAO can help connect CSOs with funding opportunities, and CSOs can leverage their networks to access financial resources, enabling the implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation projects at the community level.
4. Based on your partnering experience, can you share a good example of meaningful engagement with FAO or another UN agency/development partner? Please highlight what/why it worked well in your opinion.
FAO – IFAD can be a good example.
5. At present, what are the most significant challenges CSOs face in their engagement with FAO? What could FAO do to address some of those challenges? Please provide concrete examples.
- The bureaucracy in setting up partnerships with FAO is a challenge which then has lead to less meaningful engagement with FAO. CSOs may encounter bureaucratic challenges when trying to collaborate with FAO, including complex application processes, lengthy approval timelines, and administrative burdens. Solution: FAO could streamline administrative procedures to facilitate CSO engagement. For instance, it could establish a dedicated unit or online platform to simplify project proposal submissions and reporting requirements.
- The high level approach that FAO uses is seen by many as a platform for corporate capture. CSOs often struggle to gain meaningful access to FAO's decision-making processes. Solution: FAO could establish formal mechanisms for CSO involvement in policy development, such as regular consultations, advisory committees, or partnership agreements. For instance, FAO's Committee on World Food Security (CFS) includes CSO participation, setting a positive example.
- Some CSOs feel that their voices are not equally represented within FAO, with larger organizations or businesses often dominating discussions and decision-making. Solution: FAO could ensure diversity and inclusivity in its CSO engagement by actively seeking out and supporting the involvement of grassroots organizations, women's groups, smallholder farmers and cooperatives and indigenous communities. It can also establish clear criteria for equitable representation in events and committees.
- CSOs may encounter challenges related to transparency and accountability within FAO projects and initiatives, leading to concerns about the effectiveness and impact of their collaboration. Solution: FAO could enhance transparency by regularly sharing project progress reports, financial statements, and evaluations with CSOs. Engaging CSOs in project monitoring and evaluation processes can also promote accountability.
Contact details: Virginia Enssle, International and Institutional Relations Manager
Virginia Enssle