The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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Having completed its first-ever national agricultural survey, Angola has adopted the Hand-in-Hand Initiative to strengthen the impact of the National Development Plan. The farmer field schools programme, launched jointly with FAO in 2006, has grown tremendously and now provides a vital support to the plan. The aim is to expand a principal part of the National Development Plan from its current 100,000 participants to 1 million using the HIH approach. The work is funded by Angola’s agriculture-oriented unilateral trust fund agreement.

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Despite having made remarkable progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, Bangladesh still faces challenges, with 20 percent of the population living below the national poverty line. The Government has committed to moving the farming sector to a more commercial, mechanized and diversified sector. In this context, the HIH Initiative is becoming a key support for the government’s priority Agriculture Transformation Programme, which seeks to modernize the agriculture sector through interventions such as agro-mechanization, agro-processing, post-harvest processing, cold chain, and safe value chain strategies; engagement of private sector associations, international finance partners, national banks and investors; and adoption of climate-smart agricultural systems to build resilience.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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Bhutan has engaged the Hand-in-Hand Initiative to support four priority areas: enterprise development and marketing; climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming; food security and nutrition; and GIS platforms and digitalization of farming. The Government has undertaken baseline studies to identify key constraints and opportunities. Together with the Hand-in-Hand task force team, the Government has initiated the development of typologies.

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The Initiative seeks to strengthen national efforts through coordinated and comprehensive work, enabling national counterparts to move forward together with the technical support of FAO in identifying and optimizing public and private investments to strengthen Bolivia’s agricultural sector, as well as to encourage the mobilization of financial resources from other international donors.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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The Initiative started in Burundi in late 2021, with the Minister of the Environment, Agriculture and Livestock indicating expectations for strong support from the Hand-in-Hand process for five strategic priorities, including increasing productivity and quality of food through the establishment of agricultural growth zones ("centres de rayonnement") and breeding centres, with a focus on transformation and fortification. The HIH team is currently working with the Government on several analytical products, including agricultural typologies and territorial analyses. The team is also conducting analysis on institutional and governance aspects related to decentralization, land, water and forest tenure, and the development-humanitarian-peace nexus.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) are promoting the integration of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative tools to strengthen the impact of public investment in rural and lagging areas (zonas de rezago) of the country.

The main objective of FAO's technical support is to develop a conceptual and methodological framework that allows prioritizing public investment in rural territories, especially in zonas de rezago, including investment in public goods that enable private investment in different value chains.

As part of the process, an inter-institutional working group that integrates ODEPA, FAO, INDAP, CNR, other services of MINAGRI and the Undersecretariat of Regional and Administrative Development (SUBDERE) of the Ministry of the Interior has been established.

 

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In Colombia, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative will provide a framework for coordinated work between the Government and the FAO to strengthen economic and social development in the border areas of Colombian territory. Additionally, the Initiative will support and guide the mobilization of resources at the territorial level to continue the fight against hunger, generate sustainable agrifood systems, reduce carbon emissions and achieve prosperous and inclusive rural societies.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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The Initiative seeks to strengthen national efforts through coordinated and comprehensive work, enabling national counterparts to move forward together with the technical support of FAO in identifying and optimizing public and private investments to strengthen Cuba's agricultural sector, as well as to encourage the mobilization of financial resources from other international donors.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

 

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The Democratic Republic of Congo has been a member of FAO since 1960, and the Organization has maintained a permanent presence in the country since 1978. Since the opening of the FAO office, assistance has focused on improving food and nutrition security, including support for the formulation of policies and strategies for agricultural and rural development, natural resource management, the protection of displaced persons, returnees, and their host communities, and the restoration of livelihoods.

FAO's emergency and agricultural rehabilitation interventions in the country began in 1998 in response to the socio-political situation and its recurring humanitarian consequences. During several years of civil insecurity and persistent conflict, the majority of FAO's portfolio was primarily aimed at preserving the lives and agricultural livelihoods of vulnerable communities, victims of armed conflict (displaced persons, returnees, and refugees), returnees, those expelled from neighboring countries, host families, and former combatants.

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In the Dominican Republic, the Hand in Hand Initiative is contributing to the transformation of agri-food systems and strengthening access to markets for farmers located on the Haitian border. In particular, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, and the Ministry of Tourism, the entry point of the Initiative is the Productive Border Program (Programa Frontera Productiva in Spanish): a government instrument to guide development of the provinces of the border area, based on the demands prioritized by the population, the analysis of structural gaps and productive zoning in function of the potential of the territory.

 

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Since June 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has been identifying priority territories characterized by high rural poverty and food insecurity, but also by significant potential for agricultural development and income growth for vulnerable families. The Hand in Hand Initiative for Ecuador in 2024 aims to strengthen an investment strategy to promote two key sectors for export expansion: dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and butter, and value-added organic products from banana, coffee, cocoa, quinoa, vanilla, and guayusa. The goal is to target investments with a territorial focus to achieve structural and rural transformations in the country, emphasizing sustainable production, traceability systems, added value, and market access.

 

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The Initiative in El Salvador supports the national RECLIMA programme, which aims to strengthen the resilience of farmers against climate change. It also supports the agriculture ministry’s Agricultural Rescue Master Plan, which has a fully compatible approach with HIH. An investment plan for the coffee value chain in the Tecapa Chinameca mountain range, a prioritized territory, has been prepared and is being socialized and discussed with relevant national stakeholders (including Vice-Presidency, private sector, international cooperation, multilateral banks, IFIs, cooperatives and local authorities). The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is focused on modernizing the coffee sector, taking into consideration environmental impact as well as the domestic market and export of “special coffee”.

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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The HIH Initiative in Ethiopia seeks to accelerate agricultural transformation and rural development, building on existing work supporting the development and implementation of the Integrated Agro-Industrial Park Policy. Several analytical products to support evidence-based decision making are under development. These include a quantitative poverty profile of the agricultural sector, as well as a poverty, food security, and nutrition baseline and territorial assessments in the Agro-Commodity Procurement Zones. The ACPZ Investment Plans successfully raised US$680 million to build small- and medium-scale irrigation and post-harvest and storage infrastructure over five years.

The most recent partner to come on board is Digital Green, a platform for disseminating agricultural knowledge to farmers. Another important partner is the Agricultural Transformation Agency, a government agency, which has produced several studies on the transformation of the sector.

 

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The Government signed the Technical Cooperation Programme supporting the Initiative in late 2021. Based on analyses and consultations, it was agreed that the Hand-in-Hand Initiative will support the Government in operationalizing the High Agricultural Productivity Zones, established through the Emerging Gabon Strategic Plan ("Plan stratégique Gabon Emergent"), also known as PSGE. The ZAP aims to ensure national food security and nutrition and to prioritize the country’s agricultural potential. The Initiative will support the Government on establishing the first pilot ZAP in Andem region, close to Libreville, with a focus on developing a poultry value chain.

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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In Guatemala, 46% of the population lives in rural areas and one in three jobs belongs to the agricultural sector. Almost 600 000 young people are engaged in agricultural activities in rural areas. With innovation and strategic investments, the agricultural sector has great potential to generate development opportunities and reduce rural depopulation and inequality. The Initiative assists the Cabinet of Integral Rural Development in the recovery and promotion of resilience in the territories of Polochic and Adjacency in the context of post tropical depressions. The Initiative also supports the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food by providing territorial analysis to design interventions in the aforementioned territories.

 

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The Initiative in Guinee Bissau focuses on three target regions — Gabu, Oio, and Biombo — where food insecurity and malnutrition are particularly high. The Initiative supports the preparation of a national strategy for the cashew value chain to build a more sustainable and inclusive supply chain and processing systems The Initiative also helps identify the most appropriate interventions for sustainable diversification of food systems. Several analytical products to support evidence-based decision making, including systematic analysis of cashew and fisheries value chains, and qualitative territorial development assessment in the three target regions, are under way.

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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The Initiative seeks to strengthen national efforts through coordinated and comprehensive work, enabling national counterparts to move forward together with the technical support of FAO in identifying and optimizing public and private investments to strengthen Guayana’s agricultural sector, as well as to encourage the mobilization of financial resources from other international donors.

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Haiti is in an ongoing, prolonged state of emergency and has received a large humanitarian emergency relief response. While this is vital to save lives, the focus on short-term emergency relief alone is insufficient for fostering long-term development and peace building. In the framework of contributing to the Humanitarian Development Peace (HDP) Nexus, it is necessary to bridge emergency response and development to address the causes of the crisis and work towards sustainable and resilient solutions.  The Hand in Hand Initiative, with the objectives of supporting the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformation, is particularly relevant to address the underlying causes of humanitarian and peacebuilding needs specific to Haiti’s context.

 

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Honduras joined the Hand-in-Hand Initiative in 2021. The Ministry of Agriculture (SAG) is leading the HIH implementation process, working closely together with the Directorate of Agricultural Science and Technology (DICTA), the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research (FHIA) and the Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE). Honduras seeks to consolidate the coffee, cocoa, seed for basic grains and honey value chains as priorities of both national and regional competitiveness policies and programs, as well as for the mobilization of resources at the territorial level. The objective of the next phase of the HIH in Honduras is to consolidate the current analysis in terms of identifying strategic donors for the three investment notes on coffee, cocoa and seeds for basic grains, as well as establishing other strategic investments in the prioritized territories.

 

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FAO has had a long-lasting collaboration with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the country became a member of FAO in 1953. The cooperation was strengthened with the re-opening of a country office in 1992, and over the years FAO has provided policy and technical assistance in promoting sustainable development of the country’s agriculture and rural sectors.

More recently, interventions have focused on capacity building and technical assistance to enhance agricultural productivity, with particular attention to key products such as pistachios, date and saffron. Efforts have also increasingly centered on climate change, including adaptation strategies within the agricultural sector and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture.

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Coming soon in April 2026

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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Côte d’Ivoire is located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea, with the Atlantic Ocean running along its southern coast. As one of the top world exporters of cocoa, palm oil, banana and cashews, and with two-third of its actively working population employed by the agriculture sectors, Côte d’Ivoire is vulnerable to variations in weather and climate, as well as external shocks in its export trade. Côte d’Ivoire has the second largest economy in West Africa. High rainfall in the south fuels a fertile agricultural industry, which contributes to 27 percent of the country’s GDP. A heavy economic reliance on agriculture, in addition to continued environmental degradation, rising temperature, prolonged dry season and deforestation all contribute to the country’s vulnerability to climate change. In addition, agriculture contributes 12 percent of total GHG emissions, with livestock contributing the largest proportion of that (63 percent).

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Jordan's agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in its economic stability and food security. Despite facing significant challenges such as limited water resources and arid conditions, it contributes approximately 5 percent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs around 3 percent of its workforce.

One of the key strengths of Jordan's agricultural sector is its export potential. In recent years, the country has witnessed a significant increase in agricultural exports, reaching a value of 898 million Jordanian Dinars (JODs) in 2022. This represents a notable growth compared to the 649 million JODs recorded in 2018. The primary agricultural exports of Jordan consist of vegetables, fruits, and cereals, which collectively contribute to nearly 50 percent of the country's total agricultural export revenue.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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Lao People's Democratic Republic considers the HiH Initiative as a way to mobilize resources to unlock agricultural potential and eradicate poverty and malnutrition along the China-Lao railway corridor, currently under construction. Programme activities began in late 2020, including assessments of suitable production and value chain analysis (rice, maize, cassava, fruits). The Initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and vulnerable populations, especially women, youth and ethno-linguistic groups, in the provinces of Luam Namtha, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane.

 

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Lebanon Country Programming Framework (CPF) for the period 2023-2026 is FAO’s planning and programming strategic document to respond to the challenges faced by the agrifood system of Lebanon. The CPF aligns with the strategies outlined in Lebanon's key policy documents and sector-specific plans, namely the National Agriculture Strategy (NAS) 2020-2025, the National Water Strategy 2020-2035, the Lebanon National Forestry Programme (2015 – 2025) and the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP) 2022-2023. The CPF is also aligned with  the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2025 as well as the FAO Strategic Framework for 2022-2031.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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The FAO office in Liberia opened in 1977 and since then, it has made tremendous strides infighting hunger and poverty. Assistance today is focused on revitalizing the agriculture sector, which is crucial for the consolidation of Liberia’s progress from post-conflict stabilization to sustainable economic development and food security.

FAO supports the government in policy development and advocacy in the agriculture sector and sub-sectors, promotes production and productivity as well as improving value chains and sustainable natural resource management and utilization in the efforts to transform the country's agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

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Coming soon in April 2026

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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The Government has identified entry points and value chains that could benefit from HIH’s programmatic support to accelerate agriculture development. The HIH team in Malawi is in the process of validating typologies guiding note, which was developed early 2022. The Government has set up a national task force team, so that it can be trained by the GIS team to customize the typologies to fit the national context.

 

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In Mali, the Initiative supports the operationalization of two pilot Agricultural Growth Zonez or Agropoles. The establishment of Agropoles is promoted by the country's Economic Acceleration and Sustainable Development Strategy (CREDD II, 2019-2023). It is also supported by the National Agricultural Investment Plan to attract private investment and enhance competitiveness and access to markets. Agropoles would also improve the incomes of smallscale producers and businesses, and boost their acess to healthy diets.  

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has worked in Mozambique since 1979. The Organization’s activities are aligned with its mandate and Strategic Framework, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), as well as with national strategies, such as the Government five-year plan (2025-2029) and the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agrarian Sector and its National Investment Plan for the Agrarian Sector (PEDSA II/ PNISA II). FAO supports the Government to address challenges in the agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors, promoting best practices, boosting nutrition and food security as well as improving livelihoods, leaving no one behind.

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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Coming soon in April 2026

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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Under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, FAO and the World Bank supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to conduct a study on a climate-smart agriculture investment plan (CSAIP). The study identifies key opportunities for collaboration and investment in the agriculture sector. It also contributes to the World Bank’s agriculture engagement strategy and FAO’s Green Climate Fund projects. The HIH team is supporting the rollout of CSAIP-related plans at the local level in selected provinces. This will help mainstream the inclusive climate-resilient agrifood systems approach and identify locally important investment requirements from development partners and private companies.

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Nicaragua joined the Hand in Hand initiative in 2022, when FAO and the Government began to collaborate to mobilize resources for the implementation of the Rural Investment Program (PIR in Spanish). In a first stage, coffee, bean, livestock and dairy value chains have been prioritized to identify strategic investments that promote the adoption of low-carbon practices, increase the added value of production, and improve the well-being of rural producers. The second stage of the HIH in Nicaragua consists in supporting the development of new investment opportunities for the AFOLU sector in the country and continuing to strengthen the technical capacities of the inter-institutional team of the National System of Production, Consumption and Commerce.

 

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Niger has potential for agriculture and livestock development, but the economy remains vulnerable due to climate change, degradation of natural resources, lack of diversification and increasing security problems. The Initiative builds on the results of the ongoing “pro-Sahel” project, which promotes innovation of small-scale irrigation systems for small-scale producers in the Sahel. Key entry points include strengthening climate change resilience of irrigated farming systems. The Technical Cooperation Programme aims to identify investment opportunities in the target regions of Dosso and Tahoua to improve food security and nutrition, and sustainable use of natural resources.

 

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In Nigeria, the Initiative has enjoyed steadily increasing government leadership. Regular briefings are provided to the ministers of agriculture and rural development, environment, finance, budget and national planning. The Government's technical task team has finalised the HIH programme plan to support the development of agricultural commodities value chains and agro-processing units in regions where poverty rates and potential for growth are both high. Donor mapping exercise and geospatial analysis have been conducted to guide territorial targeting and identify key resource partners.

 

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The HIH Initiative in Pakistan seeks to accelerate agricultural transformation sustainably. The Government has identified potential investment opportunities in developing agricultural value chains of 20 commodity clusters. The Pakistani Government also plans to restore the Indus River Basin to build resilience against climate change. Both initiatives will support the Government’s efforts to achieve cluster-based development — which can enable smallholder producers to engage in high-value agriculture — and ecosystem restoration in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda.

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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Reducing rural poverty and managing agroclimatic risk are two national priorities for the Government of Paraguay, which aims to achieve these objectives through the collaboration with FAO. Within this framework, the country joined the Hand in Hand initiative, of which it became a part in 2023. By utilizing the methodology established by the Initiative, Paraguay has identified prioritized value chains and climate-sustainable interventions that will facilitate the reduction of food insecurity.

 

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In Peru, the Initiative promotes family farming and robust public and private investments. The HIH methodology of micro-region typologies, complemented by other tools from FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, zeroed in on family-farming territories and territorial development. The Initiative also provides criteria for selecting value chains with high potential for poverty reduction and economic revitalization, especially in the family-farming sector and among rural population affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The HIH team has worked together with regional governments to identify priority value chains (cocoa, coffee, dairy, native potato and avocado) in Jaén, San Ignacio, La Libertad, Junín and Huancavelica, as well as assessed the social returns of investments. Several family-farming typologies are in development.

 

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The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

Under HIH, FAO supports the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock with the 10-year Agriculture Sector Growth and Investment Plan (ASGIP) 2021-2030. The plan comprises four strategic programmes: governance, management, and innovation; national food and nutrition security; national livestock development programme; and national crop development. Based on the ASGIP, IFAD and FAO jointly designed the “Agricultural Investment for Markets and Nutrition Project” in 2021, which mobilised $15 million from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP). The project supports the HIH objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2. 

 

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative supports the establishment of the Agriculture and Livestock Transformation Agency as a means to accelerate progress toward inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems development and rural transformation. To this end, the Initiative has provided analyses, training, and recruitment. A technical task force, comprising government officials and FAO staff, has identified the first set of priorities include livestock sector development, which also support extensions and vaccination programmes, value chain development for sorghum and groundnuts, seeds distribution, water management and irrigation, financial services, and clean energy generation.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

In Tajikistan, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative supports the development of a 10-year National Investment Plan for the agriculture sector. The Initiative specifically focuses on the dairy sector, which has been identified as one with the greatest potential to improve the incomes of the poorest communities and to generate opportunities for value-chain development. The HiH team has produced geospatial datasets related to Tajikistan’s food systems, including population, infrastructure, natural resources, production, and data processing. The World Bank and IFAD are financing two projects identified by the geospatial datasets.

 

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

FAO has a long history of cooperation with Tonga, a Pacific Island Country which joined the Organization in 1981 and which,as of 2014, hosts a country office. Over the past three decades, FAO cooperation with Tonga has focused on strengthening policy and planning capacities, supporting agribusiness and building resilience to the effects of climate change. 

Country Typologies

Coming soon in April 2026

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The FAO office was established in Uruguay on August 17, 1978, with the aim of maintaining a direct and continuous dialogue with the Uruguayan government. From the outset, its role has been to establish technical cooperation processes with the government in areas identified as strategic for improving food security and agriculture.

To achieve this objective, FAO works in close collaboration with ministries, local governments, and national government entities and agencies related to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, natural resource management, rural development, food, health, and food safety. It also seeks coordination and partnerships with international cooperation agencies, United Nations agencies, and the private sector, in line with the priority areas defined in the 2022–2025 Country Programme Framework.

Country Typologies

Coming soon in April 2026

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Country Programming Framework (CPF) is the agreement between FAO and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on the areas of collaboration for the period 2023-2026, which has been developed in coordination with various ministries, ensuring compliance with national interests and priorities.

This strategic document establishes three priority areas: Food and Nutritional Security, Sustainable Food Systems, and Biodiversity and Climate Change; which aim to guarantee FAO's comparative advantages to contribute to the achievement of the goals established in State policy instruments, as well as in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations.

Country Typologies

Coming soon in April 2026

Country Appointment

Yemen is in need of prioritizing the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. In May 2021, FAO, UNDP, WFP, and the World Bank mobilized $127 million to provide nutritious food products and restore livelihoods, which aligns with the goals of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative. The HIH team is working with the Government on drafting the National Agriculture and Fisheries Strategy (NAFS) and National Agriculture and Fisheries Investment Plan (NAFIP) in order to facilitate the development of a national strategy to improve food security. To raise money, they have finalized key financial models for investment in production and post-production technologies. Additionally, the World Bank has secured an additional financing of $150 million for the Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project.

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Investment Forum Country page

Country Typologies

Country Appointment

Zimbabwe’s HiH Initiative builds on the Government’s agrifood systems transformation agenda, leveraging existing agricultural investment in the country. The Initiative strengthens the Government's effort with an advanced methodology that combines household-level data with GIS information to identify hot spots. With the Initiative’s support, Zimbabwe is focusing on developing inclusive value chains, enhancing agriculture financing and infrastructure, and reducing food loss and waste. The donor mapping, data assessment and typologies analysis are complete. With this, the Government has identified entry points. Extensive consultations have taken place at national and provincial levels.

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Country Typologies

Country Appointment