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.
The Initiative prioritizes countries and territories where poverty and hunger are highest, national capacities are limited, or operational difficulties are greatest due to natural or man-made crises. Areas of intervention have included developing value chains for priority commodities, building agro-industries and efficient water management systems, introducing digital services and precision agriculture, reducing food losses and waste, and addressing climate challenges and weather risks.
The Hand-in-Hand Initiative, launched in 2019, is a flagship of FAO and one of its core priority programme areas.
Core Concepts
What is Hand-in-Hand? An evidence-based, country-owned and led initiative to accelerate agricultural transformation, with the goal of eradicating poverty, ending hunger and malnutrition, and reducing inequalities.
Active Countries
The Initiative supports 54 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East as of October 2022.
Geospatial Platform
With access to more than 2 million data and information layers, the platform serves as the evidence base for identifying territories where agricultural transformation have the greatest potential for alleviating poverty and hunger.
Data Lab
The Data Lab bolsters evidence and information generation, using the most advanced tools for big data management, including artificial intelligence.
Investment Forum
- First Investment Forum, 18-19 October 2022
- Brochure: Investment Opportunity Profiles
- Video: The first Investment Forum
- Video: Forging partnerships in Zimbabwe
Knowledge Products
FAO Documents
- Highlights: Hand-in-Hand Communications Strategy, Dec 2022
- FAO Council, Jun 2022
- FAO Council, Nov-Dec 2021
- FAO Council, Apr 2021
- FAO Council, Nov-Dec 2020
- FAO Programme Committee, Jun 2020
- Information Note (Q&A), Nov 2019
- Original Concept Note, Nov 2019
News
- FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative can help end hunger and poverty in Africa
- The Hand-in-Hand Initiative creates a new business model for partners to work together
Videos
