Panama

In Panama, the work of Mesoamerica Hunger Free has focused on strengthening institutional frameworks as a key element for the design and implementation of effective public policies regarding food security and nutrition and the strengthening of family farming. The program has supported the definition of action plans and the creation of consultative structures that facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the actions outlined in these plans. Furthermore, it has paid special attention to information systems, strategic planning, and intersectoral coordination.

These are some of the results achieved with the program’s support

Development and implementation of the Food Security and Nutrition Plan 2016-2020.
Formal approval of the concept and typologies of family farming.
Pilot exercise for the registry of family farming, as well as the systematization and dissemination of its methodology.
Design and implementation of the Integrated Agricultural Management System (Sistema Integrado de Gestión Agropecuaria).
Support in the creation of the National Committee for Dialogue on Family Farming (CONADAF), which brings together 12 provincial, indigenous region (comarcal), and collective land committees.
Technical assistance in the participatory construction and approval of the National Plan for Family Farming.
Technical support in the formulation, approval, and implementation of the Family Farming Law.

Study on the supply and demand of food by public institutions.
Development of outreach materials on food and nutrition education aimed at the school population of the Panama Oeste province and the Guna Yala and Ngäbe Buglé indigenous regions.
Technical support in conducting research to help justify, with scientific evidence, the need for legislation in favor of front-of-pack nutritional warning labeling.
Capacity building for family farming organizations on topics related to marketing and commercialization.
Support in the creation of the National Board of Directors for Youth in the Agricultural Sector.
Technical support in the formulation and approval of the National Plan for Rural Youth in the Agricultural Sector.