Showcasing some of our best tools
On 14 November 2024, the Development Law Service (LEGN) hosted a successful webinar to discuss FAO's Legal Diagnostic Tools, with the broader aim of developing a legal diagnostic tool for pastoralism. The event drew nearly 150 registered participants from diverse sectors, geographies and institutions. Development practitioners from Africa, Australia Asia, Europe and South America, engaged with FAO’s legal experts, gaining valuable insights into the role of legal diagnostic tools in addressing complex legal challenges.
What Are Legal Diagnostic Tools?
FAO has developed a suite of tools to assist Members and development practitioners in analysing and strengthening legal frameworks. These tools are designed to review, identify, and analyse legislative gaps and priorities in a legislative framework. Through specific steps and questions, a legal diagnostic tool can guide stakeholders in identifying and understanding relevant laws, regulations and policies, whether they align with international obligations, norms and best practices and whether they contribute to global and national development objectives. A legal diagnostic tool is for practical application, helping users conduct assessments, and generate specific recommendations for implementation. To date, FAO has developed 25 legal diagnostic tools, on issues ranging from aquaculture and fisheries to land tenure, sustainable wildlife management and water tenure.
Good laws support agrifood system transformation and make a difference to individual actors on the ground. Participants shared insights and explored strategies for applying these tools in their respective contexts, showcasing the tools' utility in addressing sector-specific challenges. A participant from Senegal plans to utilize the Legal Diagnostic Tool for aquaculture for comparative analysis of related legislation as his country develops its legal infrastructure for the aquaculture sector. This initiative aligns with FAO's broader commitment to strengthening legal systems to support resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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