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For over 2 decades, FAO has been implementing FFS in the Near East and North Africa region. Numerous FAO programs from multiple sectors adopted the FFS across the region. Given all the FAO efforts in the region, there was a real need to bring all the stakeholders together in a regional forum to share cutting-edge experiences and lessons learned in the implementation of the FFS. Additionally, demonstrate how the FFS contributes to rural transformation and helps farmers improve their livelihood. The forum is a basis for identifying needs and challenges in FFS implementation, aligning FFS with emerging priorities of food systems, and improving dialogue and coordination at the national and regional levels. Furthermore, the event provides an opportunity to present the results of the FAO regional stocktaking on FFS as a basis for the way forward.

The forum is proposed as a means to assemble and demonstrate the FFS implemented under wide thematic areas in the NENA region. It provides an opportunity to better understand FFS's role and its future contributions to sustainable agrifood systems. The specific objectives of the forum are: 

1. Exchange of experiences and innovations among NENA countries.
2. Provide technical guidance to enhance FFS capabilities.
3. Identify challenges and priorities in FFS implementation.
4. Brainstorm on the future of FFS, towards adopting sustainable Agri-food systems.
5. Strengthen networking among members of the global FFS community.
6. Upgrade and scale-up FFS strategically in the region and moving forward.

The Forum is scheduled to take place over two days, from 29 to 30 May 2023. The venue is in Minya where several FFS are being implemented within the FAO project “Enhancing Crop and Livestock Production and Productivity through the Adoption of Innovative Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices and Technologies in Egypt, UTF/EGY/035/EGY”. On the first day, there will be a field visit to meet with local FFS farmers including women, and hear about their experiences. The participants will have the opportunity to witness several success stories achieved by the FAO project in Egypt.

The forum will take a multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach to the role of FFS in Sustainable Agri-food Systems. It will cover different thematic areas including, plant production & protection, water management, livestock, and sustainable market and value chain through farm business schools, etc.

The expected outputs of the forum will include: 

• Cross-country experiences are exchanged;
• key regional needs and constraints, relevant to  FFS in the NENA region are identified;
• Potential responses  to  the  identified needs are proposed;
• Strategies for scaling up the FFS are defined.
• Recommendations for future actions are outlined.

The target audience for the forum will include government representatives as the national focal points of FFS in NENA countries, FFS practitioners, and FFS facilitators. Local Egyptian FFS farmers will share their own experiences. Recognized experts will be invited to present, share their experiences, and contribute to the discussions. Overall, the forum is expected to include up to 60 participants.

TF is composed of representatives from FAO RNE and FAO NSP, and the TF serves as the executive body of the Forum. The TF is chaired by Mr. Jingyuan Xia, Director of Plant Production & Protection Division (NSP), and it includes Ms. Anne-Sophie Poisot, Global Farmer Field School Platform, NSP, Mr. Thaer Yaseen, Regional Plant Protection Officer, FAORNE, Ms. May Hani, Senior Programme Officer, FAORNE, and other FAO experts, specialists & Staffs. The TF is responsible for the organizing and delivery of the Forum.