OCOP: How a Systems-Thinking Approach is leading to rural transformation, one product at a time

Today’s agrifood systems are intricate, interconnected and rapidly evolving. To improve them effectively, we need a systems-thinking approach, which means looking at the big picture, understanding how different parts of the food system influence one another, rather than treating them as separate pieces. One prominent initiative that embodies this philosophy is the ‘One Country One Priority Product’ (OCOP) initiative, a flagship initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Let’s explore how a systems approach is supporting agrifood and rural transformation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region through the OCOP framework.

OCOP in the Near East and North Africa

The OCOP supports countries in identifying, developing, and promoting a single priority product which is called the Special Agricultural Product (SAP), based on local geography, cultural heritage, and potential for national and global markets. As of March 2026, eleven countries of the NENA region have joined the initiative promoting eight SAPs: Algeria (figs), Egypt (dates), Iraq (dates), Jordan (dates), Lebanon (chickpeas), Morocco (carob), Saudi Arabia (coffee), Sudan (sorghum), the Syrian Arab Republic (olives), Tunisia (harissa – chili sauce),  and Yemen (coffee). The SAPs, chosen by the countries, play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for rural communities by providing food, nutrition, livelihood and environmental security. They are well suited to drive agrifood system transformation in the region.

Systems Approach in the OCOP Initiative

The OCOP initiative is fundamentally guided by a systems-thinking approach. Rather than viewing agriculture as a collection of separate activities - such as crop cultivation - the OCOP framework examines the entire agrifood system as a dynamic whole. It is organized around three central elements of a systems approach: a holistic perspective, the feedback mechanism, and the emergence of key properties:

• Holistic perspective

The OCOP initiative is based on a holistic understanding of agrifood systems. It ensures that all necessary elements are considered, from farm to fork and from local to global levels (Box 1). It includes vertical linkages such as production, storage, processing, and marketing, which are key processes in the value chain of a SAP. Horizontal linkages are connections between actors within the same process in the value chain, such as farmers, farmer cooperatives, or trade associations. External linkages involve service providers, both public and private enterprises, non‑profit organizations, and the research and academic community. Collectively, these actors from local to global levels constitute the market systems where supply and demand meet. Through this approach, the SAP is connected to the wider enabling environment and its sub systems (social, environmental and markets) and supported by multidisciplinary strategies and stakeholder engagement.

^{Box 1. A simple diagram illustrates agrifood systems as viewed under the OCOP framework}

For example, when a country selects olives as its SAP, the focus extends beyond simply increasing production and improving quality at the farmgate. It encourages investments in critical infrastructure such as packhouses, cold storage facilities and agro-processing enterprises. Cooperatives and farmer organizations are key enablers to support collective action and connect smallholders to larger systems. Government agencies can be entrusted to play a vital role in supporting associated activities through the development of favourable policies, the provision of extension services, and investing in infrastructure development. Furthermore, partnerships with universities, NGOs, and private sector organizations can drive research, enhance market access, and foster innovation within the value chain of SAPs.

• Feedback mechanism

The OCOP emphasizes the importance of information exchange among all actors, enabling continuous learning and adaptation to the evolving needs within the agrifood sector. Information travels both ways, from the grassroots - such as farmers, farmer organizations, cooperatives, and ministries - up to national policies, investments, regional coordination and back to inform national strategies rooted in farm level realities. This dynamic exchange of information and feedback in both directions enables co-learning and adjustment, helping to refine practices and policies across the agrifood sector.

In a recently concluded OCOP project in NENA, comprehensive value chain assessments produced valuable information in identifying specific areas where food loss and waste can be minimized in the date palm sector. In the olive oil sector in Syria, cooperatives brought attention to challenges related to certification processes. This feedback sparked important discussions focused on harmonizing standards throughout the NENA region, aiming to streamline certification procedures and facilitate greater access to markets. The Regional Organizing Group formed under the OCOP initiative, coordinates implementation activities and knowledge exchange within the NENA countries. The lessons learned are catalyzing regional dialogues and helping stakeholders address regulatory and operational challenges.

At the same time, OCOP is inclusive of the application and alignment of SAPs with global strategies and sustainable standards. Good Agricultural Practices, Sustainability and Environmental Standards, Food Safety Management Systems are key global initiatives which when applied can ensure that SAPs meet international requirements and successfully access global markets, promoting competitiveness and growth within the agrifood sector.

• Emergent properties

Emergent properties are the result of interactions among different components of the agrifood system, such as production, environment, governance, finance, and society. When these elements work together, new outcomes develop that cannot be achieved by focusing on individual components alone. In the NENA region, the emerging outcomes are already visible thanks to the collective efforts under the OCOP initiative: 

• Resilience: Farmers can better handle shocks like droughts or market changes
• Sustainability: More environmentally friendly farming practices are adopted
• Competitiveness: Products meet local and international standards
• Innovation: New technologies and methods are promoted and adopted.

OCOP projects in NENA focus on the adoption of climate-smart strategies, water-saving techniques, food loss and waste, agroecological production practices, market diversification and biodiversity conservation. These initiatives build resilient agroecosystems and support environmental sustainability throughout the region. Projects such as the integration of ‘carob’ into forest-land restoration efforts, extend sustainability benefits to the wider public outside of traditional agricultural areas.

Partnerships under the FAO-China South-South and Triangular Cooperation are scaling technologies such as tissue culture and integrated pest management in Iraq and ushering new developments in the figs sector in Algeria. The work under OCOP has led to improvements in quality and grading standards for chickpeas in Lebanon, ensuring consistent product marketability and market competitiveness. These collaborative efforts drive innovation and sustain vital policy discussions, supporting family farms and smallholders while contributing to sustainable development.

Driving Sustainable Rural Development

The OCOP framework is built around the interconnected pillars of people, planet and prosperity. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has guided advancements in production practices of SAPs, increased profits, and improved sustainability. By reinforcing institutions, broadening market access, nurturing partnerships, fostering policy dialogue, and developing local capacities, OCOP is reshaping agrifood systems and serving as a vehicle for rural development, one product at a time.

OCOP is a country led and country owned initiative. While FAO provides guidance, success ultimately depends on how countries and communities implement the programme. The journey towards sustainable agriculture is complex, characterized by shocks, constant changes, and the need for continual adaptation. OCOP, guided by systems thinking, provides a dynamic pathway that empowers countries to innovate boldly, anticipate risks early, absorb shocks collectively, and adapt continuously – the very qualities needed for sustainable rural transformation.

There is no single magic bullet for achieving sustainable development. As stakeholders address key challenges in the NENA region – including water scarcity, climate constraints, conflict, rural poverty, and underdevelopment, the OCOP programme stands out as a promising pathway, supporting the transition to agricultural systems that are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to achieving better production, improved nutrition, a healthier environment, and an enhanced quality of life for all.

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