FAO gathers the first results of the regional initiative on small scale agriculture

Small scale agriculture provides over 80 percent of the agricultural production in the Near East and North Africa (NENA). Most of the fresh food in the region is produced by small scale farmers who contribute to feeding the growing urban households. In the NENA region sustainable small scale agriculture has the potential to boost local economies and lift communities out of poverty.

Through the Regional Initiative on “Small Scale agriculture”, FAO is working closely with thousands of small scale farmers and producers in the region to bring them back to the centre of the fight against hunger and food insecurity.  

“Poverty and food insecurity are still a reality in the continent especially in a time where a protracted financial crisis is hitting the traditional development assistance” said Abdessalam Ould Ahmed, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, “Small scale agriculture provides an unprecedented opportunity to combat these challenges through a cohesive program that addresses the development of small-scale agriculture.

The results of the first year of implementation of the Regional Initiative were discussed during a regional meeting held in Cairo from 2 to 3 March 2015. The meeting was chaired by Abdessalam Ould Ahmed, FAO Assistant Director General and representatives of FAO from Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Tunisia, which are the pilot countries where the Initiative has been implemented first.

The meeting presented a good opportunity to share experiences, priorities and lessons learnt from member countries.

The Regional Initiative on “Sustainable Small Agriculture for Inclusive Development in the Near East and North Africa”, supports the achievement of the FAO Strategic objective 3 of reducing rural poverty.