@fao DG of FAO, José Graziano da Silva

Rome 20 April--The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), José Graziano da Silva, welcomed the decision to implement a cease-fire in Yemen. He expressed his hope that the cease-fire will permit humanitarian actors to reach vulnerable civilians in Yemen and to provide medicines, vaccinations, food and water.

He reiterated the importance of having access to rural areas, in order to ensure that numerous FAO activities that are essential for rehabilitation and reconstruction can be implemented during the ceasefire period and beyond. These activities include, the Provision of assorted crop and vegetable seeds, fertilizers, farming hand tools, fishing equipment and tools, solar water pumping units and drip irrigation kits as well as solar refrigeration units for veterinary services.

He revealed that FAO is also preparing for Animal vaccination/treatment campaigns as well as livestock restocking and provision of animal feed.

He added that while most of these activities were ongoing, the cease-fire would hopefully expedite delivery and allow for an increased presence in the field.

The Director-General stressed that violent conflicts affect the ability to produce, trade and access food, including by inhibiting farming, damaging infrastructure and destroying markets.

He noted that all efforts to revive the agricultural sector and trade, and improve food security, would have positive effects on the sustainability of peace. The creation of rural jobs, particularly for youth, and the enhancement of livelihoods in the agricultural sector would help reducing the risk of relapse into violence.