Academia and Research Institutions

 

FAO partners with Academia and Research Institutions all over the world. Find out more about our alliances, and related publications, by exploring below.

 

The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan (TAAS) aims to strengthen agricultural development, food security, and sustainable natural resource management in Tajikistan. This partnership focuses on enhancing crop and livestock productivity through the adoption of resilient technologies, promoting integrated watershed and irrigation management, and supporting food security and nutrition through evidence-based analysis. It also emphasizes reducing food loss and waste and fostering technical cooperation through personnel exchange. By combining FAO’s global expertise with TAAS’s national research capacity, this MoU seeks to empower smallholder farmers, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems. 

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: Tajikistan

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Food losses, Food security, Integrated watershed management, Livestock, Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture, Waste reduction

FAO and ASRT collaborate to build youth capacities to carry out research for transformation to sustainable agrifood systems  using digital sciences and innovation; invest in youth experiential learning in preparation for decent employment in rural and agrifood sectors; and generate innovative project ideas that support transformation of agrifood systems in Egypt.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

COUNTRY: Egypt

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Technical cooperation and expertise

The collaboration between the FAO and the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) aims to leverage the expertise, knowledge, networks, and resources of respective organizations to enhance agricultural productivity, uplift farmers and farming communities, address climate action in agriculture and contribute to agrifood systems transformation and food security and nutrition in Nepal. Through research, knowledge development and exchange, provision of technical expertise, and capacity development of young professionals in the agriculture sector, this partnership endeavors to make meaningful steps towards sustainable agricultural practices and improved livelihoods in Nepal.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: Nepal

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Signed in 2015, the collaboration between FAO and the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) aims to develop sustainable forest management capacities in the Asia-Pacific region.  To achieve this objective, the partners engage in joint technical cooperation, training events, information exchange, and promote effective policy development and implementation.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

In May 2022, FAO and Bahçeşehir University formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership aims to foster advancements in sustainable food systems, technological innovation, and smart agriculture. The key areas of collaboration include the establishment of a "Learning, Research and Application Platform", technical cooperation on digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in food systems, and gender equality and the empowerment of rural women. Activities under this platform encompass capacity development, knowledge exchange, research, innovation, and data sharing, with a focus on promoting sustainable practices in Turkey. The collaboration also involves Advocacy and communication initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting ownership of good policies and practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global events.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2022

COUNTRY: Türkiye

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

In a move to bolster efforts to support smallholder farmers in low and medium income countries, FAO and CAB International have signed a partnership in October 2023 to grow more and lose less through science, technology and innovation, increasing food security worldwide. This collaboration aims to address pressing challenges in global agriculture by leveraging expertise in key areas such as plant production, evidence synthesis, research and development, youth empowerment, and science communication. By joining forces, FAO and CABI seek to catalyze innovation, foster knowledge exchange, and empower stakeholders to enact meaningful change in agricultural systems worldwide. Through joint initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms, the partnership endeavors to promote resilience, sustainability, and equitable access to agricultural resources, driving towards a more prosperous and food-secure future for all.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2023

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

The partnership between the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and FAO was established in 2015 to foster institutional capacity development and promote South-South Cooperation activities with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China. This cooperation facilitates technology transfer and exchanges of expertise in areas of sustainable agriculture, pest management, animal diseases, bioenergy, food security and climate change.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Knowledge Exchange

The Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences and FAO partnered in 2019 to promote capacity development, technology, information and experience exchange for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management. The collaboration supports initiatives in developing countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, in promoting climate impact mitigation and adaption and building resilience of fisher folk, while strengthening the efforts to increase regulation and safety of fish products for regional and global trade.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2019

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

The collaboration between FAO and the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science was signed in 2021 with the objective to promote advocacy activities, develop capacities and share knowledge in the areas of South-South cooperation, agriculture, nutrition, breeding and cultivation of stress-resistant crop varieties, tropical crops and prevention and control of pests and diseases. 

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2021

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development

In an effort towards advancing agricultural research and innovation in Africa, FAO and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) solidified their collaborative efforts with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2023. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen agricultural systems and foster innovation across the African continent. The areas of collaboration include capacity development for agricultural research and innovation systems, agriculture policy advocacy, youth empowerment, crisis response, knowledge co-creation, exchange, and data sharing, as well as joint resource mobilization and partnership development. 

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2017

COUNTRY: Ghana

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

FAO and INRAE have a long track record of excellence in the implementation of joint research, projects and capacity development actions. In 2018 a new partnership was formed together with CIRAD to strengthen sustainable development in areas of agroecology, sustainable natural resources management in the context of climate change, agriculture innovation for family farmers, sustainable and safe food systems, food security, nutrition, food waste and loss reduction; governance, animal and plant health, including the One Health Initiative and antimicrobial resistance reduction, territorial development, migration, biodiversity and genetic resources.  

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2018

COUNTRY: France

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Resources:

2020: FAO + France: Partnering for Food Security and Prosperity 

2016: Innovative markets for sustainable agriculture

FAO and CIRAD have a long track record of excellence in the implementation of joint research, projects and capacity development actions. In 2018 a new partnership was formed together with INRAE to strengthen sustainable development in areas of agroecology, sustainable natural resources management in the context of climate change, agriculture innovation for family farmers, sustainable and safe food systems, food security, nutrition, food waste and loss reduction; governance, animal and plant health, including the One Health Initiative and antimicrobial resistance reduction, territorial development, migration, biodiversity and genetic resources.  

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2018

COUNTRY: France

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Resources:

2020: FAO + France: Partnering for Food Security and Prosperity 

2020: The economics of pastoralism in Argentina, Chad and Mongolia

2019: Food systems at risk

In a significant development for sustainable agriculture, FAO and the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) formalized their collaborative efforts with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2022. Through South-South Cooperation this strategic partnership aims to address key challenges and foster sustainable practices in Tajikistan by promoting activities including capacity exchange, and knowledge exchange and innovation. Areas of cooperation include promoting sustainable plant production, implementing Climate Smart Agriculture approaches, enhancing integrated water use management, and improving post-harvesting practices.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2022

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

In a commitment to enhancing access to knowledge and fostering innovation, FAO and Ghent University formalized their collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2025. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen capacities, facilitate knowledge exchange, expand research in key fields related to food systems, nutrition, and veterinary sciences, and contribute to raising awareness and accessibility of relevant expertise.

By leveraging their respective expertise, FAO and Ghent University aim to advance global efforts in digital farming, biotechnology, biosecurity, animal health, and lifelong learning, contributing to more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

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IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2022

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development

FAO and the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGSNRR-CAS), China’s oldest land and environmental research institute, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the FAO flagship One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership leverages the innovative Geographical Indications, Environment & Sustainability (GIES) methodology to develop sustainable value chains for special agricultural products with high nutritional value, which are yet to reach their full potential in cultivation and marketing. This collaboration supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: China

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

In a concerted effort to advance rural transformation and bolster food security, FAO and the Brazilian Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (IPEA) have formalized a collaborative alliance. This partnership, initiated in December 2023, signifies a joint commitment to address critical challenges facing rural communities and agricultural systems through targeted interventions and evidence-based policies. Together, FAO and IPEA will focus on key areas such as social protection for fishers, natural resources management, and the development of robust social protection systems in rural areas. Additionally, the partners will collaborate on data collection, analysis, and dissemination related to food security and nutrition, aiming to inform policy decisions and drive impactful interventions to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. Through their concerted efforts, FAO and IPEA are committed to advancing sustainable development, reducing rural poverty, and ensuring equitable access to food and resources for all.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2023

COUNTRY: Brazil

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Since 2014 the partnership between FAO and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas supports climate-smart agricultural development, crop diversification and productivity, sustainable management of water and land resources, food security, and rural livelihoods in global drylands. Activities promote efficient and evidence-based food security information and knowledge exchange for effective decision support systems, farmer capacities to scale-up technologies and best practices related to water management, and knowledge exchanges which advocate for small-holder farms.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025

COUNTRY: Lebanon

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Knowledge Exchange

Resources:

2007: Building Bridges of Confidence Through Technical Dialogue - Final Report

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture and FAO established a collaboration in 2015 to promote capacity development, knowledge exchange and advocacy activities in the areas of poverty reduction, food security, climate change, and technologies targeting animal feed resources and sustainable agriculture production including water and nutrient management.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015

COUNTRY: United Arab Emirates

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Resources:

2022: Building resilience and sustainability into food systems in marginal environments

The collaboration between FAO and CIHEAM aims to develop a common strategic cooperation agenda to support agriculture, food, and sustainable rural development in the Mediterranean. To achieve this, FAO and CIHEAM organize and participate in regional and global policy consultation processes and awareness-raising events which highlight the important contributions of the Mediterranean perspectives and advance Mediterranean issues related to food security and nutrition. Further activities involve supporting field programme implementation, developing technical capacities, and generating and sharing expertise.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015

COUNTRY: France

SDG(S):

AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange

Resources:

2020: FAO-CIHEAM Partnership - Advancing sustainable rural development in the Mediterranean

2015: White Paper - Mediterranean food consumption patterns: diet, environment, society, economy and health