Mobilisation des ressources

Reducing Food Losses in Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Lebanon

In the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Region, food imports are needed to meet more than 50 percent of total food requirements, yet nearly 50 million tonnes of food are lost or wasted every year. Reducing food losses and waste is critical to ensure sustainable food systems and increase regional and national food security, where the capacity to expand production areas is limited. Therefore, this project aimed at improving the availability and quality of foods in Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Lebanon by increasing capacities of different stakeholders in the food system to reduce food loss and waste along different functions of food value chains. 

Réalisations

By engaging a wide range of public and private stakeholders, the project enhanced the capacities of different stakeholders in food systems. The project assessed food losses in value chains for wheat in Egypt, meat in Iran, vegetables in Jordan and apples in Lebanon, and identified gaps in FLW knowledge and awareness in each country. A large-scale educational training program to reduce food loss and waste (FLW) was developed, and capacity building workshops, field activities and training of trainers were conducted. Producer associations, food industry managers and agricultural extension workers in the region received training, and were acquainted with specific technical solutions. Trainers then transferred their acquired knowledge and practices to members of their associations. Furthermore, the project promoted inter-governmental coop

Impact

As a result of the project, overall capacities to reduce food losses were enhanced and food value chain management was strengthened. Awareness on the importance of FLW helps reduce inefficiencies in the value chain, thereby increasing food availability, quality and affordability, as well as improving livelihoods for actors along the value chain. In the long run, reduced FLW also contributes to enhancing sustainable and competitive food systems and food security without the need for additional land, water or other production inputs.

Activités

  • Awareness raising on the main constraints along food value chains in Near East Region.
  • Analysis of select food value chains and identification of training needs in each country.
  • Organization of training of trainers for 114 beneficiaries in all four countries and distribution of food loss prevention toolkits.
  • Preparation and distribution of training curricula and communication materials on FLW reduction.
  • Implementation of training for members of associations, with a total of 2 014 beneficiaries.
  • Facilitation of value chain stakeholder workshops in each country and organization of a final regional project workshop.
Titre du projet Capacity building for food loss reduction in Middle East
Contacts: FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa / Ayman Omer (Budget Holder)
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
Télécharger PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/CA1395EN/ca1395en.pdf