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Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries

Supporting the world's most vulnerable countries in building resilient food systems.

Office of SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs

Established in 2020, the Office of SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs (OSL) ensures that the distinct challenges faced by SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs are effectively prioritized across FAO’s global mandate. Serving as a strategic catalyst, OSL drives the integration of these countries’ specific needs into the Organization’s agenda and advocates for their inclusion in corporate initiatives such as the Hand-in-Hand Initiative. 

 

Through OSL’s coordination, FAO actively supports the implementation of the ten-year programmes of action for these vulnerable groups: the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS ( 2024-2034), the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs (2022-2031) and the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs (2024-2034). This work is aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 focusing on providing   targeted technical assistance to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable agrifood systems.


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Our vision
SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs have efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems to ensure that people are free from hunger and malnutrition.

Our mission
To coordinate and advocate as a catalyst for the scaling up of FAO’s support to SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs, as they pursue agrifood systems transformation to drive sustainable development and ensure that safe and nutritious foods are available, accessible and affordable for all.
Contacts: 
[email protected]

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@FAOSIDS
FAO working with SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs.

Our focus

SIDS

Small Island Developing States

SIDS are a distinct group of 40 States (39 FAO Members and one Associate Member) that share common social, economic, and environmental challenges. They are located across three main regions: the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS). Recognized as a special case for both environment and development at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, SIDS face heightened vulnerabilities due to their geographic isolation, limited resources, and exposure to climate change impacts.

LDCs

Least Developed Countries

LDCs comprise 44 nations characterized by acute socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities that hinder food security and nutrition and sustainable development. Their challenges stem from weak institutional capacity, limited financial resources, and heavy dependence on agriculture and a narrow range of primary commodities, leaving them highly exposed to external shocks. Additional constraints including low productivity, heavy debt burdens, and reliance on external financing, further limit economic diversification and long-term growth.

LLDCs

Landlocked Developing Countries
LLDCs are 32 nations, including 16 LDCs, that face unique development challenges due to their lack of territorial access to the sea. This geographical constraint significantly increases trade and transport costs, limits integration into global markets, and hampers economic growth. LLDCs depend heavily on transit through neighboring countries for imports and exports, making them vulnerable to external shocks and logistical bottlenecks. Inadequate infrastructure has limited productive capacity, and reliance on a narrow range of commodities further constrain sustainable development.

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