This year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marks the 50th anniversary of its Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), a cornerstone initiative that has delivered rapid, targeted, and flexible support to countries facing urgent agricultural and food security challenges. Established by FAO Members in 1976, the Technical Cooperation Programme remains the Organization's primary instrument for delivering rapid, demand-driven technical assistance through its Regular Programme resources.

 Since 2018, approximately USD 480 million in TCP investments has helped mobilize more than USD 9 billion in additional resources, demonstrating how targeted technical assistance can serve as a catalyst for larger-scale development impact.

 "For fifty years, FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme has helped countries solve practical problems, respond to emerging challenges and seize new opportunities,” said Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of FAO.  “It remains one of our most important tools for turning technical expertise into results.  As we look ahead, TCP must continue to demonstrate its value through strong performance, clear results and a commitment to continuous improvement."

 Among its landmark achievements, TCP played a key role in the global eradication of rinderpest—one of the greatest successes in veterinary history—which was officially declared eradicated by the international community in 2011. The Programme also contributed significantly to the elimination of river blindness (onchocerciasis) in West Africa, supporting efforts that interrupted disease transmission in 11 countries and improving the health, livelihoods and productivity of millions of people.

 "TCP continues to demonstrate how targeted technical assistance can generate results far beyond the scale of the initial investment. Whether responding to urgent challenges, strengthening institutions, or preparing larger programmes, it remains one of FAO's most effective tools for helping Members achieve lasting impact," said Minà Dowlatchahi, Director, Project Support Division (PSS).

 Fifty years after its creation, the Technical Cooperation Programme remains one of FAO’s most agile and trusted instruments for delivering timely, practical technical assistance. As Member needs continue to evolve, TCP remains focused on its core purpose: supporting countries in addressing immediate challenges, responding to national priorities, and building stronger, more resilient agrifood systems.

• Watch TCP@50 Video here
• Watch the video "What is TCP?"   here
• Read more about TCP as a catalyst here, TCP evaluation – 5 years later here, TCP results and indicators here, TCP and strategic alignment here