The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) announced the launch of a new US$5mn project supported by the FAO-China South-South Cooperation (SSC) Programme to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) strengthen their capacities and tackle common development challenges
The project, announced at the Fourth SIDS Solutions Dialogue held in Geneva, covers an initial period of three years, from 2022 to 2025 and will focus on areas such as increased innovation, digitalisation and knowledge exchange to assist SIDS in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the SAMOA Pathway.
“The message that resonated most loudly during [the] dialogue is the urgent need for investment in capacity building, adaptation strategies and enhanced support to transform SIDS agrifood systems to become more resilient, efficient, sustainable and inclusive. This funding is timely and reiterates the high priority that FAO places on SIDS and the transformation of their agrifood systems to achieve better production, better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all,” said FAO deputy director-general, Maria Helena Semedo.
The project will be coordinated by FAO's Office of Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries (OSL), together with the FAO’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division (PST).
Fostering knowledge exchange for greater resilience
The project is designed to build more resilient agrifood systems, improve the management of fisheries resources and enhance sustainable rural development in SIDS through shared experiences and technology exchanges with key partners, such as Member States, UN agencies, the private sector, NGOs, academia, and specific international institutions.
In addition to the expertise and direct support of the People's Republic of China and other cooperating partners, the programme will also promote the exchange of experience among SIDS on issues related to the transformation of agrifood systems, both at the interregional and intraregional level.
Additionally, the programme provides for the organisation of activities including policy dialogues/fora, technical exchanges, training, innovation competitions, study visits and other specific assistance to SIDS supported by FAO.
