Agrobank, a development financial institution (DFI), unveiled a US$240mn fund called the Sukuk wakalah programme with a primary focus on strengthening the agriculture sector in Malaysia
Agriculture
FAO launches global action on OCOP
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched its global action on green development of special agricultural Products: One Country One Priority Product (OCOP)
Korea contributes US$1.2mn to tackle food crisis in African countries
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) received US$1.2mn from the Republic of Korea to provide humanitarian activities for food crisis in the following countries: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Madagascar, South Sudan and Burkina Faso
Chris Nikoi, regional director, WFP for Western Africa, said, “We are grateful for this generous and timely contribution from the government of the Republic of Korea and Korean people to some of the most severe food-insecure communities in Burkina Faso and Nigeria.”
Menghestab Haile, regional director, WFP for Southern Africa, commented, “Because of climate change, COVID-19 and lack of access to water, populations in Southern Madagascar are facing unprecedented levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. The number of people on the verge of starvation is likely to double as we are close to the start of the lean season in October. We are therefore grateful for this generous and timely contribution from the government of the Republic of Korea and Korean people which is making a significant difference in the lives of people.”
This contribution will boost WFPs humanitarian efforts including food assistance for vulnerable communities in five countries.
Pakistan and South Korea set to develop technologies to boost agricultural production
Syed Fakhar Imam, minister for National Food Security & Research of Pakistan, has confirmed that Pakistan and South Korea would jointly develop locally customised technologies to help boost agricultural production
India contributes US$1mn for climate resilient agriculture in Zimbabwe
The government of India has contributed almost US$1mn to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Zimbabwe to help affected populations tackle climate shocks
The contribution, provided through the India-UN development partnership fund, will be used to assist more than 5200 smallholder farmers in Chiredzi and Mangwe districts. Working alongside partners, WFP Zimbabwe will provide expertise through its Smallholder Agricultural Market Support (SAMS) programme, to strengthen the resilience and capacity of selected smallholder farmers. The project will promote the cultivation of drought-tolerant small grains and legumes – reducing the negative effects of recurring droughts in Zimbabwe.
India played a key role in promoting the adoption of 2023 as the year of millet by the United Nations. This funding highlights India’s growing contributions to the Global South on efforts towards strengthening resilience to climate change.
Adel Abdellatif, director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, said the contribution will ensure the social protection and resilience of smallholder farmers.
“This project is focused on increasing small grains production and market access. It will provide a good opportunity for successful Southern practices to be tested and scaled, improving the lives of rural Zimbabweans,” added Abdellatif.
This is a sound investment in Zimbabwe which relies heavily on agriculture – accounting for approximately 70% of the populations’ livelihood activity. It is also critical timing for the country, struggling with consecutive years of drought, cyclones, and unpredictable weather patterns.
WFP will build on existing collaboration with partners to combine relevant expertise, alongside the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, and the Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex).
Francesca Erdelmann, country director and representative, WFP Zimbabwe, said, “This contribution will help WFP and partners on the ground to plan more effectively. Farmers will be trained on the advantages of growing drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum or millet, including techniques on how to reduce post-harvest losses. This contribution will go a long way in empowering farmers with the skills needed for sustainable climate-smart agriculture.”