Breaking siloes: UN agencies learn together on synergies for agrifood systems transformation in the Pacific

Agrifood systems shape how we grow, process, consume and dispose of food. Shifting these systems towards greater sustainability and equity tackles some of the world’s most pressing issues like protecting biodiversity, combating the impacts of climate change and reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This rings particularly true for the Pacific, where diseases like cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and cancer are the leading causes of death, responsible for 60 to 75 percent of all mortalities in the region. 

To tackle these complex challenges, key players in the agrifood system – such as UN agencies, development organizations and public authorities – must move away from traditional, isolated approaches. Thinking "it’s just easier to do it alone" or "we’re only addressing the issue from one side" is not likely to bring about lasting, positive change at scale. These siloed efforts and technical solutions often fail to address the bigger picture. They also fail to leverage potential synergies and co-benefits.

Transformation isn’t just about identifying problems – it’s also about recognizing opportunities. A critical part of this transformation in the Pacific is promoting the benefits of local food over imported alternatives. Over the past five decades, the region has undergone a trade shift toward increased reliance on imports, contributing to the rise in non-communicable diseases. In contrast, the value of traditional knowledge in local food production and consumption must not be overlooked.

Achieving this transformation requires the active involvement of all stakeholders across generations - particularly local communities, including elders and youth, women-led movements and local governments. These groups must be engaged from the very beginning in the ideation and design of strategies and programmes. Their knowledge, agency and influence are key to tackling systemic issues effectively. If the community doesn’t take ownership, nothing is likely to change.

Trust among stakeholders is crucial, serving as the foundation for stronger relationships and a renewed spirit of collaboration among UN Country Team members, local communities and partners. Better communication helps understand the breadth of work being done by colleagues across UN agencies. It also fosters mutual understanding, alignment of efforts and more effective collective action.

© WorldFish/Filip Milovac. Combating NCDs is an entry point to address systemic issues in agrifood systems. A systems approach can help tackle their impacts on health, livelihoods, productivity and public spending, while promoting knowledge and consumption of local, nutritious foods.

The insights shared in this article emerged during two learning dialogues designed and facilitated by FAO in the Pacific region. Creating safe spaces for debate and collective learning was crucial for UN agencies to explore ways to work less in isolation and collaborate more effectively using a systems approach. Questions such as "Is the role of the UN to implement or catalyze change?" and "How can we move beyond the siloes that persist among agencies involved in joint programmes?" are key to enhance clarity and alignment within the UN system.

Equally important is reflecting on how UN agencies position themselves alongside national counterparts, including governments, local communities and regional inter-governmental organizations. It's essential to reverse the current approach of fitting country priorities to pre-existing plans and instead prioritize country priorities driving the planning process. Finally, recognizing that ownership by governments and beneficiaries is a key factor for lasting impact underscores the importance of inclusivity and local leadership in achieving sustainable change.

Read more

• Explore and share the Food Systems Thinking Guide for UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams
• Read the article about Strengthening UN partnerships to advance agrifood systems transformation in the Pacific

The insights shared in this article were gathered during two workshops in April 2025 organized by the FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), in partnership with the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) and the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) to strengthen partnerships and systems approaches for agrifood systems transformation across the Pacific’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS).