Unlocking the potential for sustainable, inclusive and competitive agribusiness development in the Near East and North Africa

There is an increasing recognition of the role of sustainable, inclusive and competitive agribusiness SMEs in poverty reduction and income generation, providing access to nutritious food to consumers, creating green jobs for women and youth as well as in reduction of food loss and waste.

Despite the clear contribution of agribusiness SMEs in transformation of agrifood systems in the region, this sector has been neglected in both policy and research in the region and been underrepresented by development agencies who focus primarily on more disadvantaged groups such as smallholders farmers.

Agribusiness SMEs in NENA region are facing many barriers in fulfilling their full potential. The technical workshop will offer an opportunity for experts from governments and non-state actors across the region to provide their perspectives, views and priorities in NENA. The thematic areas of discussion will focus on key aspects for enabling agribusiness SMEs to be more sustainable (green, climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive), inclusive (decent jobs for women and youth) and competitive (finance, investment, access to market) agribusiness.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP

a)        Provide overview of the key thematic areas conducive to sustainable, inclusive and competitive agribusiness development in NENA.

b)        Obtain multi-stakeholders views on challenges, opportunities, needs and priorities for sustainable, inclusive and competitive agribusiness SME development in their context and the key areas of interventions for short, medium and long-term impact.

Identify policy, institutional, investment and capacity development needs to improve sustainability, inclusiveness and competitiveness of agribusiness SMEs to feed into