FAO completes training workshops on sustainable food systems and value chains in the Near East and North Africa

28 March, 2019 – Tunis/ Cairo:

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has successfully completed training workshops on “developing sustainable food systems and value chains in the Near East and North Africa”. The two workshops held in Cairo (10-14 March) and Tunis (25-29 March) were attended by 55 participants from FAO, government entities, research centers and other stakeholders.

Aiming at streamlining the approach towards food systems within FAO and its partners, the 11-module training acquainted participants on the concepts related to food systems and presented tools and processes to be used on the strengthening of food systems through the sustainable food value chains development approach. The training also sensitized trainees on the importance of improving the design and implementation of integrated solutions and programs across technical disciplines.

Funded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and International Development, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and FAO for Small-Scale Family farming in the NENA region, , the five-day training sessions were delivered in Cairo (English) and Tunis (French), attracting participants from the whole region. They consisted of theoretical and practical sessions, including field visits to different value chains actors.

During his inaugural speech at the latest training session in Tunisia, Ahmed Bougacha said on behalf of FAO subregional coordinator: “it is clear that there will be many significant benefits in developing sustainable food systems and value chains in countries in the region.”

He added: “we need to address key challenges which hinder the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in the region, including food loss and waste, unequal sharing of benefits along the food system, in addition to the double burden of obesity and malnourishment.”

“FAO promotes the value chain approach as a practical and effective tool to address critical food system challenges that member countries face in the region.” Said Jozimo SantosRocha – Agro-Industry Officer at the FAO Office for the Near East and North Africa Region. There is a need to develop a clear framework to guide projects and the implementation of policies, and to provide greater consistency as countries and regions attempt to develop food systems holistically rather than merely focusing on isolated components.

Each training workshop took place over the course of five days; participants of the training workshops in Cairo and Tunis included 55 participants from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

At the conclusion of the workshops, participants are enabled to replicate the training course to train targeted participants in their countries.