FAO launches regional webinar series to strengthen civil society capacity on food loss and waste reduction in the NENA region

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) launched the first session of its new webinar series, From Analysis to Action: Capacity Building of Civil Society Organizations on Food Loss Reduction in the NENA Region, bringing together civil society organizations (CSOs), cooperatives and development stakeholders from across the region.

The webinar series aims to strengthen the capacity of selected CSOs to assess, analyse and reduce food loss and waste (FLW) along agri-food value chains through the practical use of FAO’s Food Loss Application (FLAPP), supporting evidence-based decision-making, targeted interventions and progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3.

The opening session, Understanding Food Loss and Food Waste, introduced participants to the foundations of FLW and highlighted its relevance to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and environmental sustainability in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.

The session was delivered by Moustapha Mohamed, Food Safety and Quality Officer and FLW Regional Focal Point at FAO RNE, and Jean Ndjana, Rural Development Specialist, who guided participants through key concepts, current trends and challenges, and regional perspectives on food loss and waste.

Presentations emphasized the distinction between food loss and food waste and examined where losses occur along agrifood value chains. Participants explored how food loss occurs from production through post-harvest handling, storage, processing and distribution, while food waste mainly takes place at retail and consumer levels.

The speakers highlighted the scale and urgency of the challenge. Globally, approximately 13 percent of food produced is lost between harvest and retail, while an additional 19 percent is wasted at retail, food service and household levels. At the same time, millions of people continue to experience hunger and food insecurity, underscoring the need for more efficient and sustainable agrifood systems.

In the NENA region, food loss and waste reduction is increasingly recognized as a resilience priority in the face of food insecurity, resource scarcity and climate pressures.

It was discussed how food loss and waste occur across every stage of the agrifood value chain and examined regional drivers including water scarcity, high temperatures, inadequate cold chain systems, transport constraints, food safety risks and infrastructure gaps. The session highlighted that reducing FLW is not only about preserving food, but also contributes to protecting natural resources, reducing environmental impacts and improving livelihoods.

Interactive discussions were facilitated by Sara Vicari, Cooperative Development Expert at FAO RNE, creating space for civil society organizations to share experiences and reflect on challenges they face in reducing food loss and waste in their local contexts.

During the discussion, one participant emphasized the importance of awareness raising and educating younger generations, noting that action on food loss and waste is essential “for our food and for our planet.”

Building on the discussion, Jean Ndjana highlighted that addressing FLW requires collective action and stronger partnerships among governments, the private sector and development partners, supported by standards, certification and improved food safety systems. He also stressed the importance of expanding access to finance, grants and investments, increasing the participation of women and youth, strengthening monitoring and data sharing, and accelerating innovation and climate-smart solutions.

“Through collective action, CSOs and cooperatives can strengthen resilience, reduce food loss and waste, and build sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food systems across the NENA region,” he noted.

Closing the session, Moustapha Mohamed reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and sustained engagement.

“Food loss and food waste remain distinct but interconnected challenges that occur across different stages of agrifood value chains and require tailored solutions. Reducing food loss and waste contributes not only to preserving food, but also to strengthening food security, improving nutrition, protecting natural resources, reducing environmental impacts and supporting livelihoods. We hope this session has contributed to building a shared understanding and inspired practical ideas that participants can apply within their institutions and communities.”

Participants were encouraged to continue engaging throughout the webinar series and to share the knowledge, tools and experiences gained with their networks to expand impact and strengthen collective action across the region.

The webinar series will continue with upcoming sessions focused on practical application of FLAPP, economic impacts and valorization opportunities, and translating evidence into action through partnerships and intervention design.