3rd regional multi-stakeholder workshop on food …east regional conference (nerc) held in rome,...
TRANSCRIPT
1
3rd
REGIONAL
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON
FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
4-6 November 2013, Tunis, Tunisia
Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa,
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Cairo, Egypt
FINAL VERSION FOR PUBLICATION
2
Group photo of workshop participants at the Carthage Thallasso Hotel, Tunis, Tunisia, November 4th
, 2013
3
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4
Workshop Structure ................................................................................................................... 5
Regional Perspectives ................................................................................................................ 7
Summary of Speeches and Overview .................................................................................... 7
Summary of the Sessions ........................................................................................................... 9
Food Security ......................................................................................................................... 9
Nutrition Enhancing Agriculture and Food Systems ........................................................... 15
CFS consultative process to develop ‘Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investments
(CFS-RAI) in the context of Food Security and Nutrition’ ................................................. 21
CFS consultative process to develop an Agenda for Action (A for A) for addressing food
insecurity in protracted crises .............................................................................................. 23
Food Losses and Waste Reduction ...................................................................................... 25
ANNEX 1: Agenda and Timetable .......................................................................................... 30
ANNEX 2: Speeches................................................................................................................ 34
ANNEX 3: Participant list ....................................................................................................... 47
4
Introduction
The Near East and North Africa region (NENA) faces many structural constraints in meeting
its food security and nutrition requirements. High population growth coupled with high
unemployment, rising urbanisation and single-sector economies are exacerbated by scarce
natural resources (particularly arable land and water) and climate-change, which have made
the Region dependent on imported food. The region has also been impacted by the global
financial economic crises, global food price volatility, and the slowdown of economic
investment.
The ongoing social and political transition also poses several challenges; this includes social
and political unrest such as armed conflict, civil insecurity, disruption of economic activities
and interruptions to cross-border livelihood movements, as well as the rising costs of
subsidies
The above mentioned as well as numerous other food security challenges in the region
continue to be a source of concern for policy makers. As a result, during the 31st FAO Near
East Regional Conference (NERC) held in Rome, Italy, from the 14th-18th May 2012, the
Member Countries agreed on the importance of organising a regional food security and
nutrition workshop to prepare for the 39th CFS Plenary Session.
Building on the successful experiences of the first and second Regional Multi-Stakeholder
Workshops on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN), that took place in Cairo and Khartoum in
2011 and 2012, respectively, the event’s objective was to contribute to a more effective food
security and nutrition governance mechanism. The workshop also provided a platform where
countries and other participants could provide policy inputs into the Committee on World
Food Security’s (CFS) consultative process on responsible agricultural investment (RAI) and
an agenda for action on food security in protracted crises, a draft technical paper on food
security in the NENA region and a draft strategy document on the reduction of food waste
and food loss.
Key topics of relevance to the region and to the CFS were discussed through a participatory
process in order to ensure that the CFS Plenary sessions and inter-sessional activities are
based on latest developments on the ground.
5
Workshop Structure
The following five main topics were discussed, which were deemed crucial to this region:
i) Food Security in the Near East Region;
The status of food security in the region was presented, and a draft strategy paper was
prepared and discussed.
ii) Nutrition-enhancing agriculture and food systems;
The status of nutrition in the region was reviewed, and dialogue took place with regards to
how to incorporate nutrition-enhancing agriculture and food systems into policy-making.
iii) Responsible Agriculture Investment;
An overview of the CFS-RAI consultative process was presented, including its schedule,
terms of reference and an introduction to the Zero Draft.
iv) Addressing Food Insecurity in Protracted Crises;
An overview of the Agenda for Action for Addressing Food Insecurity in Protracted Crises
consultative process and overall approach was made, where the pre-Zero Draft document was
discussed.
v) Food Losses and Waste Reduction;
The overall latest activities in the RNE region for food losses and waste reduction were
summarised, the status of food losses and waste in the region was presented, a strategy paper
on food losses and waste reduction for the RNE region, and a Regional Save Food Network
was prepared and discussed.
Participants
The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders with representation from 14
countries consisting of Governments, UN agencies, regional organisations, regional financial
institutions, agricultural research institutions, universities, NGOs, civil societies, and the
private sector.
Background Documents and Presentations
A draft strategy paper ‘Food Security and Nutrition in the NENA region: issues and policy
options’ was prepared by FAO, the World Bank, ESCWA and IFAD. In addition, a draft
strategy document was formulated on ‘Food Losses and Waste Reduction in the Near East
and North Africa Region’. Panellist presentations were prepared to support or offer
contributory comments into the aforementioned documents.
6
Format of the Workshop
For each topic discussed there was a facilitator, a rapporteur and panellists representing
member countries, international organisations, civil society and the private sector. The
facilitator opened the panel discussion and invited the panellists to make their presentations.
The floor was then opened for an interactive dialogue with a view to add input into the draft
strategies presented, contribute to the consultative process and/or identify the main challenges
for the region. The facilitators worked closely with the rapporteur to draft policy
recommendations, which were presented to the participants in the closing session.
7
Regional Perspectives
Summary of Speeches and Overview
In an official opening of the workshop Mr. Pasquale Steduto, Assistant Director General of
the Near East and North Africa Office in Cairo, Egypt, thanked the Tunisian Government for
hosting the workshop and all the participants for attending. He commented on the ongoing
transition process, which has presented the region with great challenges in terms of food and
livelihood security. Conflict, civil insecurity and political instability are at the core of the
ongoing crisis in the region, which has hindered access to adequate and nutritious food items.
Referring to the Syrian Crisis, it is clear that emerging challenges such as trans-civilian
displacement and the influx of refugees place greater strain on limited resources and social
services in host communities. The workshop will create increased awareness about the
emerging food security challenges in Member countries and create an environment to
enhance collaboration between countries in the region, in order to avert the imminent risks
and ensure food security for the people in this region.
Opening remarks by the CFS Chair, Ms. Gerda Verburg, stressed the importance of
cooperation in tackling the challenge of food insecurity. She applauded the leadership shown
in this region by coming together as diverse stakeholders, noting that it mirrors the multi-
stakeholder approach adopted by CFS at the global level. The challenge, however, is to move
beyond discussion and negotiation, and to cooperate into putting decisions into action. The
example was given of the “Voluntary Guidelines for the Responsible Governance of Tenure
of Land, Fisheries, and Forests in the Context of National Food Security” as a tool that
represents the cooperation of multiple stakeholders and provides guidance for putting
decisions into practice. This workshop creates an annual opportunity to take stock of our
actions and discuss the way forward for achieving food security in the region.
An opening statement by Mr. Saleh El Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Food Investment Holding
Company, representative of the private sector and NGOs, placed high emphasis on the
importance of cooperation between the private sector and the government. There is a high
level of uncertainty in the region, and hence it is crucial that the private sector and
governments’ work willingly to provide funding initiatives to help contribute to achieving
food security in the region.
Opening remarks by Ms. Alia Al-Dalli Manager of the UNDP Regional Centre in Egypt
highlighted three critical areas for food security and development in the Arab region; legal
empowerment of the poor and vulnerable, the important role of women in agriculture, and the
potential for agricultural cooperatives in improving food security and strengthening
livelihoods. The need for knowledge exchange and partnership was reinforced, among state
institutions, the private sector and civil society, as well as the international donor community.
8
HE Mohamed Ben Salem, Minister of Agriculture, Tunisia welcomed the participants to
Tunis and expressed his gratitude to the FAO and CFS for hosting this event. He stressed the
strategic role of food security in national peace and stability, and credits the Tunisian
government's emphasis on food security for significant growth in agriculture production in
recent years. However, food security is not about production - it is about trade, food quality
and safety, marketing and distribution, and most importantly, about livelihoods. Food
security also requires close cooperation at the international level, and forums such as this
workshop are excellent opportunities to discuss regional programs and projects, and
cooperation in areas such as scientific research, knowledge exchange, and investment.
9
Summary of the Sessions
Food Security
Presentation: Introduction and Overview of food security in the Near East and North
Africa Region, Mohamed Aw-Dahir, FAO RNE
Countries in this region have distinct disparities in terms of levels of development and
resource endowment. There are wealthy countries that have a huge food-deficit and there are
also poor countries with high potential for food production. The agricultural sector
contributes 10% to regional GDP and employs 21% of the population. The key challenges
facing the region with regards to food security and nutrition (FSN) are a fragile resource base,
double burden of malnutrition, overreliance on food imports and the existence of food
insecurity in both chronic and acute forms. There are strengths and opportunities in the region
that can be further exploited; proximity to important foreign markets, dynamic private sector
and improved value addition and value chains. Importance was placed on the way forward;
especially the need for appropriate FSN policies and programs, including building
community resilience, also there is a need for stronger political, institutional and financial
commitment to address FSN problems and crucially providing evidence-based analysis
through joint knowledge products.
Presentation: A draft strategy paper, ‘Food Security and Nutrition in the NENA region:
issues and policy options’, Panos Konandreas, FAO
A presentation was conducted highlighting the main points from the draft strategy paper,
which was developed by FAO in collaboration with the World Bank, ESCWA and IFAD.
The draft strategy paper was developed based on the recommendations of the 31st Session of
the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC) in 2012, where FAO has been
requested to assist in developing a food security strategy and action plan for its
implementation.
Key problems in the NENA region were summarised with reference to demographic trends;
rising populations and urbanisation, nutrition; under nutrition, dietary deficiencies, obesity
and the economic costs of malnutrition, while also looking at the prevalence of conflict and
food insecurity. The presentation continued to look at consumption and production patterns in
the region, focusing on self-sufficiency ratios, commodity trade balances, accelerating import
growth, composition of food imports, where cereals constitute 28% of imports, also looking
at, trade trends; trade balances and price variability. Moreover, the presentation analysed the
trends in cereal yields; comparing the NENA region with the world, and in addition viewed
the renewable water resources m3 per capita per year, making a comparison between the
countries in there region. Furthermore, the presentation glanced at the heavy burden of food
losses and waste along the supply chain, identifying where the majority of loss takes place in
the region; which is during consumption, where the commodity mostly experiencing loss and
waste is cereals. Saudi Arabia was used as an example, displaying the inputs lost to food
10
losses, and compared the food losses and waste to the depth of the food deficit in the NENA
region.
In addition, policy recommendations were presented at national, regional level and
international levels. At a national level the recommendations are as follows: relieving the
demographic pressures, creating employment; especially for youth and women, increasing
food productivity; especially by smallholders, providing support to farmers and defending
against depressed prices, managing water resources, reducing food losses and food waste,
managing risks and the role of food stocks, rationalizing land acquisitions, strengthening
safety nets and nutrition education programmes. At a regional level the recommendations are
as follows: strengthening regional cooperation, consider regional food security stocks and an
Arab food security fund, improve market information, coordination and knowledge exchange
and cooperate in conflict resolution. Finally, at an international level the paper recommends
the following: strengthening food assistance programmes, implementing the Marrakesh
Decision and food financing facilities, strengthening WTO disciplines on export restrictions,
consider international food stocks and support to manage risks and rationalise biofuel
mandates and related policies.
Panel Discussion: Feedback on the draft strategy paper, ‘Food Security and Nutrition in
the NENA region: issues and policy options’
Facilitator: Alia Al-Dalli, Manager of the UNDP Regional Centre in Cairo
Panellists:
Dougou Keita, African Development Bank (ADB)
The analysis conducted in the draft strategy paper, confirms the ADB’s work on food
security and agriculture. The ADB has four priority and key intervention areas: (i) policy;
(ii) institutional capacity; (iii) infrastructure; (iv) innovations and techniques. The ADB’s
FSN strategy rests on two pillars; natural resource management and infrastructure, these
are implemented through partnerships, co-financing, analytical work and research.
The ADB is willing to support policies and programs of work, directly or through
partnerships, with a focus on the two aforementioned pillars.
Pascale Micheau, World Food Programme (WFP), ‘Addressing Food Security in the
Near East and North Africa: Key Strategic Elements’
Social safety nets (SSN) are investments that help to build resilience; they can spur
economic growth and effectively respond to crises. The presentation summarised the
polices of the WFP in the region, looking at the WFP Strategic Plan 2013-2018, WFP
Safety Nets Policy Update 2012, WFP policy on Capacity Development 2009, School
Feeding Policy 2009, updated in 2013. There is a growing demand for SSN in a climate
of increasing political instability, and there are many challenges that the region faces such
as; the ‘youth bulge’, high unemployment, import dependency, price volatility, high
inequality, constrained fiscal space leading to painful reforms and massive urbanisation.
11
In addition, the SSN constitute a significant proportion of national budgets and hence they
are no longer sustainable. The impact and targeting of SSN’s is low due to the huge
leakage of benefits to the non-poor and they also distort consumption patterns in favour of
calorie-rich diets.
WFP engagement in the region; includes food distribution, cash and vouchers, and school
feeding. Additionally, WFP provides development and technical assistance, through
school feeding, food security monitoring, social safety net reform and also food subsidy
reform.
Vito Intini, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA),
‘Governance and Food Security in the Context of Political Transition’
Through multiple assessments it seems there is a direct nexus between governance, food
security and violence. There is evidence that suggests that perceived corruption was a key
driving force behind popular discontent. Food security in this region is linked to poverty,
marginalisation and poor governance, hence where there is good governance this has a
significant domino effect on other challenges within a country, and as a result improving
governance in countries is an important method to deter the threat of conflict.
Oil revenues can be more effectively used in Arab countries, if they were to expand into
different sectors. Budget allocation could be more efficiently used to avoid heavy
leakages. The reform of SSN’s are strongly advised to release the fiscal burden on
government budgets, and establishing flexible, better targeted SSN’s will aid countries
during crisis situations. Finally, government reforms in the judiciary, business
environment, service delivery and land administration is crucial to spur business
investment in the countries, increase the inflow of capital, facilitate viable migration
flows and help address domestic and socio-economic and geographic imbalances.
Saleh Al Shanfari, Oman Food Investing Holding Company
The private sector has developed alongside the realities of governance, building
relationships between governments and investment institutions. But, foreign investors
have greater constraints when faced with trade, local communities and local resources.
Drawing on examples from Argentina and Sudan, El-Shanfari suggests that countries
should invest in their own countries and then should focus on creating partnerships, hence
improving trade relations in the region. This is also less provocative and less dangerous
for the private sector.
Regarding the production-demand gap in cereals, treating the problem of food loss and
waste (FLW) can contribute to reducing this gap; this requires investment along the value
chain and requires improving logistics, packaging and storing. There is a strong need for
an initiative to support investment in this area.
12
SUMMARY OF PLENARY DISCUSSION:
The relationship between governments and the private sector needs to be strengthened,
especially with regards to the private sector investing in methods to reduce food loss and
waste. In addition, there should be a forum for dialogue between the private sector,
governments and civil society, to discuss the extent of legal protection for the private sector;
to foster investment. It is important that the private sector and civil societies are included in
the decision-making process for food security and nutrition policy formulation.
There needs to be a shift in governance towards responsible agricultural investment, and also
look at the role of large scale investments to tackle food insecurity, protecting farmers’
incomes, the education of girls and the role of women in agriculture as a whole. Incentivise
responsible investment in poor areas without contributing to marginalisation. There needs to
be an increase in collaboration, where best practices can be shared across the region and
among regions; fostering South-South Cooperation; exchange of resources, technology and
knowledge.
Investment in agriculture, by increasing the availability of micro-finance, in the form of loans
and insurance, to help manage the assets of the most vulnerable, generate a consistent income
and contribute to poverty reduction. Look at the possibility of co-financing for investment in
infrastructure, as a means to develop resilience and assist better management of resources.
More thorough monitoring of investments by governments, there should be funds specifically
set up to be utilised by CSOs and there should also be greater protection against the misuse of
funds.
Greater integration between organisations and donors, as a means to encourage co-financing,
investment in infrastructure, to help develop resilience and support better management of
resources. Developing basic infrastructure in rural areas will have a ripple effect on
improving transportation routes, increasing employment and hence contributing to rural
development.
Look at the possibility of enlarging irrigation areas, as a means to increase productivity.
Assist governments in modernising trade methods, to help small holder farmers gain greater
access to the market. Advise governments to have staple food reserves, to decrease
vulnerability to shocks on the global market.
Initiate in-depth analysis of the supply chain, from pre- to post-production, to identify where
the food waste and losses are, in order to tackle the problem at different sections of the supply
chain; this may contribute to reducing the gap between production quantity and demand.
More emphasis needs to be made on food safety and food contamination, and the effects this
has on health. Strengthen cooperation with governments in order to upgrade food supply
chains. In addition, there should be a section included on this in the draft technical paper, as
this is an issue facing the region as a whole.
13
Advocate to wealthy people in individual countries to assist the poor; investment from
wealthier people in the country can help contribute to eradicating hunger.
RECOMMENDATIONS EMERGING FROM THE SESSION ON
FOOD SECURITY
1. The workshop supports the draft strategy paper “Food Security in the Near East and
North Africa: Issues and Policy Options”, developed by FAO in collaboration with the
World Bank, ESCWA and IFAD.
2. A coordinated multi-stakeholder approach is needed to advocate for political, financial
and institutional commitment to address the problem of chronic poverty, food
insecurity and malnutrition especially among vulnerable and marginalized groups.
3. In a climate of political transition for which the chance of success is highly linked with
the rule of law, improved food security governance is critical. Enabling environment,
including legal frameworks to facilitate pro-poor investment policies and programs to
improve food security also remains crucial.
4. The workshop noted and welcomed the initiative on Regional Food Security and
Nutrition proposed by the FAO Regional Office for the Near East (RNE) and its five
thematic focus areas, i) Improving policy, institutions and governance; ii) Supporting
the development of efficient FSIS for evidence-based analysis, policy formulation and
for FSN decision support; iii) Promoting the development of efficient and sustainable
food systems with specific attention to reducing food losses and waste; iv) Promoting
sustainable access of households to safe, nutritious and diversified food and; v)
Building resilience of vulnerable individuals, households, and communities.
5. Member Governments and other stakeholders are needed to address the following:
- Organise strategic dialogue on agricultural investment and rural development,
and facilitate sharing of best practices among countries in the region with the
aim of assisting countries achieve improved levels of food security and
nutrition.
- Enhance regional cooperation in agriculture and food trade and in conflict
resolution mechanisms to address the problem and root causes of acute food
insecurity within the region especially among the conflict affected, displaced
civilians and host communities.
- Address land issues by reforming land tenure systems supported with legal
framework, with due attention to the Voluntary Guidelines for Tenure of land to
ensure women and rural landless own their land hence improved access to credit
and productive resources.
14
- Improve the efficiency of inclusive food systems, throughout the entire food
chain from pre and post-harvest, through processing and transport to the
market as a means to contribute to improving availability of adequate and safe
food and reducing the food gap. Public-private partnerships and co-financing
mechanisms are important to improve infrastructure and link rural
communities and small producers to markets.
- Develop effective food security and market information systems supported by
accurate and timely data collection and analysis, by strengthening agricultural
extension services.
- Social Safety Nets are an investment in inclusive, sustainable and resilient
development which ultimately contributes to food and nutrition security.
However the untargeted social safety nets programmes in the region, in their
current form, are no longer sustainable and should be reformed to improve
efficiency and effectiveness through proper targeting and improved supply
chain.
- Establish a disaster risk reduction fund and agricultural insurance for resilience
and mitigate risk against natural and manmade disasters.
15
Nutrition Enhancing Agriculture and Food Systems
Presentation: Introduction to the session ‘Nutrition-enhancing agriculture and food
systems’ Fatima Hachem, FAO RNE
A summary of the status of nutrition in the NENA region was presented. Although the
region’s dietary energy supply has improved over time, is has become less diversified; diets
have become increasingly energy rich and nutrient poor. The region has not substantially
improved the nutritional status of children, with the exception of Tunisia, and there has been
deterioration in some countries. Furthermore, the double burden of nutrition remains an issue
in all countries, however it varies in scale. The key challenges facing the region were
highlighted. Particular attention was given to stunting, which is most significant in Yemen,
Sudan, and Egypt. Obesity rates are highest in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Kuwait.
Anemia is significant among children below the age of 5 in Mauritania and Sudan, substantial
among pregnant women in Egypt and Sudan, and noteworthy among non-pregnant women in
Sudan and Mauritania.
Panel Discussion: Policies, programmes and interventions for nutrition-enhancing
agriculture and food systems
Facilitator: Fatima Hachem, FAO RNE
The objective of the session was to discuss how to improve policies, programmes and
interventions for making agriculture and food systems more nutrition-enhancing.
Presentations were made by a group of panelists who represent international organizations,
research institutes and government, followed by a plenary discussion.
Panellists:
‘Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition’ Florence Egal, FAO
The presentation started by providing the malnourishment statistics globally and outlining
the overlapping burdens of malnutrition. Patterns of consumption are changing, and
likewise for the key causes of malnutrition; there is a need for varied diets that will
provide a combination of nutrients required for a healthy and active life. Variety of food
is linked to food systems, which ultimately determine the availability of food. Food value
chains and local food systems contribute to moving towards more sustainable diets; diets
that are nutritionally adequate, safe and healthy. Recommendations of how to tackle
malnourishment in the region were made, highlighting the need for a multi-sectorial
approach. This can involve a shift from supply to demand, where consumers play a key
role in reorienting food systems, such as through locally grown products, school feeding
programs, and labelling standards. In addition, integrating nutrition education
systematically into food security programmes and projects can help increase the supply
and consumption of nutrient-rich foods. This can be done through factoring in rural-urban
16
linkages, integrating the ‘right to food’ within the social sector, reviewing subsidies, and
through sharing of best practices among member states.
‘The World Bank’s Approach to Agricultural Development’ Yurie Tanimichi Hoberg,
World Bank (WB)
The global context of agriculture is evolving; increased food price uncertainty is the new
normal, agriculture is vulnerable to climate change, and nutrition is becoming a key
development issue. The region faces unprecedented challenges within the agricultural
sector with a rapidly increasing demand for more food as populations continue to rise.
Malnutrition is increasingly becoming a key issue in the region, which brings to light the
key linkages between agriculture and nutrition. Nutrition-sensitive agriculture must be
embodied in the agricultural sector which should be supported by stakeholders. Key
objectives include; investing in women, increasing access to high-nutrient content food,
enhancing dietary diversity and incorporating explicit nutrition objectives and indicators.
Examples of ‘nutrition sensitive’ activities to be incorporated into the World Bank’s
agricultural projects are; raising agricultural productivity, linking farmers to markets and
reducing risk and vulnerability. There is a need to incorporate a ‘nutrition-lens’ in
agricultural policy, dialogue and policy-making, as the importance of nutrition is often
overlooked.
‘Positioning Nutrition as Central for a Food Secure Arab World’ Perrihan Al-Riffai,
International Food Policy Research Centre (IFPRI)
Nutrition should be central for a food secure Arab World, where there are key links
between malnutrition and exacerbated poverty and slower economic growth. The main
nutritional challenges are; the growth-nutrition disconnect, where agricultural and
economic growth is not sufficient for eradicating malnutrition; relatively high prevalence
of child stunting throughout the region (an example of Egypt was used to display how the
political transition has increased malnutrition); and finally, the double burden of
malnutrition, which is most prevalent in Iraq and Egypt.
As a means to improve nutrition regionally, member states could be learning from good
practice globally. These include the Copenhagen Consensus, where 5 out of 10 top
development solutions are directly related to nutrition, and the example of Brazil, where
malnutrition was halved in 10 years through large-scale nutrition interventions,
investment in drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, and regular process monitoring
and evaluation. A promising example is of Yemen’s National Food Security Strategy,
where 3 out of the 7 points of the Action Plan are related to nutrition; smart transfers,
restructure public spending and services, and women’s empowerment and awareness
campaigns. Additionally, the Action Plan highlights investment areas related to nutrition.
Also critical to improving nutrition is better access and availability of data; more and
better data and free access to high quality information is crucial. Addressing the double
burden of nutrition will require additional research and reviewing the social safety nets in
the region. Finally, efficient cost-effective intervention programs are needed.
17
‘Nutritional Status in Egypt in Relation to Agriculture’ Akila Saleh, Food Security
Information Centre, Egypt
Egypt faces a number of nutritional challenges; most evident are micronutrient
deficiencies such as anaemia, and zinc and iron deficiencies which are more prevalent in
Fayoum and New Valley. There is significant child stunting in Egypt - approximately
29% of children under the age of 5 were stunted as of 2008, specifically in the rural areas
of Upper Egypt. Rapid assessments have been conducted showing that cereal and
sweeteners consist of a large portion of daily diets, most significantly in the various
Governorates in Upper Egypt. Moreover, assessments have shown limited diversity in
daily consumption of fresh vegetables among families. Together, the evidence suggests
that the nutritional status in Upper Egypt is poor and has led to high levels of stunting,
underweight and wasting. The coping mechanism for food poverty most commonly
adopted by households in Governorates of Upper Egypt is to use ‘useless favourable
cheap food’ as an alternative, followed by ‘obtaining food on credit’ and ‘eating smaller
amounts’, amongst others.
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has invested in a variety of activities to tackle
malnutrition in Egypt, through the establishment of the Food Security Information Centre
in 2007 and the establishment of the Food Security Advisory Board in 2010, which aims
to support decision makers in providing information on food security and nutrition. For
example, one study collected hair samples from parts of the population where an iron
deficiency was discovered, and it was recommended to fertilise the soil with
micronutrients, especially zinc. The MoA have also invested in income generating
projects, such as milk processing units in rural areas, mushroom production and cooking,
breeding and keeping small animals and finally, roof gardens to produce vegetables. The
MoA investments have been made to address malnourishment of children, such as
through school feeding programmes and educational kitchens in schools and youth clubs.
SUMMARY OF PLENARY DISCUSSION:
A strong political commitment is needed to change customs within member countries; this
reinforces the need for a multi-stakeholder platform where member states can learn from best
practices in other countries. It is essential to encourage governments to incorporate food
security and nutrition into agricultural policy making. Examples were given from Sudan and
Egypt displaying programs that have worked for them; the Al Massar movement in East
Sudan has worked with NGOs to develop school feeding programs. In Egypt an awareness
program involved educating women about wholesome meals and nutritional value meals
during pregnancy.
Nutrition is a multi-sectorial problem, and thus all stakeholders should be included in the
decision making process. Governments of the region need to re-establish connectivity,
credibility and open dialogue with their people. There needs to be a more interactive
18
decision-making process where decision makers can understand from the people what their
greatest concerns and solutions are, and hence solutions can be tailored to needs. There
should be a comprehensive and integrated national vision for each country, and for the
region. A council should be created that will include the relative ministries, UN agencies, and
other stakeholders, where challenges can be presented and effective solutions can be offered.
There needs to be greater integration and stronger collaboration between the government and
the private sector, so that the government can act where the private sector is not present.
Food assistance in countries needs to include locally produced, highly nutritious items for
example, food baskets distributed by the WFP. This will not only help improve access to food
and improve nutrition, but it will also help small farmers. Furthermore, the focus should be
on improving food systems rather than supplementary minerals in foodstuffs, as is
recommended or found in many countries.
Empowering women through education and training on the importance of nutrition helps
improve stunting and wasting among children, including men in this educational process is
essential too in raising awareness. Thus, it is important to support institutions and
governments in raising awareness about eating behaviours that need to be changed, through
initiatives, education, campaigns etc. Improving the status of women and empowering
women is very important, hence focus should be placed on women’s access to register and
own land.
There needs to be significant investment in data collection displaying updated nutritional
information. Develop a structure for surveillance, consensus and analysis, which can be
utilised for effective policy development.
Local producers are losing their indigenous seeds due to climate change and genetically
modified seeds, the government needs to greater protect and empower these farmers.
Health is closely related to diets, therefore there is a need to more closely integrate
information and activities with the health and social sector.
Strategies to achieve FSN need to include reducing the consumption of sugar and salt. There
also needs to be the inclusion of paradigms of production pertaining to the improvement of
quality, for example organic production and voluntary standards, such as a certificate of
origin.
19
MAIN POINTS EMERGING FROM THE DISCUSSION ON
NUTRITION ENHANCING AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS
1. Policy and governance:
The political will is a necessary base upon which to build a strategy to combat malnutrition.
Governments need to further open communication channels, create dialogues and build
credibility with the people to have a long term vision and come up with integrated strategies
that represent them.
On the policy level, there is a need to recognise the multi-sectorial aspect of the problem
and to create:
- Multi-stakeholder committees, including civil society representatives
- Well-designed projects that incorporate various aspects
- Sustainable solutions on social, environmental and economic levels
- Integration of information systems and activities
Need to incorporate “the right to food” in constitutions for the whole population, in
particular those who cannot afford it. The right to food involves the right to sufficient,
accessible and adequate food.
2. Agricultural practices and crops
Diversify agricultural production and to include non-traditional and highly nutritional crops.
Focus on local crops and seeds that are well adapted to the environment and the ecosystem
capacity and as such incorporate traditional knowledge; crop cycles, local varieties etc.
giving special attention to environmental/ecosystem reconciliation.
There is a need for a food labeling system (nutrition information).
3. Awareness and education
Focus on education of women and raising the awareness of all family members to nutritional
issues.
Reconcile production to consumption and nutrition needs.
4. Funding bodies and private sector
Major funding agents need to and are adapting their policies to include nutrition in their
plans: the World Bank has now changed perspective in their most recent Agriculture plan.
Private sectors (producers of fertilizers and nutrients) have a role to play in combating
malnutrition and providing solutions to nutrient deficiency.
Collaboration between various organizations and governments is necessary to generate clear
needs and targets.
20
Focus on supporting small food producers who need aid/grants etc. to access land, markets
and innovative approaches.
There is a need for widespread women empowerment through income generating projects,
continuous education and awareness.
Finally, there needs to be more school feeding schemes that focus on fighting malnutrition.
5. General
Nutrition could be considered as an entry point to tackle various issues such as gender,
health and environment.
Re-address the role of agriculture to encompass nutrition, healthy lifestyle etc.
21
CFS consultative process to develop ‘Principles for Responsible Agricultural
Investments (CFS-RAI) in the context of Food Security and Nutrition’
Chiara Cirulli, Programme Officer, FAO/CFS Secretariat presented an overview of the
new CFS, its mandate, vision and progress made in its policy convergence work since its
reform in 2009.
Christina Blank, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Rome
Based Agencies and Chair of the CFS Open Ended Working Group on Principles for
Responsible Agricultural Investments (CFS-RAI) presented an overview of the CFS-
RAI consultative process, its schedule, terms of reference as well as an introduction to the
Zero Draft.
Participants welcomed the presentations and the fact that CFS is addressing this complex
issue. Some participants noted the voluntary and non-binding nature of the principles and the
challenge of translating the principles into reality on the ground. Ms Gerda Verburg, CFS
Chair, intervened from the floor encouraging participants to engage in this consultative
process and emphasizing the value-added of multi-stakeholder consensus in transforming
policies into actions.
Ms Christina Blank and Ms Chiara Cirulli facilitated a Q&A and feedback session with
participants, focused around three guiding questions: (i) What are the main needs for
agricultural investments in the region? (i) What are the main challenges to agricultural
investments in the region? (ii) Are those needs and challenges reflected in the Zero Draft?
(i) What are the main needs for agricultural investments in the region?
Key points included the need for investments to:
- preserve natural resources, especially land and water
- improve infrastructure
- increase productivity
- upgrade technologies
- build the capacity of farmers
- promote family farming
- improve labour conditions
(ii) What are the main challenges to agricultural investments in the region?
Key points included:
- Political instability
22
- Inadequacy of legal frameworks to protect investors
- Price volatility
- Lack of insurance coverage
- Un-skilled labour
(iii) Are those needs and challenges reflected in the Zero Draft?
Most comments focused on the need for the principles to serve as a practical tool and the
need to improve the roles and responsibility section for each stakeholder category. Some
participants also emphasized the importance of an adequate monitoring and accountability
framework for CFS. Further work to fully integrate a rights based approach into the draft
was also encouraged.
23
CFS consultative process to develop an Agenda for Action (A for A) for
addressing food insecurity in protracted crises
Julius Jackson, Technical Officer FAO, provided an overview of the CFS-led consultative
process and overall approach. The presentation reflected CFS Members’ and Participants’
feedback on the pre-Zero Draft version of the document, coming out of the second CFS-A4A
Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) which was held on 31st October, 2013.
Mariam Al Jaajaa, Arab Group for the Protection of Nature, provided a Civil Society
Mechanism (CSM) perspective and expectations on the CFS-A4A process.
Mr Jackson facilitated a Q&A and feedback session with participants, focused around three
guiding questions. Participants were requested to (i) reflect on their own experiences in the
region, and to share any good practices or examples; (ii) to identify any linkages with the
parallel CFS initiative to develop Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment (CFS-
RAI); and (iii) to consider whether the role of food security and nutrition in peace-building
initiatives in the region was adequately understood and integrated.
Participants noted the complexity of dealing with food insecurity in protracted crises, and
welcomed the fact that this was being addressed by the CFS. Some of the key points raised
included:
- The importance of reflecting preventative actions in the CFS-A4A in order to avoid
protracted crises developing and/or deepening;
- The potential role of social safety nets and support to building resilient livelihoods as
important programmatic approaches;
- The additional burden on host communities absorbing IDPs and refugees as a result of
protracted crises, and the concomitant negative impact on food security and nutrition;
- The linkages between food security and nutrition and peace-building initiatives is
inadequately understood and reflected. Indeed, it was noted that even ensuring that
national strategies properly reflect food security and nutrition concerns was a
significant challenge in itself;
- The need for additional risk-taking by donors, both national and international, in
addressing food insecurity in these contexts was recognized. Aid providers need to be
prepared to consider risking greater levels of up-stream investment in protracted crisis
situations. Reasons for not investing in ex-ante risk reduction to improve food
security and nutrition in protracted crises may be compelling, but not doing so makes
little sense in the long-term, and can lead to a situation of entrenched humanitarian
assistance;
- Acknowledgment of the role that agricultural research can potentially play in the
context of revitalizing local, rural institutions for sustainable, resilient livelihood
solutions, addressing food insecurity and supporting societal regeneration through
transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology.
24
In summing up the discussion, and thanking the participants for their observations and
contributions, it was noted that many of the points raised were closely aligned with the
overall tenets of the draft principles currently being elaborated by the CFS-A4A drafting
team. In particular, the linking of short- with long-term (in terms of both funding and
programming); the importance of community-led partnerships; the need for capacity and
institutional development; and designing coherent strategies to address the complexities,
contingencies and interdependencies of the underlying causes and consequences of food
insecurity in protracted crises.
25
Food Losses and Waste Reduction
Presentation: Introduction and FAO’s work in NENA, Elhadi Yahia Kazuz, FAO
FAO RNE reported on work undertaken in support of food loss and waste reduction since the
2012 Multi-stakeholder Workshop on Food Security and Nutrition. Food losses and waste
reduction has become a priority area for FAO RNE, following the request of the 31st FAO
NERC. A cornerstone of this work has been the development of the Strategy for food loss
and waste Reduction in the Near East North Africa (NENA) Region, which was informed,
firstly, by an Expert Consultation Meeting held in December 2012, and secondly, by an
extensive review of studies conducted on the issue in NENA.
Regional workshops and trainings have been held on topics such as supporting value chain
development and finance, increased and improved value addition, quality and safety
management systems, and cold chain infrastructure. Projects are in development as well, for
example the Integrated Food Security Project in Kassala, Sudan to support value chain
development and livelihoods. Several FAO publications were displayed during the
presentation, all of which are available from FAO RNE’s website. Finally, activities carried
out to enhance education; awareness and advocacy include the development of a series of
documentary films that were shown to participants as part of this presentation.
Presentation: Studies conducted on Food Losses and Waste, Omar al Jabri, Sultan
Qaboos University
The results of an extensive review of research and work relating to food losses and waste in
NENA was presented, including an analysis of current knowledge and data on the issue, and
recommended areas for further study.
Overall, there remains a shortage of information on food losses and waste in NENA.
Important data gaps includes data on losses at individual country levels and by crop; the
impacts of food wastage; non-harvested quantities of agricultural production and the reasons
for non-harvest; and alternative uses of wasted food in NENA. Much of the research done has
focused on pre- and post- harvest losses, to the neglect of losses and waste at marketing and
consumption stages. Furthermore, data on the magnitude of food losses and waste are
estimates, and the methodologies for data collection are undocumented.
Further investigation into food losses and waste was proposed as a key element for
developing food supply chains and for assessing supply chain efficiency. In the short run, a
common methodology for loss and waste estimation is needed, as are country-level
assessments of the magnitude of food losses and waste for each stage of the supply chain and
for specific commodity groups such as cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, milk and dairy
products, and fish. Over the longer term, feasibility studies are needed to support project
development, and feasible projects implemented.
26
Presentation: The draft “Strategy for Food Losses and Waste Reduction in the NENA
region”, Abdallah Omezzine, University of Nizwa
The draft FAO “Strategy for Food Losses and Waste Reduction in the NENA region” is an
important milestone in working towards the goal of reducing food losses and waste by 50%
over 10 years, as requested by the 31st FAO NERC in 2012. The problem of food losses and
waste in NENA can actually contribute to solving food insecurity; reducing food losses and
waste will increase food availability, and partly relieve the pressures of growing food demand
and limited potential to increase production. However, food losses and waste persist due to
weaknesses in awareness; data; policies and incentives; institutions and coordination; and
lack of investment.
The draft strategy sets out three objectives; increase the efficiency of the food system, make
better use of natural resources in the food system; and provide financial savings throughout
the supply chain and at the consumer level. The three objectives are achieved through four
components, research and development; raising awareness and promoting good practice;
policy development, collaboration and coordination; and investment in projects. Under each
of these components are a set of actions and activities. Implementation will rely on
stakeholders’ voluntary agreements and commitments, and on public regulatory initiatives to
improve supply chain operation and efficiency.
Presentation: Linking a “Strategy for Food Losses and Waste Reduction in the NENA
region” to the Global SAVE FOOD Initiative, Robert van Otterdijk, FAO
The SAVE FOOD Global Initiative on Food Loss and Waste Reduction was presented,
including its strategic direction, the partnership model, and certain on-going initiatives. The
four pillars underpinning the work of the SAVE FOOD Global Initiative are strongly aligned
with the four components of the NENA strategy; increased awareness of the impact and
solutions for food loss and waste; collaboration and coordination; policy, strategy and
programme development; and support to investment programs and projects.
By linking the NENA regional strategy to a global platform for food loss and waste
reduction, NENA member countries can draw lessons from the other regions and bring its
voice to global forums. Lessons drawn from the Global Initiative’s work give rise to four key
streams of thought on food loss and waste reduction. Firstly, to increase food availability,
food loss and waste reduction is in more efficient than increasing food production. Secondly,
only the private sector (including farmers) can reduce food losses at a significant scale.
Thirdly, the public sector creates the enabling environment, through research and providing
guidance, for the private sector to invest and act. Finally, food losses and waste have to be
dealt with along the whole food supply chain, in the context of sustainable food systems.
27
Panel Discussion: The draft “Strategy for Food Losses and Waste Reduction in the
NENA region”
Facilitator: Nasredin Hag Elamin, FAO
The main objective of the session on Food Loss and Waste Reduction was to review and
discuss the draft regional strategy, in order to finalize the document for presentation to FAO
member countries at the upcoming 32nd
NERC. The panel discussion gathered a large group
of contributors, who reviewed the strategy from their unique perspective and presented their
comments as follows,
- Research and Development Component, Tareq Al Ati, Mohammad M. Ajlouni, Alaa
Azouz and Mohmud El Tellisi
The four components of the strategy are highly interrelated (investment, R&D,
Policy and awareness), however it was noted that R&D is cross-cutting and a
priority in terms of the sequence of actions. Suggestions were made to
enhance the research and development component of the draft strategy.
- Raising Awareness and Promoting Good Practice, Indrani Thuraisingham and Ib
Knutsen
Awareness of food losses and waste needs to be raised among all stakeholders,
and suggestions were given for actions targeting each group. For consumers,
the panelists emphasized responsible consumption versus cultural or
traditional practices, and how these often diverge from one another. Producers
need to understand the impact of losses on their livelihoods. Agribusinesses
can reduce losses and waste by adopting recognized quality and safety
standards.
- Policy development, collaboration and coordination, Mohamed Ben Youssef,
Hussein Mansour, Akila Saleh, Azimi Pirsoltan Mohammad and Robert van Otterdijk
Coordination and collaboration among actors is seen as essential not only for
food loss and waste reduction, but also for value chain development and
sustainable food systems. Therefore, regional and international networks, and
a national authority for food loss and waste reduction were seen as necessary
to enhance coordination and collaboration.
- Investment Component and Private Sector Perspectives, Zakaria H’Mad,
Mohammad Al-Munaifi and Saleh Al Shanfari
Although food loss and waste reduction lies with private sector actors
(including producers), there are many important ways for governments to
provide support in terms of coordination, knowledge, and public goods. The
panellists delivered a set of recommendations and first-hand experience in
agro-investment and agro-industry.
- Government perspectives, Ali Abdullah Al Gunid and Hussein Ali Al-Wasiti
The essential role of government was highlighted in supporting research and
development, investing in market infrastructure, and delivering the national
action plans and legislative support for food losses and waste reduction.
28
Consultation meeting for the establishment of a Save Food Regional Network
A side event was held to consult a group of fifty participants on a proposed regional, multi-
stakeholder network for food loss and waste reduction. The participants acknowledged the
importance of such a network, and endorsed the establishment of a SAVE FOOD Regional
Network for the NENA region. A presentation of the proposed network structure and
knowledge platform was made and received feedback that will be taken into account by a
network steering committee. It was agreed that the network shall be multi-disciplinary and
inclusive of all stakeholders, including producers, civil society, the private sector,
government, researchers and others. The priority for network activities is to share data,
information and good practices, and all activities would be complementary to the draft
“Strategy for Reducing Food Losses and Waste in the NENA region”.
SUMMARY OF PLENARY DISCUSSION
The draft strategy provides a framework and guidance towards reducing food losses and
waste by 50% over ten years. It is aligned with the Global SAVE FOOD initiative and builds
on the work undertaken in the region thus far.
Food loss and waste reduction in the NENA region, in particular, is closely tied with food
availability and can play an integral role in national and regional food security. Questions
were raised about whether strategies for food loss and waste reduction and food security
should be integrated or exist in parallel. The answer depends on the circumstances of each
country. However, a regional strategy for food losses and waste reduction can guide national
action plans and targeted, feasible initiatives at the national level.
Establishing a national office for food losses and waste reduction was deemed to be an
important step to augment and focus responsibilities. However, the issue is multi-faceted and
involves multiple stakeholders. A national office should therefore be responsible for
coordination among the ministries of agriculture, health, education, industry and others in
order to implement a national action plan. Equally important is to establish networks among
government and the private sector (including producers), civil society, and research
institutions, at both the national and regional levels. This would allow for information and
knowledge transfer, and foster the coordination essential to tackling the issue.
Raising awareness is essential and different information and outreach techniques should be
used to target different stakeholders such as producers, consumers, and policy makers. Civil
society has a critical role to play in this regards. Namely, in piloting new initiatives,
establishing mechanisms for education at the community level and beyond, and enhancing
public awareness of food security, nutrition, and sustainable diets. Lessons can be drawn
from experience in other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Japan.
Investment is an important component of the strategy. However, a better understanding is
needed of what is currently preventing investment from being made in infrastructure,
29
technology and research. Governments can support targeted incentives for investment and
encourage the responsibility of investors towards society. Governments can also alleviate
investment risk, including for small scale producers and agribusinesses, and provide support
in times of natural disaster.
The importance of small-scale producers in food loss and waste reduction was stressed.
Knowledge and innovation are an important part of the solution, and farmer-to-farming
training and best practice sharing should be encouraged. Infrastructure is essential, not only
for developing the cold chain, but also transportation and market infrastructure, and these
should be inclusive of the needs of small-scale producers.
RECOMMENDATIONS EMERGING FROM THE SESSION ON
FOOD LOSSES AND WASTE REDUCTION
1. The workshop supports the FAO Draft Regional Strategy to Reduce Food Losses and
Waste in the NENA region, which was developed based on the recommendations of the
31st Session of the FAO NERC in 2012, where FAO was requested to assist member
countries in reducing food losses and food waste by 50% over 10 years.
2. Taking note of growing uncertainty in global food markets, widening food deficits, and
dwindling natural resources especially land and water, the workshop recommends that
food losses and waste reduction in NENA be seen as a fundamental pillar for improved
food security and nutrition, sustainable food systems, and for easing pressure on fragile
ecosystems.
3. The workshop took note and appreciates the efforts of FAO RNE towards assisting
member countries in achieving the objectives of food losses and waste reduction,
including expert consultations, studies, building awareness and, most importantly the
development of a draft strategy.
4. The Workshop recommends integrating the comments and views from the rich
discussion among panellists and participants into the final draft version of the Draft
Strategy to be presented at the 32nd FAO NERC, to be held in February 2014.
30
ANNEX 1: Agenda and Timetable
Day One: 4 November 2013
09.00-09.40 Official opening remarks
- Ms Gerda Verburg, the CFS Chair, Ambassador and Permanent
Representative to the Rome Based Agencies
- Mr Saleh Al Shanfari, CEO – Oman Food Investment Holding Co.
SAOC
- Ms Alia Al-Dalli, Manager, UNDP Regional Centre in Cairo
- Mr Pasquale Steduto, Deputy Regional Representative FAO
- H.E Mohamed Ben Salem Minister of Agriculture, Tunisia
Identification of Workshop Rapporteur: Mrs Nadoua Gmir Dhaou
09.40-10.00 Photo Session & Coffee break
10.00-10.15
10.15-12.15
Introductory Remarks about the workshop, Nasredin Elamin, FAO
Overview of food security in the Near East and North Africa,
Mohamed AwDahir, FAO
Global and regional food security agenda, initiatives and strategies
“Addressing food security in the Near East and North Africa: Key
strategic elements” Presentation by Panos Konandreas
Panellists:
Alia Al-Dalli, UNDP – Facilitator
Pascale Micheau, WFP
Salah El Shanfari, Private sector, Oman
Vito Intini, ESCWA
Dougou Keita, African Development Bank
12.15-13.30 Lunch break
13.30- 15.30
Nutrition-enhancing agriculture and food systems
Fatima Hachem, FAO - Facilitator
Panellists:
Akila Saleh, Egypt
Florence Egal, FAO
Perrihan Al-Riffai, IFPRI
Yurie Tanimichi Hoberg, WB
15.30-16.00 Coffee break
16:00-17:00 Wrap up by Rapporteur
31
Day Two: 5 November 2013
09.00 - 10.00 CFS consultative process to develop “Principles for Responsible
Agricultural Investments (CFS-RAI) in the context of Food Security
and Nutrition”
Introduction
Chiara Cirulli – Programme Officer, CFS Secretariat
Overview on the CFS RAI process
Christina Blank - Chair of the CFS-RAI Open Ended Working Group
(Switzerland)
Feedback from participants
10.00 - 10.30
10.30 – 12.30
Coffee break
Feedback from participants (cont.)
13.30 - 13.30 Lunch break
13.30- 15.30
CFS consultative process to develop an Agenda for Action (A for A)
for addressing food insecurity in protracted crises
Overview on the Agenda for Action Process
Julius Jackson – Technical Officer, FAO
Civil Society Mechanism’s perspective
Mariam Al Jaajaa - The Arab Group for the Protection of Nature
15.30 - 16.00
16.00 – 17.00
Coffee break
Feedback from participants
32
Day Three: 6 November 2013
09.00 - 10.40
10.40 – 11.10
11.10 – 13.00
12.30 – 13.30
13.30 – 15.15
Food Losses and Waste Reduction
9:00: Introduction
Elhadi Yahia, Regional Agro-Industry & Infrastructure Officer,
FAO RNE
9:15: FAO work on Food Losses and Waste Reduction in NENA since
the CFS Consultation in Khartoum, September 2012
Elhadi Yahia, Regional Agro-Industry & Infrastructure Officer,
FAO RNE
10:10 Studies conducted on Food Losses and Waste in the NENA
Region: Review, conclusions and suggested actions
Omar al Jabri, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman
Coffee Break
11:10: A Regional Strategy to Reduce Food Losses and Waste in the
NENA region
Abdallah Omezzine, Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate
Studies, University of Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
11:50: Linking the NENA Strategy with the Global Save Food Initiative
Robert van Otterdijk, Team Leader, Save Food Global Initiative
on Food Loss and Waste Reduction, FAO
12:10: Discussion
Lunch Break
Panel Discussion: The Regional Strategy to Reduce Food Losses and
Waste in the NENA Region
Introduction (15 minutes)
Moderator: Nasredin Hag Elamin, Senior Policy Officer, FAO/RNE
Panellists (75 minutes)
Each “group” of panellists for each component is requested to
coordinate and prepare joint feedback, each taking a specific
perspective on the components and implementation of the strategy, and
selecting 1 presenter (10-15 minutes each)
Research and Development Component
Mohammad M. Ajlouni, Executive Secretary, AARINENA
Mohmud El-Tellisi, General Manager, Libyan National Centre for
Standardization & Meteorology
Tareq Al Ati, Research Associate, Kuwait Institute for Scientific
Research
Alaa Azouz, Director, Food Technology Research Inst., ARC
33
15.15 – 15.45
15.45 – 16.45
16.45 – 17.00
Raising awareness and promoting good practice component
Indrani Thuraisingham, Head of Consumers International – Office for
Asia Pacific and the Middle East
Ib Knutsen, FAO Communication Consultant
Policy development, collaboration and coordination component:
Mohamed Ben Youssef, Director General, Arab Industrial
Development & Mining Organization (AIDMO)
Hussein Mansour, Food Safety Agency Management Unit, Cairo,
Egypt
Akila Saleh, General Coordinator, Food Security Information Centre
Azimi Pirsoltan Mohammad, Senior Expert of International Relations,
Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture
Robert van Otterdijk, FAO
Investment component
Mohammad Al-Munaifi, Acting Managing Director, Head of Food
Security Committee, Kuwait Investment Authority
Zakaria H´Mad, Director General, Technopark Agrofood Bizerte
Saleh Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Food Investment Holding Co. SAOC
Government perspective:
Ali Abdullah Al Gunid, General Director of Planning & Monitoring,
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Republic of Yemen
Hussein Ali Al-Wasiti, Agricultural Advisor of Prime Minister, Prime
Minister Office – Advisory Commission, Iraq
Interaction among panellists (15 minutes)
Coffee Break
General Discussion of Regional Strategy among all participants
Final Comments by Rapporteur: Mohamed AwDahir, FAO/RNE
17.00 – 18:00 Final wrap up by Workshop Rapporteur and plenary discussion
Conclusions and recommendations: The way forward
34
ANNEX 2: Speeches
Mr Pasquale Steduto, Deputy Regional Representative for the Near East, FAO
H.E. Mohamed Ben Salem, Minister of Agriculture Tunisia,
Ms Gerda Verburg, CFS Chair, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands to the Rome Based Agencies,
Mrs Alia Al-Dalli, UNDP Manager of the Regional Centre in Cairo
Mrs Nadoua Gmir Dhaou, Workshop Rapporteur,
Honourable Representatives, Guests and UN Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), I would
like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Government of Tunisia for hosting this
important Workshop “Regional Multi-stakeholder Workshop on Food Security and
Nutrition”. Our sincere appreciation is also extended to the CFS Secretariat, all the
participants, our partners, panellists, facilitators and Rapporteurs, and we are thrilled to have
14 countries present with us today.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important Workshop on Food Security and Nutrition.
The Workshop is organised as a follow-up to a recommendation made by the 31st Session of
the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East and North Africa (NERC-31) held in Rome,
Italy from the 14 to 18 May, 2012. The Conference requested CFS to organize a regional
food security and nutrition workshop prior to the 39th Session of the CFS, to address issues
on investment in the value chain of agricultural commodities, agro-industries, and food losses
and waste, to prepare for the 39th Session of the CFS, as well as set the regional priorities
that will be included in the agenda of future CFS sessions. The conference also requested
technical support for member countries to address the key challenges of reducing food losses
and waste in the region by 50 per cent within ten years.
Moreover, the Regional Conference, requested that FAO (and the UN system, for that matter)
to help develop a regional food security strategy complemented by an action plan, which
could focus on mechanisms for handling food price volatility, investment, creation of
strategic grain reserves, and improving food security and nutrition information systems.
Based on the above recommendations, the CFS Secretariat, in collaboration with the FAO
Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa organized this workshop. Gathered today
with us are experts and policy makers from all the countries in the region, as well as
representatives from UN agencies, financial institutions, regional organizations, civil society
organizations, the private sector, academic and research institutions, and other leaders in the
field of food security and nutrition.
35
Distinguished Guests,
As you are all well aware, the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region is undergoing
significant transformation including challenging political and social changes, which have
great impact on the food and livelihood security of the population.
One of the key drivers of food insecurity in the region is the conflict, civil insecurity and
political instability in many parts of the region. This has contributed to the problem of access
to adequate and nutritious food and hence is affecting the most vulnerable parts of the
population. At the essence of this problem is the Syrian Crisis, which has not only hindered
agricultural production within Syria, but also led to the disruption of trade routes through
Syria and placed heavy strain on the resources of neighbouring countries due to the influx of
refugees. In addition, the risks associated with food quality and safety, and threats of trans
boundary animal and plant diseases and pests have increased as a result of the informal trade
and the changing trade routes, due to the conflict.
It is my sincere hope that the workshop will create increased awareness about food security
challenges in Member countries and create an environment to enhance collaboration between
countries in the region, in order to avert the imminent risks and ensure food security for the
people in this region.
Distinguished Guests;
By virtue of its mandate, FAO in partnership with all the stakeholders is committed to
support member countries design effective and appropriate food security policies and
programs. This workshop is therefore aimed at sharing and discussing policy options for
countries in the region in the areas of (i) Addressing food security in the Near East and North
Africa: Key strategic elements; (ii) nutrition-enhancing agriculture and food systems; (iii)
responsible agriculture investments (RAI) in the context of food security and nutrition (iv)
food security in protracted crises and (v) food losses and food waste reduction. The workshop
is intended to create the opportunity to share best practices and facilitate inter-regional
dialogue as well as experience sharing among key stakeholders.
Finally, I encourage all participants, especially those dealing with different aspects of food
security (policies, programs, data and information systems, investments etc.) to engage in
constructive debates and exchange of ideas. In our cooperation, we hope that we can provide
rigorous analysis, and actionable recommendations including policy options to governments
and decision makers of this region. I hope that our meeting today yields sustainable and
fruitful cooperation, as well as long lasting partnerships and collaboration.
I wish you a fruitful meeting and discussion,
Thank you.
36
Ms Gerda Verburg, CFS Chair,
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the
Rome Based Agencies
Salam Aleikum.
Good morning,
It is a great honour and blessed pleasure to be here at the 3rd Regional Multi-Stakeholder
Workshop on Food Security and Nutrition.
You are showing leadership by organizing this multi-stakeholder meeting in the region. The
position of the CFS is very special; we have on board not only the representatives of
governments, but also representatives of science and research institutions, civil society, non-
governmental organizations and, of course, the private sector.
I am a farmer’s daughter. I was born and I grew up in the Netherlands. The Netherlands,
already implied by its name, lies very low. One third of our country is below sea level and
some parts are up to 6 metres below sea level. This is not new; this has been the case since
the 14th or 15th century. People in the Netherlands have had to work together otherwise they
would have been drowned. Until now, we have been successful. But what does this mean? It
means cooperation and working together in practice, not only in words or negotiation.
Working together in the field to make things happen, that is, to improve the situation of
people living in the field who try to maintain their families and produce their food in such a
way that they can sell their surplus in the marketplace. It is clear that this can and will happen
if you work together.
Having said this, I would underline that fact that you are showing leadership by organizing
this regional workshop for the 3rd time. Now it is time to set an example. An example in
which you not only negotiate or deliberate in Rome, or Geneva, or New York, or Nairobi, but
transfer what you have decided into practice, for example in the case of the “Voluntary
Guidelines for the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries, and Forests in the
Context of National Food Security”. We have to transform words into action, and papers into
proactive activities and cooperation at the field level. The governments, of course, have to
create an enabling environment. The private sector and civil society organization together
with research and know-how institutions must cooperate to make it happen. Otherwise, we
will continue to meet and discuss. We have to recognize that as long as we do what we did,
we get what we get. Please put words into action, swords into ploughshares. Many of you
recognize this within the mandate of the UN.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour for me to stand here in front of you. I was elected
three weeks ago and I recognize that in the three years during which you have organized this
multi-stakeholder workshop, I am already the third CFS chair in attendance. I will make a
promise to be available to meet next year in order to take stock of what has been decided for
this region, which we have been told is facing many challenges. I promise that I will be here
37
next year, if this meeting is organized, to take stock of the concrete results you have managed
to implement in the field.
I have had the opportunity to learn and develop. As a farmer’s daughter, I have been Minister
for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in the Netherlands for four years. I always have in
mind what a woman farmer told me once. She said, “Madame Minister, I have only one
problem in life and it is here in my stomach. It is mine, but it is also the stomach of my
family and children. I am more than happy to take on board all the other problems, such as
climate change, land tenure, water, politics, peace, etc. For all of these things, I am available
to help. But please let me first solve the problem of feeding myself, my children and my
family in a proper way. Then I will bear responsibility for all of the other problems.” Let us
keep this in mind, ladies and gentleman. It is about the possibility to really bear
responsibility. You, as representatives of governments, private sector, and civil society can
bear responsibility. However, having this responsibility makes you accountable for making
the lives of people in the field better.
Let us work together to improve lives, to improve the food security and nutrition, improve
tenure to land, support responsible agricultural investments, and respond in better and earlier
ways to protracted crisis. Let us work together. Keep in mind that it is all about people in
rural areas, who may have only one problem but who take responsibility for all the problems
in our common world.
38
Mr Saleh Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Food Investment Holding Co. SAOC
His Excellency, Mohamed Bin Salem, Minister for Agriculture,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I thank you all for inviting the private sector to this session. I participated in this Workshop in
Cairo in 2011 and Khartoum in 2012, and now this important gathering in green Tunisia. In
my meeting with His Excellency, Mohamed Bin Salem, Minister for Agriculture a short
while ago, we talked about the importance of cooperation between governments and the
private sector. Mr Ben Salem stressed that the government’s role of is for planning;
governments cannot implement, but rather who can is the private sector.
A conference was recently held in the Sultanate of Oman, entitled Conference on Food
Security for the Arab Gulf Countries, with governmental and private sector participation. The
working papers presented spoke of the importance of food security in countries of the Gulf
Cooperation Council, which are rich countries with enough financial resources to achieve
food security, but who produce no more than 20% of their food needs and estimate the need
to feed about 50 million people by the year 2017. This represents a challenge for countries
with high population growth. Furthermore, types of consumption are transitioning quickly
from a society dependent on certain staple foods to greater consumption of proteins such as
red meat and white meat. These countries are still importing, almost all of its requirements of
cereals and vegetables.
A number of initiatives have been launched to achieve food security, most of it investing
abroad. Investment abroad involves governmental initiatives to enable the private sector to
establish companies and investment funds and search for appropriate investing opportunities.
When governments back the private sector in its external investments, they are confronted by
a host of challenges based on the misunderstanding in many local communities that the
governments or companies have come with money to take the lands. Local communities have
the absolute right to protect their interests.
A further challenge for private sector are issues of political and social instability, which
affects legislations, laws and taxes and creates an environment of uncertainty. This has the
opposite effect of stimulating investment, and leaves the private sector wondering what will
happen?
Dear colleagues,
The private sector works according to a profit system and value for its investors. Invested
money can be public or private, but the board of directors of any company will seek
outcomes in form of profits and distributions.
In countries that have a high level of uncertainty, the private sector often fails in achieving
these outcomes and closes down, dismisses workers and leaves. The challenge of uncertainty
requires understanding between governments and the private sector, and a system of common
ethics and principals which protect the rights of local communities, as well as the those of the
39
state and the private sector. This is what has led international organizations such as FAO,
IFAD, UNDP and the World Bank to launch a set of principles for Responsible Agricultural
Investment. Most of these principles focus on protecting the rights of local communities and
integrating them into the investment process. It is not logical that a private sector company
invests in sugar cane production, for instance, which requires great areas of land equal to this
city or bigger, without considering the local community. A few months ago, I visited the farm
of a friend in Tanzania which is 70km length and 40km wide. This colleague managed to
integrate all citizens of the local community, mindful of their ethical and religious views, and
provided them with schools, transportation, health services and training. He even stopped
using mechanized harvesting processes in order to create work opportunities for some of the
4,000 people living in this area. It has become a great village. Even herdsmen have places for
grazing and dealing with their animals.
His Excellency, Mohamed Bin Salem,
Your Excellency may recall in our meeting in Hamamat 5 months ago, my request to your
Excellency as a representative for Arab governments that governments may provide facilities
for private sector for investment. Today I am here as a representative of the private sector, to
express our willingness to cooperate and partner with the FAO to create an integrated system
and moral contract for responsible private sector investment. Responsible investment is a
group of systems, legislations and agreements that could adapt to governance and social
responsibility principles.
Some of the companies for which I am involved on the board of directors have launched local
initiatives. For example, one of the companies launched a fund for development and caring of
trees, and it has had great feedback. A board of directors for this fund was formed consisting
of citizens from the area. Some companies in the Sultanate of Oman, which I come from,
provide money for training, education and rehabilitation for citizens of local communities in
which they operate, as well as provide employment opportunities with the companies. This is
the form of responsible investment that we believe international organization and
governments call for, and the principles being developed come at an appropriate time. I add
my voice, on behalf of the private sector, to the support for these principles. The private
sector in this region is a responsible sector and a sector that takes a high degree of
responsibility. We will continue to engage in consultations to achieve goals related to poverty
eradication, combating hunger, and achieving food security in the region.
40
Mrs Alia Al Dalli, Manager, UNDP Regional Centre in Cairo
Ms Verburg, Chair of the Committee for World Food Security,
His Excellency, Minister Ben Salem,
Mr Saleh Al Shanfari, Chairman of Omani Foundation for Food Investment,
Mr Pasquale Steduto, Deputy FAO Regional Representative
Ladies and gentlemen,
It honours me to represent the close collaboration between United Nations Organizations and
to thank FAO for inviting me to attend and contribute in this workshop and generate more
cooperation and coordination on the international, regional and national levels.
Deep-rooted changes are being witnessed in the Arab Area, which started here in green
Tunisia and spread quickly in many countries. They express the people’s needs and
aspirations for a better future. It is our duty to look into the chronic problems afflicting the
region from a perspective that differs from our traditional view, as we attempt to delve deeper
into our work methods and the issues that have been marginalized or excluded during the past
decades.
I will focus on three such issues in my speech.
Legal empowerment of the poor and vulnerable.
The meaning of this phrase and concept is the effect of legal empowerment on improving and
increasing crops, nutrition and trade, and thus increase farmers income and improve family
health and nutrition.
Let us take some examples that illustrate this relationship:
First, we find that 50% of the population in the Arab region lives in rural areas, however
agricultural production only reaches 15% of GDP of the Arab States. Water consumption is
over 84% in this region, which is one of the most water scarce areas in the world.
Most poor people who make their living from the land by producing crops do not have papers
certifying their possession of the land, which limits their ability to finance projects through
loans or access banking facilities. This keeps them under the influence of poverty and does
not enable them to develop agriculture, food processing or access to markets.
When we delve deeper into the study of land possession papers and apply it to women
farmers, we find that even when rural women have papers her control over the land is weak.
This is because the men in the family manage the land and make decisions about what is to be
cultivated, what is to marketed, sales and purchase operations, and distribution of profits.
Furthermore, studies indicate that a large proportion of rural women are not enrolled with
concerned authorities at birth, which leads to their inability to access finance and markets.
41
This compounds the weakness of their economic position and forces them to stay in the
informal and parallel economies. Any campaign that enables women to record their births and
get formal identification cards could enable women to get ownership of their land as well.
Some people may question why we discuss the issue women at a meeting on food security
and why it is important. Studies show that women make up half of world’s population yet
produce 60% – 80% of the food. Their responsibilities increase in the rural areas as men
increasingly migrate from the countryside.
In addition, we find that the work of women, especially in rural areas, remains in the informal
context and there is no real knowledge about involvement of women in the economy and
their contribution to family income. Reports for the Arab region defines the contribution of
working women as up to 10% of the labour force, but this does not take into account daily
work in field, transporting water, care of elderly and disabled people in the family, in addition
to her tasks in cleaning, cooking, caring for the children, housekeeping, and her responsibility
for the family’s health.
Girl’s education has a positive impact in improving child nutrition. One important study that
assessed education and its impact on child mortality in 175 states between the years 1970 –
2009, found that half of the decline in child mortality rates over the forty years is due to
improvements in education of women. The study goes to show that each additional
educational year for a woman of childbearing age leads to a 95% reduction in children
mortality. This has significance for productivity, family health, economy and human
development.
Knowledge exchange between countries of the region, as well as globally, and sharing
best practice in empowering poor farmers to improving their livelihoods and economic
positions, particularly through South/South cooperation.
One of the problems faced by small scale farmers is the matter of land fragmentation, which
some groups of farmers overcome by establishing agricultural cooperatives. These groups of
smallholder farmers set up irrigation networks, combine production and engage in trade, and
then distribute profits according to each member’s percentage of ownership. The experience
of cooperatives in Tafellet, Morocco is a pioneering experience in this field. It should also be
mentioned that FAO’s World food Day, 16 October 2012 was dedicated to agricultural
cooperatives and their role in feeding the world.
The importance of partnership between state departments and the private sector, in
addition to international developmental institutions, international banks and donor
states on issue of food security
This challenge goes beyond the sectorial concerns to the national development agenda. As
workers in this field, we have to improve our capability in humanitarian aid, which is closely
linked with the development process, with aim of strengthening and enhancing the capacity
of communities and individuals to overcome the severe crises affecting many countries in the
region at the moment. The UNDP is committed to joint effort and a cross-sectorial approach
42
to facing the challenge of nutrition in this region, in the context of increasing populations,
especially among children and youth, and chronic and severe crisis.
43
H.E Mohamed Ben Salem, Minister of Agriculture, Tunisia
Ms. Chair of the Committee for World Food Security,
Mr. Deputy FAO Regional Representative for the Near East,
Ms. Director of the UNDP Regional Centre in Cairo,
Mr. Chairman of the Omani Foundation for Investment in Food Industries
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to greet you all today and express my happiness in inaugurating this regional
workshop for food security and nutrition that FAO has organized in Tunisia, in close
collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. I wish all distinguished guests a good stay in
their second home, Tunisia.
I also take this opportunity, to express my gratitude to the FAO Regional Office for the Near
East for choosing Tunis to hold this important regional gathering. I appreciate the prominent
role played by FAO in developing the agricultural sector and working to achieve world food
security, and for the close cooperation with our country.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In Tunisia, food security is strategic. It is an important element of long term development,
since it guarantees stability and social peace and provides a basis for national sovereignty.
Given the importance of the agricultural sector in achieving these goals, food security is a
pillar of our national policies for agricultural development. The sector has achieved growth in
production levels over the years, evident through the variety of agricultural commodities in
supply and their availability throughout long periods of the year. The sector has kept pace
with domestic consumption needs in terms of quantity and quality, as well as export
requirements in both competitiveness and adherence to global standards of food safety.
This has had a positive impact on achieving and securing national food security. Internal
production meets national demand for many commodities such as vegetables, fruits, dairy,
and poultry, and nearly all of our requirements of meat (98%). Additionally, an important
surplus is generated for export. Agricultural exports now comprise 9% of total national
exports.
However, the continued growth of Tunisian agriculture hides many of the vulnerabilities
which appeared following the 2007 – 2008 global financial crisis, the food price hikes that
ensued, and the January 14th
revolution. This includes the deterioration of social conditions in
rural areas where agriculture sector is the main economic activity, and often the only source
of income.
44
There is no doubt that food security in our country is still threatened and exposed to food
price fluctuations in global markets, given low local production in some basic commodities
and the government’s support in supplying up to 82% of soft wheat, 32% of solid wheat and
28% of animal fodder including all the needs of the poultry sector.
The increase in global food prices since mid-2007 have had a negative impact on the food
trade balance, with an average coverage ratio during the last five years (2008 – 2013) of 75%
as compared to 88% during the period 2001 – 2007. This has also affected the cost of
subsidies for staple foods, distributed through the Public Fund for Compensation.
In light of this, the coming period requires us to make new strides in strengthening food
security, ranging from providing food in sufficient quality and quantity, to enabling
sustainable and affordable access to food at reasonable prices, and managing risks and
enhancing preparedness.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There exists great potential to improve production among many commodities to levels similar
to large scale farming. These opportunities require us to improve the enabling environment
for the agricultural sector, create suitable land to stimulate investment, and promote
agricultural activity through:
- Redefining priorities in the mobilization and utilization of water resources. A balance
is needed between developing new facilities, and the maintenance and upkeep of
existing facilities. Also, support for investment in non-traditional water resources,
such as refining sea water and recycling used water, in order to secure future water
resource requirements especially in areas which suffer from severe water shortages.
- Developing rural infrastructure such as roads, drinking water, markets, health and
educational institutions to improve living conditions of farmers and attracting
investors.
- Improving water resource productivity, by creating new irrigated areas and by
rehabilitating old irrigated areas and reintegrating them into production. Improving
irrigation productivity and intensification will help reduce annual fluctuations in
production levels.
- Stimulating private investment in agricultural activity through financial sector
development and by promoting agriculture microcredit and insurance.
- Increasing national production by focusing on comparative advantage, in the context
of natural resources conservation and sustainability. Take into consideration the
principles of sustainable development and its three dimensions (economic, social and
environmental) in light of the growing phenomenon of climate change.
- Organizing farmers into effective professional associations to enable them to defend
their interests, and improve their access to inputs and their ability to market their
products.
45
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Ensuring food safety is essential for food security, with modern techniques of intensified
production requiring more quality control. Greater care in post-harvest phases is needed
to reduce rates of loss and damage. Losses can be reduced by providing the necessary
storage and transportation, and by using appropriate handling methods.
Distribution is an important phase of post-harvest, and future plans include the
modernizing and rehabilitation of distribution systems for agricultural and marine fish
products. Better organization of marketing systems is needed for more equal distribution
of profits and more bargaining power for farmers, who have tended to benefit the least
from contract farming.
Agricultural production is the source of income for an important segment of the
population whose food security is linked to agricultural yields. The sector consists of over
516,000 farms (75% of them do not exceed 10 hectares), which amounts to 2.5 million
people. Organizing farmers into professional associations will unify their efforts and help
them manage production costs. To ensure regular supply, markets should continue to
work to diversify production and implement storage systems to protect farmers' income
from falling prices during periods of abundant production.
In spite of development in the food industries sector, food processing remains limited.
More investment and creativity is needed to improve value addition of agricultural
products.
Agricultural exports are considered a foundation for policy development and for
achieving a favourable food trade balance. Exports are currently limited to a few
traditional products, such as olive oil, sea products and dates. Therefore, efforts will focus
on diversifying production, taking into account economic opportunity and comparative
advantages with respect to domestic and export markets in order to widen the export base.
It is also expected that competitiveness of traditional exports will improve as new export
markets are accessible following bilateral agreements, such as the outcome of current
negotiations with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Additionally, there are
opportunities for value addition through packaging and processing for export markets.
Imports remain linked to internal market requirements for direct consumption or for
processing. Due to limited production capabilities, it is expected that imports will
continue to be necessary for staple commodities such as wheat, sugar, vegetable oil,
legumes and soybean. In this context, we draw on our experience and seek new ways of
engaging with global markets in order to secure regular supplies for the country and
benefit from low prices during periods of increases in world stocks.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Enhancing food security and securing its sustainability cannot be isolated from global
developments in agricultural markets. We should not lose sight of globalization which has
led to liberalization of trade, opening of markets, and integration of national economies.
46
For this, coordination between the countries of the region can be leveraged to coordinate
a vision for food security, take into account different dimensions, especially technological
development and modern farming methods.
There is no doubt that this requires us to develop sound national strategies. It also requires
close collaboration at the international level. This gathering represents an excellent
opportunity to lay the basis for cooperation and promote the aspirations of our people.
Accordingly, we propose to develop integrated regional programmes and projects to
support investment for enhancing our region’s food security, as well as to enhance the
exchange of knowledge and experience especially in priority areas such as scientific
agricultural research, seeds, transplants and producing new adapted seeds varieties.
I am also calling on you to think about ways to develop and modernize cooperation
mechanisms in the region. Through cooperation we can increase the effectiveness of our
efforts and benefit from each other’s experience in this field.
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
In conclusion, allow me to renew the warm welcome to all attending guests and to extend
my gratitude to all who contributed in organizing this workshop. I wish you all success in
your work and in reaching the outcomes which support our cooperation and contribution
to progress. Thank you all for your attention.
47
ANNEX 3: Participant list
Regional Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Food Security and Nutrition
Tunisia – Tunis
4-6 November 2013
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
COUNTRIES
EGYPT
Adel Mostafa Al Gizawi
Director of International Organizations Dept.
Foreign Agricultural Relations
Ministry of Agriculture & Land Reclamation
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 333 74 811
Mobile: +2 0100 526 8117
Email: [email protected]
Mohamed Soliman
Director of Field Crops Research institute
Field Crops Research Institute, ARC
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 357 26127
Mobile: +2 011 456 40270
Email: [email protected]
JORDAN
Fu’ad AlMuhaisen
Secretary General Assistant for Projects
Ministry of Agriculture
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962-65653981
Mobile: +962 -799059499
Email: [email protected]
Talal El Fayez
Administrative Asst/Agricultural Engineer
Ministry of Agriculture
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962-6-56267219
Mobile: + 962-795500085
Email: [email protected]
LIBYA
Abdlsalam Salem Adam Hamad
Production Manager
Al Kufra Agricultural Project
Ministry of Agriculture
Tripoli, Libya
Tel: +218-64-7502280
Mobile: +218-927 348 417
Email: [email protected]
Mohamed Basheer Abdou
Al Kufra & Sarir Area Agricultural Authority
Ministry of Agriculture
Tripoli, Libya
Mobile: +218-917880585
Email: [email protected]
MOROCCO
Hassan Kordass
Charge De Mission
Conseil General Du Développement Agricole
Rabat, Morocco
Tel: +212 537 68 64 61
Mobile: +212 666 67 08 08
Email: [email protected]
PALESTINE
Riyad Shahed
Director of Agricultural Statistic Department
Ministry of Agriculture
Ramallah, Palestine
Tel: +970 22-243304
Mobile: +970-598931067
Email: [email protected]
48
Samer Alteeti
Director of Planning Department
Ramallah, Palestine
Tel: +970 22-403307
Fax: +970-22-403312
Mobile: +970-598931063
Email: [email protected]
SUDAN
Elamien Hassan Elamien Mohamed
Director of Strategic Planning and Coordinator
of KariaNet
Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation
Khartoum, Sudan
Tel: +249 183 772 648
Mobile: +249 912 961 415
Email: [email protected]
Fatima Abdelaziz Mohammed
Nutrition Deputy Director
National Nutrition Directorate
Federal Ministry of Health
Food Security Technical Secretariat (FSTS)
Khartoum, Sudan
Tel: +249-0918 374 7642
Mobile: +249- 0912 507 627
Email: [email protected]
TUNIS
Afef Ben Rejeb
Sub-Director
Ministry of Agriculture
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 717 86 833
Mobile: +21 620 76 6171
Email: [email protected]
Nadoua Dhaou Nee Gmir
Sous Directeur De La Planification
General Directorate for Studies and
Agricultural Development
Ministry of Agriculture
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 71 890 904
Email: [email protected]
Najoua Nacef
Sub Director
Direction Générale de la Production Agricole
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 71786833_P3027
Mobile: 98384414
Email: [email protected]
YEMEN
Ismail Moharam
Chairman of Environment Protection &
Development - Sustainable Organizations
Environment Protection Organization
Sana'a, Republic of Yemen
Tel: +967 1 698 713/4
Mobile: +967 733 725 298
Email: [email protected]
Sulaiman Awagi
Consultant
Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation
Sana'a, Republic of Yemen
Tel: +967 1 387 735
Mobile: +967 733 552 084
Email: [email protected]
UN AGENCIES
WFP
Pascale Micheau
Senior Regional Programme Advisor
Regional Bureau North Africa, Middle East,
Central Asia and Eastern Europe
UN World Food Programme
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 225 281 730 ext. 2450
Mobile: +201 063 003 663
Email: [email protected]
Mariko Kawabata
Regional Programme Advisor
Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping
Regional Bureau North Africa, Middle East,
Central Asia and Eastern Europe
UN World Food Programme
Tel: +20 2 2528 1730 ext. 2441
Mobile: +20 1066681635
Email: [email protected]
49
Maria Lukyanova
Head of Tunis Office
World Food Programme (WFP)
Tunis, Tunisia
Email: [email protected]
UNDP
Alia Al-Dalli
Manager, Regional Centre for Arab States
UNDP
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 245 648 47
Mobile: +2 -1-2 399 6290
Email: [email protected]
Marlen Schuepbach
Policy Advisor / Liaison Officer
Office of the Special Representative of the UN
Secretary-General for Food Security and
Nutrition (SRSG)
Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 06 5459 2531
Email: [email protected]
www.zerohungerchallenge.org
ESCWA
Vito Intini
First Economic Affairs Officer
The Economic Commission for Western Asia
(ESCWA)
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +961 978 618
Email: [email protected]
ORGANIZATIONS
AAAID
Talal Petrus
General Director
Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment &
Development (AAAID)
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: + 216 98 359 062
+216 78 615 222
Mobile: +216 98 359 062
Email: [email protected]
AARINENA
Mohammad M. Ajlouni
Executive Secretary
Association of Agriculture Research
Institutions in the Near East & North Africa
(AARINENA)
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962-6-5525750
Mobile: +962-799787247
Email: [email protected]
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Dougou Keita
Manager, Agriculture and Agro-Industry
Department
African Development Bank
Tunis, Tunisia
Email: [email protected]
Benedict Kanu
Lead Agriculture Expert
African Development Bank
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 711 02448
Email: [email protected]
Mohamed Ould Tolba
African Development Bank
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216-71 10 24 52
Email: [email protected]
Laurence Lannes
Principal Health Economist
African Development Bank
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 21 798 207
Email [email protected]
CEDARE
Omar Elbadawy
Regional Land Resources Manager
Centre for Environment & Development for
the Arab Region & Europe (CEDARE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 2451 3921/22/23/24
Mobile: +2 0 111 55 33991
Email: [email protected]
50
ICARDA
Saleh Chouki
Consultant
International Centre for Agricultural Research
in the Dry Area (ICARDA)
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 976 646 004
Email: [email protected]
Habib Halila
Regional Coordinator of the Food Security
Project in the Arab Countries
International Centre for Agricultural Research
in the Dry Area (ICARDA)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202-2355724358
Email: [email protected]
Habib Ketata
International Centre for Agricultural Research
in the Dry Area (ICARDA)
Tunis, Tunisia
Email: [email protected]
IFPRI
Perihan Al Rifai
Sr. Research Analyst
International Food Policy Research Institute
(IFPRI)
Washington DC, USA
Tel: +2028626469
Mobile: +7038628176
Email: [email protected]
WORLD BANK
Yurie Tanimichi Hoberg
Senior Economist
World Bank
NW Washington DC, USA
Tel: +1 202 473 2935
Mobile: +202 415 4313
Email: [email protected]
NGOs, INGOs & CIVIL SOCIETY
Mohamed Saleh Abdullah
Director
Altakaful Association
Sana’a, Yemen
Tel: + 967 733335349
Mobile: +967 7717 47196
Email: [email protected]
Zeinab Ahmed
Labena Organization for Women Development
& Capacity Building
Blue Nile, Sudan
Tel:+249 123-429428
Mobile: +249 911 39 163 4
Email: [email protected]
Hala Barakat
Researcher, Right of Food Unit
Egyptian Initiative for Personal Right
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 27960197/27960158
Mobile: +2 01227799563
Email: [email protected]
Ensaf Abdalla Ebrahim
Projects Manager
Almassar organization for Nomadic
Development & Environment Conservation
Khartoum Sudan
Tel: +249- 117-505804
Mobile: +249912287069
Email: [email protected]
Mariam Jaajaa
Executive Director
The Arab Group for the Protection of Nature
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962 6567 3331
Mobile: +962 79692 7711
Email: [email protected]
51
Ahmed Nhouchi
Executive Director
Tunisian Food Bank
Tunis, Tunisia
Mobile: +216 20 76 9992
Email: [email protected]
Mohamed Salimeya
Land Research Centre
Arab Studies Society
Palestine
Tel: +970 (2) 2217239
Mobil: +970 (0) 598905182
Email: [email protected]
FARMERS ASSOCIATIONS
Karim Akrout
Tunisian Union Farmer
CC /CSM/North Africa
Arab Network for food sovereignty
Tunis, Tunisia
Email: [email protected]
Said Khir Allah
Secrétaire General Adjoint
Fédération Nationale Du Secteur Agricole
Rabat, Morocco
Tel: +212 537 700 480
Mobile: +212 661 460 501
Email: [email protected]
Sheikh Saed Al-Kharusi
Chairman
Albatina Farmers Association
Muscat, Oman
Tel: +968 26 86 2135
Mobile: +968 99 4799 46
Email: [email protected]
Mohamed Leith Ben Becher
President
Agriculture Syndicate Tunisia
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +21671275214
Mobile: +21622327792
Email: [email protected]
Karim Daoud
Syndicat des Agriculteurs de Tunisie
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel/Fax: +216 – 71-897211- 71752096
Mobile: +261-20323703
Email: [email protected]
Rafat Khandaqji
Treasurer
Palestinian Farmers Union
Ramallah, Palestine
Tel: +9702- 2971354
Mobile: +972-568885805
+ 972 598 95 3371
Email: info@ pafu.ps
CONSUMER ASSOCIATIONS
Wajed Ahmad Kasep Al Hessa
Chairperson, Committee on Health and Food
Safety
The National Society for Consumer Protection
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962 6 515 3211
Mobile: +962777380765
Email: [email protected]
Kalthoum Haddad
Nutritionniste, Microbiologiste
Organisation Défense des Consommateurs
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 22254 33 91, +216 70618 169
Email: [email protected]
Mohamed Amine Maaouni
Public Affairs Manager
OCP S.A
Casablanca, Morocco
Mobile: +212-661912334
Email: [email protected]
52
Yousif Kamal
Products Handling & Export Superintendent
Plants Operation Department
Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. (GPIC)
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: +973-177 33 337
Mobile: +973-363 60 331
Email: [email protected]
Fethi Thabet
Leader, Engineering & Agriculture
Task Group
World Federation of Engineering Organization
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216 813 400
Mobile: +216 251 03 333
Email: [email protected]
Khaled Zarrouk
Docteur Vétérinaire Spécialiste en Nutrition
Comparée
Organisation Défense des Consommateurs
Tunis, Tunisia
Mobile: +216 25 81 4333
Email: [email protected]
PRIVATE SECTOR
Saleh Al Shanfari
CEO
Oman Food Investment Holding Co. SAOC
Muscat, Oman
Tel: 00 968 242 10300
Mobile: 00 968 994 92775
Email: [email protected]
Nicole Rogers
Principal
Agriprocity
Dubai, UAE
Mobile: +9715 611 426 46
Email: [email protected]
EXPERTS
Ali Abdullah Al Gunid
General Director of Planning & Monitoring
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
Sana'a, Republic of Yemen
Tel: +967-1276861
Mob: +967-771591869
Email: [email protected]
Ali Yaqoob Al Siyabi
Assistant Manager
Ibn Nasser Al Siyabi Trade & Cont.
Samail, Sultanate of Oman
Tel. +968-25359182
Mobile: +968-92822721
Email: [email protected]
Abdallah Omezzine
Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies
University of Nizwa
Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
Tel. +968-25446214
Mobile: +96899344395
Email: [email protected]
Alaa Azouz
Director
Food Technology Research Inst., ARC
Giza, Egypt
Tel: +2-02- 35718324
Mobile:+ 2-01222152874
Email: [email protected]
Akila Saleh
General Coordinator
Food Security Information Centre
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202-37496 014
Mobile:+2-01222174660
Email: [email protected]
53
Aziza Mourassilo
CI Middle East Project Assistant
Consumers International
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +869-01448142
Mobile: +968-99769038
Email: [email protected]
Azimi Pirsoltan Mohammad
Senior Expert of International Relations
Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture.
Tehran, Iran
Tel: +98-216694 3333 ext. 2221
Mobile:+98-9363772570
Email: [email protected]
Changiz Esfandyari
Deputy General Director of Agro-Industries
Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture,
Karaj, Iran
Tel:+98-2636791137-8
Mobile: +98-9123226914
Email: [email protected]
Hussein Mansour
Head
Food Safety Agency Management Unit
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 2342091222
Mobile: +2 01006605520
Email: [email protected]
Hussein Ali Al-Wasiti
Agricultural Advisor of Prime Minister
Prime Minister Office – Advisory Commission
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: + 964 -706679630
Mobile: +964-79011 03790
Email: [email protected]
Indrani Thuraisingham
Head of Consumers International –
Office for Asia Pacific and the Middle East
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60-377261599
Mobile : +60-12 2052277
Email : [email protected]
Kawthar Al Qatarneh
CEO
Jordanian Food Bank
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962-65661105
Mobile: +962-796636644
Email: [email protected]
Khaled Nafea
Chairman of Board
Nafea for Agriculture Development and
Land Reclamation
Giza, Egypt
Tel. +2-01003063069
Mobile: +2-01003063067
Email: [email protected]
Mithqal Sartawi
Advisor
Kuwait Investment Authority
Kuwait, State of Kuwait
Tel. +965-22485985
Mobile: +965-99078121
Email: [email protected]
Moncef Chargui
Director of Quality Assurance
Ministry of Agriculture
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216-71787721
Mobile: +216-97491156
Email: [email protected]
Mohammad Al-Munaifi
Acting Managing Director, Head of Food Security Committee
Kuwait Investment Authority
Kuwait, State of Kuwait
Tel :+965-22485903
Mobile: +965-66222711
Email: [email protected]
Mohmud El-Tellisi
General Manager
Libyan National Centre for Standardization
& Meteorology
Tripoli, Libya
Tel.+218-913220284
Email : [email protected]
54
Mohamed El Tamzini
Professor
Horticulture Dept.
College of Agriculture Horticulture Dept.
Tripoli University
Mobile: 00 218 91 47 88 600
Email: [email protected]
Mohamed Ben Youssef
Director General
Arab Industrial Development
& Mining Organization (AIDMO)
Rabat, Morocco
Tel. +212-661119998
Email : bufahad.m@ gmail.com
Naji Haddad
Director, Food Security & Rural Development
Ministry of Agriculture
Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962-65681228
Mobile:+962-799038588
Email: [email protected]
Noureddine Agrebi
General Director
Ministry of Industry
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: +216-71909462
Mobile: +216+ 98818885
Email: [email protected]
Omar Al Jabri
Assistant Professor
Department of Natural Resource Economics
Sultan Qaboos University
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Mobile: +968-98022219
Email: [email protected]
Saleh Ghafir
Dean
Faculty of Agriculture
Omar Al Mukhtar University
El Beida, Libya
Tel. +218-919936366
Email: [email protected]
Tareq Al Ati
Research Associate
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
Kuwait, State of Kuwait
Tel. +965-24989212
Mobile: +965-97948849
Email: [email protected]
Waleed AlAmairi
Member of the Board of
the Kuwaiti Farmers Union
Kuwait, State of Kuwait
Mobile:+965- 88211242
Email: [email protected]
Wajiha Jebabli
President
Tunisian Food bank
Tunisia, Tunis
Mob: +216-21410444
Email: [email protected]
Zakaria H´Mad
Director General
General Director of Technopark
Agrofood Bizerte
Pôle de Compétitivité de Bizerte
Bizerte, Tunisia
Tel: +216-72571482
Mobile: +216-97478462
Email: [email protected]
Mustapha Jouili
Associate Professor
Faculty of Economics &Management
of Nabeul
University of Cartage
Nabeul, Tunisia
Tel: +216-72232205
Mobile: + 216-98275839
Email: [email protected]
55
CFS
Gerda Verburg
Chairperson
Committee on Food Security (CFS)
Rome, Italy
Email: [email protected]
Christina Blank
Deputy Permanent Representative
Deputy Head of the Permanent Representation
of Switzerland to FAO IFAD and WFP
Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 06-89581523
Email: [email protected]
Chiara Cirulli
Programme Officer (ESA)
Rome, Italy
Tel: +390657056368
Email: [email protected]
Cristina Zuccaroli
Meeting Clerk (ESA)
Rome, Italy
Tel: +390657056673
Email: [email protected]
Julius Jackson
Technical Officer (ESA)
Rome, Italy
Tel: +390657055651
Email: [email protected]
FAO/HQ
Florence Egal
Food Security, Nutrition & Livestock Adviser
FAO, Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 065 705 3126
Mobile: +39 349 237 5749
Email: [email protected]
Ib Knutsen
Communications and Partnerships Officer
Save Food Global Initiative
FAO, Rome, Italy
Tel. +390657054568
Email: [email protected]
Robert VanOtterdijk
Team Leader, Save Food Global Initiative
FAO, Rome, Italy
Tel: +39-0657053674
Email: [email protected]
FAO/SNE
Ahmed Bougacha
FAOR Assistant
FAO Sub Regional Office for North Africa
FAO/SNE
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: 00 216 71 90 6553
Email: [email protected]
Aysen Tanyeri-Abur
Senior Policy Officer
FAO Sub Regional Office for North Africa
FAO/SNE
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: 00 216 71 90 6553
Email: [email protected]
Saloua Brahmi
FAO Sub Regional Office for North Africa
FAO/SNE
Tunis, Tunisia
Tel: 00 216 71 90 6553
Email: [email protected]
FAO/RNE
Mohamed AwDahir
Food Systems Economist
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : +202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
56
Nasredin Elamin
Senior Policy Officer
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : +202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
Fatima Hachem
Senior Food Nutrition Officer
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : 00 202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
Panos Konandreas
Senior FAO Consultant
Trade Policy Plus
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 79 740 58 69
Email: [email protected]
www.konandreas.com
Magdi Latif
Knowledge/Information Management Officer
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : + 202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
Nadida Osman
Technical Programme Assistant
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : +202 333 1 6000
Email : [email protected]
Jennifer Smolak
Junior Professional Officer, Agro- Industries
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : + 202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
Pasquale Steduto
Deputy Regional Representative
for the Near East and North Africa &
FAO Representative in Egypt o.i.c.
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
Kelly Stiebel
Statistician/Economist Consultant
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : +202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
Heba Tokali
Technical Programme Assistant
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel : +202 333 1 6000
Email: [email protected]
Elhadi Yahia
Regional Agro industry & Infrastructure Officer
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
& North Africa (FAO/RNE)
Cairo, Egypt
Tel. +202-33316136
Mobile: +20 1066687199
Email: [email protected]