The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) launched its Multi-Country Programming Framework for the Pacific Islands (Pacific CPF) 2023-2027 yesterday at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

The CPF serves as FAO's primary planning and programming tool for 14 Pacific Island Countries. It ensures the cooperation of governments, technical agencies, and development partners in programs aimed at developing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, land, and water resources.

While officiating at the launch, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Vatimi Rayalu stated that supporting the transformation of agrifood systems is crucial for Pacific Island economies and the well-being of our people and planet.

He highlighted the agriculture sector as a critical component of food systems since it facilitates food production.

He mentioned that agriculture can both sequester and emit carbon, while also playing a role in preserving natural resources and the planet, and this all hinges on the choices made by farmers, consumers, and decision-makers.

“We need to broaden the dialogue about food systems beyond just agriculture. For instance, the trade sector involves buying, importing, and exporting food, setting up food markets, and performing vital functions in the processing and marketing of agri-food products. Therefore, it is crucial for this agenda,” said Hon. Rayalu.

He said establishing a sustainable food system requires multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration to address all challenges simultaneously.

“Apart from the government, private and non-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals can work together to address food and nutrition insecurity.”

Hon. Rayalu emphasized the importance of improving nutrition and livelihoods as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Despite this, new challenges are emerging globally, such as the 5F crisis, which involves the escalating costs of food, feed, fuel, and fertilizer and limited financial access. The crisis is having a disproportionate effect on the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDs), posing a threat to both global food security and livelihoods.” 

“This is because Pacific SIDs already face unique vulnerabilities and development challenges, based on their remote geography, small land masses, small populations and vulnerability to climate change and other external shocks.”

He said besides this, the Pacific is facing a crisis with the triple burden of malnutrition, which includes undernutrition (stunting and wasting), micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger) and over nutrition (overweight and obesity).

“To illustrate the seriousness of this, the Fiji Ministry of Health reports that Non-Communicable Diseases cause around 80% of deaths in Fiji (NCDs) and these numbers are growing.”

He said finding the solution to these complex problems requires a food systems approach and involves considering the entire food chain, considering the production, processing, distribution and consumption of food and sustainability, climate change and the recovery of biodiversity. 

“It requires a transformation of the food system if countries are to reach their Sustainable Development Goal targets, but we cannot do this alone,” said Hon. Rayalu.

The United Nations founded FAO in October 1945 to increase agricultural productivity and eliminate hunger while improving nutrition and standards of living, making it the oldest permanent specialized agency. 

FAO conducts research, offers technical aid on country-specific projects, runs educational programs via training centres and seminars, provides information and support services, and maintains agricultural commodity statistics on global production, trade, and consumption. 

FAO not only emphasizes implementation and compliance but also provides monitoring tools, development assistance, and capacity building to help to develop countries in their implementation efforts.

The CPF 2023-2027 outlines priority areas for intervention following extensive consultation with Pacific SIDs, aimed at accelerating development progress. Its goal is to use development financing efficiently, which includes financing for climate adaptation.

Hon. Rayalu urged fellow Pacific Island members to seize the development opportunities presented in the CPF. 

“While Pacific SIDs share common challenges, development partners need to better tailor development cooperation to specific development impediments to Pacific SIDs.”

He said development partners can play a better role than they have in the past to help Pacific SIDs to secure and invest resources in agri-food systems.

The CPF enables development partners to adopt systematic and long-term strategies to ensure sustainable agri-food systems for Pacific SIDs. 

Hon. Rayalu urged development partners to combine funding mechanisms to minimize transaction costs and procedures and enhance national capabilities and also encouraged partnerships with a wider range of actors, including triangular and south/south cooperation.

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