Background Information

Programme Background Information

The EC-FAO Food Security Information for Action Programme is funded by the European Commission (EC) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The Programme aims at enhancing national capacity to generate, manage, and use food security information from different sectors for more effective policies and programmes. This multi-disciplinary country-based initiative draws on FAO’s wealth of expertise in:

	early warning and remote sensing;
	economic and policy analysis;
	statistics;
	nutrition;
	inter-agency coordination; and
	training and capacity building.

In addition, a Consultancy Fund has been set up for additional studies and technical advice.

The first phase of the Programme supported the technical development of food security information systems. The second phase, which started in April 2005, will adapt these systems to specific country requirements and deliver additional tools. It also aims at strengthening policy making and programme implementation capacity.

Coordination and Implementation

The Programme is being implemented by FAO headquarters in close collaboration with EuropeAid (the EuropeAid Cooperation Office Unit 04 “Central Management Unit of Thematic Budget Lines”) and with the cooperation of local and regional FAO Representations and EC Delegations.

A joint high-level EC/FAO Steering Committee will meet at least once a year to review the overall progress of implementation, discuss future activities, and ensure a
strategic perspective.

The programme is coordinated by FAO's Agricultural and Development Economics Division (ESA) and brings together multi-disciplinary staff from 14 FAO services including:

	Animal Production and Health Division (AGA)
	Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division (AGN)
	Agricultural Support Systems Division (AGS)
	Global Information and Early Warning Service (ESCG)
	Global Perspectives Studies Unit - FIVIMS Secretariat (ESDG)
	Statistics Division (ESS)
	Outreach and Capacity Building Branch (KCEF)
	Land Tenure Service (SDAA)
	Environment and Natural Resources Service (SDRN)
	Policy Assistance Division (TCA)
	Investment Centre Division (TCI)

Country Based Approach

Programme activities take place in three different contexts:

	Countries under protracted crisis and conflict Where states are fragile and institutions weakened by prolonged crisis, we work with government and external agencies to help local communities build resilience to continuous shocks through improved analysis and programming.
	Countries undergoing structural economic transformation Countries making the transition to a free market economy often request assistance in strengthening their food security information systems and analytical capacity in order to formulate more effective policies.
	Countries in a state of chronic food insecurity and poverty Where food insecurity is chronic, adequate and relevant food security information, from different sectors, is crucial for understanding the long term structural causes of hunger and poverty. We help decision makers improve their capacity to formulate policies that effectively address both short and long-term causes of hunger.

In order to meet specific country requirements, distinct Country Workplans have been created.


Programme Objectives

1. Improve the availability and quality of food security information.

2. Reinforce capacity in formulating food security policies, strategies and programming based on food insecurity and vulnerability information.

3. Raise awareness of governments, local actors and the international community on the impact of food insecurity and poverty on related policies.

Special Features

The Global Donor Platform for Rural Development aims at coordinating development assistance in order to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.

The EC-FAO Food Security Programme GDPRD Facility supports the Platform's three main outputs:

	advocacy for agriculture and rural development;
	shared learning to enhance the quality and impact of rural investments; and
	harmonization of donor activities.

For more information about the GDPRD, visit their website at www.donorplatform.org.

A Consultancy Fund has been set up for additional studies and technical advice. It will provide additional expertise to respond to specific country needs not entirely covered under the framework of the Programme. Many countries, besides those included in the programme, are eligible for these funds

The Global Donor Platform and the Consultancy Fund operate according to specific guidelines. Please contact us or your local FAO representative for more information.