BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr. 9
Trend:
The Roundtable marked the official launch of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Uzbekistan for 2021-2025, which will provide momentum and guidance for further cooperation, Trend reports citing the Uzbek media.
FAO has pledged to support the government in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to help Uzbekistan to achieve sustainable food systems throughout the agri-food value chain.
The CPF is aimed at transforming the production, storage, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food from agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as products from the broader economic, social and natural environment. The total budget for the implementation of the program will be about $17 million.
Besides, the program is meant to support the government in achieving its national strategic priorities for transforming the food system. In line with national Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) priorities, FAO's work under this CPF will support the Government's efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Agenda and ensure the achievement of sustainable food systems throughout the agri-food value chain.
One of the strategic priority areas - Inclusive development of human capital, leading to health, well-being and sustainable prosperity. By 2025, youth, women and vulnerable populations are expected to have broad access to livelihoods, decent work and empowerment created by inclusive and equitable economic growth.
Another strategic priority area is Sustainable and Climate Responsive Development. According to the expected results, in the next five years, the most at-risk regions and communities of Uzbekistan will become more resilient to climate change and natural disasters. Thereby, these regions will benefit from increasingly sustainable and gender-sensitive effective management of natural resources and infrastructure, vigorous action to combat climate change, inclusive conservation management and protection.
Along with the launch of the new Country Programming Framework, new project agreements were signed between Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture and FAO in the following areas: Restoration and development of the potato industry in Uzbekistan in response to COVID-19; Strengthening sustainable food systems through geographical indications; Support for the production and management of rice crops; Support for the implementation of inclusive agricultural policies; Digitization of agriculture.
The new projects will be implemented till 2023, and their total cost is about $1 million.