66. As recalled above, a major dimension of the Medium Term Plan preparation process was in the first instance to foster the comprehensive application of the new programming approach endorsed by FAO Governing Bodies, to activities of the concerned technical units and associated regional teams. At the same time, it was imperative to give due attention to needed cooperation across departments, in order to respond adequately to the call in the Strategic Framework for enhanced multi-disciplinary approaches.
67. For this purpose, a two-pronged effort was launched to identify Priority Areas for Inter-disciplinary Action (PAIAs) over the medium-term, with the assistance of: a) the ad hoc working groups which had been active in the 1998-99 biennium in developing the five Corporate Strategies to address Members' needs, eventually included in the Strategic Framework 2000-2015; and b) existing inter-departmental working groups dealing with substantive areas of common interest.
68. The extensive discussions carried out have led to the proposal of 16 PAIAs which are presented under the corporate strategies on which they are largely focused, recognising that several also contribute to other strategies.
Two PAIAs have been developed to contribute to this corporate strategy:
Three PAIAs address this strategy bringing together several departments to work on:
Four PAIAs are targeted principally at this strategy:
Two important PAIAs aim at bringing inter-disciplinary efforts to address:
Three PAIAs are proposed to address this Corporate Strategy:
Two further PAIAs of a rather different nature are also proposed. Both have in common the fact that they address all five Corporate Strategies in the context of a specific theme:
69. The above list does not purport to comprise all areas which require cooperation across units, but those which warrant support from the central planning process and systems and where there is a felt need and, therefore, a firm intent to enhance inter-disciplinary approaches.
70. It may be noted that latitude was given to the above groups to define the scope of joint action under each of the themes, i.e. either in terms of full-fledged cross-sectoral programme entities (technical projects or continuing programme activities) or more simply by ensuring closer coordination. As conditions are not yet mature enough for the design of cross-sectoral entities, this option might be pursued at later stages, e.g. in connection with the Programme of Work and Budget 2002-2003, or in the next version of the Medium Term Plan.
71. Accordingly, for each PAIA, the rationale and scope for enhanced inter-disciplinary work is given below, together with the appropriate supervisory mechanism and (in tabular form) an overview of the relevant programme entities or component activities. Further details on each of the programme entities and their major outputs can be found in Part II.
Supervisory mechanism: through various task groups cutting across sectors.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
212A3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems |
AGP |
Support to community-level seed multiplication enterprises which will also contribute to income generation through seed sales; strategies and technologies for natural, low-input grassland systems; and work on sustainable cropping systems for smallholders. |
212P5 |
Support to Strategy Formulation and Promotion of Specific Action for Rice Development in Member Countries of the International Rice Commission (IRC) |
AGP |
Assistance in developing new rice production technologies, especially for smallholders. |
213A3 |
Contribution of Livestock to Poverty Alleviation |
AGA |
The emphasis on small-scale animal product processing for sustainable rural livelihoods is relevant to this PAIA. |
214A1 |
Enhancing Small Farmer Livelihoods |
AGS |
Most publications and field guides will address strengthening of local institutions. |
214A3 |
Sustainable Commercial Provision of Input Supply, Mechanisation, Investment Support and Marketing Services |
AGS |
Policies to support the commercial provision of marketing, input supply and financial services. |
214A4 |
Agribusiness Development |
AGS |
Work on farmer partnerships and contracting, as tools for strengthening local institutions and livelihoods. |
221A4 |
Community Action for Improved Household Food Security and Nutrition |
ESN |
Entity entirely focused on this PAIA. |
221A5 |
Food and Nutrition Education, Communications and Training |
ESN |
Institutional aspects of food and nutrition education, communications and training. |
232A2 |
Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security |
FI |
Studies and analyses on integrated small-scale rural aquaculture development. |
233A2 |
Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries |
FI |
Analyses, guidelines, training materials for administrations and communities in development of small-scale fisheries; assistance in marketing. |
234A1 |
Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries |
FI |
Pilot projects, organisation of workshops, policy briefs and inclusion of provisions of the Code into legislation, to enable local institutions to promote and achieve sustainable livelihoods in fishing communities. |
234A4 |
Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management |
FI |
Analysis, development of plans, dissemination of techniques and information to improve management of small-scale fisheries. |
243P4 |
Participatory Forestry |
FO |
Work to support participatory approaches in forestry, conducive to sustainable rural livelihoods; improved natural resource management, especially in forest-dependent rural communities. |
251A2 |
Youth in Agriculture, Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods |
SDR |
Entity fully relevant to this PAIA in building partnerships to strengthen local institutions which will result in the development of national networks; training for youth to organise and support local community-based organizations. |
252A3 |
Gender and Natural Resources Management |
SDW |
Dissemination of information to give due prominence to institutional aspects. |
252P1 |
Promotion of Gender and Population in Policies, Legislation and Civil Institutions |
SDW |
Entity fully relevant to this PAIA. |
253A1 |
Access 21: Land Tenure Institution Building for Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development |
SDA |
Entity very relevant to this PAIA, given its focus on strengthening land tenure institutions regarding peri-urban areas and indigenous and common property resources; increasing security of land and natural resource rights; institutional support for market transactions to improve access to land. |
253A2 |
Improved Rural Institutions and Services to Promote Sustainable Rural Livelihoods |
SDA |
Fully relevant entity, given its focus on strengthening institutional mechanisms for multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration; restructuring and decentralisation of rural institutions; and strengthening capacity of small farmer and rural producer organizations. |
253A4 |
Participatory Approaches and Methods to Support Sustainable Livelihoods and Food Security |
SDA |
Work on participatory approaches for sustainable livelihoods and dissemination of information on indicators of participation in rural development and food security projects. |
253P1 |
Management and Support to the ACC Network on Rural Development and Food Security |
SDA |
Support to ACC network information development and exchange, and national Thematic Groups will be relevant to this PAIA. |
311P3 |
Development of Training Materials and Methods in Food and Agriculture Policy Analysis |
TCA |
Training materials and methods in food and agriculture policy analysis, to take account of small farmers' livelihoods. |
311S2 |
Technical Support to Capacity Building in Food, Agriculture and Rural Policy Development Planning and Policy Analysis |
TCA |
Technical support to capacity-building projects in food, agriculture and rural development planning and policy analysis. |
Supervisory mechanism: the existing Emergency Coordination Group (ECG) would remain the "stand-by" mechanism to coordinate the contributions of the concerned units to emergency preparedness and response, and to ensure a coherent response to demands for humanitarian assistance. It would be supplemented by a technical sub-committee or working group to discuss specifically preparedness and mitigation issues, provide guidance on identified activities and ensure technical exchange between the various divisions concerned.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211A3 |
Integrated Land, Water and Plant Nutrient Management |
AGL |
Role of land and water management in mitigating natural disasters. |
212A4 |
EMPRES - Plant Pests Component |
AGP |
Strengthening of prevention control and early warning systems for migratory pests at national level. |
212A5 |
"Mainstreaming IPM" by Enhancing Essential Ecological Processes |
AGP |
Introduction of IPM strategies in emergency and recovery programmes. |
212P2 |
Pesticide Management |
AGP |
Advice on pesticide choice and use in rehabilitation programmes; facilitation of pesticide disposal. |
212P3 |
Migratory Pest Management |
AGP |
Provision of timely information on locust situation; inter-country cooperation on locust management. |
212S1 |
Advice to Countries and Support to Field Programme |
AGP |
Technical support to emergency and relief operations projects. |
213A7 |
EMPRES - Livestock |
AGA |
Preparedness and contingency planning against transboundary animal disease epidemics. |
215A1 |
Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-Building |
AGE |
Methodologies, laboratory information systems, performance standards and capacity-building for strengthened early warning and reaction to infectious and vector-borne disease of livestock and crop insect pests. |
215A2 |
Sustainable Intensification of Livestock Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-building for Mitigation of Constraints and Risks |
AGE |
Methodologies, laboratory information systems, performance standards and capacity-building for strengthened early warning and reaction to infectious and vector-borne disease of livestock and crop insect pests. |
221A6 |
Nutrition and Household Food Security in Emergencies |
ESN |
The entity contributes in full to this PAIA. |
223P6 |
Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture |
ESC |
Entity fully involved, particularly through early warnings and special alerts on impending food shortages. |
233A2 |
Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries |
FI |
Studies on institutional plans and approaches to natural disaster preparedness in relation to fishing communities. |
241A1 |
Sustainable Management of Natural Forests and Woodlands |
FO |
Work on forest fires and forest pests, as among the major causes of disasters, and the need for emergency response in the forest sector. |
241A4 |
Environmental Conservation in Forests and Fragile Ecosystems |
FO |
Work on fragile ecosystems, including mountains and drylands, as among the most vulnerable to, and affected by, disasters. |
241A5 |
Forest Plantations and Trees Outside Forests |
FO |
Improved tree planting practices to contribute to the rehabilitation of land areas that have been damaged by natural or other disasters. |
251P1 |
Environmental Geo-Information Infrastructure and Services |
SDR |
Entity will give prominence to this PAIA. |
253A1 |
Access 21: Land Tenure Institution Building for Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development |
SDA |
Information on land tenure conflict policies, in the perspective of preparedness or rehabilitation. |
253P1 |
Management and Support to the ACC Network on Rural Development and Food Security |
SDA |
ACC network information to give prominence to this PAIA. |
311P1 |
Coordination of and Support to Policy Assistance and Advice |
TCA |
Coordination of FAO support in preparation of plans and strategies for rehabilitation and development following emergencies. |
312P3 |
Advice, Support and Training in Agricultural Policies |
TCA |
Support in preparation of plans and strategies for rehabilitation and development, following emergencies. |
Supervisory mechanism: sub-group on biosecurity of the inter-departmental working group on biotechnology and biosafety.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
212A3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems |
AGP |
Advice and training on application of plant biotechnology. |
212P1 |
Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) |
AGP |
Technical support to the national implementation of phytosanitary standards. |
212P2 |
Pesticide Management |
AGP |
Work on pesticide and pesticide residues in food. |
213A3 |
Contribution of Livestock to Poverty Alleviation |
AGA |
Safe processing of perishable products such as meat and milk. |
213A6 |
Veterinary Public Health Management and Food and Feed Safety |
AGA |
Focus on veterinary public health and food safety is fully relevant to this PAIA. |
215A1 |
Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-Building |
AGE |
Methodologies, standards, publications and capacity-building for diagnosis, monitoring, surveillance and control of trade-related livestock diseases and insect pests. |
215A2 |
Sustainable Intensification of Livestock Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-building for Mitigation of Constraints and Risks |
AGE |
Methodologies, standards, publications and capacity-building for diagnosis, monitoring, surveillance and control of trade-related livestock diseases and insect pests. |
221P2 |
Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme (Codex Alimentarius) |
ESN |
Codex Alimentarius scientific and technical reports to include biosecurity issues relating to food safety. |
221P5 |
Food Quality Control and Consumer Protection |
ESN |
Dissemination of information to raise consumer awareness and promote food safety risk communication. |
221P6 |
Food Safety Assessment and Rapid Alert System |
ESN |
Rapid alert and crisis management system for food-safety "accidents". |
232A1 |
Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture |
FI |
Guidelines and codes of practice on aquatic biosafety and genetic resource management. |
241A5 |
Forest Plantations and Trees Outside Forests |
FO |
Technical guidelines for safe movement of forest germplasm. |
251A3 |
Partnerships for Improving Application of Biotechnology in Agriculture |
SDR |
Development of national regulations for biosafety of GMOs. |
251A6 |
Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management |
SDR |
Development of national regulations for biosafety of GMOs. |
313P1 |
Collection and Dissemination of Legal Information |
LEG |
Publications directed toward relevant issues. |
Supervisory mechanism: inter-departmental task force on trade-related assistance.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
212P1 |
Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) |
AGP |
Support to the WTO sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) agreements in relation to plant health via the IPPC (technical assistance to countries in applying international standards). |
212P2 |
Pesticide Management |
AGP |
Contributions to Codex standard setting through the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues. |
213A6 |
Veterinary Public Health Management and Food and Feed Safety |
AGA |
Information on WTO SPS/TBT agreements in relation to livestock health, in cooperation with the International Office of Epizootics. |
213A8 |
Technologies and Systems for Efficient Natural Resource Use in Livestock Production |
AGA |
Information on WTO SPS/TBT agreements in relation to livestock health, in cooperation with the International Office of Epizootics. |
214A1 |
Enhancing Small Farmer Livelihoods |
AGS |
Work on domestic and export marketing improvement programmes, including farmer-trader linkages. |
214A3 |
Sustainable Commercial Provision of Input Supply, Mechanisation, Investment Support and Marketing Services |
AGS |
Work on domestic and export marketing improvement programmes, including farmer-trader linkages. |
221P2 |
Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme (Codex Alimentarius) |
ESN |
Support to WTO SPS/TBT agreements in relation to food quality for human health via the Codex Alimentarius Commission. |
224A2 |
Commodity and Trade Policy Support to Developing Countries for Trade Negotiations |
ESC |
Analyses of trade issues under negotiation; formulation of commodity and trade development strategies. |
224P5 |
Measures to Enhance Commodity and Trade Development |
ESC |
Follow-up assistance in implementing trade agreements, and supervision of projects to attract investment in specific commodities and product sectors. |
233A5 |
Promotion of International Fish Trade |
FI |
Studies on the impact of the Uruguay Round agreements on fish exports and adaptation of markets to fish import regimes. |
242A1 |
Environmental Aspects of Forests |
FO |
Studies and assistance on the impact of trade liberalisation on forest products, and the relationship between trade, sustainable forest management and environmental issues. |
242P2 |
Appropriate Utilisation of Forest Products |
FO |
Studies and assistance on the impact of trade liberalisation on forest products, and the relationship between trade, sustainable forest management and environmental issues. |
311S2 |
Technical Support to Capacity Building in Food, Agriculture and Rural Policy Development Planning and Policy Analysis |
TCA |
Management of the umbrella trade-related training programme. |
312P3 |
Advice, Support and Training in Agricultural Policies |
TCA |
Interface of trade issues with food and agricultural policies, regional policy issues and training. |
Supervisory mechanism: inter-departmental working group (IDWG) on climate change.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211A2 |
Land and Soil Productivity |
AGL |
Work on carbon sequestration through sustainable land management. |
212P5 |
Support to Strategy Formulation and Promotion of Specific Action for Rice Development in Member Countries of the International Rice Commission (IRC) |
AGP |
Implementation of modern technologies for integrated rice production. |
213A7 |
EMPRES - Livestock |
AGA |
Surveillance, early warning and reactions to weather dependent epidemics; adaptation of insect pest management in response to climate change. |
213A9 |
Environmental Management of Insect Borne Diseases |
AGA |
Surveillance, early warning and reactions to weather dependent epidemics; adaptation of insect pest management in response to climate change. |
222P1 |
Agricultural Resources and Income Statistics |
ESS |
Coverage of statistical aspects. |
224P3 |
Economics of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability |
ESA |
Technical reports on the valuation of environmental costs and benefits, including inter alia those arising from climate change. |
242A1 |
Environmental Aspects of Forests |
FO |
Study on the role of forests in carbon storage and climate stabilisation. |
251A6 |
Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management |
SDR |
Impact on national policies; preparation of FAO position papers related to climate change. |
313P1 |
Collection and Dissemination of Legal Information |
LEG |
Publications directed toward relevant issues. |
Supervisory mechanism: inter-departmental working group (IDWG) on organic agriculture.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211A2 |
Land and Soil Productivity |
AGL |
Studies on the use of organic waste. |
212A5 |
"Mainstreaming IPM" by Enhancing Essential Ecological Processes |
AGP |
Models of transition from Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to organic agriculture. |
214A1 |
Enhancing Small Farmer Livelihoods |
AGS |
Assessment of organic agriculture as an income opportunity for small farmers. |
221A4 |
Community Action for Improved Household Food Security and Nutrition |
ESN |
Forum on Household Food Security and Community Nutrition will inter alia promote food-based nutrition, including organic farming. |
221P5 |
Food Quality Control and Consumer Protection |
ESS |
Capacity-building in nutrition education and communication will inter alia promote food-based nutrition including organic farming. |
222P1 |
Agricultural Resources and Income Statistics |
ESS |
Methodology for systematic collection and analysis of information and statistics on organic agriculture. |
222P6 |
WAICENT Corporate Information Management and Dissemination Systems |
GIL |
Technical support and guidance to thematic information systems. |
223P5 |
Market Assessments and Food Security Reports for Tropical, Horticultural and Raw Material Commodities |
ESC |
Regular assessments of market development and short-term outlook for various commodities including organic horticultural products. |
251A5 |
National Agricultural Research System (NARS) Secretariat of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) |
SDR |
Information products expected to contribute to this PAIA. |
251A6 |
Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management |
SDR |
Guidance on contribution of organic farming to sustainable agriculture (case studies, documentation). |
313A1 |
Support to the Development of a Regulatory Framework for Food and Agriculture |
LEG |
Conceptual support to the PAIA. |
Supervisory mechanism: inter-departmental working group to coordinate and monitor activities of concerned technical units, provide a focal point for internal and external information dissemination, and shape FAO responses to initiatives of government and partners in this area.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211A1 |
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency and Conservation |
AGL |
Work on peri-urban irrigation. |
211A2 |
Land and Soil Productivity |
AGL |
Availability of urban and agro-industrial organic waste for peri-urban agriculture. |
211A3 |
Integrated Land, Water and Plant Nutrient Management |
AGL |
Safe use of waste water in peri-urban agriculture. |
Alternative Crops and Cultivars for New Opportunities |
AGP |
Technologies for integrated greenhouse crop production. | |
213A6 |
Veterinary Public Health Management and Food and Feed Safety |
AGA |
Quality control work for food safety and consumer protection; veterinary public health structures and functions for the protection of the population against zoonotic diseases. |
214A2 |
Meeting Urban Food Needs |
AGS |
Entity fully related to the PAIA, covering: technologies and strategies for urban and peri-urban agriculture; planning and implementation of enhanced rural-urban linkages; improved provision of, and access to, fresh and processed food; improved urban marketing systems and infrastructures to cater for rapidly expanding urban populations. |
221A2 |
Nutrition Improvement for Sustainable Development |
ESN |
Work on food security and nutritional problems of the urban poor. |
221P5 |
Food Quality Control and Consumer Protection |
ESN |
Management of effective national food control programmes. |
222P6 |
WAICENT Corporate Information Management and Dissemination Systems |
GIL |
Technical support and guidance to thematic information systems. |
241A5 |
Forest Plantations and Trees Outside Forests |
FO |
Role of trees in liveability and environmental sustainability of cities, and reduced cost of energy for heating and other services. |
251A2 |
Youth in Agriculture, Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods |
SDR |
Information and educational materials aimed at developing skills for income-generation and enterprise development in youth. |
251A6 |
Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management |
SDR |
Work on environmental considerations, including guidelines. |
253A1 |
Access 21: Land Tenure Institution Building for Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development |
SDA |
Information on informal tenure in food production areas surrounding cities. |
253A2 |
Improved Rural Institutions and Services to Promote Sustainable Rural Livelihoods |
SDA |
Institutional mechanisms for fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue; training manuals aimed at strengthening capacities of rural and peri-urban producer organizations. |
313A1 |
Support to the Development of a Regulatory Framework for Food and Agriculture |
LEG |
Conceptual contributions to the PAIA. |
313P1 |
Collection and Dissemination of Legal Information |
LEG |
Publications directed toward relevant issues under this PAIA. |
Supervisory mechanism: the desired degree of inter-divisional collaboration should be attained through sub-groups to deal with specific outputs.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
210A1 |
Sustainable Intensification of Integrated Production Systems |
AG |
Entity fully relevant to the PAIA, covering in particular pilot field activities, workshops, publications and information system on oncho-freed zones; guidelines, training, models on rice-wheat systems; and work on integrated crop-livestock systems in semi-arid areas. |
210A2 |
Promotion of Conservation Agriculture |
AGS |
Also highly relevant entity, covering technologies in conservation agriculture. |
211A1 |
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency and Conservation |
AGL |
Support to farmers groups and water user associations in efficient and low-cost water management; improved technologies and planning/design procedures for precise water management for optimal water supply and crop production; irrigation systems improvement and modernisation; and improvement and expansion of small-scale irrigation. |
211A2 |
Land and Soil Productivity |
AGL |
Integrated approach to land planning and management. |
212A1 |
Alternative Crops and Cultivars for New Opportunities |
AGP |
Assessment and adaptation of high-value crops in favourable environments; technologies for integrated greenhouse crop production and protection. |
212A3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems |
AGP |
Improved knowledge base and technologies for intensive forage production and conservation; work on sustainable cropping technologies and systems within Integrated Pest Management (IPM). |
212A5 |
"Mainstreaming IPM" by Enhancing Essential Ecological Processes |
AGP |
Farmer field school methodologies for integrated production and pest management. |
212A7 |
Strengthening National Seed Production and Security Systems |
AGP |
Work on informal seed supply systems to ensure secure access to good quality seeds and planting materials for use in traditional crop production systems. |
212P2 |
Pesticide Management |
AGP |
Technologies for integrated rice production. |
213A8 |
Technologies and Systems for Efficient Natural Resource Use in Livestock Production |
AGA |
Technical support and publications on livestock production and product processing; programmes and strategies for the development and rational delivery of livestock extension and veterinary services within practical farming systems; policy work linking livestock and environment issues and technical guidelines including area-wide integration. |
213P1 |
Global Livestock Information System and Knowledge Framework |
AGA |
Integrated set of information systems on animal production, environment and health as a basis for the rational planning of sustainable resource management. |
214A1 |
Enhancing Small Farmer Livelihoods |
AGS |
Work on relevant financial and economic information on farm enterprises; guidance on appropriate tools, equipment and mechanisation. |
214A3 |
Sustainable Commercial Provision of Input Supply, Mechanisation, Investment Support and Marketing Services |
AGS |
Guidelines, bulletins, training materials, software systems to support provision of commercial support services to farmers. |
214A4 |
Agribusiness Development |
AGS |
Management tools for agribusiness. |
215A1 |
Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-Building |
AGE |
Improved techniques, products and practices for constraint and risk assessment, prevention and mitigation, developed for sustainable intensification of crop production. |
215A2 |
Sustainable Intensification of Livestock Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-building for Mitigation of Constraints and Risks |
AGE |
Integrated resource use and risk management in livestock systems. |
232A2 |
Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security |
FI |
Studies on integration of small-scale rural aquaculture as part of farming systems within rural polycultures. |
241A5 |
Forest Plantations and Trees Outside Forests |
FO |
Improved land use planning and agroforestry techniques. |
251A5 |
National Agricultural Research System (NARS) Secretariat of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) |
SDR |
Work on on-farm systems research, in close interaction with farmers. |
252P1 |
Promotion of Gender and Population in Policies, Legislation and Civil Institutions |
SDW |
The PAIA will benefit from the results of planned case studies and documentation activities. |
311P1 |
Coordination of and Support to Policy Assistance and Advice |
TCA |
Coordinated policy advice to countries as relates to this PAIA. |
312P3 |
Advice, Support and Training in Agricultural Policies |
TCA |
Policy advice to countries and support to policy analysis and planning. |
Supervisory mechanism: working group on biotechnology.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211A1 |
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency and Conservation |
AGL |
Work on biotechnology and cropwater use productivity. |
211A2 |
Land and Soil Productivity |
AGL |
Work on biotechnology related to plant nutrient use. |
212A3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems |
AGP |
Support to countries on plant biotechnology. |
212P1 |
Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) |
AGP |
Environmental standards for phytosanitary measures for GMOs. |
213A3 |
Contribution of Livestock to Poverty Alleviation |
AGA |
Promotion of biotechnology in the safe preservation of milk and meat. |
213A5 |
Developing the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources |
AGA |
State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) reports and priorities to address biotechnology. |
213A7 |
EMPRES - Livestock |
AGA |
Application of biotechnology to diagnostics and vaccines. |
213A8 |
Technologies and Systems for Efficient Natural Resource Use in Livestock Production |
AGA |
Decision support systems and training on related matters. |
214A4 |
Agribusiness Development |
AGS |
Application and promotion of appropriate technologies (including biotechnologies) for processing and transformation of agro-based food and non-food products. |
215A1 |
Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-Building |
AGE |
Entity fully involved with biotechnologies relating to crop production and protection and animal health aspects, through methodologies, publications, capacity-building and databases. |
215A2 |
Sustainable Intensification of Livestock Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-building for Mitigation of Constraints and Risks |
AGE |
Entity fully involved with biotechnologies relating to crop production and protection and animal health aspects, through methodologies, publications, capacity-building and databases. |
221P2 |
Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme (Codex Alimentarius) |
ESN |
Standards, guidelines and other instruments for consumer protection and fair food trade practices relevant to biotechnology. |
221P6 |
Food Safety Assessment and Rapid Alert System |
ESN |
Technical reports on the assessment of food additives, etc. including foods derived from biotechnology as the basis for international standards setting. |
222P6 |
WAICENT Corporate Information Management and Dissemination Systems |
GIL |
Technical support and guidance to thematic information systems. |
224P4 |
International Action on Commodity and Trade Issues |
ESC |
Assessment of the impact that new technologies have on trade, eco-labelling, fair trade and competitiveness of agricultural commodities. |
241A1 |
Sustainable Management of Natural Forests and Woodlands |
FO |
Work on management and conservation of forest genetic resources. |
241A5 |
Forest Plantations and Trees Outside Forests |
FO |
Advice to countries on new biotechnologies in forestry. |
251A3 |
Partnerships for Improving Application of Biotechnology in Agriculture |
SDR |
Dissemination of information and international cooperation in research as relates to biotechnology. |
251A6 |
Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management |
SDR |
Guidance on environmental considerations related to biotechnology applications. |
313P1 |
Collection and Dissemination of Legal Information |
LEG |
Publications directed toward relevant issues. |
Supervisory mechanism: existing inter-departmental working group.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
210P1 |
Secretariat of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) |
AGD |
Entity fully related to this PAIA. |
211A2 |
Land and Soil Productivity |
AGL |
Work on soil biodiversity. |
212A1 |
Alternative Crops and Cultivars for New Opportunities |
AGP |
Assessment and adaptation of high-value crops in favourable environments. |
212A3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems |
AGP |
Studies and publications linked to biodiversity. |
212A5 |
"Mainstreaming IPM" by Enhancing Essential Ecological Processes |
AGP |
Agro-ecosystem services studies, in particular pollination, and training on agro-ecosystem analysis. |
212A7 |
Strengthening National Seed Production and Security Systems |
AGP |
Work on seed security programmes and mechanisms which guard against genetic erosion and possible loss of crop genetic diversity in disaster-prone regions. |
212A8 |
Facilitating Plant Production and Protection Decision Making |
AGP |
Information exchange related to biodiversity. |
212P4 |
Support to the FAO Global System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) |
AGP |
Continuing programme activity which fully contributes to this PAIA. |
213A5 |
Developing the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources |
AGA |
Detailing strategic framework for domestic animal diversity, State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) - reports and priorities, decision support and training. |
213P1 |
Global Livestock Information System and Knowledge Framework |
AGA |
Inter-linking data and information on AnGR. |
215A1 |
Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-Building |
AGE |
Methodologies, publications and capacity-building for enhancing, protecting and characterising crop and insect biodiversity. |
215A2 |
Sustainable Intensification of Livestock Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-building for Mitigation of Constraints and Risks |
AGE |
Methodologies, publications and capacity-building for enhancing, protecting and characterising crop and insect biodiversity. |
222P6 |
WAICENT Corporate Information Management and Dissemination Systems |
GIL |
Technical support and guidance to thematic information systems. |
224P3 |
Economics of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability |
ESA |
Conceptual inputs through work on the economics of natural resource use and sustainability, particularly methods of valuation of costs and benefits. |
232A4 |
Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes |
FI |
Regular and more accurate assessment of environmental impacts. |
232P1 |
Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture |
FI |
Specialised information systems concerning aquatic biodiversity and genetics. |
241A4 |
Environmental Conservation in Forests and Fragile Ecosystems |
FO |
Coverage of biological diversity as an issue in forestry. |
251A6 |
Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management |
SDR |
Guidance, case studies, documentation and training on biodiversity-related issues, especially with regard to sustainable agro-ecosystems. |
251P3 |
Information and Communication Technologies in Support of Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Systems |
SDR |
Information systems contributing to this PAIA. |
252A3 |
Gender and Natural Resources Management |
SDW |
Dissemination of information and training in gender and biodiversity issues. |
313A1 |
Support to the Development of a Regulatory Framework for Food and Agriculture |
LEG |
Conceptual contributions to the PAIA. |
313P1 |
Collection and Dissemination of Legal Information |
LEG |
Publications directed toward relevant issues. |
Supervisory mechanism: inter-departmental working groups on desertification and mountains.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
210A2 |
Promotion of Conservation Agriculture |
AGS |
Crop production techniques in conservation agriculture relating to specific eco-systems. |
211A2 |
Land and Soil Productivity |
AGL |
Integrated land resources management and planning. |
211A3 |
Integrated Land, Water and Plant Nutrient Management |
AGL |
Impacts of land management in watersheds on downstream water users and sustainable mountain development**. |
212A3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems |
AGP |
Related studies and publications*. |
"Mainstreaming IPM" by Enhancing Essential Ecological Processes |
AGP |
Studies on agro-ecosystem services. | |
213A3 |
Contribution of Livestock to Poverty Alleviation |
AGA |
Entity focus on integration of livestock into low-input agricultural production systems is of close relevance to this PAIA*. |
213A8 |
Technologies and Systems for Efficient Natural Resource Use in Livestock Production |
AGA |
Focus on livestock environment interactions and related decision support systems, also of direct relevance to this PAIA. |
215A2 |
Sustainable Intensification of Livestock Production Systems through Technologies and Capacity-building for Mitigation of Constraints and Risks |
AGE |
Technologies, standards and strategies for area-wide tsetse management. |
224P3 |
Economics of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability |
ESA |
Conceptual work on the economics and sustainability of natural resources use, particularly, the methods of valuation of costs and benefits. |
241A4 |
Environmental Conservation in Forests and Fragile Ecosystems |
FO |
Improved knowledge of, and technologies for, fragile ecosystems; coordination of FAO's work on several key post-UNCED agreements, including those related to mountains, biodiversity and deserts; work as lead agency for the International Year of Mountains**. |
251A1 |
Integrated Use of Information for Sustainable Development |
SDR |
Use of ground and satellite-based observing systems data and information*. |
251A5 |
National Agricultural Research System (NARS) Secretariat of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) |
SDR |
Information systems and international cooperation in research, as relates to this PAIA. |
251A6 |
Support to Environmental Agreements and Promotion of Integrated Environmental Planning and Management |
SDR |
Guidance on mitigation of land degradation and desertification*. |
252A3 |
Gender and Natural Resources Management |
SDW |
Dissemination of information to give due prominence to ecosystem management. |
253A1 |
Access 21: Land Tenure Institution Building for Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development |
SDA |
Dissemination of information on indigenous land rights and common property resources. |
313P1 |
Collection and Dissemination of Legal Information |
LEG |
Publications directed toward relevant issues under this PAIA. |
313S1 |
Provision of Technical Advice |
LEG |
Technical assistance on legal aspects of natural resources management. |
* particularly relevant to drylands ** particularly relevant to mountains
Supervisory mechanism: ad hoc inter-departmental working group to keep under review thematic issues where there are apparent inconsistencies in definitions, norms and methodologies; to be buttressed by action by lead technical units for the relevant database or information system, and by participatory inter-departmental technical groups to develop norms and definitions for the respective database.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211P7 |
Land and Water Information Systems, Databases and Statistics |
AGL |
Land databases and statistics; land and water information systems. |
212A8 |
Facilitating Plant Production and Protection Decision Making |
AGP |
Work on standardisation of terms and definitions. |
213A5 |
Developing the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources |
AGA |
Framework for collecting, analysing and using information; issuance of State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) reports. |
213A8 |
Technologies and Systems for Efficient Natural Resource Use in Livestock Production |
AGA |
Work on decision-support systems and training. |
213P1 |
Global Livestock Information System and Knowledge Framework |
AGA |
Development of methodologies and standards for livestock information; country-based specialised AnGR information system. |
214A5 |
Agricultural Services - Data and Information Systems |
AGS |
Definitions, methodologies and data quality for farm level data. |
221A1 |
Human Nutrition Requirements |
ESN |
Definition of norms and standards for human energy, protein and vitamin requirements. |
221P1 |
Food Composition (INFOODS) |
ESN |
Further development of regional and national food composition tables and databases that permit reliable and valid assessment of nutrient intake. |
222A3 |
FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System |
GIL |
Platform for the development of an FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System. |
222A4 |
Systematic Evaluation and Improvement of Statistical Data Quality |
ESS |
Given its scope, this entity will contribute in full to this PAIA. |
222A5 |
World Agriculture Information Resource System (WAIR) |
GIL |
Entity is relevant, as the WAIR system is intended to improve access to authoritative information resources in Member Nations. |
222P1 |
Agricultural Resources and Income Statistics |
ESS |
Work on agricultural resources and income statistics. |
222P2 |
Agricultural Production, Trade Statistics and Food Balance Sheets |
ESS |
Work on production and trade statistics. |
231A1 |
Development of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS) |
FI |
Promotion of data and information norms for enhanced information exchange. |
231P1 |
Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics |
FI |
Development of norms, standards, guidelines for fisheries information, statistics and library services. |
232A1 |
Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture |
FI |
Development of norms to enhance sustainable use and development, especially of aquatic and inland fisheries. |
233A4 |
Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products |
FI |
International databases on hazards, risks and standards for fish production. |
241P1 |
Assessment and Monitoring of Forests and Woodland Resources |
FO |
Ongoing monitoring and assessment of forest and other woodland resources, to be coordinated with other assessment and monitoring work, including compatible definitions, norms, and quality standards for information. |
242P1 |
Forest Products Information |
FO |
Development of information standards for the production, trade and consumption of forest products, including wood and non-wood products. |
243A1 |
Forestry Sector Outlook Studies |
FO |
Work on norms, definitions and quality of forestry data. |
251A1 |
Integrated Use of Information for Sustainable Development |
SDR |
Information standards developed by regional organizations, through the Regional Agricultural Information Systems (RAIS), are expected to contribute to this PAIA. |
251A5 |
National Agricultural Research System (NARS) Secretariat of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) |
SDR |
Relevant entity, as it will give prominence to data quality. |
251P1 |
Environmental Geo-Information Infrastructure and Services |
SDR |
Entity fully relevant to the PAIA. |
Supervisory mechanism: a senior-level working group on GIS and modelling, to be assisted by ad hoc groups with specific terms of reference and limited time horizons to carry out various tasks required to strengthen FAO's capabilities.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211P7 |
Land and Water Information Systems, Databases and Statistics |
AGL |
Global agro-ecological information system and revised agro-ecological zone (AEZ) methodology; digitised reports on the state of land, water and plant nutrient resources; global geo-referenced information system and modelling capability on water; digitised databases on soil, terrain and climatic information; land use, degradation and management inventories including soil and water conservation technologies; digitised databases on state of water resources, use in agriculture and water management. |
212A3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Sustainable Crop and Grassland Production Systems |
AGP |
Dissemination of information to countries on major crops through crop databases. |
212P4 |
Support to the FAO Global System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) |
AGP |
Decision-support tools for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. |
212P5 |
Support to Strategy Formulation and Promotion of Specific Action for Rice Development in Member Countries of the International Rice Commission (IRC) |
AGP |
Collection, analysis and publication of innovative rice technologies, production factors, constraints and opportunities in different ecologies. |
213A7 |
EMPRES - Livestock |
AGA |
Work on spatial disease modelling. |
213A9 |
Environmental Management of Insect Borne Diseases |
AGA |
Work on agro-ecology of animal health and production issues, mainly insect borne diseases. |
213B1 |
Livestock Sector Analysis and Strategy Development |
AGA |
Analysis of livestock-land use patterns and trends and development of related decision support tools. |
213P1 |
Global Livestock Information System and Knowledge Framework |
AGA |
GIS aspects of livestock information and information management. |
214A5 |
Agricultural Services - Data and Information Systems |
AGS |
Policy decision support systems based on farm level data. |
222A1 |
Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping System (FIVIMS) |
ESD |
Mapping tools which provide support to FIVIMS; development of FIVIMS portable software tools and the FAOMAP GIS Spatial Database. |
FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System |
GIL |
Platform for the development of an FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System. | |
223P6 |
Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture |
ESC |
Workstation mapping tools of the GIEWS. |
231A1 |
Development of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS) |
FI |
FIGIS Internet-based global databases of fisheries information and statistics and GIS use in inter-disciplinary and ecosystem-based fisheries management. |
232P1 |
Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture |
FI |
GIS-based global, regional and national reviews of status and use of resources (linked to FIVIMS). |
241P1 |
Assessment and Monitoring of Forests and Woodland Resources |
FO |
Spatial information management methodologies, including GIS and remote sensing, used in many aspects of forestry. |
251A1 |
Integrated Use of Information for Sustainable Development |
SDR |
Work on land tenure data, gender and demographic factors, ground and satellite-based observing systems data and information. |
251A5 |
National Agricultural Research System (NARS) Secretariat of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) |
SDR |
Application of information and communication technologies, including GIS being one of the main areas in which the Regional Agricultural Information Systems (RAIS) are working. |
251P1 |
Environmental Geo-Information Infrastructure and Services |
SDR |
Work on spatial databases and decision support tools. |
251P3 |
Information and Communication Technologies in Support of Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Systems |
SDR |
Application of information and communication, as relevant to this PAIA. |
Supervisory mechanism: existing cooperative channels.
The following list is representative, as the focus of Global Perspective Studies varies from period to period.
OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTIVITIES
Code |
Title |
Unit |
Relevant Activities |
211P7 |
Land and Water Information Systems, Databases and Statistics |
AGL |
Contributions to AT 20XX and Food Outlook studies. |
212P4 |
Support to the FAO Global System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) |
AGP |
Worldwide review of current state of PGRFA as basis to identify gaps for action by stakeholders. |
213B1 |
Livestock Sector Analysis and Strategy Development |
AGA |
Analysis of the "Livestock Revolution". |
214A1 |
Enhancing Small Farmer Livelihoods |
AGS |
Information on trends and issues impacting on small farmers. |
221P1 |
Food Composition (INFOODS) |
ESN |
Food composition data for global assessments. |
222A1 |
Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping System (FIVIMS) |
ESD |
Estimates of number of undernourished persons for projection years. |
222A3 |
FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System |
GIL |
Development and maintenance of corporate databases on standard information resources of the Organization. |
FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System |
GIL |
Platform for the development of an FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System. | |
223A1 |
Global Perspective Studies |
ESD |
Core entity focused entirely on global perspective studies. |
223P3 |
Market Assessments for Basic Food Commodities and Impact on Global Food Security |
ESC |
Technical papers on market intelligence and assessments of basic food commodities. |
223P4 |
Projections and Global Commodity Analyses |
ESC |
Projections and global commodity market analysis. |
223P5 |
Market Assessments and Food Security Reports for Tropical, Horticultural and Raw Material Commodities |
ESC |
Technical papers on market intelligence and assessments of tropical, horticultural and raw material commodities. |
224P2 |
Contribution of Agriculture to Poverty Alleviation, Rural Development and Food Security |
ESA |
Contributions relating to agricultural and food security policy issues. |
234A1 |
Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries |
FI |
Work on policies in the fisheries sector and improvements in national fishery management plans. |
234A5 |
Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development |
FI |
Identification of major constraints to development of sustainable aquaculture and adoption of production-increasing technologies. |
234P2 |
Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture |
FI |
Publication of "Projection of World Fish Consumption by Country in 2020". |
243A1 |
Forestry Sector Outlook Studies |
FO |
Outlook studies for the forestry sector and contributions to AT 20XX. |
Supervisory mechanism: in view of the pervasive nature of gender issues, progress will be kept under review through existing high-level consultative mechanisms, while at the initiative of the focal point division, smaller groups may address specific issues to ensure inter-sectoral coherence and needed cooperation.
Overview of relevant activities: programme entities and major outputs in all departments have gender considerations which are included in the design, and those with the most significant gender implications, will be defined in a comprehensive list to be given in the Plan of Action on Gender and Development covering the same period as the Medium Term Plan.
Supervisory mechanism: Committee on Ethics in Food and Agriculture (with membership at senior level) assisted by a sub-committee (with representatives of all concerned units), both serviced by the Legal Office, which identify and develop the scope of ethical issues of relevance to food and agriculture and suggest ways of handling them.
Overview of relevant activities: ethical considerations can, and should, be applied to a great part of FAO's work. More obvious areas include genetic resources for food and agriculture, the application of biotechnology, biosafety issues in general and food safety in particular. Beyond this group, a broader range of ethical considerations need to be taken into account in policy for intensification and with regard to international trade.
3 Third WTO Ministerial Conference, December 1999