During the first three years of implementation of the UNDFF in the RAP region, significant results have been achieved. One can mention for instance the development of the SAARC Regional Action Plan for Family Farming, as well as the development of National Action Plans for Family farming in Indonesia (implementation phase), Nepal and Philippines (officially launched on 21^st July 2021). In other countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Japan or Lao PDR, mobilization of stakeholders to develop the NAP have also started. Other initiatives, such as those linked to the UN Food System Summit or the communication campaigns supported by ComDevAsia, have contributed as well to advance the agenda of Family Farming across the region.

Nevertheless, significant challenges arise or were exacerbated in the region due to the regional impact of global crises, such as impacts of the breakout of COVID-19 on family farmers’ livelihoods and the consequences of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the global food markets (and production inputs). These global crises are interacting with the specific social, economic, and environmental conditions in the region, and require tailored interventions to mitigate their impact and to strengthen family farmers’ resilience and contribution to food security and nutrition.

Following initial informal consultations with the main apex organizations of Family Farmers Organizations (such as the Asian Farmers Association, La Via Campesina, and PIFON) and a regional NGO (DHRRA), 3 main technical themes have been identified to be focused on during the upcoming regional dialogue:

-          The contribution of Family Farmers Organizations to sustainable and climate resilient food systems (in reference but not only to the Pillar 6 of the Global Action Plan on Promoting sustainability of family farming for climate-resilient food systems)

-          Fostering the inclusion of rural youth (in reference but not only to the Pillar 2 of the Global Action Plan on supporting youth and ensure the generational sustainability of family farming)

-          Building the capacities of Family Farmers Organization (including appropriate financial services and business model) and ensuring effective participation through appropriate financing and implementation modalities (in reference but not only to the Pillar 4 on Strengthening family farmers’ organizations and their capacities to generate knowledge, represent farmers’ concerns and provide inclusive services in rural areas)

Addressing the above themes, the Regional Dialogue aims at stimulating a common reflection on how to leverage the role of family farming towards more inclusive and resilient food systems. The main outcomes of the discussion will be systematized and reported in the framework of the Global Forum in September 2022, as part of the technical discussions linked to the seven Pillars of work of the UNDFF Global Action Plan.