Countries in the NENA region are facing enormous challenges to achieve their goals of eradicating
hunger and malnutrition while managing their natural resources in a sustainable manner. The persistent high population growth rates, averaging 2.2 percent for the whole region, and growing urbanization are placing heavy pressure on the demand for food. Large segments of the population in many countries live below or close to the poverty line. FAO's work, in particular, through the Regional Initiatives (RIs), endorsed by the NERC Regional Conference, aims to address many of these challenges including: building resilience, enhancing small-scale agriculture and sustainably increasing water and land productivity.
In addressing these challenges, one country's experiences can support another, and South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTrC) offer an effective means to share knowledge, experiences and good practices, policies, technology and resources on a wide range of development issues.