FAO and Rikolto Join Forces to Foster Sustainable Urban Agrifood Systems

Through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), FAO and Rikolto officialise a partnership to expand collaboration towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Such collaboration is in line with FAO's vision to develop sustainable urban agrifood systems, and it will contribute to FAO's Strategic Framework particularly focusing on enhancing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of safe, nutritious, diversified, and culturally appropriate food for all. 

Rikolto brings to the table over 50 years of experience working with food system stakeholders across 18 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Through its Good Food for Cities programme, Rikolto works with partners in over 33 cities to transform urban food environments towards better access to healthy, sustainable and nutritious food for all. 

Central to the partnership's objectives is the alignment with key SDGs, including: No poverty (SDG 1), Zero hunger (SDG 2), Sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Key areas of collaboration within this new agreement include governance and planning of sustainable urban agrifood systems, territorial markets, urban and peri-urban agriculture, multilevel governance, generally contributing to the FAO Sustainable Urban Agrifood Systems Programme. 

The agreement was officially signed by Mr. Chris Claes, Executive Director of Rikolto, and Ms. Corinna Hawkes, Director of the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) at FAO. “As we confront the complex challenges of food security and urbanization – she added – this partnership between FAO and Rikolto signifies a pivotal moment in nurturing resilient and inclusive agrifood systems. Through collaborative endeavors and mutual dedication, our aim is to catalyze constructive transformation and forge a future where food is both sustainable and equitable for all”.  

Marking the formal commencement of this transformative partnership, Executive Director Claes emphasized how, for Rikolto, “this alliance with FAO is both an acknowledgement of our contribution to supporting local processes and a strong motivation to put this collaboration into practice and contribute to sustainable food systems for all.
Municipal governments and local actors have shown great leadership to design food systems that provide nutritious, healthy and safe food to consumers, while also ensuring sustainable livelihoods for farmers and other food actors”.

As the world grapples with pressing challenges related to food security, urbanization, and sustainability, this alliance between FAO and Rikolto represents a significant step forward in fostering resilient and inclusive agrifood systems that meet the needs of present and future generations. Through collective action and shared commitment, the partnership aims to drive positive change and create a more sustainable and equitable food future for all.