Comprehensive High-Level Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for the Decade 2014–2024

Comprehensive High-Level Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for the Decade 2014–2024
Interactive Panel on promoting trade, trade facilitation and structural economic transformation in Landlocked Developing Countries

Carla Mucavi, Director, FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York

Thank you for giving me the floor.

Agriculture and food systems in LLDCs face significant challenges because of lack of territorial access to the sea and geographical remoteness from international markets. Natural resource constraints further compound this challenge.

Food loss and waste linked to transportation, for example, can be a particular challenge. In Central and Southern Asia as well as Sub-Saharan Africa -- where most LLDCs are located -- transport losses in fruits and vegetables can be as high as 25 percent.

Water resources are also a major issue in many LLDCs where, for example, 68 percent of cropland is under rainfed low-input systems and many farmers in these areas are particularly vulnerable to drought risk.

LLDCs also have high rates of undernourishment, which affects nearly 20 percent of its population, and other forms of malnutrition.

FAO works with all LLDCs to help them achieve the sustainable development goals. FAO’s priority areas focus on investing in policies and best practices that can ensure food and nutrition security at household and community levels, while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. Finding alternatives to high food import bills by investing in domestic agriculture and encouraging local food production and supply is vital to improving food security and supporting livelihoods.

The FAO Director-General has recently launched the Hand-in-Hand initiative to increase impact in countries that mostly need help in achieving SDGs 1 and 2. LLDCs are among the priority countries for this initiative. 

FAO is also establishing an Office for SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs to strengthen the coherence of FAO’s work in supporting these countries.

FAO remains committed to providing the needed support for the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for the Decade 2014-2024, and the 2030 Agenda.

Thank you for your attention.