Rome, Italy - The Food Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is pleased to present a series of training initiatives conducted in 2023. These efforts are geared towards raising awareness and enhancing skills and capacities related to country-led sustainable value chains (VCs) analysis and development, with a vision to transform and improve current agri-food systems.

Objective:
The primary goal of these training initiatives is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required for country-led sustainable value chains' analysis and design of upgrading strategies. By fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of agri-food value chains as part of agri-food systems, the training programs aim to facilitate the transformation of agri-food systems into more sustainable ones, using agri-food value chains as an entry point in the systems.

Trainings Overview:
Throughout 2023, a comprehensive series of training sessions were conducted in different countries worldwide, focusing on advancing knowledge and skills in sustainable value chains and agri-food systems.

Achievements:
Throughout the various training sessions conducted in 2023, significant achievements have been made in advancing knowledge and capacity building in sustainable value chains and agri-food systems. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including value chain analysis and design, environmental and resilience analyses, and the development of strategies, investments, and action plans. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including FAO staff, consultants, and students, engaged in interactive sessions both online and in-person across different regions. Key outcomes include enhanced understanding and application of the Sustainable Food Value Chain (SFVC) framework, methodologies for sustainable value chain analysis and design, and strategies for promoting sustainability and resilience in agri-food systems. Notably, these initiatives have empowered countries to adopt systematic approaches to analyzing value chains, formulating strategies, and transforming national food systems. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, these trainings have contributed to the advancement of sustainable development goals and the enhancement of food system resilience and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.