Strategic Objectives:

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The program aims to strengthen food security across OIC member states through the development of effective governance mechanisms and policies. Recognizing the critical role of robust governance structures in addressing food security challenges, this program focuses on facilitating knowledge exchange, capacity-building activities, and the promotion of sustainable food systems. Since its endorsement at the 3rd IOFS General Assembly in 2020, the program has organized key workshops and training sessions, fostering cooperation and partnerships to enhance food security initiatives. With strategic objectives including the improvement and harmonization of food security policies, strengthening governmental agency capacities, and promoting resilient food systems, the program serves as a cornerstone for sustainable agricultural development and the fight against hunger and malnutrition within the OIC region.

BACKGROUND:

The Food Security Governance Program, which gained unanimous support during the 3rd IOFS General Assembly on December 2-3, 2020, aims to enhance food security governance across OIC member states through comprehensive needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building activities. Moreover, the program's activities align with conclusions from the COMCEC 2020 study, emphasizing the importance of food security governance and resilient food systems, and aim to foster cooperation, build capacity, and promote sustainable food systems across OIC member states.

GOALS:

Facilitate Effective Governance: Implement effective food security governance mechanisms and policies across OIC member states.

Foster Cooperation: Strengthen food security initiatives by fostering cooperation and partnerships between relevant institutions, governments, and stakeholders.

Capacity Building: Enhance food security governance practices through knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities.

Promote Sustainable Food Systems: Promote the development of sustainable and resilient food systems via effective governance and policy implementation.

Develop Coherent Policy Frameworks: Assist member states in developing coherent policy frameworks and resilient inter-sectoral government systems for sustainable food systems.

Share Best Practices: Facilitate the sharing of best OIC and international practices through workshops, seminars, and conferences.

IMPLEMENTATION:

Develop Guidelines: Create comprehensive guidelines and frameworks for effective food security governance tailored to the specific needs of OIC member states.

Policy Workshops: Conduct regular workshops and seminars to educate policymakers on the latest governance mechanisms and best practices in food security.

Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and advisory services to member states to enhance their food security governance capabilities.

Enhanced Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships and cooperation between relevant institutions, leading to more effective and coordinated food security initiatives.

IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES:

Year 2021: Pioneering Online Engagements

• International Conference Success: On July 14, 2021, the conference on “Best Practices for Building Sustainable Food Systems in the OIC Region” brought together 192 beneficiaries from 51 OIC Member States. Key sessions included “Food Security Governance” and “Promotion of Agricultural Development,” setting the stage for robust policy discussions and collaboration.
• Workshop on South-South Cooperation: The December 22, 2021, workshop highlighted the OIC country experiences in food security governance, attracting 51 representatives from 19 Member States. This event laid the groundwork for subsequent physical activities in 2022.

Year 2022: Expanding Physical Training Programs

• Three Dynamic Workshops: Held in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, and Abuja, these workshops engaged 177 beneficiaries from 36 OIC Member States. Participants gained insights into strategic planning, policy development, and food security management.
• Collaborative Success: The events were supported by partners including UAE ADAFSA, MARD Nigeria, COMCEC, and IsDB. Experts from FPMU Bangladesh, SFSI Ireland, and IFPRI contributed to enriching the content.
• Broad Impact: These workshops provided a platform for policy convergence and greater coordination in food security, benefiting government officials, researchers, and private sector representatives.

Year 2023: Strengthening Policy Frameworks and Monitoring

• Collection of Food Security Policies: In 2023, the program compiled 37 food security policies from 18 OIC Member States, sharing these at the working level with officials from Kazakhstan, Iraq, and Tajikistan. This initiative involved international experts to develop a model strategy for food security.
• Online Workshop on Food Security Monitoring: At Kazakhstan's request, a virtual seminar on June 14-15, 2023, focused on food security monitoring and food balance sheet management. The event attracted 87 representatives from 23 OIC Member States, featuring presentations on global best practices and UN FAO methodologies.

PLANNED ACTIVITIES:

Year 2024: Strengthening Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Policy Frameworks and Food Security Governance in Central Asia

1. Needs Assessments in Central Asia: Assess gaps in CSA policy frameworks in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
2. Policy Framework Development: Draft initial CSA policy frameworks with input from international experts.
3. CSA Policy Blueprint Workshops: Develop CSA policy frameworks and build capacities in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Year 2025: Expansion to Africa:

- Conduct needs assessments in selected African countries.

- Launch pilot CSA projects and host regional capacity-building workshops.

- Develop CSA policy frameworks and submit funding proposals.

Year 2026: Expansion to GCC:

- Assess gaps in food security governance and CSA policies in GCC countries.

- Develop advanced food security projects and organize training sessions.

- Establish collaboration platforms and publish a final program report.

- Ensure sustainability of CSA policy frameworks.

ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE: