FAO and World Vision boost global food security

Microfinance Focus, November 22, 2011: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Vision International (WVI), one of the world’s largest non-governmental humanitarian organizations, are joining forces in promoting global food security. In an agreement, FAO and WVI would collaborate on agricultural development projects, land tenure management, food price volatility and gender and nutrition programs.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) lays out terms and conditions for joint actions and projects for the promotion of food security over a three-year period. The areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration include agricultural development projects, land tenure management, food price volatility and gender and nutrition programs.

One aspect of the MoU will focus on fostering improvements in early warning systems, preparedness in emergency responses, and gender and nutrition programs – particularly field collaboration on nutrition issues.

“World Vision works in nearly 100 countries worldwide, and we have seen the devastating effects of malnutrition on children under the age of five, and their families, for more than 60 years,” said Middleton. “It shapes their entire lives. This partnership will improve end-to-end support for food-insecure communities; from global agricultural policy decisions through to field-level agricultural livelihood projects that are sustainable, effective and resilient.”

Also this agreement leverages on the strengths of the two organizations, presenting new opportunities for both. “We believe there are tremendous opportunities for joint work on agriculture development projects targeting improvements in productivity, sustainability and resilience, as well as issues of land tenure, watershed management and other natural resource management,” Thomas declared.