PARTICIPANTS MEET TO DISCUSS FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION

The agrifood sector remains a cornerstone of our societies as it employs a significant portion of our population and is essential for ensuring food security and nutrition.

These were the remarks by the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana at the opening of the Pacific SIDS Program Workshop, which is currently being held in Nadi.

"With the theme, 'Identifying investment priorities for food systems transformation', it is both a privilege and a responsibility to address a matter of profound importance to the Pacific Small Island Developing States - our agrifood systems," said Dr. Tukana.

"These island nations, characterized by their unique and diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and resilient communities, face a multitude of challenges that threaten not only our food security but also our economic stability and overall well-being."

Dr. Tukana added that the Pacific Small Island Developing States is confronted by a complex web of challenges.

"Increasing human populations strain our limited arable land, while outdated farming practices and low productivity hinder our ability to meet the demands of our communities. Furthermore, the degradation of our natural resources and poor infrastructure exacerbate these issues, leaving us vulnerable to the unpredictable impacts of climate change."

He added that in 2020, poverty rates across the Pacific SIDS ranged from 12 to 40 percent, with rural areas bearing the brunt of this hardship.

"The vulnerability of our nations to external shocks-from rising sea levels and changing weather patterns to global pandemics and financial crises-poses a significant threat to sustainable development and the livelihoods of our people. Disruptions in agricultural production and global supply chains lead to increased prices of food and essential commodities, further undermining community resilience."

Speaking to the participants, Dr. Tukana added that it is now more critical than ever that everyone comes together to develop resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

During the recent 37th Regional Ministerial Conference for the Asia Pacific Region, the FAO Director-General extended a hand of support to the Pacific SIDS, offering FAO's expertise in crafting a tailored package of policy recommendations, investment opportunities, and financing solutions.

Dr. Tukana went on to say that this initiative is not just a lifeline but also an opportunity for transformation, a chance to reshape our agrifood systems into sustainable models that can thrive in the face of adversity.

To achieve this, the FAO Team has embarked on a systematic approach that involves multiple phases: from stocktaking and scoping to diagnostic assessments, investment prioritization, and ultimately, implementation. This process has been inclusive, involving consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders across our Pacific nations. <_o3a_p>

"The aim is to align strategic planning with the unique priorities of each Pacific SIDS, ensuring that our agrifood systems are not only efficient but also responsive to the needs of our communities."

The objectives of this workshop includes engaging in meaningful discussions with stakeholders from all Pacific SIDS, fine-tuning the findings and ensuring that each voice is heard in this critical dialogue.

"This will also be an opportunity for members to agree upon and finalize the identified investment priorities that will serve as the foundation for transforming our countries' agrifood systems."

Representatives from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Palau, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Tokelau are attending the three days workshop which ends tomorrow.

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