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INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF FRESHWATER
2003
Rome Declaration on World Food Security
We, the Heads of
State and Government,1
or our representatives, gathered at the World Food Summit at
the invitation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, reaffirm the right of everyone to have access
to safe and nutritious food, consistent with the right to
adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free
from hunger.
We pledge our
political will and our common and national commitment to
achieving food security for all and to an ongoing effort to
eradicate hunger in all countries, with an immediate view to
reducing the number of undernourished people to half their
present level no later than 2015.
We consider it
intolerable that more than 800 million people throughout the
world, and particularly in developing countries, do not have
enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs. This
situation is unacceptable. Food supplies have increased
substantially, but constraints on access to food and
continuing inadequacy of household and national incomes to
purchase food, instability of supply and demand, as well as
natural and man-made disasters, prevent basic food needs from
being fulfilled. The problems of hunger and food insecurity
have global dimensions and are likely to persist, and even
increase dramatically in some regions, unless urgent,
determined and concerted action is taken, given the
anticipated increase in the world's population and the stress
on natural resources.
We reaffirm that
a peaceful, stable and enabling political, social and economic
environment is the essential foundation which will enable
States to give adequate priority to food security and poverty
eradication. Democracy, promotion and protection of all human
rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to
development, and the full and equal participation of men and
women are essential for achieving sustainable food security
for all.
Poverty is a
major cause of food insecurity and sustainable progress in
poverty eradication is critical to improve access to food.
Conflict, terrorism, corruption and environmental degradation
also contribute significantly to food insecurity. Increased
food production, including staple food, must be undertaken.
This should happen within the framework of sustainable
management of natural resources, elimination of unsustainable
patterns of consumption and production, particularly in
industrialized countries, and early stabilization of the world
population. We acknowledge the fundamental contribution to
food security by women, particularly in rural areas of
developing countries, and the need to ensure equality between
men and women. Revitalization of rural areas must also be a
priority to enhance social stability and help redress the
excessive rate of rural-urban migration confronting many
countries.
We emphasize the
urgency of taking action now to fulfil our responsibility to
achieve food security for present and future generations.
Attaining food security is a complex task for which the
primary responsibility rests with individual governments. They
have to develop an enabling environment and have policies that
ensure peace, as well as social, political and economic
stability and equity and gender equality. We express our deep
concern over the persistence of hunger which, on such a scale,
constitutes a threat both to national societies and, through a
variety of ways, to the stability of the international
community itself. Within the global framework, governments
should also cooperate actively with one another and with
United Nations organizations, financial institutions,
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and
public and private sectors, on programmes directed toward the
achievement of food security for all.
Food should not
be used as an instrument for political and economic pressure.
We reaffirm the importance of international cooperation and
solidarity as well as the necessity of refraining from
unilateral measures not in accordance with the international
law and the Charter of the United Nations and that endanger
food security.
We recognize the
need to adopt policies conducive to investment in human
resource development, research and infrastructure for
achieving food security. We must encourage generation of
employment and incomes, and promote equitable access to
productive and financial resources. We agree that trade is a
key element in achieving food security. We agree to pursue
food trade and overall trade policies that will encourage our
producers and consumers to utilize available resources in an
economically sound and sustainable manner. We recognize the
importance for food security of sustainable agriculture,
fisheries, forestry and rural development in low as well as
high potential areas. We acknowledge the fundamental role of
farmers, fishers, foresters, indigenous people and their
communities, and all other people involved in the food sector,
and of their organizations, supported by effective research
and extension, in attaining food security. Our sustainable
development policies will promote full participation and
empowerment of people, especially women, an equitable
distribution of income, access to health care and education,
and opportunities for youth. Particular attention should be
given to those who cannot produce or procure enough food for
an adequate diet, including those affected by war, civil
strife, natural disaster or climate related ecological
changes. We are conscious of the need for urgent action to
combat pests, drought, and natural resource degradation
including desertification, overfishing and erosion of
biological diversity.
We are determined
to make efforts to mobilize, and optimize the allocation and
utilization of, technical and financial resources from all
sources, including external debt relief for developing
countries, to reinforce national actions to implement
sustainable food security policies.
Convinced that
the multifaceted character of food security necessitates
concerted national action, and effective international efforts
to supplement and reinforce national action, we make the
following commitments:
- we will ensure
an enabling political, social, and economic environment
designed to create the best conditions for the eradication
of poverty and for durable peace, based on full and equal
participation of women and men, which is most conducive to
achieving sustainable food security for all;
- we will
implement policies aimed at eradicating poverty and
inequality and improving physical and economic access by
all, at all times, to sufficient, nutritionally adequate and
safe food and its effective utilization;
- we will pursue
participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries,
forestry and rural development policies and practices in
high and low potential areas, which are essential to
adequate and reliable food supplies at the household,
national, regional and global levels, and combat pests,
drought and desertification, considering the multifunctional
character of agriculture;
- we will strive
to ensure that food, agricultural trade and overall trade
policies are conducive to fostering food security for all
through a fair and market-oriented world trade system;
- we will
endeavour to prevent and be prepared for natural disasters
and man-made emergencies and to meet transitory and
emergency food requirements in ways that encourage recovery,
rehabilitation, development and a capacity to satisfy future
needs;
- we will
promote optimal allocation and use of public and private
investments to foster human resources, sustainable food,
agriculture, fisheries and forestry systems, and rural
development, in high and low potential areas;
- we will
implement, monitor, and follow-up this Plan of Action at all
levels in cooperation with the international community.
We
pledge our actions and support to implement the World Food
Summit Plan of Action.
Rome, 13
November 1996
Notes
1When
"Government" is used, it means as well the European Community
within its areas of competence.
World Food Summit Plan of Action
1. The Rome
Declaration on World Food Security and the World Food Summit
Plan of Action lay the foundations for diverse paths to a
common objective - food security, at the individual,
household, national, regional and global levels. Food security
exists when all people, at all times, have physical and
economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to
meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active
and healthy life. In this regard, concerted action at all
levels is required. Each nation must adopt a strategy
consistent with its resources and capacities to achieve its
individual goals and, at the same time, cooperate regionally
and internationally in order to organize collective solutions
to global issues of food security. In a world of increasingly
interlinked institutions, societies and economies, coordinated
efforts and shared responsibilities are essential.
2. Poverty
eradication is essential to improve access to food. The vast
majority of those who are undernourished, either cannot
produce or cannot afford to buy enough food. They have
inadequate access to means of production such as land, water,
inputs, improved seeds and plants, appropriate technologies
and farm credit. In addition, wars, civil strife, natural
disasters, climate related ecological changes and
environmental degradation have adversely affected millions of
people. Although food assistance may be provided to ease their
plight, it is not a long term solution to the underlying
causes of food insecurity. It is important to maintain an
adequate capacity in the international community to provide
food aid, whenever it is required, in response to emergencies.
Equitable access to stable food supplies should be ensured.
3. A peaceful and stable
environment in every country is a fundamental condition for
the attainment of sustainable food security. Governments are
responsible for creating an enabling environment for private
and group initiatives to devote their skills, efforts and
resources, and in particular investment, towards the common
goal of food for all. This should be undertaken with the
cooperation and participation of all members of society.
Farmers, fishers and foresters and other food producers and
providers, have critical roles in achieving food security, and
their full involvement and enablement are crucial for
success.
4.
Poverty, hunger and malnutrition are some of the principal
causes of accelerated migration from rural to urban areas in
developing countries. The largest population shift of all
times is now under way. Unless these problems are addressed in
an appropriate and timely fashion, the political, economic and
social stability of many countries and regions may well be
seriously affected, perhaps even compromising world peace. It
is necessary to target those people and areas suffering most
from hunger and malnutrition and identify causes and take
remedial action to improve the situation. A more complete,
user-friendly source of information at all levels would enable
this.
5.
Availability of enough food for all can be attained. The 5.8
billion people in the world today have, on average, 15 percent
more food per person than the global population of 4 billion
people had 20 years ago. Yet, further large increases in world
food production, through the sustainable management of natural
resources, are required to feed a growing population, and
achieve improved diets. Increased production, including
traditional crops and their products, in efficient combination
with food imports, reserves, and international trade can
strengthen food security and address regional disparities.
Food aid is one of the many instruments which can help to
promote food security. Long term investment in research and in
cataloguing and conserving genetic resources, particularly at
the national level, is essential. The link between sufficient
food supplies and household food security must be ensured.
6. Harmful seasonal and
inter-annual instability of food supplies can be reduced.
Progress should include targeting on minimizing the
vulnerability to, and impact of, climate fluctuations and
pests and diseases. To effect timely transfers of supplies to
deficit areas and the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity, use should be made, in efficient combination, of
climate early warning systems, transfer and utilization of
appropriate agricultural,2
fishery and forestry technologies, production, and reliable
trade, storage and financial mechanisms. Natural and man-made
disasters can often be anticipated or even prevented, and
response must be timely and effective and assist recovery.
7.
Unless national governments and the international community
address the multifaceted causes underlying food insecurity,
the number of hungry and malnourished people will remain very
high in developing countries, particularly in Africa south of
the Sahara; and sustainable food security will not be
achieved. This situation is unacceptable. This Plan of Action
envisages an ongoing effort to eradicate hunger in all
countries, with an immediate view to reducing the number of
undernourished people to half their present level no later
than 2015, and a mid-term review to ascertain whether it is
possible to achieve this target by 2010.
8.
The resources required for investment will be generated mostly
from domestic private and public sources. The international
community has a key role to play in supporting the adoption of
appropriate national policies and, where necessary and
appropriate, in providing technical and financial assistance
to assist developing countries and countries with economies in
transition in fostering food security.
9.
The multi-dimensional nature of the follow-up to the World
Food Summit includes actions at the national,
intergovernmental and inter-agency levels. The international
community, and the UN system, including FAO, as well as other
agencies and bodies according to their mandates, have
important contributions to the implementation of the World
Food Summit Plan of Action. The FAO Committee on World Food
Security (CFS) will have responsibility to monitor the
implementation of the Plan of Action.
10. Reaching sustainable world food security is part and
parcel of achieving the social, economic, environmental and
human development objectives agreed upon in recent
international conferences. The World Food Summit Plan of
Action builds on consensus reached in these fora and is based
on the conviction that although the world is faced with major
food insecurity, solutions to these problems exist. If all
parties at local, national, regional and international levels
make determined and sustained efforts, then the overall goal
of food for all, at all times, will be achieved.
11. The Plan of Action of the World Food Summit is in
conformity with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter
and international law and strives to consolidate the results
of other UN conferences since 1990 on subjects having a
bearing on food security.
12. The implementation of the recommendations contained in
this Plan of Action is the sovereign right and responsibility
of each State through national laws and the formulation of
strategies, policies, programmes, and development priorities,
in conformity with all human rights and fundamental freedoms,
including the right to development, and the significance of
and the full respect for various religious and ethical values,
cultural backgrounds and philosophical convictions of
individuals and their communities should contribute to the
full enjoyment by all of their human rights in order to
achieve the objective of food security for all.
COMMITMENT ONE
We will ensure an
enabling political, social, and economic environment designed
to create the best conditions for the eradication of poverty
and for durable peace, based on full and equal participation
of women and men, which is most conducive to achieving
sustainable food security for all.
The Basis for Action
13. A growing
world population and the urgency of eradicating hunger and
malnutrition call for determined policies and effective
actions. A peaceful, stable and enabling political, social and
economic environment is the essential foundation which will
enable States to give adequate priority to food security,
poverty eradication and sustainable agriculture, fisheries,
forestry and rural development. Promotion and protection of
all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right
to development and the progressive realization of the right to
adequate food for all and the full and equal participation of
men and women are also indispensable to our goal of achieving
sustainable food security for all.
Objectives and Actions
14. Objective 1.1
To prevent and
resolve conflicts peacefully and create a stable political
environment, through respect for all human rights and
fundamental freedoms, democracy, a transparent and effective
legal framework, transparent and accountable governance and
administration in all public and private national and
international institutions, and effective and equal
participation of all people, at all levels, in decisions and
actions that affect their food security.
To this end,
governments, in partnership, as appropriate, with all actors
of civil society, will where not already accomplished:
(a) In
cooperation, as appropriate, with the international community,
assure and reinforce peace, by developing conflict prevention
mechanisms, settling disputes by peaceful means, as well as by
promoting tolerance, non-violence and respect for diversity;
(b) Develop
policy making, legislative and implementation processes that
are democratic, transparent, participatory, empowering,
responsive to changing circumstances and most conducive to
achieving sustainable food security for all;
(c) Promote and
strengthen well-functioning legal and judicial systems to
protect the rights of all people;
(d) Recognize and
support indigenous people and their communities in their
pursuit of economic and social development, with full respect
for their identity, traditions, forms of social organization
and cultural values.
Furthermore,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society
and with support of international institutions, will, as
appropriate:
(e) Strengthen
rules and mechanisms existing in international and regional
organizations to seek, in accordance with the UN Charter, the
prevention and solution of conflicts which cause or exacerbate
food insecurity as well as to settle disputes by peaceful
means, promote tolerance, non-violence, respect for diversity
and observance of international law.
15. Objective 1.2:
To ensure
stable economic conditions and implement development
strategies which encourage the full potential of private and
public, individual and collective initiatives for
sustainable, equitable, economic and social development
which also integrate population and environmental concerns.
To this end,
governments, and as appropriate, in partnership with all
actors of civil society, will:
(a) Promote
policies in order to foster a national and international
environment that is more conducive to sustainable, equitable
economic and social development;
(b) Establish
legal and other mechanisms, as appropriate, that advance land
reform, recognize and protect property, water, and user
rights, to enhance access for the poor and women to resources.
Such mechanisms should also promote conservation and
sustainable use of natural resources (such as land, water and
forests), lower risks, and encourage investment;
(c) Fully
integrate population concerns into development strategies,
plans, and decision-making, including factors affecting
migration, and devise appropriate population policies,
programmes and family planning services, consistent with the
Report and the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development, Cairo 1994.
16. Objective 1.3:
To ensure gender
equality and empowerment of women.
To this end,
governments will:
(a) Support and
implement commitments made at the Fourth World Conference on
Women, Beijing 1995, that a gender perspective is mainstreamed
in all policies;
(b) Promote
women's full and equal participation in the economy, and for
this purpose introduce and enforce gender-sensitive
legislation providing women with secure and equal access to
and control over productive resources including credit, land
and water;
(c) Ensure that
institutions provide equal access for women;
(d) Provide equal
gender opportunities for education and training in food
production, processing and marketing;
(e) Tailor
extension and technical services to women producers and
increase the number of women advisors and agents;
(f) Improve the
collection, dissemination and use of gender-disaggregated data
in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development;
(g) Focus
research efforts on the division of labour and on income
access and control within the household;
(h) Gather
information on women's traditional knowledge and skills in
agriculture, fisheries, forestry and natural resources
management.
17. Objective 1.4:
To encourage
national solidarity and provide equal opportunities for all,
at all levels, in social, economic and political life,
particularly in respect of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
and persons.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
will, as appropriate:
(a) Support
investment in human resource development such as health,
education, literacy and other skills training, which are
essential to sustainable development, including agriculture,
fisheries, forestry and rural development;
(b) Enact or
strengthen policies to combat discrimination against members
of socially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, and persons
belonging to minorities, with particular attention to their
rights to land and other property, and to their access to
credit, education and training, commercial markets and food
security programmes;
(c) Enact
legislation and establish institutional structures that
provide opportunities for youth and enhance the special
contribution that women can make to ensuring family and child
nutrition with due emphasis on the importance of
breast-feeding for infants;
(d) Give special
attention to promoting and protecting the interests and needs
of the child, particularly the girl child, in food security
programmes, consistent with the World Summit for Children -
Convention on the Rights of the Child, New York 1990.
COMMITMENT TWO
We will implement
policies aimed at eradicating poverty and inequality and
improving physical and economic access by all, at all times,
to sufficient, nutritionally adequate and safe food and its
effective utilization.
The Basis for Action
18. Assured
access to nutritionally adequate and safe food is essential
for individual welfare and for national, social and economic
development, in accordance with the World Declaration on
Nutrition, International Conference on Nutrition (ICN), Rome
1992. Every country in the world has vulnerable and
disadvantaged individuals, households and groups who cannot
meet their own needs. Seventy percent of all poor are women,
which should be taken into consideration when preparing
poverty eradication action. Even where and when overall food
supplies are adequate, poverty impedes access by all to the
quantity and variety of foods needed to meet the population's
needs. Rapid population growth and rural poverty have resulted
in excessive migration to urban areas with serious negative
social, economic, environmental and nutritional impact. Unless
extraordinary efforts are undertaken, an unacceptably large
portion of the world's population, particularly in developing
countries, could still be chronically undernourished by the
year 2010 with additional suffering due to acute periodic
shortages of food. Contributing to malnutrition is the lack of
adequate food utilization which, in this context, is the
proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in food by the
human body and requires adequate diet, water sanitation,
health services, and health education.
Objectives and Actions
19. Objective 2.1:
To pursue poverty
eradication, among both urban and rural poor, and sustainable
food security for all as a policy priority and to promote,
through sound national policies, secure and gainful employment
and equitable and equal access to productive resources such as
land, water and credit, so as to maximize the incomes of the
poor.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
as appropriate, will:
(a) Review and
adopt policies to pursue the eradication of hunger and attain
sustainable food security at the household and national levels
as a top policy priority, and make every effort to eliminate
obstacles such as unemployment and lack of access to factors
of production that adversely affect the attainment of food
security, and implement the relevant commitments they entered
into at the World Summit for Social Development, Copenhagen
1995;
(b) Develop human
skills and capacities through basic education and pre- and
on-the-job training;
(c) Adopt
policies that create conditions which encourage stable
employment, especially in rural areas, including off-farm
jobs, so as to provide sufficient earnings to facilitate the
purchase of basic necessities, as well as encourage labour
intensive technologies where appropriate;
(d) Pursue sound
economic, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and land reform
policies that will permit farmers, fishers, foresters and
other food producers, particularly women, to earn a fair
return from their labour, capital and management, and
encourage conservation and sustainable management of natural
resources including in marginal areas;
(e) Improve equal
access, by men and women, to land and other natural and
productive resources, in particular, where necessary, through
the effective implementation of land reform and the promotion
of efficient utilization of natural and agricultural resources
and resettlement on new lands, where feasible;
(f) Promote
access, by farmers and farming communities, to genetic
resources for food and agriculture.
20. Objective 2.2:
To enable food
insecure households, families and individuals to meet their
food and nutritional requirements and to seek to assist those
who are unable to do so.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
as appropriate, will:
(a) Develop and
periodically update, where necessary, a national food
insecurity and vulnerability information and mapping system,
indicating areas and populations, including at local level,
affected by or at-risk of hunger and malnutrition, and
elements contributing to food insecurity, making maximum use
of existing data and other information systems in order to
avoid duplication of efforts;
(b) Implement,
where appropriate, cost-effective public works programmes for
the unemployed and underemployed in regions of food
insecurity;
(c) Develop
within available resources well targeted social welfare and
nutrition safety nets to meet the needs of the food insecure,
particularly needy people, children, and the infirm.
21. Objective 2.3:
To ensure that
food supplies are safe, physically and economically
accessible, appropriate and adequate to meet the energy and
nutrient needs of the population.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
as appropriate, will:
(a) Monitor the
availability and nutritional adequacy of food supplies and
reserve stocks, giving particular attention to areas at high
risk of food insecurity, to nutritionally vulnerable groups,
and to areas where seasonal variations have important
nutritional implications;
(b) Apply
measures, in conformity with the Agreement on the Appli-cation
of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and other relevant
international agreements, that ensure the quality and safety
of food supply, particularly by strengthening normative and
control activities in the areas of human, animal and plant
health and safety;
(c) Encourage,
where appropriate, the production and use of culturally
appropriate, traditional and underutilized food crops,
including grains, oilseeds, pulses, root crops, fruits and
vegetables, promoting home and, where appropriate, school
gardens and urban agriculture, using sustainable technologies,
and encourage the sustainable utilization of unused or
underutilized fish resources;
(d) Develop and
promote improved food processing, preservation and storage
technologies to reduce post-harvest food losses, especially at
the local level;
(e) Encourage
rural households and communities to adopt low-cost
technologies and innovative practices;
(f) Promote and
support community-based food security and nutrition programmes
that encourage self-reliance, utilizing participatory planning
and implementation processes;
(g) Implement the
goals of preventing and controlling specific micro-nutrient
deficiencies as agreed at the ICN.
22. Objective 2.4:
To promote access
for all, especially the poor and members of vulnerable and
disadvantaged groups, to basic education and primary health
care provision in order to strengthen their capacity for
self-reliance.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
will:
(a) Promote
access for all people, especially the poor and members of
vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to primary health care,
including reproductive health services consistent with the
Report and the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development, Cairo 1994;
(b) Promote
access to clean water and sanitation for all people,
especially in poor communities and rural areas;
(c) Promote
access to, and support for, complete primary education,
including, where appropriate, school feeding programmes, with
particular attention to children in rural areas and to girls;
(d) Provide
nutrition, sanitation, and health education for the public and
promote technologies and training programmes on nutrition,
home economics, environmental protection, food supply and
health.
COMMITMENT THREE
We will pursue
participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries,
forestry and rural development policies and practices in high
and low potential areas, which are essential to adequate and
reliable food supplies at the household, national, regional
and global levels, and combat pests, drought and
desertification, considering the multifunctional character of
agriculture.
The Basis for Action
23. It is
imperative that food production be increased, particularly in
low-income, food-deficit countries, to meet the needs of the
undernourished and food insecure, the additional food
requirements resulting from population growth, demand for new
food products due to rising standards of living and changes in
consumption patterns. Production increases need to be achieved
without further overburdening women farmers, while ensuring
both productive capacity, sustainable management of natural
resources and protection of the environment.
24. In many parts
of the world, unsustainable and otherwise inadequate policies
and programmes, inappropriate technologies, insufficient rural
infrastructures and institutions, as well as pests and
diseases, lead to inefficiency and wastage of natural and
human resources, inputs and products. The resource base for
food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry is under stress and
is threatened by problems such as desertification,
deforestation, overfishing, overcapacity and discards in
fisheries, losses of biodiversity, as well as inefficient use
of water, climate change and depletion of the ozone layer.
This has a negative impact on both food security and the
environment. The framework for sustainable agriculture,
fisheries, forestry and rural development in relation to food
security was elaborated in the Programme of Action for
Sustainable Development (Agenda 21) of the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Rio de
Janeiro 1992, and recently expanded in both the Kyoto
Declaration and Plan of Action on the Sustainable Contribution
of Fisheries to Food Security (Kyoto Declaration and Plan of
Action), 1995, and the Leipzig Declaration on and the Global
Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable
Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture (Leipzig Declaration and Global Plan of Action),
1996.
25. Expanding
production in low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs) is
frequently one of the primary means to increase the
availability of food and income for those living in poverty.
Most of the increases in food output of these countries, and
of more developed regions, are expected to come from areas
which have the agro-climatic potential to generate sufficient
surpluses in economically and environmentally sound
conditions, in particular to feed growing numbers of urban
consumers. The generation of employment and income will raise
effective demand in these areas, thereby stimulating
production, economic diversification and rural development. In
marginal areas and coastal communities with lower potential
and fragile environments, there is also a need to increase
food production through the provision of inputs and
appropriate technology to reduce rural migration, but this
should be based on sustainable management of resources and
environment. Efficient land use for sustainable agricultural
activity in many areas will also contribute significantly
towards reducing the pressure to convert forests to
agricultural land.
26. Food security
depends, inter alia, on sustainable management of fish,
forests, and wildlife. In many indigenous communities, these
resources are the principal sources of protein in the diet.
The traditional knowledge within indigenous communities also
plays an important role in the achievement of food security
for these communities and others.
27. Establishing
sustainable and diverse patterns of production should take
into account the present and future needs of the people as
well as the natural resources potential and limitations.
Policies that provide an effective incentive structure for
sustainable management of natural resources will help ensure
that national agriculture, fisheries, forestry and natural
resource plans and practices are developed and implemented in
a holistic approach.
28. Small Island
Developing States face the threat of land loss and erosion due
to climate changes and sea level rises and have particular
needs for their overall sustainable development. Improvements
in trade, transportation, communication, human resources,
stabilization of income and higher export earnings will
increase food security in these countries.
29. Food
production and rural development, particularly in those
countries with significant food security inadequacies, require
appropriate and up-to-date technologies which, according to
sustainable development criteria and local food traditions,
promote modernization of local production methods and
facilitate transfer of technology. Full benefit from these
technologies will require training, education and skill
development programmes for local human resources. National
efforts to increase local capacity, coupled with consolidated
international cooperation, facilitate application of know-how
and technology in areas with similar conditions and new
techniques. This may be promoted by active international
cooperation, particularly towards developing countries, both
at the North-South and South-South levels.
30. Research in
agriculture, fisheries and forestry will be essential to
achieving the sustainable food productivity increases upon
which the short and long term food security of a growing world
population will depend. The combination of such research, and
an enabling environment, can improve food security both at
national and household levels. Equity issues and equality
between women and men should be given appropriate
consideration when setting research agendas for the future.
Research efforts should clearly focus on poverty eradication
and on the creation of more environmentally sustainable
agricultural, fisheries, forestry and food production systems.
This research should be directed to low, as well as high,
potential areas according to their specific research needs.
Renewed efforts should be made to involve farmers, fishers,
foresters and their organizations in setting research
priorities and directions, and to make experimental findings
accessible to them.
31. The economic
and social development of the rural sector is a key requisite
for the achievement of food security for all. Rural poverty is
a complex phenomenon that varies considerably between and
within countries. The rural areas in developing countries are
generally poorly equipped in terms of technical and financial
resources and educational infrastructure. In these areas, lack
of income opportunities, failure to crop and to maintain
production systems, inadequate commodity and input and
consumer goods distribution networks, limited access to public
services and the poor quality of these services are all
fundamental aspects that need to be considered with regard to
rural food security. The main consequences of this are
reflected in high population growth and out-migration, both
internally and to other countries.
Objectives and Actions
32. Objective 3.1:
To pursue,
through participatory means, sustainable, intensified and
diversified food production, increasing productivity,
efficiency, safety gains, pest control and reduced wastes and
losses, taking fully into account the need to sustain natural
resources.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
and with the support of international institutions, will, as
appropriate:
(a) Establish
policies and implement programmes to optimize, in an
economically, socially and environmentally sound manner,
sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry production,
particularly of the main staple foods, aimed at achieving food
security;
(b) Promote
policies and programmes which encourage appropriate input
technologies, farming techniques, and other sustainable
methods, such as organic farming, to assist farming operations
to become profitable, with the goal of reducing environmental
degradation, while creating financial resources within the
farming operation; such programmes should, when relevant,
build upon farmers' own experiences and indigenous knowledge;
(c) Promote the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and
its components in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, with a
view to enhancing food security, notably through supporting
the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992;
(d) Promote
sustainable development in mixed-farming systems and the
processing and marketing of diverse food products and
by-products, in response to the needs of the consumers for
properly balanced diets;
(e) Promote crop
and livestock productivity through widespread use of improved
seeds and breeds and integrated plant nutrition system
methods, where necessary and ecologically and economically
feasible; in addition, seek to achieve lasting fertility
improvements in tropical soils;
(f) Promote more
efficient and sustainable livestock production systems through
the improvement of grazing lands, fodder crops and the use of
multiple sources of animal feed;
(g) Promote
development of environmentally sound and sustainable
aquaculture well integrated into rural, agricultural and
coastal development;
(h) Promote the
sustainable production and use of food, fodder, fuel and other
products derived from forests to enhance food security; such
action will also result in increased rural income and
employment, thus contributing to sustainable forest management
by increasing the value of forests;
(i) Seek to
ensure effective prevention and progressive control of plant
and animal pests and diseases, including especially those
which are of transboundary nature, such as rinderpest, cattle
tick, foot and mouth disease and desert locust, where
outbreaks can cause major food shortages, destabilize markets
and trigger trade measures; and promote concurrently, regional
collaboration in plant pests and animal disease control and
the widespread development and use of integrated pest
management practices.
33. Objective 3.2:
To combat
environmental threats to food security, in particular, drought
and desertification, pests, erosion of biological diversity,
and degradation of land and aquatic-based natural resources,
restore and rehabilitate the natural resource base, including
water and watersheds, in depleted and overexploited areas to
achieve greater production.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
and with the support of international institutions, will, as
appropriate:
(a) Monitor and
promote rehabilitation and conservation of natural resources
in food producing areas as well as in adjacent forest lands,
non-arable lands, and watersheds, and where necessary upgrade
sustainably the productive capacity of these resources; and
establish policies that create economic and social incentives
to reduce degradation;
(b) Identify the
potential and improve the productive use of national land and
water resources for sustainable increases in food production,
taking into account the anticipated impacts of natural climate
variability and climatic change on rainfall and temperature
patterns;
(c) Develop
appropriate national and regional policies and plans for water
and watersheds, and water management techniques; promote
economically, socially and environmentally sound irrigation
improvement, in particular small-scale irrigation, and
sustainable intensification of rainfed agriculture, with a
view to increasing cropping intensities and reducing the
impact of droughts and floods on food output and restoring
natural resources, while at the same time preserving the
quality and availability of water for other purposes,
especially human consumption;
(d) Promote early
ratification and implementation of the Agreement for the
Implementation of the Instruments of the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 Relating
to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks
and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (the UN Agreement on
Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks) and
of the FAO Agreement to Promote Compliance with International
Conservation and Manage-ment Measures by Fishing Vessels on
the High Seas. Implement sustainable fisheries management and
practices, in particular the Code of Conduct for Responsible
Fisheries, to address a responsible and sustainable
utilization and conservation of fisheries resources in order
to optimize the long-term sustainable contribution of
fisheries resources to food security - and fully recognizing
Agenda 21, and the Kyoto Declaration and Plan of Action within
the context of the relevant rules of International Law as
reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS)3 - by, inter alia,
strengthening and establishing, as needed, appropriate
regional and sub-regional fisheries management organizations
or arrangements, minimizing wastes in fisheries, reducing
excess fishing capacity and applying the precautionary
approach in accordance with the UN Agreement4
on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks and
the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; by establishing
and strengthening integrated marine and coastal area
management; by conserving and sustainably utilizing marine and
freshwater biodiversity; and by studying the effectiveness of
multi-species management in the context of relevant provisions
of UNCLOS and Agenda 21. In working to achieve the above, full
recognition should be given to the special circumstances and
requirements of developing countries, particularly the least
developed among them and the Small Island Developing States;
(e) Promote an
integrated approach to conservation and sustainable
utilization of plant genetic resources for food and
agriculture, through inter alia appropriate in situ and ex
situ approaches, systematic surveying and inventorying,
approaches to plant breeding which broaden the genetic base of
crops, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from
the use of such resources;
(f) Promote the
conservation and sustainable utilization of animal genetic
resources;
(g) Reduce the
deforestation rate and increase forest coverage, maintain and
develop the multiple contributions of forests, trees and
forestry to food security for the conservation and sustainable
use of land and water resources, including the protection of
watersheds, and as reservoirs of biological diversity; to this
end, implement the UNCED outcomes related to forests;
(h) Seek to
understand better the impacts of global environmental threats,
in particular climate change and variability, the depletion of
the ozone layer, loss of biodiversity and various forms of
environmental pollution, on food security;
(i) Implement the
Leipzig Global Plan of Action;
(j) Promote early
ratification and implementation of the United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing
Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in
Africa, 1994, and implement the Convention on Biological
Diversity, 1992, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer, 1987, and the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992;
(k) Seek to
prevent and control degradation and overexploitation of
natural resources in poorly endowed, ecologically stressed
areas. In those areas critical to the achievement of food
security for developing countries, promote and provide
location-specific institutional, infrastructural and technical
support.
34. Objective 3.3:
To promote sound
policies and programmes on transfer and use of technologies,
skills development and training appropriate to the food
security needs of developing countries and compatible with
sustainable development, particularly in rural and
disadvantaged areas.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
and with the support of international institutions, will, as
appropriate:
(a) Strengthen
agricultural, fisheries and forestry education, training,
skills development and extension systems, ensuring equal
gender opportunities and close interaction with research
systems and farmers, fishers and foresters, in particular
small-scale farmers, fishers and foresters, and other food
producers, and their representative organizations in food
production technology and transfer, and initiate programmes to
increase the proportion of women in these systems. National
capacity-building efforts, principally in LIFDCs should be
supported with North-South and South-South cooperation among
education and extension and research institutions;
(b) Promote
viable technology transfer and extension services that meet
real local needs; stimulate programmes that will help identify
possibilities of bilateral and regional cooperation so that
experience and technology information can be exchanged on a
South-South and North-South level;
(c) Promote means
to reduce women farmers' workload by supporting and
facilitating access to appropriate productive and domestic
labour- saving technologies;
(d) Establish
policies and programmes for the development and use of
technologies that offer economic and ecological benefits and
protect the consumer and the environment.
35. Objective 3.4:
To take decisive
action in cooperation between the public and the private
sectors to strengthen and broaden research and scientific
cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry in
supporting policy and international, regional, national and
local action to increase productive potential and maintain the
natural resource base in agriculture, fisheries and forestry
and in support of efforts to eradicate poverty and promote
food security.
To this end,
governments in collaboration with the international and
scientific communities, in both the public and the private
sectors, as appropriate, will:
(a) Strengthen
national research systems in order to develop coordinated
programmes in support of research to promote food security.
Such programmes should focus on interdisciplinary research to
provide a scientific basis for policies and action to maintain
the natural resource base while increasing the productivity
potential of agriculture, fisheries, including aquaculture,
and forestry. Appropriate attention will be given to areas
that are less endowed with natural resources. Increased
cooperation with the private sector will be promoted;
(b) Strengthen
international research systems, in particular the Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and
promote coordination and collaboration among international,
developed country, and developing country institutions;
(c) Participate
actively in and support international cooperation in research
to promote food security, in particular in developing
countries, with special emphasis on underutilized food crops
in these countries;
(d) Enhance the
institutional framework allowing for the full participation of
all interested parties, including indigenous people and their
communities, local people, consumers, farmers, fishers and
foresters and their organizations and the private sector in
the identification of research needs;
(e) Promote
suitable systems, inter alia participatory systems, for the
dissemination and extension of research results;
(f) Ensure that
gender perspectives are integrated in research planning and
implementation;
(g) Promote
development of methods and criteria for the strengthening of
integrated and policy relevant scientific knowledge;
(h) Promote
research and development leading to the use, at regional,
national and local levels, of appropriate technologies,
relevant post-harvest and transformation techniques, and
adapted plant and animal breeding that meet local needs;
(i) Promote the
research needed to continue international efforts to develop,
disseminate and apply climate forecast information that will
increase sustainable agricultural, fisheries and forestry
productivity and be of particular benefit to developing
countries.
36. Objective 3.5:
To formulate and
implement integrated rural development strategies, in low and
high potential areas, that promote rural employment, skill
formation, infrastructure, institutions and services, in
support of rural development and household food security and
that reinforce the local productive capacity of farmers,
fishers and foresters and others actively involved in the food
sector, including members of vulnerable and disadvantaged
groups, women and indigenous people, and their representative
organizations, and that ensure their effective participation.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
and with the support of international institutions, will, as
appropriate:
(a) Include in
their national social and economic development policies, plans
and programmes, actions that will foster the social and
economic revitalization of the rural sector, with particular
regard to the promotion of investment and employment that will
make good use of the rural workforce and to the promotion of
political, economic and administrative decentralization;
(b) Strengthen
local government institutions in rural areas and provide them
with adequate resources, decision-making authority and
mechanisms for grassroots participation;
(c) Encourage and
enable farmers, fishers and foresters and other food producers
and providers as well as their organizations, particularly
small farmers and artisanal fisherfolk, by strengthening
institutional structures to define their responsibilities and
protect their rights and those of the consumer;
(d) Promote the
development and diversification of rural markets, reduce
post-harvest losses and ensure safe storage, food processing
and distribution facilities and transportation systems;
(e) Reinforce the
follow-up to the World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural
Development (WCARRD), 1979;
(f) Develop and
encourage training programmes in sustainable natural resources
management.
Governments, in
cooperation with the private sector and non-governmental
organizations, will:
(g) Develop the
technical and educational infrastructure in rural areas;
(h) Promote the
development of rural banking, credit and savings schemes,
where appropriate, including equal access to credit for men
and women, micro-credit for the poor, as well as adequate
insurance mechanisms;
(i) Promote food
production, processing and marketing systems which increase
opportunities for stable, gainful and equal and equitable
employment conditions in the food and rural sectors; where
appropriate, promote off-farm activities in rural areas
combining agriculture, fisheries and forestry production with
processing and marketing activities, cottage industries and
tourism, particularly in marginal areas and peri-urban areas;
(j) Foster the
social and economic organization of the rural population with
particular emphasis on the development of small-scale
farmers', fishers', and foresters' cooperatives, community
organizations and development associations, so that rural
inhabitants may be actively involved in decision-making,
monitoring and evaluation of rural development programmes;
(k) Recognize
farmers', fishers', foresters', rural workers' and consumers'
organizations at local, national, regional and international
levels and promote a regular dialogue and partnership with
their respective governments and their linkage with all
appropriate institutions and sectors on sustainable
agriculture, fisheries and forestry and sustainable management
of natural resources;
(l) Promote the
empowerment of small-scale family farmers, fishers and
foresters, both women and men, to set up their own
cooperatives and business undertakings, as well as farmers'
and fishers' financial and mutual institutions;
(m) Enhance
cooperation and exchange among farmers, fishers, foresters and
their representative organizations, both within and between
developing countries, industrialized countries and economies
in transition.
Governments, in
collaboration with the international community, will:
(n) Develop
international South-South technical cooperation programmes
that will facilitate the implementation of nutritional
programmes that have proved successful in other developing
countries;
(o) Implement the
outcomes of UNCED, particularly as regards Chapter 14 of
Agenda 21.
COMMITMENT FOUR
We will strive to
ensure that food, agricultural trade and overall trade
policies are conducive to fostering food security for all
through a fair and market-oriented world trade system.
The Basis for Action
37. Trade is a
key element in achieving world food security. Trade generates
effective utilization of resources and stimulates economic
growth which is critical to improving food security. Trade
allows food consumption to exceed food production, helps to
reduce production and consumption fluctuations and relieves
part of the burden of stock holding. It has a major bearing on
access to food through its positive effect on economic growth,
income and employment. Appropriate domestic economic and
social policies will better ensure that all, including the
poor, will benefit from economic growth. Appropriate trade
policies promote the objectives of sustainable growth and food
security. It is essential that all members of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) respect and fulfil the totality of the
undertakings of the Uruguay Round. For this purpose it will be
necessary to refrain from unilateral measures not in
accordance with WTO obligations.
38. The Uruguay
Round Agreement established a new international trade
framework that offers opportunity to developed and developing
countries to benefit from appropriate trade policies and
self-reliance strategies. The progressive implementation of
the Uruguay Round as a whole will generate increasing
opportunities for trade expansion and economic growth to the
benefits of all participants. Therefore, adaptation to the
provisions of the various agreements during the implementation
period must be ensured. Some least-developed and net
food-importing developing countries may experience short term
negative effects in terms of the availability of adequate
supplies of basic foodstuffs from external sources on
reasonable terms and conditions, including short term
difficulties in financing normal levels of commercial imports
of basic foodstuffs. The Decision on Measures Concerning the
Possible Negative Effects of the Reform Programme on
Least-Developed and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries,
Marrakesh 1994, shall be fully implemented.
Objectives and Actions
39. Objective 4.1:
To meet the
challenges of and utilize the opportunities arising from the
international trade framework established in recent global and
regional trade negotiations.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
will, as appropriate:
(a) Endeavour to
establish, especially in developing countries, well
functioning internal marketing and transportation systems to
facilitate better links within and between domestic, regional
and world markets, and diversify trade;
(b) Seek to
ensure that national policies related to international and
regional trade agreements do not have an adverse impact on
women's new and traditional economic activities towards food
security.
Members of the
WTO will:
(c) Pursue the
implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement which will
improve market opportunities for efficient food, agricultural,
fisheries and forestry producers and processors, particularly
those of developing countries.
The international
community, in cooperation with governments and civil society,
will, as appropriate:
(d) Continue to
assist countries to adjust their institutions and standards
both for internal and external trade to food safety and
sanitary requirements;
(e) Give full
consideration to promote financial and technical assistance to
improve the agricultural productivity and infrastructure of
developing countries, especially the LIFDCs, in order to
optimize the opportunities arising from the international
trade framework;
(f) Promote
technical assistance and encourage technology transfer
consistent with international trade rules, in particular to
those developing countries needing it, to meet international
standards, so that they are in a position to take advantage of
the new market opportunities;
(g) Endeavour to
ensure mutual supportiveness of trade and environment policies
in support of sustainable food security, looking to the WTO to
address the relationship between WTO provisions and trade
measures for environment purposes, in conformity with the
provisions of the Ministerial Decision on Trade and
Environment in the Uruguay Round Agreement, and make every
effort to ensure that environmental measures do not unfairly
affect market access for developing countries' food and
agricultural exports;
(h) Conduct
international trade in fish and fishery products in a
sustainable manner in accordance, as appropriate, with the
principles, rights and obligations established in the World
Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement, the UN Agreement on
Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, the
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and other relevant
international agreements.
40. Objective 4.2:
To meet essential
food import needs in all countries, considering world price
and supply fluctuations and taking especially into account
food consumption levels of vulnerable groups in developing
countries.
To this end,
governments and the international community will, as
appropriate:
(a) Recognizing
the effects of world price fluctuations, examine WTO-compatible
options and take any appropriate steps to safeguard the
ability of importing developing countries, especially LIFDCs,
to purchase adequate supplies of basic foodstuffs from
external sources on reasonable terms and conditions.
Food exporting
countries should:
(b) Act as
reliable sources of supplies to their trading partners and
give due consideration to the food security of importing
countries, especially the LIFDCs;
(c) Reduce
subsidies on food exports in conformity with the Uruguay Round
Agreement in the context of the ongoing process of reform in
agriculture conducted in the WTO;
(d) Administer
all export-related trade policies and programmes responsibly,
with a view to avoiding disruptions in world food and
agriculture import and export markets, in order to improve the
environment to enhance supplies, production and food security,
especially in developing countries.
Members of the
WTO will:
(e) Fully
implement the Decision on Measures Concerning the Possible
Negative Effects of the Reform Programme on Least-Developed
and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries through the WTO
Committee on Agriculture and encourage international financial
institutions, where appropriate, to help least-developed and
net food-importing developing countries to meet short-term
difficulties in financing essential food imports;
(f) Refrain from
using export restrictions in accordance with Article 12 of the
WTO Agreement on Agriculture.
International
organizations, and particularly FAO, will:
(g) Continue to
monitor closely and inform member nations of developments in
world food prices and stocks.
41. Objective 4.3:
To support the
continuation of the reform process in conformity with the
Uruguay Round Agreement, particularly Article 20 of the
Agreement on Agriculture.
To this end,
governments will, as appropriate:
(a) Promote the
national and regional food security policies and programmes of
developing countries particularly in regard to their staple
food supplies;
(b) Support the
continuation of the reform process in conformity with the
Uruguay Round Agreement and ensure that developing countries
are well informed and equal partners in the process, working
for effective solutions that improve their access to markets
and are conducive to the achievement of sustainable food
security.
International
organizations, including FAO, will, according to their
respective mandates:
(c) Continue to
assist developing countries in preparing for multilateral
trade negotiations including in agriculture, fisheries and
forestry inter alia through studies, analysis and training.
COMMITMENT FIVE
We will endeavour
to prevent and be prepared for natural disasters and man-made
emergencies and to meet transitory and emergency food
requirements in ways that encourage recovery, rehabilitation,
development and a capacity to satisfy future needs.
The Basis for Action
42. While the
number of people affected by natural disasters fluctuates
annually, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of
victims of civil conflicts. These situations require emergency
assistance and they point to the importance of early action to
defuse tensions and of preparedness in minimizing the risk of
future crises and in preventing food emergencies.
43. National and
international relief operations are often the only solution
for hungry people facing immediate starvation, and should
continue to be a priority and be provided in an impartial and
apolitical manner, with due respect to national sovereignty
and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and
the guiding principles of the UN General Assembly (UNGA)
Resolution 46/182. However, emergency food assistance cannot
be a basis for sustainable food security. Conflict prevention
and resolution, and stepped up rehabilitation and development
promotion activities, which prevent recurrence of and reduce
vulnerability to food emergencies, are essential elements of
food security. Emergency preparedness is a central element for
minimizing the negative effects of food emergencies and
famines.
Objectives and Actions
44. Objective 5.1:
To reduce demands
for emergency food assistance through enhancing efforts to
prevent and resolve man-made emergencies, particularly
international, national and local conflicts.
To this end,
governments, individually and collectively, and in partnership
with all actors of civil society, will:
(a) Use
appropriate international, regional and national mechanisms to
prevent or reduce those situations, in particular war and
civil conflict, which give rise to man-made emergencies and
increase demands for emergency assistance, including food aid;
(b) Coordinate
policies, actions and legal instruments and/or measures to
combat terrorism and other activities contrary to human rights
and human dignity;
(c) Promote the
continuation of international discussions and cooperation on
all aspects of anti-personnel land mines.
45. Objective 5.2:
To establish as
quickly as possible prevention and preparedness strategies for
LIFDCs and other countries and regions vulnerable to
emergencies.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society
and with international organizations where necessary, will, as
appropriate:
(a) Prepare
and/or maintain for each LIFDC, and other countries and
regions vulnerable to emergencies, vulnerability information
and mapping, drawing on, amongst others, a food insecurity and
vulnerability information and mapping system, once
established, with an analysis of the major causes of
vulnerability and their consequences, making maximum use of
existing data and information systems to avoid duplication of
effort;
(b) Maintain,
promote and establish, as quickly as possible, in
collaboration with non-governmental organizations and other
organizations, as appropriate, the preparedness strategies and
mechanisms agreed upon at the ICN, including development and
application of climate forecast information for surveillance
and early-warning, drought, flood, other natural disasters,
pest and disease alertness;
(c) Support
international efforts to develop and apply climate forecast
information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of
emergency preparedness and response activities, with special
efforts to create synergy and avoid duplication;
(d) Promote the
development of appropriate community-based and regional
surveillance systems to gather and assess information and to
implement prevention and preparedness programmes.
46. Objective 5.3:
To improve and,
if necessary, develop efficient and effective emergency
response mechanisms at international, regional, national and
local levels.
To this end,
international organizations, in close cooperation with
governments and civil society, as appropriate, will:
(a) Strengthen
the coordination and efficiency of international emergency
assistance to ensure rapid, coordinated and appropriate
response, particularly by improving communications amongst the
international community.
Governments, in
partnership with all actors of civil society, will, as
appropriate:
(b) Seek to
ensure adequate supervision of emergency operations and
involve communities, local authorities and institutions and
grass-roots relief initiatives and structures in implementing
emergency operations to better identify and reach populations
and areas at greatest risk. Women should be fully involved in
the assessment of needs and in the management and evaluation
of relief operations;
(c) Pursue at
local and national levels, as appropriate, adequate and
cost-effective strategic emergency food security reserve
policies and programmes;
(d) Promote
triangular food aid operations;
(e) Protect the
lives of civil populations, including humanitarian aid
workers, in times of conflict;
(f) Seek to
ensure that access to food, with particular attention to
women-headed households, is protected during emergency
situations;
(g) Consider the
creation of national volunteers corps, building upon "White
Helmets", as defined by UNGA Resolutions 49/139B and 50/19,
and already launched by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV),
in order to support emergency relief and rehabilitation
operations, when deemed pertinent and in accordance with the
guiding principles on humanitarian assistance embodied in UNGA
Resolution 46/182.
47. Objective 5.4:
To strengthen
linkages between relief operations and development programmes,
along with demining activities where necessary, so that they
are mutually supportive and facilitate the transition from
relief to development.
To this end,
international organizations, governments and civil society
will, as appropriate:
(a) Keep under
review the standards for the nutritional adequacy of food
assistance to disaster-affected populations;
(b) Ensure that
emergency operations will foster the transition from relief,
through recovery, to development;
(c) Prepare and
pursue well-planned post-emergency rehabilitation and
development programmes to re-establish the capacity of
households, including those headed by women, to meet their
basic needs in the long term as well as to rebuild national
production capacity and return to sustainable economic
development and social progress as soon as possible. Where
necessary, these should include operations to remove land
mines.
COMMITMENT SIX
We will promote
optimal allocation and use of public and private investments
to foster human resources, sustainable food, agriculture,
fisheries and forestry systems, and rural development, in high
and low potential areas.
The Basis for Action
48. Many
developing countries need to reverse the recent neglect of
investment in agriculture and rural development and mobilize
sufficient investment resources to support sustainable food
security and diversified rural development. A sound policy
environment, in which such food-related investment can fulfil
its potential, is essential. Most of the resources required
for investment will be generated from domestic private and
public sources. Governments should provide an economic and
legal framework which promotes efficient markets that
encourage private sector mobilization of savings, investment
and capital formation. They should also devote an appropriate
proportion of their expenditure to investments which enhance
sustainable food security.
49. The
international community has a key role to play in supporting
the adoption of appropriate national policies and, where
necessary and appropriate, in providing technical and
financial assistance to assist developing countries and
countries with economies in transition in fostering food
security. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and other private
financial flows have increased considerably recently and
provide an important source of external resources. Official
Development Assistance (ODA) has exhibited a decline in recent
years. In the context of food security, ODA is of critical
importance, particularly for countries and sectors left aside
by other external sources of finance.
50. All partners
in development, including investors and donors, should place
priority on sectors of developing countries' economies
relating to food security. To this end, governments should
adopt policies that promote foreign and domestic direct
investment and effective use of development assistance.
51. In view of
their special situation, Small Island Developing States have
identified key sectors of priority which require investment so
as to achieve their sustainable development.
Objectives and Actions
52. Objective 6.1:
To create the
policy framework and conditions so that optimal public and
private investments are encouraged in equitable and
sustainable development of the food systems, rural development
and human resources on the scale needed to contribute to food
security.
To this end,
governments, in cooperation with all actors of civil society,
international and private financing institutions, and
technical assistance agencies will, as appropriate:
(a) Promote
policies and measures to enhance the flow and effectiveness of
investments for food security;
(b) Give priority
to human resource development and strengthen public
institutions, especially in LIFDCs, including through
equipping and staff training, to enhance their supportive and
facilitating role in promoting increased investment in food
security;
(c) Encourage the
development of public-private partnerships and other
institutions in promoting socially and environmentally
responsible investment and re-investment from domestic and
foreign resources, and increase the participation of local
communities in investment;
(d) Strengthen
cooperation, at the regional and international level, to share
the costs of investments in areas of common interest, such as
appropriate technology generation through collaborative
research and transfer, as well as to share investment
experience and best practices.
53. Objective 6.2:
To endeavour to
mobilize, and optimize the use of, technical and financial
resources from all sources, including debt relief, in order to
raise investment in activities related to sustainable
agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food production in
developing countries to the levels needed to contribute to
food security.
To this end,
governments, in cooperation with the international community
and all actors of civil society, as well as international and
private financing institutions will, as appropriate:
(a) Undertake to
raise sufficient and stable funding from private and public,
domestic and foreign sources to achieve and sustain food
security;
(b) Encourage
investment to create infrastructures and management systems
that facilitate sustainable utilization and management of
water resources;
(c) Support
investments that contribute to sustainable food security and
further conservation and sustainable utilization and
management of natural resources, including land, water,
watersheds, fisheries and forests;
(d) Strive to
secure appropriate international financial assistance for
sectors related to food security, where it is needed;
(e) Strengthen
efforts towards the fulfilment of the agreed ODA target of
0.7% of GNP. In striving to promote sustainable food security,
development partners should endeavour to mobilize, and
optimize the use of technical and financial resources at the
levels needed to contribute to this goal and should ensure
that this flow of concessional funding is directed to
economically and environmentally sustainable activities;
(f) Focus ODA
towards countries that have a real need for it, especially
low-income countries, and enhance their capacity to utilize it
effectively;
(g) Explore new
ways of mobilizing public and private financial resources for
food security, inter alia, through the appropriate reduction
of excessive military expenditures, including global military
expenditures and the arms trade, and investment for arms
production and acquisition, taking into consideration national
security requirements;
(h) Promote
mechanisms to mobilize domestic savings, including rural
savings;
(i) Promote
mechanisms to provide access to adequate credit, including
micro-credit, for men and women equally, for activities in the
food sector;
(j) Promote
investment to benefit small-scale food producers, especially
women, and their organizations, in food security programmes;
strengthen their capacity to design and implement these
programmes;
(k) Give priority
to people-centred investments in education, health and
nutrition in order to promote broad-based economic growth and
sustainable food security;
(l) Identify
financial, physical and technical resources available
internationally and encourage the enhancement of their
transfer, where appropriate, into developing countries and
countries with economies in transition while also developing
an enabling environment, notably through strengthening
national capacities, including human resources;
(m) Intensify the
search for practical and effective solutions to debt problems
of developing countries and support the recent initiatives of
international financial institutions (International Monetary
Fund and World Bank), to reduce the total external debt burden
of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries;
(n) Explore the
possibilities for countries to direct the funds released by
debt swaps towards the achievement of food security.
COMMITMENT SEVEN
We will
implement, monitor, and follow-up this Plan of Action at all
levels in cooperation with the international community.
The Basis for Action
54. World food
security is of concern to all members of the international
community because of its increasing interdependence with
respect to issues such as political stability and peace,
poverty eradication, prevention of and reaction to crises and
disasters, environmental degradation, trade, global threats to
the sustainability of food security, growing world population,
trans-border population movements, and technology, research,
investment, and financial cooperation.
55. National,
regional and international mechanisms for political, financial
and technical cooperation should be focused on the earliest
possible achievement of sustainable world food security.
56. Governments
have the primary responsibility for creating an economic and
political environment that assures the food security of their
citizens, involving for this purpose all elements of civil
society. The international community, and the UN system,
including FAO, as well as other agencies and bodies according
to their mandates, have important contributions to offer to
the goal of food security for all.
57. The
multi-dimensional nature of the follow-up to the World Food
Summit includes actions at the national, intergovernmental and
inter-agency levels. In addition to the indispensable
mobilization of national efforts, the effective implementation
of the World Food Summit Plan of Action requires strong
international cooperation and a monitoring process at the
national, regional and global levels, using existing
mechanisms and fora for its operation. To allow for better
cooperation, the information regarding the different actors in
the field of food security and agriculture, fisheries,
forestry and rural development and their activities and
resources needs to be improved, where appropriate. Setting
realistic targets and monitoring progress towards them call
for reliable and relevant information and analysis which are
still often unavailable at the national and international
levels. For the follow-up to the World Food Summit,
coordination and cooperation within the UN system, including
the Bretton Woods institutions, is vital and should take into
account the mandate of FAO and other relevant organizations.
Bearing in mind UNGA Resolution 50/109, the outcome of the
World Food Summit should be included in the follow-up to major
international UN conferences and summits, including the
implementation of their respective programmes of action in
conformity with UNGA Resolution 50/227 and ECOSOC Resolution
1996/36, in order to promote sustainable food security for all
as a fundamental element of the UN system's effort to
eradicate poverty. In this context, the implementation of the
World Food Summit Plan of Action requires actions at the
intergovernmental level, in particular through the CFS and at
the inter-agency level through the Administrative Committee on
Coordination (ACC). In the field, the representatives of all
UN agencies should work within the UN resident coordinators'
system to support country-level implementation of the World
Food Summit Plan of Action.
Objectives and Actions
58. Objective 7.1:
To adopt actions
within each country's national framework to enhance food
security and enable the implementation of the commitments of
the World Food Summit Plan of Action.
To this end,
governments will, where appropriate:
(a) Review and
revise, as appropriate, their national plans, programmes and
strategies with a view to achieving food security consistent
with the World Food Summit commitments;
(b) Establish or
improve national mechanisms to set priorities, develop,
implement and monitor the components of action for food
security within designated time frames, based both on national
and local needs, and provide the necessary resources for their
functioning;
(c) In
collaboration with civil society, formulate and launch
national Food for All Campaigns to mobilize all stakeholders
at all levels of society and their resources in each country,
in support of the implementation of the World Food Summit Plan
of Action;
(d) Actively
encourage a greater role for, and alliances with, civil
society organizations in addressing food security;
(e) Strive to
mobilize public and private resources to support community
food security initiatives;
(f) Establish
mechanisms to collect information on the nutritional status of
all members of communities, especially the poor, women,
children and members of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups,
to monitor and improve their household food security;
(g) Complement
existing national plans of action on nutrition, developed as a
follow-up to the ICN, with action on relevant aspects of food
security or, where necessary, develop such plans in accordance
with the recommendations of this Summit and the ICN, in
partnership with all actors of civil society;
(h) Plan and
monitor in a coordinated manner the implementation of relevant
recommendations of all UN conferences aimed at eradicating
poverty and improving food security and nutrition.
59. Objective 7.2:
To improve
sub-regional, regional, and international cooperation and to
mobilize, and optimize the use of, available resources to
support national efforts for the earliest possible achievement
of sustainable world food security.
To this end,
governments, in cooperation among themselves and with
international institutions, using information on food
insecurity and vulnerability, including mapping, will, as
appropriate:
(a) Reinforce
poverty eradication strategies and orient the development
assistance policies of the international agencies of the UN
system, with broad participation of the developing countries,
so that resources are directed towards sustainable
development, including agriculture for food security, and
effectively contribute to the improved situation of food
insecure households;
(b) Encourage
relevant agencies within the UN system to initiate, inter alia
within the framework of the ACC, consultations on the further
elaboration and definition of a food insecurity and
vulnerability information and mapping system to be developed
in a coordinated manner; member countries and their
institutions and other organizations, as appropriate, should
be included in the development, operation and use of the
system; FAO should play a catalytic role in this effort,
within the framework of the ad hoc inter-agency task forces on
the follow-up of the UN conferences. The results of that work
should be reported to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
through the ACC;
(c) Improve the
collection, through definition of common standards, and the
analysis, dissemination and utilization of information and
data, disaggregated inter alia by gender, needed to guide and
monitor progress towards the achievement of food security; in
this context, the contribution of NGOs is recognized;
(d) Continue,
within the framework of UNGA resolutions 50/120, 50/227 and
the coordinated follow-up by the UN system to the major UN
conferences and summits since 1990, the review of functions
and capacities of the UN system, including the specialized
agencies, programmes and funds, in their relation to food
security; this review should aim at reducing duplications and
filling gaps in coverage, defining the tasks of each
organization within its mandate, making concrete proposals for
their strengthening and for improving coordination with
governments, and for avoiding duplication of work between
relevant organizations, and implement these proposals as a
matter of urgency;
(e) Starting in
1997, review the adequacy and effectiveness of the allocation
and use of financial and human resources for action required
to ensure food for all as a follow-up to the World Food
Summit, and reallocate available resources accordingly, with
special reference to the needs of countries facing
deteriorating food security, nutrition, health and resource
degradation;
(f) Review and
streamline existing mechanisms, increase cooperation and the
sharing of knowledge and experience among developing countries
and with developed countries, and improve coordination amongst
and between all partners involved in order to maximize synergy
for the attainment of food security;
(g) Focus
technical assistance more effectively on building-up and
mobilizing national capacity, expertise and local
institutions;
(h) Invite the
ACC through its Chairman, the Secretary General of the UN, to
ensure appropriate inter-agency coordination in accordance
with UNGA Resolution 50/227 and, when considering the Chair of
any ACC mechanisms for inter-agency follow-up to the World
Food Summit, to recognize, in the spirit of ECOSOC Resolution
1996/36, the major role of FAO in the field of food security,
within its mandate.
With clear tasks
given to each within its mandate and under system-wide
coordination within the framework of the coordinated follow-up
to UN conferences, in accordance with UNGA Resolution 50/120,
FAO and the other relevant organizations of the UN system, as
well as the international finance and trade institutions and
other international and regional technical assistance
organizations, are invited to:
(i) On request,
assist countries in reviewing and formulating national plans
of action including targets, goals and timetables for
achieving food security;
(j) Facilitate a
coherent and coordinated UN system follow-up to the World Food
Summit at the field level, through the resident coordinators,
in full consultation with governments, and in coordination
with international financial institutions;
(k) Provide
technical assistance to member countries to facilitate
implementation of food security programmes in order to meet
targets established by governments;
(l) Assist in
arranging partnerships for economic and technical cooperation
among countries on food security;
(m) Raise the
global profile of food security issues through UN system-wide
advocacy and sustain the World Food Summit commitments to
world food security.
In cooperation
among themselves, governments and international financial
institutions will:
(n) Make every
effort to ensure that goals and programmes aimed at food
security and poverty eradication are safeguarded in difficult
times of economic transition, budget austerity and structural
adjustment;
(o) Encourage the
multilateral development banks to enhance their support of
developing country efforts to increase food security,
especially in Africa.
60. Objective 7.3:
To monitor
actively the implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of
Action.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
in coordination with relevant international institutions and,
in conformity with ECOSOC Resolution 1996/36 on the follow-up
to the major international UN conferences and summits, as
appropriate, will:
(a) Establish,
through the CFS, a timetable, procedures and standardized
reporting formats, which do not duplicate similar reports to
the UN, FAO and other agencies, on the national, sub-regional
and regional implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of
Action;
(b) Set out in
the CFS a process for developing targets and verifiable
indicators of national and global food security where they do
not exist;
(c) Report to the
CFS on national, sub-regional and regional implementation of
the World Food Summit Plan of Action, drawing on a food
insecurity and vulnerability information and mapping system,
once established, as an analytical aid;
(d) Invite the
Secretary-General of the UN to request the ACC to report to
ECOSOC in accordance with established procedures progress on
the follow-up by UN agencies to the World Food Summit;
(e) Monitor
through the CFS the national, sub-regional, regional and
international implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of
Action, using reports from national governments, reports on UN
agency follow-up and inter-agency coordination, and
information from other relevant international institutions;
(f) Provide
regular reports on implementation of the World Food Summit
Plan of Action through the CFS via the FAO Council to ECOSOC;
(g) Encourage the
effective participation of relevant actors of civil society in
the CFS monitoring process, recognizing their critical role in
enhancing food security;
(h) By 2006,
undertake, in the CFS and within available resources, a major
broad-based progress assessment of the implementation of the
World Food Summit Plan of Action and a mid-term review of
achieving the target of reducing the number of undernourished
people to half their present level no later than 2015. This
progress assessment and review should be in the context of a
special forum of a regular session of the CFS and involve
active participation from governments, relevant international
organizations and actors of civil society.
61. Objective 7.4:
To clarify the
content of the right to adequate food and the fundamental
right of everyone to be free from hunger, as stated in the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
and other relevant international and regional instruments, and
to give particular attention to implementation and full and
progressive realization of this right as a means of achieving
food security for all.
To this end,
governments, in partnership with all actors of civil society,
will, as appropriate:
(a) Make every
effort to implement the provisions of Article 11 of the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(the Covenant) and relevant provisions of other international
and regional instruments;
(b) Urge States
that are not yet Parties to the Covenant to adhere to the
Covenant at the earliest possible time;
(c) Invite the
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to give
particular attention to this Plan of Action in the framework
of its activities and to continue to monitor the
implementation of the specific measures provided for in
Article 11 of the Covenant;
(d) Invite
relevant treaty bodies and appropriate specialized agencies of
the UN to consider how they might contribute, within the
framework of the coordinated follow-up by the UN system to the
major international UN conferences and summits, including the
World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna 1993, within the
scope of their mandates, to the further implementation of this
right;
(e) Invite the UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights, in consultation with
relevant treaty bodies, and in collaboration with relevant
specialized agencies and programmes of the UN system and
appropriate intergovernmental mechanisms, to better define the
rights related to food in Article 11 of the Covenant and to
propose ways to implement and realize these rights as a means
of achieving the commitments and objectives of the World Food
Summit, taking into account the possibility of formulating
voluntary guidelines for food security for all.
62. Objective 7.5:
To share
responsibilities in achieving food security for all so that
implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of Action takes
place at the lowest possible level at which its purpose could
be best achieved.
In implementing
this Plan of Action, it is recognized that:
(a) Individuals
and households have a key role in decisions and actions
affecting their food security. They must be enabled and
encouraged to participate actively, both individually and also
collectively, through producers, consumers and other
organizations of civil society;
(b) Governments
have the responsibility to ensure an enabling environment
conducive to the achievement of food security;
(c) Regional
cooperation takes advantage of geographic comple-mentarities
within regions and of economies of scale;
(d) In view of
growing interdependence between nations and regions,
international cooperation and solidarity between areas
experiencing different levels of development are indispensable
to achieving food security for all.
Notes
2In
this document, "agriculture" and "agricultural" include
livestock.
3References
in this Plan of Action to UNCLOS, UN Agreement on Straddling
Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, and other
International Agreements, do not prejudice the position of any
State with respect to signature, ratification or accession to
that Convention or to such other agreements.
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