FAO Nepal unveils Country Programming Framework 2023-2027: A Landmark Initiative to Revolutionize Agricultural Food Systems

FAO in collaboration with the Government of Nepal jointly launched the Country Programming Framework 2023-2027, a comprehensive strategic roadmap designed to transform Nepal’s agri-food systems. This landmark initiative aimed to address pressing challenges related to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development, marking a major milestone in their collaborative efforts. The CPF outlined a shared vision and strategic direction that will guide FAO’s technical assistance and support over the next five years.

The newly unveiled CPF will shape the future of Nepal’s agricultural sector in enhancing productivity and resilience, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access to resources. The CPF will contribute to create a robust and inclusive food system that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Dr Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), underscored the remarkable achievements resulting from the partnership between the Government of Nepal and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. He commended FAO as the pioneering UN agency to engage in technical cooperation and partnership with Nepal, particularly in diverse areas such as agri-based systems, farming communities, and market access for agricultural goods and products.

Mr. Ken Shimizu, the FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, and Mr. Shree Krishna Nepal, Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Finance, participated in the CPF signing ceremony. During the event, Shimizu presented the Country Programming Framework (CPF) Nepal 2023-2027, which was formulated based on the findings of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). He highlighted that the CPF is in line with both national policies and FAO priorities. Shimizu pledged to assist the Government of Nepal in accomplishing the CPF priorities through cooperation, innovative approaches and effective partnerships.

Dr Bedu Ram Bhusal, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), expressed his appreciation for the technical assistance provided by FAO in significant projects related to the agriculture promotion, value chain, digitalization, and post-harvest management in the last seven decades. Minister Bhusal emphasized that the Country Programming Framework (2023-2027) reflects the shared priorities of the Government of Nepal and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and natural resource management.

Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, underscored the areas of cooperation between FAO and the government, which include enhancing capacity building, offering technical support for policies and programs, managing transboundary diseases, and formulating national food policies. He expressed appreciation for FAO’s support in the sustainable management of forests and the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture.

Mr Jong-Jin Kim, Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Asia and Pacific at FAO, expressed his pleasure in joining the launch of CPF 2023-2027. He highlighted the importance of the CPF and its potential to catalyse transformative change in Nepal’s agricultural sector. “The CPF is an important tool to achieve Nepal’s vision of a resilient and sustainable food system. FAO is committed to supporting the Government of Nepal in achieving its objectives and ensuring that the CPF is successfully implemented,” he added.

Dr Rewati Raman Poudel, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment emphasized the invaluable support and collaboration between FAO and the Government of Nepal in the realm of sustainable forest and land management, as well as environmental stability and disaster risk reduction.

Ms Hanna Singer Hamdy, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal, extended a warm welcome to all stakeholders present at the launch of the FAO Country Programming Framework. She acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the UN and FAO, which began in 1951, and emphasized the collective efforts of the 24 resident and non-resident UN agencies in contributing to the CPF and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Launching Ceremony brought together a diverse array of participants, including ambassadors, representatives from development partnership organizations, government officials from relevant ministries and departments, private sector representatives, agricultural specialists, and agri-entrepreneurs which demonstrated their commitment and dedication to fostering agricultural development, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable practices in Nepal.