Protecting and promoting food security nutrition and livelihoods

Protecting and promoting food security, nutrition and livelihoods in Afghanistan Florence Egal Food Security, Nutrition and Livelihoods cluster FAO, Rome Food and agriculture in national development policies A dual role (twin-track approach):  Contribute to economic development  Contribute to poverty reduction and good nutrition (FSNL cluster) - ensure local food security - contribute to sustainable livelihoods - links/partnerships with other sectors = right to food (contribution to rights based programming) Predominantly, but not limited to rural areas Sustainable livelihoods approaches: key guiding principles focus on the poor  integrated/inter-sectoral  participatory:  - community - institutions rehabilitation/sustainable management of natural resources  micro-macro level linkages  Nutrition and the MDGs Nutrition status reflects livelihoods performance  Nutrition and livelihoods at the center of MDGs  Nutrition and livelihoods: framework/entry point to joint UN support to vulnerable communities and households  Supporting the Improvement of HFS, Nutrition & Livelihoods in Afghanistan    FSNL support unit based in MAAHF, Directorate of extension 2-year German trust fund Project strategy: - capacity building of MAAHF and partner institutions at central and decentralised levels (gender +++) - add value to existing initiatives: • lessons learnt • partnerships/action research at local level - promote networking and inter-institutional collaboration (in particular inter-ministerial, government/NGOs) - develop/adapt training and communication strategies/materials - policy advice (e.g. Agricultural Master Plan) - technical assistance to interested projects/institutions FSNL approach at local level: success is in the process      Action needed at community level Specific attention to poorest households People’s participation and community ownership are essential Field workers can/should facilitate and respond to needs (community support teams) Provincial/district level : key entry point - inter-institutional collaboration - capacity building - micro-macro level linkages Interventions  Food–based activities: help people make the best of available natural resources/opportunities for home consumption and income generation - production; plants/animals, wild species - processing (complementary/weaning foods) - marketing/distribution Nutrition education and communication  Inter-institutional collaboration  Conclusions   FSNL contributes to good governance and poverty reduction Collaboration with UNICEF, WFP, WHO essential and already strong (SCN); - integration of activities at local level - joint/complementary policy advice, training and communication (including development of materials)   Promote inter-ministerial collaboration, spec. at decentralised level (MAAHF, MOE, MOPH, MOWA, MRRD...) Areas for immediate potential collaboration: - support to I-ANDS? - school-based approaches (curriculum, gardens/trees, local production for school feeding?) - women’s literacy and training