Baghdad 21 March 2017: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Representation in Iraq (FAO) hosted in Baghdad on 14-15 March a multi-stakeholder consultation workshop on Strengthening National Food Security Information Systems in Iraq. It was organized by (FAO) Representation in Iraq and the Regional Food Security Analysis Network (RFSAN), which is a partnership between FAO and iMMAP in Amman, Jordan, and funded by USAID and FAO to promote, improved Food Security and Nutrition Information Systems (FSNIS) at country and regional level. The main objective of the meeting was to review the food security information systems in Iraq and to discuss future capacity development.
In his welcoming address Mr. Fadel El-Zubi, FAO representative in Iraq, greeted all participants from Iraqi ministries, government institutions, academic institutions, NGOs and private sector. He stated that the main objective of this workshop is to look into the food security information systems in Iraq, and to discuss the strengths, weaknesses of mechanism of collect and analyze such information. The key question is how to address the relevant stakeholders’ capacities in this field in the future. The outcome of analysis of food security information decide what actions and funding are required to achieve a sustainable food security system, as well as assist FAO to attract the attention of donors to this important issue in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.
Dr. Hussein Ali Saud, Adviser to Iraqi Minister of Agriculture for Livestock Activity, emphasized that FAO is the main partner with our ministry and we do appreciate their stated efforts to accomplish an integrated food security system in Iraq. This project aims to establish the needed database on food security. The Food Security information System (FSIS) will provide the Ministry of Agriculture with essential information in the food security database. This is a substantial step for future planning to improve the Iraqi capacity in food security information systems.
Mr. Rene Vrduijn, FAO Chief Technical Advisor for RFSAN, provided an overview on RFSAN programs, visions, goals and achievements in the sub-region (Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan), which is affected by the Syria and Iraq crisis. Vrduijn also explained the objectives of this consultation meeting to all participants in order to improve the food security information systems (FSIS) in Iraq and thus in the region.
This workshop was attended by (36) participants from Iraqi ministries, government institutions, academic institutions, NGOs and private sector. Following the group discussions, participants made fruitful recommendations and prioritized various needs for capacity building. The recommendations and priorities set by sector will therefore constitute the next step of engagement with Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) institutions for capacity development activities.
For more information, please contact:
FAO Communication Officer Mowaffaq Al-Refai
E-mail: mowaffaq.alrefai@fao.org
+9647801627585