The UN seeks to transform the agri-food systems of the countries of the dry corridor

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Central American Integration System (SICA) signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement on Monday that seeks to support the transformation of agri-food systems in the countries of the dry corridor.

The pact seeks to strengthen collaboration between FAO and the System to promote economic, social, environmental and cultural determinants of food and nutrition security.

In addition, it will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences on topics such as resilient agriculture, climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources (including water, land, forests and biodiversity), among others.

During the LVII Ordinary Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Central American Integration System, held in Placencia, Belize, the FAO regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin, highlighted the importance of coordinated work with member states to address the impact that hunger, malnutrition and poverty have had on nations.

At the same time, he stressed that “food security and nutrition have been consolidated as central axes in the development agendas of all regions of the world with very notable actions that They ask us to promote greater joint cooperation, through an open and permanent dialogue”.

In this line of collaboration, Lubetkin highlighted that the agreement “combines efforts to expand investments and sustainable solutions in the great territory of the Dry Corridor, supporting countries in the transformation of agriculture, so that it is more resilient and adapted to change.” climate change and, in turn, generating food and more employment and income opportunities, based on sustainable production systems”.

FAO, together with various instances of SICA, work in coordination and develop policies that prioritize the integrity of forests and implement solutions for adaptation and mitigation of climate change, thus promoting sustainable economic development and at the same time guaranteeing the conservation of forest reserves. carbon and biodiversity.

Hunger and food insecurity on the rise

Latin America and the Caribbean has suffered the impact of a series of crises that have caused an increase in hunger and malnutrition. The region’s income inequality, climate change and a generalized economic crisis have been major factors in this situation.

Between 2019 and 2021, food insecurity in the region increased by almost 100 million people and the number of people suffering from hunger went from 43.3 million to 56.5 million

In SICA member countries, this last record was evidenced with a growth from 7.2 to 7.5 million people, values ​​recorded 20 years ago.