Igad's food resilience program bolsters environmental & social safeguards via capacity building, knowledge sharing, and governance improvement!

Introduction

The Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of food systems in the IGAD region. As part of this programme, a five-day training session was conducted in Entebbe, Uganda, focusing on grievance redress and environmental & social safeguards.

These projects focus on improving the lives of people in the region, particularly in the areas of health, education, and economic development.

IGAD’s Regional Integration Agenda

IGAD is working towards a more integrated and prosperous Horn of Africa region.

Understanding ESF Principles

The European Social Fund (ESF) is a key component of the European Union’s (EU) employment and social policy. The ESF aims to promote employment, social inclusion, and economic growth by supporting the development of human capital and the creation of jobs. To achieve this, the ESF provides funding for various initiatives and projects that focus on enhancing skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering social cohesion.

Key Objectives of ESF

Enhance skills and employability of workers

Promote entrepreneurship and job creation

Foster social inclusion and reduce poverty

Support the development of human capital

ESF Principles

The ESF is guided by a set of principles that aim to ensure the effective and efficient use of funding. These principles include:

Promoting social inclusion: The ESF aims to reduce poverty and social exclusion by supporting initiatives that promote social inclusion and equality. Fostering entrepreneurship: The ESF encourages entrepreneurship and job creation by providing funding for initiatives that support start-ups and small businesses. Enhancing skills and employability: The ESF aims to enhance the skills and employability of workers by providing training and education programs. * Supporting human capital development: The ESF supports the development of human capital by providing funding for initiatives that promote lifelong learning and skills development.

Understanding the Role of the Great Rift Valley Moisture Project (GRM)

The Great Rift Valley Moisture Project (GRM) is a critical initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issues of climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity in the Horn of Africa. The project’s primary objective is to improve the livelihoods of millions of people living in the region by enhancing the productivity of the region’s agricultural sector.

Key Components of the GRM

The GRM is built on several key components, including:

Country Presentations: The project includes country presentations from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda, which provide a comprehensive overview of the region’s agricultural sector and the challenges faced by each country. Case Studies and Scenario-Based Discussions: Experts from the World Bank, IGAD, and member states’ institutions lead case studies and scenario-based discussions to analyze the role of GRM in mitigating environmental and social risks. Role of GRM in Mitigating Environmental and Social Risks: The project focuses on identifying the key environmental and social risks associated with climate change and developing strategies to mitigate these risks. ### Benefits of the GRM**

Benefits of the GRM

The GRM has several benefits, including:

Improved Agricultural Productivity: The project aims to improve the productivity of the region’s agricultural sector, which will lead to increased food security and improved livelihoods for millions of people. Enhanced Climate Resilience: The GRM will help build climate resilience in the region by developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture.
The training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and monitor food systems, ensuring that they are resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

Introduction

The training program is a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).