FOOD & AGR ORG OF THE UNITED NATION

Published purpose

This project contributes to protecting the food security and livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19 in nine countries, focusing on women, youth, and indigenous peoples. This project works with local governments and civil society groups to ensure communities most impacted by COVID-19 have sustained access to nutritious food and income sources. This project also addresses trade barriers in the food and agricultural sector, improves food safety standards during COVID-19 and beyond, and strengthens local capacity for data collection and analysis to make informed policy decisions that enhance local food systems. This project focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts women and men differently and activities are adapted to help ensure women and men’s equal participation. Project activities include: (1) conducting rapid assessments of community and household-level needs, including local market capacities and gaps related to COVID-19; (2) supporting women and men who farm with facilitated access to seeds and other farm inputs, markets, training in climate-smart agricultural practices, and income diversification activities; (3) strengthening rural and agricultural community-based organizations, including women’s organizations, through training focused on addressing barriers related to COVID-19 in coordination with local government services and departments; and (4) providing support for gender-responsive public social protection programs that reach rural and marginalized communities.