“A more coordinated, integrated and ecosystem-based sustainable development approach with all our partners is required in order to improve resource management practices and to rebuild food security and livelihoods.”
Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted this during a bilateral meeting with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo today.
Prime Minister Bainimarama also congratulated Mr. Houngbo on the renewal of his appointment, adding that it demonstrated confidence in his leadership at the International Fund for Agricultural Development which will no doubt further advance the interests of developing countries and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) like Fiji, in its collective efforts to build resilient and sustainable agricultural sectors.
He added that now more than ever, our partnerships and engagements will be crucial to addressing the multifaceted challenges we are currently experiencing.
Prime Minister Bainimarama spoke on the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji, adding almost a decade of economic growth came to a grinding halt in 2020, when international borders closed.
He highlighted that the devastating impacts on food security with exponential increases arising from trade disruptions, and loss of jobs in the service sectors, has reinforced the need for regional and global trade co-operation which are essential for sustainable food systems.
In this context, he said Fiji is seeking finance accessibility opportunities and collaboration with IFAD in the advancement of farming, fisheries and forestry sectors.
Financial inclusion programmes, support for additional farm power and mechanisation, farm machinery support and servicing; and market improvement and insurance schemes such as climate risk insurance are some of the areas Fiji hopes to engage with IFAD on.
The Prime Minister said that Fiji is targeting improved and higher level of investments and financial security to lower high production costs, increase productivity and efficiencies of agriculture production.
He said the establishment of the IFAD Office in Suva, will provide increased opportunities for greater levels of cooperation and it signifies the strengthened partnership between Fiji and IFAD.
The Head of Government at the meeting confirmed Fiji’s participation at the Forty-forth (44th) Session of the IFAD Governing Council, scheduled in February 2022, with the overarching theme “Rural development: a prerequisite for global resilience.”
In response, the President of IFAD commended Prime Minister Bainimarama for his exemplary leadership and in championing climate actions, and sustainable and resilient economic recovery for Fiji and the region.
He said IFAD will continue to work closely with Fiji to advance the interests of Pacific people.
IFAD, a specialised agency of the United Nations, was one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference. The IFAD projects transforms rural communities economically and socially, and promotes gender equality and inclusiveness. IFAD’s mission aspires to transform rural economies and food systems by making them more inclusive, productive, resilient and sustainable, and it’s the only specialised global development organisation exclusively focused and dedicated to transforming agriculture, rural economies and food systems.