Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

Office in South Africa: Representative is Mr. Wariboko Q-B West

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

South Africa joined the FAO on 16 October 1945 and was readmitted on 9 November 1993 during the 27th Session of the Conference, having left the FAO in 1963.

The main benefit derived from membership of the FAO is that South Africa has access to extensive computer databases on world agricultural statistics and research projects. South Africa also benefits through participation in expert group meetings on nutrition, food additives, fisheries, forestry and commodity problems. Participation in FAO activities facilitates interaction with Africa in the field of agriculture. Access to FAO networking with respect to technical expertise is also available.

Furthermore, there are currently a number of projects in South Africa benefiting from FAO funding in terms of the FAO's Technical Co-operation Programme. The first three have already been completed.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

Department of Agriculture

GENERAL COMMENTS

The Department of Agriculture chairs the Interdepartmental Liaison Committee.

Issues normally discussed at FAO meetings are the world food and agriculture situation, activities of FAO and WFP, the programme, budgetary, financial and administrative matters. The importance of favourable macro-economic environment and a peaceful and stable political situation to effectively implement the World Food Summit Plan of Action are usually stressed. The need for technical assistance to help developing countries in their efforts to implement the Plan of Action and to reduce the number of the undernourished and food insecure people get attention.