Stakeholders hold food security workshop to formulate policy

The National Business

A FOOD security stakeholders consultation workshop was held in Buka last Friday to deliberate on the formulation of the Bougainville food security policy.
The workshop was conducted by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) with the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Marine Resources.
According to a statement, the Bougainville food security policy will focus on six strategic areas including:

  • PRODUCTIVITY and farm output growth of the main food staples, horticulture, small livestock and fish farming and increasing efficiencies along the entire value chain;
  • BUILDING stability and resilience into food production and supply systems;
  • ENHANCED nutrient content and balance of food products consumed nutritionally vulnerable households and individuals;
  • MAXIMISE participation and empowerment of women in agriculture;
  • SUSTAINABLE use of natural resource management; and,
  • STRENGTHEN governance, coordination, monitoring and communication.

ABG Minister for Primary Industries and Marine Resources Yolande Paul acknowledged FAO for their support towards food security.