Rehabilitation in agriculture What can we learn from recent experiences? Laurent Thomas, Director FAO Emergency Operat

1. Rehabilitation in agriculture What can we learn from recent experiences? Laurent Thomas, Director FAO Emergency Operations and Rehabilitation Division 12 May 2010

2. FAO in emergencies – a specific role Rehabilitation in food and agriculture Agriculture is a core survival strategy for the rural poor, the populations most affected by crises FAO aims to protect and restore the food production and livelihoods of farmers, herders and fishers following natural disasters, and during conflict and transition situations

3. Rehabilitation in food and agriculture reducing and managing disaster risk New corporate strategy based on disaster risk management: Strategic Objective I (SOI) Improved preparedness for and effective response to food and agricultural threats and emergencies • Preparedness, prevention and mitigation • Emergency response • Transition and linkages

4. Disaster Risk Management Framework Recovery Period Normal/Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) period Emergency Response Period Ongoing development activities Risk assessment Mitigation/prevention Reconstruction Warning and/or evacuation Search and rescue Economic/social recovery Preparedness Re-establish logistic routes Restoration of infrastructural services Coordination Major hazard/disaster Provide ongoing assistance Emergency initiatives Damage assessment Recovery initiatives DRR initiatives Media Response Source: Disaster Risk Management Cycle (DRMC) Diagram (modified from TorqAid; http://www.torqaid.com/default.asp).

5. Rehabilitation in food and agriculture What have we learned? Good Practice Horn of Africa • Drought preparedness and emergency response • Reduced vulnerability and enhanced food security • EWS and contingency planning in partnership (IPC)

6. Rehabilitation in food and agriculture What have we learned? Good Practice Caribbean • Mitigation of climate hazard impacts in agriculture • Hurricane preparedness at community level integrated into planning for emergency response • Enhanced post-emergency rehabilitation programmes

7. Rehabilitation in food and agriculture What have we learned? Good Practice Haiti CCA and DRR in agriculture to improve food security post-earthquake • Strengthening multiplication of quality seeds • Scaling up adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practice • Promoting good practice through FFS • Integrating CCA and DRR in policies, programmes, institutions

8. EU Food Facility Partnership to enhance impact in 28 countries Joint planning focused on comparative advantage Tailor made proposals to address country specific challenges of food insecurity through immediate action Rehabilitation in food and agriculture What have we learned? Good Practice

9. Rehabilitation in food and agriculture Key Messages • Food insecurity and humanitarian crises – turning the vicious circle into a virtuous circle • Saving lives – saving livelihoods • A more holistic approach to emergency response • Focus on strengthening capacities and partners • Learning from experience

10. Thank you