Inspiration, Inclusion and Innovation: FAO–China South–South Cooperation Programme (2009–2019)

In 2009, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and China established a close collaboration through the FAO–China South-South Cooperation Programme, supported by a trust fund of USD 80 million provided by China. This report reviews the Programme’s background, its values and principles, its activities and achievements over ten years, lessons learned and prospects for the way forward.

The Programme is guided by three core values: inspiration, inclusion and innovation. The Programme is an important source of inspiration for the countries, partners and people who are involved in it. It stimulates the creativity and entrepreneurship of farmers, local and central governments, and non-governmental FAO partners. It has contributed to new momentum for South-South cooperation (SSC) in FAO and among the Member States. Based on the principle of “leaving no one behind”, this inclusive programme involves stakeholders at all levels, embracing farmers, women and rural youth, governmental and non-governmental partners, small island developing states, and least-developed and landlocked countries. The Programme is also an incubator and an engine for innovation at multiple levels, from adapted technologies to new approaches to implementing SSC activities; and from business methods and models to international policies and strategies.

This report highlights the broad, multifaceted activities and achievements of the Programme’s projects, moving from country-level to regional, interregional and global projects.