Context:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has recently launched two major global initiatives to address pressing challenges in the agrifood sector — the “Four Betters Courses” Initiative and the “Commit to Grow Equality (CGE)” Initiative. These aim to strengthen educational integration and close the gender gap in agrifood systems worldwide.
Four Betters Courses Initiative
Launched: October 2024, World Food Forum
Objective: Transform agrifood education through academic integration of FAO resources
Strategic Link: Aligned with FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031
Key Features:
- Promotes the “Four Betters” vision:
- Better Production: Efficient, inclusive, sustainable food systems
- Better Nutrition: Access to safe, nutritious, and affordable diets
- Better Environment: Climate action and ecological restoration
- Better Life: Reduced inequality and improved rural livelihoods
- Delivery Mechanism: FAO eLearning Academy
- Over 600+ multilingual, certified courses accessible globally
- Focused on skilling professionals and students in agrifood domains
Commit to Grow Equality (CGE) Initiative
Launched: 2024 at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Objective: Bridge the gender gap in agrifood systems by empowering rural women
Potential Reach: 54 million women, particularly in agrarian economies
Key Features:
- Financial Commitment: Mobilizes $1 billion for gender-responsive agrifood projects
- Monitoring Tools: Offers strategic reporting frameworks for governments and businesses
- Policy Integration: Aligns national agriculture policies with gender equality targets
- Stakeholder Engagement: Encourages collaboration among governments, NGOs, private sector
