PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Farmer-to-Farmer Inclusive Food Systems Program

Strengthening food systems through volunteer assistance.
2023 – 2028

The Farmer-to-Farmer Inclusive Food Systems (F2F-IFS) program is boosting productivity and profitability of market actors across local food systems in Egypt, Lebanon, and Rwanda by providing targeted volunteer technical assistance. As food systems become more productive and profitable, F2F-IFS is contributing to sustainable, broad-based economic growth within the agricultural sector. F2F-IFS is also facilitating people-to-people exchanges that promote connection and understanding in the global food and agriculture community. The program is funded through the USAID John Ogonowski and Dough Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
 

— Expected Results Over Life of Project —

181

volunteer assignments

45%

women-owned or women-led hosts

905

public outreach activities

PROJECT FOCUS AREAS

1. Strengthening Local Food Systems

From production and processing to transport and marketing, F2F-IFS is applying an end-to-end outlook to strengthening food systems. The program works across food systems and value chains to identify host organizations and co-create volunteer assignments that directly respond to emerging opportunities and needs in the food system.

2. Promoting Locally Led Development

F2F-IFS is addressing barriers to investment and participation in development initiatives by supporting local support organizations (LSOs), which will strengthen agriculture sector institutions to become leaders in the industry.

3. Driving Sustainable Use of Environmental and Natural Resources

Acknowledging that climate-sensitive food production is more important than ever before, F2F-IFS is designing volunteer assignments that address key drivers in the food system, including the improved conservation and sustainable use of environmental and natural resources in the agricultural sector.

COUNTRY CONTEXT

Egypt, Lebanon, & Rwanda

In Egypt, Lebanon, and Rwanda, food systems and agriculture comprise a large part of each country's overall GDP. Yet, with a growing demand for perishable products and animal-sourced foods, there is a need to strengthen processes and best practices, while increasing local production.