The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) signed two agreements on Thursday worth a total of over USD 173 million with Saudi Arabia and Libya to bolster technical cooperation and support food security and the protection of natural resources in these nations.
Saudi Arabia is to allocate USD 66.7 million to implement FAO's technical assistance projects in the country, according to an agreement signed at FAO headquarters during the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East.
Under the five year program from 2012 to 2016, FAO shall provide technical assistance and expertise for 17 specific projects in Saudi Arabia covering areas.
This will include the transfer of technology, sustainable management of natural resources including water and forests, sustainable crop production and protection, the rational management of animal and fisheries resources, animal health, capacity building and the strengthening of rural institutions.
The program aims to benefit small-scale agricultural producers and fishermen, who will be able to increase and diversify food production.
(Source: Kuwait News Agency)
