SPFS FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS

The Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) aims at assisting developing countries, particularly low-income, food-deficit countries, to increase food production and productivity on a sustainable basis; reduce year-to-year variability of production; and improve access to food. Its objectives include increasing the net income of small farmers, generation of rural employment, and reduction of poverty with due consideration for social equity and gender sensitivity.

SPFS activities are funded by FAO's own regular programme resources, donor funding (from bilateral or multilateral donors, or international financing institutions) and by the countries themselves (either directly or through Unilateral Trust Funds). Some countries have also utilized TCP funds to initiate SPFS activities.

Funding for the SPFS programme covers the organization of exploratory missions (to establish a basis for the implementation of country activities) and formulation of the SPFS National Programme Document (NPD) and National Plan of Operations (NPO) for Phase I activities at the country level. The NPD and NPO are formulated by national teams under technical supervision by FAO. Moreover, this support provides for the joint FAO/Government South-South Cooperation (SSC) formulation mission to the recipient countries; with the main task of identification and agreement on SSC arrangements, including expertise required, financial considerations and preparation of a Tripartite Agreement.

A major portion of the SPFS Regular Programme budget is allocated to initiate implementation of the various components of Phase I in selected countries, and possibly the extension of Phase I, as well as the preparation of Phase II where pilot projects have demonstrated the feasibility of such action. Support is also provided to formulate and implement South-South Cooperation within the framework of the SPFS.

Preparation requirements for formulation of SPFS national programmes within an overall national food security framework are described in the documents below:

For specific information on SPFS formulation according to the established guidelines for the prevailing funding sources, see TCP and Trust Funds under Funding Sources, and the SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR FOOD SECURITY site in this Toolkit. SPFS NORMATIVE FRAMEWORKS and "best practice" PROJECT EXAMPLES can be found in the Toolkit under individual Phase I components, under Extension of Phase I, and by searching through the PROJECT CATEGORIES and list of TOOLKIT PROJECT DOCUMENTS.


For more information concerning SPFS formulation and implementation see: