ASEAN Biocontrol (ABC) for Sustainable Agrifood Systems

In Southeast Asia, the agri-food sector is of key significance. The demand for food products of greater quality and quantity on the part of both domestic and international markets, along with the need to manage scarce natural resources, drives agricultural development policies towards the concept of "sustainable agri-food systems".

Increased consumer and industry interest in food safety in Southeast Asia, in addition to increasingly strict requirements for export markets places policy emphasis sustainable productivity increases.

The sustainability of agrifood systems - in its economic, social and environmental dimensions - will be a key factor for competitiveness in complex global markets. The project "ASEAN Biocontrol for sustainable agrifood systems" is part of the "ASEAN-German Programme on Response to Climate Change: Agriculture, Forestry and Related Sectors (short: GAP-CC)". This project is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and will begin implementation in early 2011.

Objectives and Approaches

ASEAN Biocontrol aims to develop selected regionally coordinated policies and strategies for sustainable agriculture, and the food sector. Agrifood systems will be advanced by promoting sustainable inputs and their management through the promotion of biocontrol agents and sustainable crop management practices. The use, trade and registration of sustainable agricultural inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers is also encouraged under the project. Sustainable agrifood systems must also be profitable for supply chain actors, such as farmers, processors, traders, and input suppliers.

The objective is also to support the provision of safe, healthy and affordable food for an increasing (urban) population in accordance with the efficient use of scarce resources and sensitive ecosystems.

ASEAN Biocontrol works primarily on a regional level, and in some cases with individual ASEAN member states. Focus is primarily given to the more agrarian ASEAN nations. The project will support ASEAN Member-States by providing advice through (inter)national experts, and the facilitation of pilots implementation. Enhancing regional communication, it will establish a platform for wider policy dialogue between the public, private and civil society sectors.

Contact

Mr. Matthias Bickel
E-mail: matthias.bickel@giz.de.