Food Nutrition Security | The ASEAN Guidelines

Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?

The primary purpose of the Guidelines is to promote investment in food, agriculture and forestry in the ASEAN region that contributes to regional economic development, food and nutrition security, food safety and equitable benefits, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources. Other objectives include:

Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?

Investment in FAF is one of the most critical ways for ASEAN countries to provide employment and livelihoods, reduce poverty and improve food and nutrition security. However, there are a number of risks associated with private sector investment, particularly foreign investment.

When done badly, private sector investment can exacerbate existing inequalities, undermine the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,indigenous peoples, and natural resources.

But when done well, and integrated with the local economy, increased investment can help generate employment and promote economic development. All stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring positive outcomes, and each faces a unique yet interlocking set of risks and challenges.

Investment in FAF creates challenges for AMS in the following six key areas:

Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?

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Contribute to food security, food safety and better nutrition by:

Respecting the right to freedom from hunger
Pursuing SDG 2 (ending hunger) and related ASEAN goals
Securing sustainable supplies of affordable, safe and nutritious food
Respecting farmers’ rights to seed diversity

Guideline 1

Providing an enabling environment for responsible investment
Developing FAF sector plans and food security strategies
Supporting food fortification programmes and public-private partnerships (PPPs)
Developing rural financing to improve access to markets and infrastructure
Monitoring the impact of investments on food security

To achieve this, consider: