The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will on January 29 open a sub-regional office for Eastern Africa in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. This is in line with the FAO's aim to become more responsive in delivering service to its member countries.
FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, Mafa E. Chipeta, said the new office would serve Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda as an advisory service centre. "It is a microcosm of FAO and, as such, has functions that reflect FAO's mandate. FAO is in the process of deepening its decentralization by progressively establishing sub-regional offices, " he said.
The sub-region covers over five million square kilometres and has a population of 200 million inhabitants, but with varied population densities, farming systems and economic indicators.
According to FAO, the sub-region has high agricultural potential but currently faces challenges in achieving sustainable food security.
Heads of state and government of the sub-region, who will be in Addis Ababa for the 10th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union this week, are expected to attend the inauguration.
FAO Director General Jacques Diouf will make a keynote address at the ceremony.
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